Friday, December 30, 2016

Longing For Italy

"Sanctuary," oil, 36"h x 36"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
I've a really bad case of wanderlust at the moment ... specifically for a trip to Italy.  As the season changes and cold settles in, it's tough to adjust each year from the freedom to head outdoors with my easel to figuring out what to do in the studio instead. So for the past two weeks I've been combining that longing for Italy with what's on my canvas. It's Rome.

"Sanctuary" could have been set closer to home, though, right? The other painting that has been alternating with "Sanctuary" up on my easel is "Fontana del Nettuno" (or Neptune Fountain) -- is from Piazza Navona in Rome. That one's just finished today. (I showed you it in an earlier stage on my blog post here.)

"Fontana del Nettuno," (Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy), oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Both will be included in my solo show at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA) that we'll be hanging on January 3, 2017. More details to come once I figure them out. (I'm usually more prepared.)

As I've noted earlier, there won't be a postcard mailing for this show since it's been tough to work out a date to gather there. So, hopefully you'll stay tuned here and are subscribed to my email newsletter through my web site.

See more at www.JillBanks.com

Stay safe and warm out there! Thank you for reading and your support...

Happy New Year!

Jill
 

 
Please sign up -- classes start the end of January

Three to Choose From ... I know you're busy now but hope you'll sign up for my Evening Paint and Portrait class.  Make 2017 the start of something big for you!
Painting or Drawing the Portrait -- January 29-March 5
Sundays, 1:30-5:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm
Click on links for more info and to register. A GREAT gift! ALMOST FULL!

Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com



(Please like that page if you like it...)





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Monday, December 26, 2016

Christmastime Special Deliveries

Commissioned Portrait, oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Husband Randy, my Mom and Dad and daughter Sarah went on a one-day roadtrip to visit granddaughter Emma who was celebrating her first Christmas. What a joy to be with all -- including son Sam, daughter-in-law, Michelle and Michelle's family. Doesn't get much better than that.

En route and while there I was getting messages that all those gifts that I'd painted were being so joyously received.

The commissioned portrait of a young boy was one of those gifts ... given by his aunt to the boy's mother.

Another couple ... who have quite a few of my paintings ... now have two more with the husband and wife buying (secretly) each other an original piece. One ("The Water Tester")
"The Water Tester," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Private collection
was delivered to the wife's office on Thursday morning.  The second ("Campo Santa Maria del Giglio") was picked up by the husband on Thursday afternoon at our home.  Pretty funny to know what might be happening at Christmas morn at their house. Insider info.

"Campo Santa Maria del Giglio," oil 12"h x 16"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Private collection
More like this happened elsewhere ... with the "Tea Reader" joyfully received in its new home.

I loved being part of it.

"Tea Reader," oil, 30"h x 30"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Private collection.
And for those of you who read on an earlier post that I was one painting shy of my goal for the year ... not any longer. Turns out I was well ahead before, just a math error ... but with all this last minute giving ... Thank YOU for making this a super year in SO MANY Ways including all those art purchases.

More painting starts are under way.  Fun in the studio!

SOLO SHOW - JANUARY
I do have a solo show coming up in January in Great Falls, Virginia. A reception date is tentatively planned for January 28. Please make sure you're subscribed to my email newsletter on my web site: www.JillBanks.com to get word and hopefully, you'll pass it on. There won't be a snail mail postcard this time and the reception date will not be finalized until late January. You'll get other news about the exhibit here.

See more at www.JillBanks.com

Stay safe and warm out there! Thank you for reading and your support...

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Jill
 
Classes Start in January -- Ho, Ho, Ho
Three to Choose From ... I know you're busy now but hope you'll sign up for my Evening Paint and Portrait class.  Make 2017 the start of something big for you!
Painting or Drawing the Portrait -- January 29-March 5
Sundays, 1:30-5:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm
Click on links for more info and to register. A GREAT gift! ALMOST FULL!


Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com





(Please like that page if you like it...)


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Friday, December 23, 2016

The Start of Something Big

"Fontana del Nettuno, Roma" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Ideas for 2017 are percolating like crazy.  I'm determined to line up a year to remember and this start for "Fontana del Nettuno" translated as the Fountain of Neptune from Piazza Navona in Rome is a hint for what is yet to come.

Larger canvases will be planned, stretched and painted. There just might be a patron program (business and residential) for major works so you get something phenomenal and I have the joy of creating it. Stay tuned.

En Plein Air Texas has pushed me in a new direction -- to create much larger works plein air. That will take some practice, some different equipment and a new mindset.  Can't wait! May have to escape the cold weather to try that out pre-Spring.

I do have a solo show coming up in January in Great Falls, Virginia. A reception date is tentatively planned for January 28. I bet "Fontana del Nettuno" will be there.  Please make sure you're subscribed to my email newsletter on my web site: www.JillBanks.com to get word and hopefully, you'll pass it on. There won't be a snail mail postcard this time and the reception date will not be finalized until late January. You'll get other news about the exhibit here.

See more at www.JillBanks.com

Stay safe and warm out there! Thank you for reading and your support...

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Jill


 
 
Classes Start in January -- Ho, Ho, Ho
Three to Choose From ... I know you're busy now but hope you'll sign up for my Evening Paint and Portrait class.  Make 2017 the start of something big for you!
Painting or Drawing the Portrait -- January 29-March 5
Sundays, 1:30-5:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm
Click on links for more info and to register. A GREAT gift! ALMOST FULL!


Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)




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Saturday, December 17, 2016

Latest Painting of Horses: "Four A Field"

"Four A Field," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
It's possible that I make adjustments to "Four A Field" in the next day or two ... but this is what it looks like tonight. I'd started it plein air a good while ago. Liked it but wanted to push it a bit. But ... I was REALLY wanting to post a new piece for you to see today.

See more at www.JillBanks.com

Stay safe and warm out there!
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!
Jill

Classes Start in January -- Ho, Ho, Ho
Three to Choose From
Painting or Drawing the Portrait -- January 29-March 5
Sundays, 1:30-5:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm
Click on links for more info and to register. A GREAT gift! ALMOST FULL!


Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)
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Friday, December 16, 2016

Need Elf Help?

"Serenade," oil 10"h x 8"w, ©2015 Jill Banks -- Available
Saturday, December 17 is the last day that many of my paintings will be up at the Artists' Atelier (756 Walker Road) in Great Falls, Virginia before I pack them up to bring them home ... where I'd be glad to meet you for a home studio visit. Open hours are 10am to 2pm at the Atelier this Saturday and I'd be glad to meet you there if you'd like to stop by or you can take a look on your own.


At the end of the year -- a good one -- I'm one painting purchase away from exceeding a revenue goal for 2016. It's that close thanks to so many of you finding something you love ... online, in the studio, at art festivals, and lots of shows along the way. THANK YOU ... Big Time!

In case you are not yet done with your gift shopping ... AND you're interested in making that special purchase -- let me know how I can help. Look at my website. Come to the Atelier. Schedule a home studio visit. I'd love to see you!

"Story Time," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2016 Jill Banks -- Available

Painting or Drawing the Portrait -- January 29-March 5
Sundays, 1:30-5:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm
Click on links for more info and to register. A GREAT gift! ALMOST FULL!
Thanks for reading!
Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  


Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)



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Sunday, December 11, 2016

Making a List

There are two parts to this post.

"The Catch," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
First, I'll soon deliver "The Catch" -- a slightly unusual commission -- that captures a friend and collector checking off a line on her bucket list. That's Joan ... fly fishing for the first time. "The Catch" is one of many "projects" going on behind the scenes in my studio lately. Joan's seen this piece ... at least in photos ... so it can peek out from the curtain.

Day at the US Botanic Gardens
Today, in a slightly delayed birthday celebration, Randy and I visited the US Botanic Garden in Washington DC. Despite having lived in this area for a LONG time, I've never been there. Checking this off the list was so easily within reach ... why the wait?

We stood in a line, in the cold, without little ones ... at the Model Train entrance to the Botanic Garden. I'd read online that the model trains took visitors on a tour of the National Parks with landmarks crafted from plant materials. Really a wonderful exhibit! Find out more here: https://www.usbg.gov/plan-your-holiday-visit. The dioramas, settings, magic ... et al ... all reminded me of childhood, my own, my kids.

"Making A List," oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. (Available)
Past the model trains were rooms of vegetation of different climes -- desert, Mediterranean, tropical and more. That stuff that arrives at the grocery store suddenly had a source looking at a ginger plant, cacao, banana, lemon, and sour orange trees.

Poinsettias were a major part of the display. The spirit of Christmas was alive and celebratory in the Botanic Garden. A bit of a surprise was how little it was evident in the rest of DC. How different the streets were from those in New York or Chicago of years past. Has Washington always looked this way in December?

Still Gift Shopping?
There's still time to give super special and personal gifts..  In case you're looking for the perfect gift and you think art might be the answer, let me help. I'd be glad to meet you at my studio in Great Falls, at my home or yours in the DC area ... visit my web site for ideas ... PLUS I offer classes taught in Great Falls starting in late January for those on your gift list who would like to learn to paint. Elf is one of my joyful roles.

Painting or Drawing the Portrait -- January 29-March 5
Sundays, 1:30-5:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm
Click on links for more info and to register. A GREAT gift! ALMOST FULL!

Thanks for reading!
Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  


Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)
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Saturday, December 3, 2016

Visit Sunday, December 4, Noon to 4:30

"City Crossing," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
It's been a great artful weekend in Great Falls, VA ... and for those of you who haven't made it out yet ... we really hope to see you!

I'm at the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA on Sunday, December 4 from noon to 4:30 ... probably plus some time before and after. Sure hope you stop by. Other joint studios are open in the Village Centre and Great Falls Studios is hosting a HolidayFest arts event in town as well.

In the last two days, many favorite paintings have been purchased by happy collectors. Plus, it's been a joy to see each visitor.

Some purchases are still secrets. It's that time of year. But those I can tell you about that are heading or now in new homes include:
"Janssen's Market" - the painting chosen for exhibit at the Oil Painters of America Salon Show.

"Lazy Days" - a beauty from the Long Beach Island Plein Air Competition in New Jersey

and "Mouse Tales" - a whimsical piece inspired by life in my home studio.

Hope to see you Sunday.

All FREE. Stop by the  

Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066 

and let us guide your way to a beautiful weekend. We'd LOVE to see you!


For more info, click here.

Painting or Drawing the Portrait -- January 29-March 5
Sundays, 1:30-5:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm
Click on links for more info and to register. A GREAT gift!


After this weekend's activities, I'd be glad to meet you for a studio or home studio visit. Just ask!


Thanks for reading!
Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)
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Thursday, December 1, 2016

One of a Kind Art This Weekend: December 2-4

My space at the Artists' Atelier today -- ready for visitors this weekend. I HOPE to see YOU1

www.JillBanks.com

Start your Holiday Celebration just right.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Art Shopping in the Great Falls Village Centre, December 2-4

Sure hope to see you at the Artists' Atelier this weekend for:
1) First Friday Art Walk in the Village,, December 2, 6-9pm -- special exhibit of "South Sea Pearls" and a raffle Friday night only in the gallery.
2) Saturday HOLIDAY ART SHOW AND SALE in the Village, December 3, 10am to 5pm
3) Sunday HOLIDAY ART SHOW AND SALE in the Village, December 4, noon to 4:30pm -- Then attend the Annual Christmas tree lighting on the Green plus pony rides, Mr. and Mrs. Claus ... 4:00pm to 6:30pm

All FREE. Stop by the  

Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066 

and let us guide your way to a beautiful weekend. We'd LOVE to see you!


For more info, click here.

Painting or Drawing the Portrait -- January 29-March 5
Sundays, 1:30-5:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
January 31-March 7
Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30 pm
Click on links for more info and to register. A GREAT gift!


After this weekend's activities, I'd be glad to meet you for a studio or home studio visit. Just ask!


Thanks for reading!
Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)

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