Saturday, January 28, 2017

"Emma at Eight Months" ... Still Behind

"Emma at Eight Months," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
Granddaughter Emma is soon to be ten months old (as in tomorrow) but today's portrait is her at eight months. I know what her nine month portrait will be ... and will wait to see what will best portray Emma at ten months.

Portrait class begins tomorrow -- Sunday, January 29 -- and Still Life and Evening Paint begin on Tuesday.  Definitely, back to school time. I'm looking forward to working with fresh faces and familiar ones to make 2017 an artful one.

See more monthly portraits of Emma and other people at www.JillBanks.com -- click on Works and then the Portraits and People Gallery.

CLASSES -- REGISTER NOW -- Okay, Now it's getting REALLY late 
There are still spaces available in my Evening Paint (Tuesday nights, 6:30-9:30pm starting January 31) and Portrait Painting class (Sunday afternoons, 1:30-5:30pm starting January 29). So ... if you'd like to join the class or know someone who would ... who lives somewhere in the DC metro area, I'd love to help you along on your artistic journey. Get more info on Classes at www.JillBanks.com. Any quesstions? Email me at jill@jillbanks.com. Thanks! (Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, Virginia.)
Classes info.
 
Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

Jill

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
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Thursday, January 26, 2017

"The Road Show" Closes January 31


"Table on the Green" is one of my plein air paintings included in "The Road Show"
 www.JillBanks.com

Part of "The Road Show" exhibit on view through January 31 in Great Falls, VA
This is the last Saturday (January 28) to come visit my solo exhibit "The Road Show" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA.  I will be there from 2-5pm either painting or visiting and would love to see you!

Stop in.  I'll have a few new pieces in addition to the regular exhibit for you to view. (Like "Grace" -- my new ballerina painting and "Mandarins" -- a just completed still life.)

Email me at jill@jillbanks.com if you'd like me to know you'll be visiting.

Or view most of  the exhibit online here.

CLASSES START SHORTLY -- REGISTER NOW
There are still spaces available in my Evening Paint (Tuesday nights, 6:30-9:30pm starting January 31) and Portrait Painting class (Sunday afternoons, 1:30-5:30pm starting January 27). So ... if you'd like to join the class or know someone who would ... who lives somewhere in the DC metro area, I'd love to help you along on your artistic journey. Get more info on Classes at www.JillBanks.com. Any quesstions? Email me at jill@jillbanks.com. Thanks! (Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, Virginia.)
Classes info.
 
Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

Jill

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






 
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Saturday, January 21, 2017

And Then a Ballerina Danced Her Way Onto the Stage ... Er, Easel

After struggling on what to paint today -- I happily finally returned to a favorite subject -- the ballerina.

"Grace" (Ballerina in Gray), oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

My concept beyond displaying the emotion and beauty of the pose was to accentuate the color of the dancer's skin by keeping the rest of of the painting muted. Quiet.

All sorts of names for her floated around in my head ... including "Pre-Flight" "Serenity" "Full of Grace." Any ideas? Or is "Grace" a match?

CLASSES START SHORTLY -- REGISTER NOW
There are still spaces available in my Evening Paint (Tuesday nights, 6:30-9:30pm starting January 31) and Portrait Painting class (Sunday afternoons, 1:30-5:30pm starting January 27). So ... if you'd like to join the class or know someone who would ... who lives somewhere in the DC metro area, I'd love to help you along on your artistic journey. Get more info on Classes at www.JillBanks.com. Any quesstions? Email me at jill@jillbanks.com. Thanks! (Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, Virginia.)
Classes info.

SOLO EXHIBIT ON VIEW THROUGH JANUARY 31
And my solo exhibit "The Road Show" of 20+ original oils is on view at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Virginia through January 31. I hope you have a chance to take a look. The meeting room -- where the exhibit is on view -- is frequently being used so don't be too surprised if there's a group inside.  Generally weekday afternoons are the safest bet but if you are planning a trip, please feel free to ask me about the schedule and I might just meet you over there as well. Email me at jill@jillbanks.com.

Or view most of  the exhibit online here.

AND, if you'd like to see more ballerina/ballet paintings like "Grace," see the Portrait and People Gallery on my website here. 

Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

Jill

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
 
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Thursday, January 19, 2017

Hot Off the Easel: "Mandarins"

"Mandarins," oil, 36"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
It's been a little while since I've painted a still life and a long while since painting a piece this particular size. (36" x 24" or a 3:2 ratio.) Really fun although my easel got a workout ... up and down to bring each part of the painting into my prime viewing area.  I guess it might have been a good idea for me to do the exercising ... squats and stretches. Or maybe not.

Close-up of "Mandarins," oil, 36"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
I'm enjoying this last stretch of unscheduled, calmer time before classes start. Something else will be started in the studio tomorrow ... and the day after that.

There are still spaces available in my Evening Paint (Tuesday nights, 6:30-9:30pm starting January 31) and Portrait Painting class (Sunday afternoons, 1:30-5:30pm starting January 27). So ... if you'd like to join the class or know someone who would ... who lives somewhere in the DC metro area, I'd love to help you along on your artistic journey. Get more info on Classes at www.JillBanks.com. Any quesstions? Email me at jill@jillbanks.com. Thanks! (Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, Virginia.)
Classes info.

And my solo exhibit "The Road Show" of 20+ original oils is on view at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Virginia through January 31. I hope you have a chance to take a look. The meeting room -- where the exhibit is on view -- is frequently being used so don't be too surprised if there's a group inside.  Generally weekday afternoons are the safest bet but if you are planning a trip, please feel free to ask me about the schedule and I might just meet you over there as well. Email me at jill@jillbanks.com.


Or view most of  the exhibit online here.

AND, if you'd like to see more still lifes like "Mandarins," see the Still Life Gallery on my website here. 

Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

Jill
 


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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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Classes, A New Still Life Start and Open Life

"Mandarins" work in progress, oil, 36"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
Classes will soon begin with my Painting or  Drawing the Portrait starting January 29 and Tuesdays' Still Life Plus and Evening Paint starting January 31. If you've been thinking about taking a class, please take a look at my web site: www.JillBanks.com, Classes page for more info and to sign up.  Spaces available in the Portrait and Evening Paint class and I hope you sign up! (Classes are held weekly in the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

"Mandarins" is one of the first paintings of 2017. I've been working on starts for a few portrait commissions ... but need to take care of a couple of other steps before I can proceed with those. Thus ... I HAD to take advantage of a flower arrangement put together for a neat family gathering this past weekend, right?

I also had the pleasure of attending an open life in the Great Falls School last Friday afternoon. The two-and-a-half hour session was filled with short gestures and then a bit longer, then longer poses to finish out the day.  "Open Life Standing Pose" was the second to last
"Open Life Standing Pose," oil, about 18"h x 9"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
longer gesture. I painted instead of sketched because for me that's faster and more forgiving. For this piece I used Centurion Oil-Primed Deluxe Linen sheet, with a quick "wash" of yellow ochre, and then French Ultramarine Blue and Transparent Earth Red for my darks. There are a few other colors thrown in as well.

There's more to write ... but I'm out of time.

"The Road Show" Solo Exhibit Up Until January 31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA
View the exhibit online at www.JillBanks.com

Get info about library hours here. (The library is closed on Sundays and January 16, January 20)

The meeting room -- where the exhibit is on view -- is frequently being used so don't be too surprised if there's a group inside.  Generally weekday afternoons are the safest bet but if you are planning a trip, please feel free to ask me about the schedule and I might just meet you over there as well. Email me at jill@jillbanks.com.

Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

Happy New Year!

Jill
 


Please sign up -- classes start the end of January


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.


More of "The Road Show"




More of "The Road Show" with Emma ... just cuz

 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, January 5, 2017

"Emma at Seven Months" Monthly Portrait of a Sweet Granddaughter

"Emma at Seven Months,"(our granddaughter), oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
I'm still behind on my portrait a month of granddaughter Emma -- but this makes me one month closer to catching up to her.  She's depicted here being held by my Dad (wearing a red shirt) and she's in her baptism dress (that was worn my Emma's mom Michelle and Michelle's sister Sharlene).

See the rest of Emma's portraits ... and others on my web page: www.JillBanks.com
People And Portrait Collection

Please read yesterday's post for the scoop on this Saturday's opening reception for my solo exhibit "The Road Show" and upcoming classes.  Thanks!

Reception: Saturday, January 7, 2-6pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. Hope to see you there!
You may view the exhibit online here.
Get info about library hours here. (The library is closed on Sundays and January 16, January 20)

The meeting room -- where the exhibit is on view -- is frequently being used so don't be too surprised if there's a group inside.  Generally weekday afternoons are the safest bet but if you are planning a trip, please feel free to ask me about the schedule and I might just meet you over there as well. Email me at jill@jillbanks.com.

Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

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. 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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Wednesday, January 4, 2017

"The Road Show" Solo Exhibit Reception Saturday, January 7 - 2-6pm

"Table on the Green," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks is one of 20+ original oils in Jill Banks' "The Road Show" solo exhibit on view at the Great Falls Library through January 31
You may have received two different emails from me tonight -- one is this blog post and the other is my email newsletter sent to those of you who have subscribed to it through my website. I hope you'll read them both. (I know that's asking a lot...)

View the exhibit online at www.JillBanks.com

Well, Randy and I were busy yesterday (Tuesday, January 3) afternoon -- hanging 20+ original paintings depicting many of our previous adventures in Virginia, Texas, California, Paris, Italy, New York, Spain and the Brandywine Valley. (Even if you visited my Home Studio Open House in November, there will still be three pieces there you would not have seen previously.

Part of Jill Banks "The Road Show" Solo Exhibit Just Installed at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA
Now I hope you'll come see it.

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 7, 2-6pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA
This is really short notice ... I know ... so I hope you'll mark your calendar and help me spread the word. I'd love to see you!

And if you'd like to see more of my work that day (January 7), stop by the Artist's Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls during open hours from 10am to 2pm and then come over to the library. The two locations are really close to one another. (And I'll be at the library getting ready between noon and 2. So come over even if you're early. I might just put you to work.)

The exhibit continues through January 31.
You may view the exhibit online here.
Get info about library hours here. (The library is closed on Sundays and January 16, January 20)

The meeting room -- where the exhibit is on view -- is frequently being used so don't be too surprised if there's a group inside.  Generally weekday afternoons are the safest bet but if you are planning a trip, please feel free to ask me about the schedule and I might just meet you over there as well. Email me at jill@jillbanks.com.

Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

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. ALMOST FULL!




More of "The Road Show"





More of "The Road Show" with Emma ... just cuz

 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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