Life as an Artist- Jill Banks: Making a List

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Making a List

There are two parts to this post.

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.

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.

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

Evening Paint

January 31-March 7

Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm

Still Life Plus (Personal Painting Projects Also)

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!