Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Delivering a Wall Full of Emmas

Oil portraits of granddaughter Emma by Jill Banks. The order shown above are top row (left to right): Months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and bottom row (right to left): Months 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and one year.  Thus, month 1 is directly above her one year portrait.
 
There's nothing like a wall full of twelve portraits of Emma to light up a room ... well, except for that little girl herself. (She's awfully good at that.)

"Granddaughter Emma at Month One," oil, 10"h x 8"w,  ©Jill Banks
On Christmas Day, we delivered and hung twelve 8"x10" portraits celebrating each month of granddaughter Emma's first year at son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle's family room.  Every aspect of creating, finishing, framing and hanging them was a labor of love. Not for the faint-hearted ... and I think husband Randy might just want a new painting hanging partner.

Starting this project, it was really tough to know whether I'd "captured her." Each month, Emma grew more into herself ... and luckily I had the chance to spend more time with her.  I fell out of sync with the portrait a month at month 8, with that portrait not going well at all. With two attempts at that original image, I finally gave up on it and eventually a new one took its place.  Month nine was fine and posted but after that, my portrait posting took a substantial hiatus while commissions, art events, competitions, teaching, traveling, etc. took over.

"Emma in Blue -- Ten Months, " oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
In the last couple of weeks, I painted the new month 8, month 10, month 11 and Emma at one year.  Then, I returned to months one and four with a fresh eye and finished the edges or bottoms or tops of the beginning portraits as originally they were going to be 8" x 8" squares and later we decided to keep them as 8"x 10"s.

Although these are twelve portraits of Emma, each one is so unique. Creating these portraits definitely reminded me of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. I was learning with each one.  And when someone sat for me during the 100 Faces Project, I saw so many potential ways to portray each person.  Different emotions, moods, parts of that person's character that could be displayed.

I do accept a limited number of portrait (and other) commissions a year.  (Read more about commissioning a portrait here.) Several are already in the wings for 2018.

See examples of work in the People and Portrait gallery here on my web site (which includes commissioned and non-commissioned work).
Read more about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project here.

Once a year, I offer a Painting or Drawing the Portrait Class -- and that starts on Sunday, January 28 -- taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA -- right across the hall from the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 10 other artists. The class is challenging and fun ... and I'd love to have you join us. Click on the link above for more info and to register.

Two other classes are offered on Tuesdays: Still Life Plus (CLASS FULL) and Evening Paint (ALMOST FULL) starting on January 23.  Get more info about all offerings on my Classes page.

"Emma at Eight Months" (in Santa's lap - 2016), oil, 10"h x 8"w,  ©2017 Jill Banks
To see each of the portraits of Emma, click the links below:
Granddaughter Emma - Month One
Month Two
Emma Thinks You're Funny: Grandbaby's Portrait Month Three
Granddaughter Emma at Four Months
Lunch with Emma at Five Months
Peek a Boo - Emma at Six Months
Granddaughter Emma at Seven Months
Emma at Eight Months (version 3)
Emma at Nine Months
Emma in Blue - Ten Months
Lucky Emma (at 11 Months) 
Emma at One (Year) 
(Feel free to tell me your favorites ... and why. I'd love to hear from you!)

Son Sam with granddaughter Emma on Christmas Day after the hanging crew (husband Randy and I) had redecorated the family room with lots of Emmas.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday and wish you a very Happy New Year!

Jill Banks

A Few Events
Women Artists of the West Annual Exhibition at McBride Gallery in Annapolis MD through December 31 ("Better Days" included in the exhibit)

January 9-26: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Open Juried Exhibition at the National Arts Club in NYC.  ("Randy and Me" included in the exhibit. ) Benefit Reception supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art: January 19, 5:30 to 8pm at the National Arts Club

February 1-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with up to five pieces at one time over this four month period.  I plan to attend and demo at one of the First Friday openings while my work is there ... just haven't picked which one.

Classes
Painting the Portrait in Oils -- Sundays, starting January 28
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting January 23 (CLASS FULL)
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
Taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, VA.  Register now.


Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
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Monday, December 18, 2017

Time Travel: Granddaughter Emma At One Year

Granddaughter "Emma at One," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

Today, granddaughter Emma is rapidly approaching being 21 months old ... and gradually I've been catching up on my project of painting a portrait of her a month for her first 12 months.  So here she is ... back in time a bit ... at one year.  I'll put together something soon so you can see the twelve monthly portraits together.  (In the meantime, feel free to take a look at some of them on my portraits and people page here.) This one is now my favorite of the group.  It really captures her.

During the early months it was harder to know if the portrait was "right." It became easier as she blossomed into herself.

Painting this, I started to think that Emma has just been pretending to be a baby. She notices everything, learns something new every time you blink, and has probably already solved some major world problems.

In subsequent posts, you'll see months 11, 10 and 9.  Coming soon!

Need to Make the Holiday Even Brighter? 
The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesday, December 19, noon to 4 ... and later if you'll notify me you'd like to come.  I'll also be there on Saturday, December 23, 10am to 5pm. Lots of work to see ... and maybe you'll be inspired to treat someone very special on your list.  If you need help other times, just ask.  (jill@JillBanks.com) We are located at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.

A Few Events
Women Artists of the West Annual Exhibition at McBride Gallery in Annapolis MD through December 31 ("Better Days" included in the exhibit)

January 9-26: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Open Juried Exhibition at the National Arts Club in NYC.  ("Randy and Me" included in the exhibit. ) Benefit Reception supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art: January 19, 5:30 to 8pm at the National Arts Club

February 1-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with up to five pieces at one time over this four month period.  I plan to attend and demo at one of the First Friday openings while my work is there ... just haven't picked which one.

Classes Make Great Gifts
Painting the Portrait in Oils -- Sundays, starting January 28
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting January 23 (CLASS FULL)
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
Taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, VA.  Register now.

Thanks for reading! 

Jill 

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
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Thursday, November 30, 2017

Interview in Italy and Holiday ArtFest Ahead

Short, belated post ahead.
"La Proscuitteria," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
The making of this painting is my favorite story/adventure of 2017 ... which means quite a lot in an adventurous life.  Read about it here ... and you can watch a video interview by the two neatest employees of the restaurant I was painting through that link.

You're Invited
Last First Friday Art Walk until Spring 2018 at the Artists' Atelier ... December 1, 6-8pm at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.  I hung a heck of a show of work from the Atelier holiday show participants: me (Jill Banks), Roberta Beasley, Joyce Lee, Walt Lawrence and Cindy Grisdela. It's beautiful and well worth a look.

See it on the Art Walk or on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 & 3, 10am to 5pm as part of the Great Falls Holiday ArtFest. Start in the same address.  For my part, Randy and I hung or brought in 40+ pieces of art. There's lots to see and maybe one will be calling your name.

Winter Classes
Registration is open ... and I hope you'll sign up! Get more info here.

Thanks for reading! 

Jill



Women Artists of the West (WAOW) National Exhibition,  McBride Gallery - Annapolis MD, November 5-December 31
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
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Thursday, November 2, 2017

The Unexpected Water Trouble in Sedona ... Tales of the Plein Air Painter

"Tlaquepaque Fountain," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

www.JillBanks.com

One of my favorite paintings from my Sedona Plein Air Festival adventure was this fountain piece, captured on location at Tlaquepaque in Sedona.  The 28 invited artists were "forewarned" to be sure we made ourselves (with easels) unobstructive and out of the way of patrons/visitors, etc.  I like to be a welcome guest -- always -- and set up in this spot with one easel leg in a planting bed while keeping myself as close to the edging around it as possible.

Of course, Sedona plants need water and shortly after setting up, the gardener placed a hose in the bed. A bit later, the hose drifted out of the bed and I retrieved it ... and put it back. Then a car ran over it and it twirled in the air, soaking my jeans and shoes but again I put it back. Then, it does it again ... just with more fanfare getting the easel, the painting, my rolling studio suitcase and me a nice rain shower.

The gardener said the hose had to stay in there until the bed was full ... which meant it had to overflow.  So it did. Good news is that the trouble-making hose could move to a new location and leave me to complete the painting on drying ground.

First Friday Art Walk in the Village, November 3, 6-8pm

I'll be there -- at the Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Come say hi!  There's a great new exhibit at the School/Gallery -- the Faculty Show. Really inspiring. Enjoy the art, snacks and a night on the town. In the show is art by Arts of Great Falls teachers Jennifer Duncan, Lorrie Herman, Elizabeth Floyd, Donna Robinson, Joyce Lee, Lori Goll, JJ Singh, Jill Banks (me) and Michela Mansuino.

For more info on First Fridays:

First Fridays Art Walk in the Village (Village Centre in Great Falls, VA - corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike) -- May to December 2017
6-8pm
Three joint studios, 27 artists, gallery, refreshments
Winter classes are up on my website, too. Please check them out and consider joining me this January.

Thanks for reading! 

Jill


Women Artists of the West (WAOW) National Exhibition,  McBride Gallery - Annapolis MD, November 5-December 31
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
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Monday, October 30, 2017

Happy Halloween and Last Day to See "Farm to Table"

"Apples and the White Gourd," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

I've painted plenty of pumpkins and gourds over the years -- but "Apples and the White Gourd" is my latest off the easel, started and well on its way during a "demo" given during a gathering of the Great Falls Friends Network last Wednesday.  That white gourd offered a bit of calm in a riot of color.

If you are in the DC area and have a chance, October 31 is the last day to catch my solo show "Farm to Table" at the Old Brogue Irish Pub -- Katie's Coffee/Snuggery side -- at 760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  I've loved having these pieces there. Hope some of you have too.

Next up ... First Friday Art Walk in the Village, Friday November 3, 6-8pm at many venues including the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.  Start there if you'd like and we'll guide you to those other spots. I'll be there for a change!!!!! In the gallery you'll find the Faculty exhibit which is bound to be a great show.  (It goes up this Thursday -- just in time.)

For more info on First Fridays:
First Fridays Art Walk in the Village (Village Centre in Great Falls, VA - corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike) -- May to December 2017
6-8pm
Three joint studios, 27 artists, gallery, refreshments


Thanks for reading!  Hope you get TREATS1

Jill


Jill Banks "Farm to Table" Solo Exhibit -- October 3-31, 2017. See the works online here. (Last day)
 
Women Artists of the West (WAOW) National Exhibition,  McBride Gallery - Annapolis MD, November 5-December 31
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 

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Saturday, October 21, 2017

Capturing the Colors of Cacti -- Sedona Plein Air

"Cactus Colors," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

Painted the last day of the Sedona Plein Air Festival, "Cactus Colors" was just fun to bring to life.  The 28 invited artists were to paint this morning -- starting any time but stopping at noon -- setting up somewhere on the main street in town. Fellow painter Kathie Odom was set up in a different section of the Clear Creek Trading Shop ... replete with buggies, cow skulls, stuff. I couldn't resist the purple and green cacti -- perfect colors to stretch my palette.

You'll see more from Sedona over the next week. Plein Air Festivals aren't exactly restful so it will take me a bit to catch up.

If you are in the DC area, Sunday, October 22 is the final day of the Great Falls Annual Art Studio Tour and I'll be in the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA from 10am to 5pm.  Please come for a visit. While you are in the neighborhood, stop in at the Old Brogue to see my "Farm to Table" solo exhibit up until October 31.

Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!

Jill

Jill


Jill Banks "Farm to Table" Solo Exhibit -- October 3-31, 2017. See the works online here.
Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21 (I am one of 30 artists who were invited to paint this stunning landscape. The itinerary sounds unbelievable...)
Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 20-22
Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ, Exhibit September 8-October 27
Women Artists of the West (WAOW) National Exhibition,  McBride Gallery - Annapolis MD, November 5-December 31
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 

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Saturday, October 14, 2017

First Days in Sedona

"Southwest Sunset," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

Very quick post ... because the Sedona Plein Air Festival starts tomorrow (October 14) and I would like to be ready.

This is my first time in Sedona and it's shockingly beautiful. Today I was playing with paint. There's not much time in each day with the sun starting to create magic late morning and stopping the same around 5:30pm.

Tomorrow night, October 14, at 7pm, join us at the Sedona Arts Center for the opening reception for Sedona Plein Air Festival.  Free and open to the publc.

I said this would be short.

Jill

Jill Banks "Farm to Table" Solo Exhibit -- October 3-31, 2017. See the works online here.

Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21 (I am one of 30 artists who were invited to paint this stunning landscape. The itinerary sounds unbelievable...)

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 20-22

Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ, Exhibit September 8-October 27

Women Artists of the West (WAOW) National Exhibition,  McBride Gallery - Annapolis MD, November 5-December 31


Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


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Thursday, October 5, 2017

New NYC Street Scene HOT Off the Easel and "Farm To Table" Is Up!

HOT off the Easel: "About Town," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"About Town" will be heading with me to the Bruce Museum Outdoor Art Show in Greenwich CT this weekend (October 7 & 8) where I'm a first-time exhibitor in Booth #65.  The show is from 10am to 5pm both days and is located on the museum grounds.

I painted "About Town" to fill a void created when two major NYC street scene paintings landed in collectors' hands two weeks ago.  It was a little strange setting up my booth in last weekend's MPA McLean Artfest without a NYC painting in sight.  Still, that show was fantastic -- with gorgeous weather, an enthusiastic crowd, and four more paintings going to great homes.  Thank you to all who visited!

"Farm To Table" Exhibit Is UP!

"The Old Market," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©2017 Jill Banks is one of nine original oils in my "Farm To Table" solo exhibit.
Nine of my farm, market and cafe paintings are now on exhibit at the Old Brogue Irish Pub at 760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA in the Katie's Coffee/Snuggery dining room.  The Brogue is our town's place to be ... and last night Randy and I ate dinner there surrounded by my work.  Wednesday night is Trivia Night and the folks at the huge table next to us started looking around and commenting about the art. Before they got too far, I let them know I was the painter. (It was clear they liked the work.)

The exhibit is up from October 3-31. Go have some coffee, lunch or dinner and let me know what you think.  You can view all but one piece of the exhibit here (online) as well.

"All Fall," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks ... is also part of my "Farm to Table" Exhibit

Exhibitions + Events + Workshop

Painting the Portrait in Oils -- Three-Day Workshop -- October 27-29 taught in Great Falls VA. Spots still available.

Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ, Exhibit September 8-October 27

"Farm to Table" Solo Exhibit, Great Falls VA, October 3-31

Bruce Museum Outdoor Arts Festival,  Greenwich CT, October 7-8

Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21 (I am one of 30 artists who were invited to paint this stunning landscape. The itinerary sounds unbelievable...)

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 20-22

Women Artists of the West (WAOW) National Exhibition,  McBride Gallery - Annapolis MD, November 5-December 31 

 
Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!
Jill Banks


Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


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Thursday, September 28, 2017

"Parade Day" Times Two and a Conversation

"Parade Day II," oil, 24"h x 30"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

While participating in Telluride Plein Air this summer, I painted a 10" x 8" canvas of this scene ... watching the parade watchers from my spot in the park.  Just a little while later that day, the first version of "Parade Day" was purchased by the parents of the little girl who is the star of this piece. 

I rarely paint something again ...  as in, almost never. I'm happy that my pieces find new homes and am attached to that period of creating vs. the painting. But, maybe that changes if there wasn't enough time to enjoy the results. Creating "Parade Day II" gave me a chance to relish the moment again. The little girl reminds me ... a LOT ... of granddaughter Emma who we happen to be babysitting for a few days. It was fun.

This larger version was painted primarily from my memory of that day and a photo of that original piece. (Despite the lightning quick sale, I did manage to photograph it.) It will be in my booth at McLean Artfest on October 1, 10am to 5pm in McLean, VA.  Please come take a look.

A Conversation

At Armonk, crowds are steady but on the sparser side for the shows I participate in. That means conversations can be a little longer. One visitor came and enjoyed looking at my work and told me he wanted to tell me something when I was finished talking to another guest. He appreciated that I painted what I was truly interested in. My subjects are varied ... for sure. But he said many artists paint what they feel capable of creating. I just jump in ... head? Paintbrush? first.

Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!
Jill Banks

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

Events
"Close Encounters" Solo Show at the Ellis-Nicholson Gallery in Charleston SC September 1-30. View the paintings that are part of my "Close Encounters" exhibit at Ellis-Nicholson in Charleston, SC this September online here.
"Farm to Table" Solo Show at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA October 3-31. More info to come
Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ Exhibit September 8-October 27
MPA McLean Artfest, McLean VA, October 1
  
Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21
Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 20-22
Fall Classes and Workshop ... Register Now

Painting the Portrait -- Three-Day Workshop -- October 27-29, 2017.
Class size is limited. The class and workshop are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756-C Walker Road, Great Falls VA.
Get more info on my Classes page.  
I was chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com. (Pretty cool endorsement.)
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola.
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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

The Old Market -- New Painting and News from the Art Trail

"The Old Market," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
There were many sights during our two-plus week Italy trip that couldn't be captured there ... for one reason or another.  In Lucca, I hunted for a farmer's market that wasn't to be found. In Bologna, the streets in the Quadrilatero section were teeming with stalls of fresh produce. With lots (and lots) of people and narrow streets, I had to wait to come home to paint this scene.

It will be one of nine or so paintings set to hang in my "Farm to Table" solo show in Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, October 3-31 in Great Falls, VA.

It might just also make it into the MPA McLean Artfest held in McLean VA on Sunday, October 1, 10am to 5pm at the intersection of Route 123 and Old Dominion Drive at the McLean Central Park.  This is a small outdoor art show featuring 36 regional artists. It's where I first exhibited "under a tent" and met collectors turned into friends. You are cordially invited! I'd love to see you!!!

"Hudson River Morn," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks -- now in the boardroom
Two New York Painting in New Hands

I don't regularly "report" on dwindling stock ... as in art sales.  But, this year has been kind of incredible in that department.  En route to the Armonk Art Festival, the news broke that "Hudson River Morn" -- on loan for just a day and a half -- was staying put presiding over the boardroom in the corporate collection of international law firm Clyde & Co overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue in DC.

And then this weekend at Armonk, "City Crossings" went home with a young collector who had her eye on this piece on Saturday.

A Little Panic

I'm more than a little lucky in the husband/partner department ... with Randy capable of handling pretty much anything thrown our way in the art business. That was put to the test this weekend. First, he'd gone in for surgery to remove a basal cell on his nose on Wednesday with the directive of no heavy lifting or too much bending over. Not good if you're putting up a tent. (My muscles are now sorer than normal.)

Then on Saturday morning, when we were all supposed to remove our vehicles from the field so the patrons could enter ... our van wouldn't start. The van that blocked the view of our tent. (And others.) The van that needed a jump with most of the cars already gone.  We even have a battery starter as a backup for our lights ... but it wouldn't do it.   Thankfully, when you are at a volunteer-laden event and your vehicle is going to mess everything up ... there are a lot of helpers coming to the rescue. We made it out. A new battery was installed. Phew.

Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!

Jill Banks

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

Events
"Close Encounters" Solo Show at the Ellis-Nicholson Gallery in Charleston SC September 1-30. View the paintings that are part of my "Close Encounters" exhibit at Ellis-Nicholson in Charleston, SC this September online here.
Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ Exhibit September 8-October 27
MPA McLean Artfest, McLean VA, October 1
  
Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21
Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 20-22
Fall Classes and Workshop ... Register Now

Painting the Portrait -- Three-Day Workshop -- October 27-29, 2017.
Class size is limited. The class and workshop are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756-C Walker Road, Great Falls VA.
Get more info on my Classes page.  
I was chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com. (Pretty cool endorsement.)
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola.
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Thursday, September 14, 2017

Alexandria King Street Fine Art Festival This Weekend!

You're Invited!

Alexandria King Street Fine Art Festival in Old Town Alexandria VA
Saturday, September 16, 10am to 7pm
Sunday, September 17, 10am to 5pm

200 Juried Artists in a Variety of Mediums

I'll be at Booth #90 on King Street near the Alexandrian Hotel (was the Monaco) at the corner of Pitt and King in Old Town Alexandria VA

 www.JillBanks.com

I REALLY Hope to See You There!

"Il Porto," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks is one of a few paintings created in Italy that will be in my booth this year!




Get more info on the Festival on the show website here

One part of my "planned" sides for my booth.  I spend a whole lot of time figuring out what to bring ... then generally change it, at least a bit, at the last minute.
See more of what you might see in my booth on my Events page here.

Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!

Jill Banks

 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

Events
 
"Close Encounters" Solo Show at the Ellis-Nicholson Gallery in Charleston SC September 1-30. View the paintings that are part of my "Close Encounters" exhibit at Ellis-Nicholson in Charleston, SC this September online here.
 
Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ Exhibit September 8-October 27
 
Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA, September 16-17
 
Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY, September 23-24
 
MPA McLean Artfest, McLean VA, October 1
  
Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21
 
Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 20-22
 
Fall Classes and Workshop ... Register Now

Painting the Portrait -- Three-Day Workshop -- October 27-29, 2017.
Class size is limited. The class and workshop are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756-C Walker Road, Great Falls VA.
Get more info on my Classes page.  
 
I was chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com. (Pretty cool endorsement.)
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola.
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Saturday, September 2, 2017

Lessons from the Road: A Weekend with My Folks

"Porch Light On," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

I'm so behind on blogging ... with stories from Italy, a trip to Shadyside, and my first solo show opening in Charleston SC (last night) ... that here it is, I'm starting somewhere in the middle.

Two weeks ago, Randy, my Mom and Dad (Ken and Shonnie Johnson) and I headed to Pittsburgh to attend my cousin's son's wedding. It was no ordinary trip. All along the way, my parents showed how they collect friends and well-wishers at every stop on the road, each lunch out, every possible interaction. Really.

Thinking vs. Saying

On the way there, we stopped at the world's cleanest rest stop with one woman checking the ladies' room (which was already spotless) and another sweeping the leaves from the walk in its almost park-like setting. (There was a family who seemed to have chosen this spot for a picnic vs. just a stopover en route.  When does that happen?)  I thought about saying something to one of the ladies -- to thank her -- but then didn't.  Outside, there my Dad was talking and laughing with the woman who was sweeping. Neither of those women will know what I was thinking.  They both know how much my Dad appreciated their efforts.

At the Inn on Negley, where Randy and I have stayed many times ... Mom and Dad got to know all the guests and staff -- the man who tends the flowers perfectly, Andrea who was invited to help sing Happy Birthday to our son Sam, the couples who ate breakfast with us.

They just reach out and instead of keeping people at arms' length, they wrap those same arms around them.

Throughout Dad's tough times in rehab, there were nurses, doctors, desk folks, servers, therapists, friends who all took a little longer and tried harder to help and who were touched by this pair. It's nice to witness the same connections constantly formed in just day to day life.

 "Porch Light On"

When Randy and I returned to the Inn at Negley the next weekend for Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, we reached out -- met our fellow "travelers" and had fun finding out why our paths were intersecting that weekend.  "Porch Light On" was a painting started last year when I attended the Art Festival, and finished on the Friday night before the festival this stay. The finishing parts to the painting included the flowers with a little more growth (we now knew their keeper), the lights inside the dining room indicating the warmth of the place inside (that's where Andrea served those wonderful breakfasts to the four of us and all those guests we met), and the now open door, inviting us in.

Solo Exhibit at the Ellis-Nicholson Gallery through September 30

Opening Night at the Ellis-Nicholson Gallery in Charleston SC
Please stop in to see eleven of my oil paintings in "Close Encounters" at the Ellis-Nicholson Gallery at 1-1/2 Broad, Charleston, SC.

The Post and Courier published a great article in the Charleston Scene" August 31, 2017 "Long Weekend of Arts Opportunities" by Scott Elingburg. Here's a link to the online version. Scroll through the photos to see "Cabaret."

Thanks to all who showed up on opening night. (The photo was taken before the doors officially opened.)

View the paintings that are part of my "Close Encounters" exhibit at Ellis-Nicholson in Charleston, SC this September online here.

Upcoming Events
 
"Close Encounters" Featured Artist of the Month, First Friday Art Walk -- Charleston SC at the Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, September 1
 
Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ, Exhibit September 8-October 31
 
Gracie Square Art Show, Carl Schurz Park, NYC, September 9-10

Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA, September 16-17
 
Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY, September 23-24
 
MPA McLean Artfest, McLean VA, October 1
  
Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21
 
Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 20-22
 
Fall Classes and Workshop ... Register Now
Still Life Plus (Personal Projects Also) starts September 12.
Evening Paint starts Tuesday, September 12.
Painting the Portrait -- Three-Day Workshop -- October 27-29, 2017.
Class size is limited. The class and workshop are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756-C Walker Road, Great Falls VA.
Get more info on my Classes page.  
I was chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com. (Pretty cool endorsement.)
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

Paint Great Falls 2017 - September 6-9 - CALL FOR ARTISTS
Artists are invited to participate in this third annual event to paint plein air anywhere in Great Falls VA from September 6-9, 2017. Generous awards. Open to the first 40 registrants -- non-juried. I was the competition judge last year -- and it was tough to pick the winners from the fine work that sprang to life in the span of a few short days. Get more info at: www.greatfallsart.org/paint-great-falls/

Thanks for reading!

Jill Banks


Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola.
 
 
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