Friday, March 24, 2017

Telluride and Bucks County Plein Air: Here I Come!

"Riding High," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

 Telluride Plein Air 2017

Yay!!!!

I'll be heading back to Telluride Colorado this Summer as one of 20+ artists selected to paint for the week in this fantastic town for Telluride Plein Air. 

See who else will be painting in the 14th annual Telluride Plein Air from June 28 to July 4, 2017 here.

While most of my pieces painted during the previous trip have been snatched up by collectors -- some wonderful ones are still available and can be viewed on my website (or in person -- if you're in the metro DC area).

"Riding High"
"Parks and Recreation"
"Heart of Telluride"
"Mountain Time"


Painting in Telluride in 2015. This is the start of "Mountain Time"
 Get more info about Telluride Plein Air on my website's Events page here.

Bucks County Plein Air 2017

In June after the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show (June 2-4, 2017), I'll continue to "hang out" in the neighborhood -- joining 49 other painters for the Second Annual Bucks County Plein Air competition (June 5-11, 2017) in the Philadelphia countryside.

Looking forward to both events, plenty of painting, fun, hard work, meeting new people and forming some new friendships.

Also, En Plein Air Texas really taught me a ton last year. I plan on applying lessons learned to painting outdoors on adventures close to home until these big events.

Those lessons are apt to be passed along in my Plein Air Landscape class coming up in mid-April.  Want to join it?  See below for more info. We paint on location around the metro DC area.  Lots of fun ... plus some challenges.

And, a Few Friendly Reminders...


Spring Classes are Open For Registration

Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Spring class listings including Evening Paint, Plein Air Landscape and Still Life Plus are on my web site.  Have any questions, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com.  See my listing of all classes here: https://jillbanks.com/workshops

Now might be a good time to register. Make sure there's a spot for you this Spring.

Upcoming Spring Art Events Officially on the Calendar for 2017 
Hope you'll mark your calendars.
March 14-April 9: "No Place Like Home" juried exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon VA. Reception: Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm. Get more info on that exhibit here.  "Persimmons in the Kitchen" won Best in Show.
April 22-23: Arlington Festival of the Arts, Arlington, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Fairfax Fine Art Festival, Fairfax Corners, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Great Falls Spring Art Festival at the Atelier (756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA) and the Grange/Schoolhouse plus more.  My work will be at the Atelier and hopefully I'll have a helper to greet you -- but see me at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival at my booth.
May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, PA
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO

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

Jill


Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition, September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- out of 1440 entries.  More info on the competition here.


Finalist -- Sedona Art Prize, January 2017 for "Scene at the Bar" -- see the 12 Top Paintings selected by artist Robert Burridge here: https://www.sedonaartprize.com/about-sedona-art-prize/finalist-paintings/finalist-paintings-january-2017

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

Email: jill@jillbanks.com 

703.403.7435

Website: www.jillbanks.com
Subscribe to my email newsletter News From the Easel

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/
(Please like that page if you like it...)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

"Parks and Recreation," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2015 Jill Banks painted in Telluride

Monday, March 20, 2017

"Persimmons in the Kitchen" Wins Best in Show and Two Other Big Treats

"Persimmons in the Kitchen," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks won Best in Show at the "There's No Place Like Home" juried exhibit of work by Great Falls Studios artists on view at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA) through April 8, 2017. The exhibit was juried and judge by Tom and Linda Neel. The Best in Show award was sponsored by Brightview Senior Living Great Falls. Thank you!
This past weekend was pretty spectacular ... with joy spread around at gatherings I could and couldn't attend.

Saturday Night, March 18, 2017

Where I was: At an incredible dinner hosted by a collector celebrating six women artists -- bringing us together for great food, very interesting conversation, toasts, and connections. Most of us did not know each other when we walked through the front door. We were treated to a five-course meal presented in a candlelit dining room surrounded by beautiful art. The evening was capped off with tour throughout the house of all that art -- including many of our works -- hung with care.  My head's quite full of visions and remnants from a very memorable evening. Thank you to this very special collector and to ALL you collectors out there who invite us into your hearts and homes!
The Party's Over ... the aftermath of a wonderful dinner for six lucky women artists hosted by a special collector. His dog says "Bye." We were surrounded by art ... and talked art, among other subjects.

Where I wasn't: At the awards reception for the Arts of Great Falls School Annual Student Exhibition -- Youth Edition.  This is the first year that the Student Exhibition has been divided into two with the Youth Exhibit up in the School Gallery now and the Adult Student Show starting on April 8.  I love the awards reception -- with students happily joined by friends and family to celebrate their hard work and growth as artists.  I'm so sorry to have missed this one but WILL be at the Adult Student Show's Award Reception on Friday, April 14.  Hope to see you there! Congratulations to the younger artists who have pursued classes and presented their work in the current show.

Sunday Afternoon, March 19, 2017

Where I was: Teaching my last Portrait Painting class of the term. I'm going to miss our Sunday afternoons together. Winter is the only time of the year that a weekend weekly class fits in my schedule. Each student has devoted a lot of their "together" time with family to attend and have shown stunning growth each week. It's hard to express how rewarding it is to be part of that process.  In addition to enjoying seeing them progressing, I love seeing friendships formed. We've had an awful lot of fun meeting challenges together!
One view from my Portrait Painting Class. This Sunday was the last day of class and I couldn't miss it. Each student has grown so much this term ... and afforded me the joy of helping make that happen. The Youth Student Exhibition for the Arts of Great Falls School show is in the background -- all around the room.

And another view

Where I wasn't: At the Awards Reception for the "There's No Place Like Home" Exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA). That's where Judges Tom and Linda Neel awarded my oil painting "Persimmons in the Kitchen" Best in Show and talked about why/how they chose each piece. I sure wish that a clone was available ... occasionally. So much time goes into "pitching" an exhibit (Great Falls Studios exhibit committee presented a proposal to ArtSpace Herndon long ago), organizing it, selecting the jurors, selecting the work to display, hanging the work, selecting the award winners, and on and on ...  As artists honored by having our work on exhibit and potentially winning awards, we strive to properly thank organizers, judges, fellow artists ... by showing up at receptions and show events. That's why I flew to Fort Wayne, Indiana for one day last year for the opening of the Oil Painters of America's Salon Show. Or why I've flown or driven to exhibit receptions in NYC, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and elsewhere. It's a joy ... but it's also a thank you. So, I couldn't be there for the reception -- but do sincerely appreciate all the efforts, work and consideration put in by the Great Falls Studios exhibition committee, ArtSpace Herndon, fellow artists and Tom and Linda Neel for judging the show.  Please go take a look at the exhibit -- on view through April 8 at ArtSpace Herndon.  Tell them I sent you (please).


"There's No Place Like Home" Award Winners -- Judges Tom and Linda Neel

Best of Show:  Jill Banks for "Persimmons in the Kitchen" (oil - shown above)
Award Sponsored by Brightview Senior Living Great Falls

Pat Neuman's "Hens Over the Haha House" wins Best Use of Theme - award sponsored by TD Bank
Best Use of Theme: Pat Neuman for "Hens Over the HaHa Wall" (pastel)
Award Sponsored by TD Bank

"Springtime Palisades" mixed media piece by Jennifer Duncan wins Second Prize
Second Prize: Jennifer Duncan for "Springtime Palisades" (mixed media)

Dorry Emmer's "Be It Ever So Humble" fiber art garnered Third Prize
 Third Prize: Dorry Emmer for "Be It Ever So Humble" (fiber)

"Wolftrap" by Roberta Pruett Beasley received an Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention: Roberta Pruett Beasley for "Wolftrap" (mixed media)

"Michael and Jesse," Lori Goll's beautiful pastel of Frying Pan Park, received an Honorable Mention -- and was snatched up by an artist/collector at the Awards Reception of "There's No Place Like Home."
 Honorable Mention: Lori Goll for "Michael and Jesse" (pastel)

Congratulations to All!

Lastly, a Few Friendly Reminders...

Spring Classes are Open For Registration

Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Spring class listings including Evening Paint, Plein Air Landscape and Still Life Plus are on my web site.  Have any questions, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com.  See my listing of all classes here: https://jillbanks.com/workshops

Now might be a good time to register. Make sure there's a spot for you this Spring.

Upcoming Spring Art Events Officially on the Calendar for 2017 
Hope you'll mark your calendars.
March 14-April 9: "No Place Like Home" juried exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon VA. Reception: Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm. Get more info on that exhibit here.  "Persimmons in the Kitchen" won Best in Show.
April 22-23: Arlington Festival of the Arts, Arlington, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Fairfax Fine Art Festival, Fairfax Corners, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Great Falls Spring Art Festival at the Atelier (756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA) and the Grange/Schoolhouse plus more.  My work will be at the Atelier and hopefully I'll have a helper to greet you -- but see me at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival at my booth.
May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA

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

Jill


Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition, September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- out of 1440 entries.  More info on the competition here.


Finalist -- Sedona Art Prize, January 2017 for "Scene at the Bar" -- see the 12 Top Paintings selected by artist Robert Burridge here: https://www.sedonaartprize.com/about-sedona-art-prize/finalist-paintings/finalist-paintings-january-2017

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

Email: jill@jillbanks.com 

703.403.7435

Website: www.jillbanks.com
Subscribe to my email newsletter News From the Easel

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/
(Please like that page if you like it...)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

Saturday, March 18, 2017

"There's No Place Like Home" Reception: Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm at ArtSpace Herndon

Quick reminder ...

Part of the art that greets you in the entryway to ArtSpace Herndon
I just saw the Great Falls Studio exhibit "There's No Place Like Home" at ArtSpace Herndon and it looks great! Lots of friends have art on view there ... and two of my pieces, "Persimmons in the Kitchen" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside" are keeping them company.

Awards and Opening Reception:
Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA

Okay ... not great photography. Sorry about that!

Spring Classes are Open For Registration

Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Spring class listings including Evening Paint, Plein Air Landscape and Still Life Plus are on my web site.  It's a little confusing with listings still up there on current classes and upcoming ones ... but dig a little and I bet you'll figure it out. Have any questions, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com.  See my listing of all classes here: https://jillbanks.com/workshops

Now might be a good time to register. Make sure there's a spot for you this Spring.

Upcoming Spring Art Events Officially on the Calendar for 2017 
Hope you'll mark your calendars.
March 14-April 9: "No Place Like Home" juried exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon VA. Reception: Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm. Get more info on that exhibit here.
April 22-23: Arlington Festival of the Arts, Arlington, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Fairfax Fine Art Festival, Fairfax Corners, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Great Falls Spring Art Festival at the Atelier (756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA) and the Grange/Schoolhouse plus more.  My work will be at the Atelier and hopefully I'll have a helper to greet you -- but see me at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival at my booth.
May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA

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.

Finalist, January 2017 Sedona Art Prize for "Scene at the Bar."
Here's the page with the 12 Top Paintings for January 2017 selected by artist Robert Burridge: http://www.sedonaartprize.com/about-sedona-art-prize/finalist-paintings/finalist-paintings-january-2017
and then travel around the site from there.

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...)



Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Ice Cream and Snow

www.jillbanks.com

One of the many blessings of being an artist is that each day, for awhile, we can create our own world and make fonder memories spring back to life.

Outside today, the wind was howling -- and ice/snow covered the ground. It's not a fresh, beautiful, pile on the branches kind of snow either.  Mud peeks through the cracks. The sun is hidden by clouds. I'm not going to paint that.

So what was on my easel?

"Light Spill," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks was started plein air in February when the day was warm enough that this group gathered on benches eating ice cream cones on the Village Green in the heart of Great Falls, Virginia.

Art has the power to transport us -- its makers, admirers, visitors, collectors.  Today I "traveled" to this past Presidents' Day -- unseasonably warm. The kind of day that brings everybody out. I captured the ice cream eaters hanging out on the benches -- my view from the Artists' Atelier and Arts of Great Falls School's back porch. The view is often magical. Rays of light spilled over the rooftops in the Village Centre (Great Falls, VA) like the sun through a cathedral window.

"Sanctuary," oil, 36"h x 36"w, ©2017 Jill Banks -- one of my cathedral paintings
Maybe the day will be like this for the upcoming Great Falls Spring Art Show -- April 28&29 -- and you can see this sight in person. My work (minus me) will be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road in Great Falls VA -- open that weekend from 10am to 5pm both days. (I'll be at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival -- in my booth -- that same weekend in Fairfax Corners, VA. Big art weekend! Come to both!) Get more info on the Great Falls Spring Art Show here.

Spring Classes are Open For Registration

Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Spring class listings including Evening Paint, Plein Air Landscape and Still Life Plus are on my web site.  It's a little confusing with listings still up there on current classes and upcoming ones ... but dig a little and I bet you'll figure it out. Have any questions, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com.  See my listing of all classes here: https://jillbanks.com/workshops

Now might be a good time to register. Make sure there's a spot for you this Spring.

Upcoming Spring Art Events Officially on the Calendar for 2017 
Hope you'll mark your calendars.
March 14-April 9: "No Place Like Home" juried exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon VA. Reception: Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm. Get more info on that exhibit here.
April 22-23: Arlington Festival of the Arts, Arlington, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Fairfax Fine Art Festival, Fairfax Corners, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Great Falls Spring Art Festival at the Atelier (756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA) and the Grange/Schoolhouse plus more.  My work will be at the Atelier and hopefully I'll have a helper to greet you -- but see me at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival at my booth.
May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA

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.

Finalist, January 2017 Sedona Art Prize for "Scene at the Bar."
Here's the page with the 12 Top Paintings for January 2017 selected by artist Robert Burridge: http://www.sedonaartprize.com/about-sedona-art-prize/finalist-paintings/finalist-paintings-january-2017
and then travel around the site from there.


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...)




Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Snow Day ... Painting My Backyard

"Winter Garden" work in progress, oil, 11"h x 14"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

Hopefully the snow will still be there tomorrow so I can clarify the color and put some finishing touches on this from life.  It was COLD out there ... with wind howling ... and this was the view from my back deck.  For most of the day, it was overcast. Not overly attractive.  And I bounced back and forth between computer business and work at my easel. Then the long bluish purple shadows came and sun began to set.  Guess if I wasn't trying to multi-task and kept at it, I wouldn't need another look tomorrow. Let's see where it goes.

"There's No Place Like Home" Exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon
See "Persimmons in the Kitchen" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside" will be on view at ArtSpace Herndon 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA from March 14 to April 8, 2017.  Get more info on that exhibit here. An awards and opening reception is on Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm.  Husband Randy will be in attendance since I'll be teaching my last -- extended -- portrait class of the Winter session that day. That old problem of not being able to be in two places at a time. And speaking of classes...


Spring Classes are Open For Registration

Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Spring class listings including Evening Paint, Plein Air Landscape and Still Life Plus are on my web site.  It's a little confusing with listings still up there on current classes and upcoming ones ... but dig a little and I bet you'll figure it out. Have any questions, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com.  See my listing of all classes here: https://jillbanks.com/workshops

Now might be a good time to register. Make sure there's a spot for you this Spring.

 Five Spring Art Events Officially on the Calendar for 2017 
Hope you'll mark your calendars.
April 22-23: Arlington Festival of the Arts, Arlington, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Fairfax Fine Art Festival, Fairfax Corners, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Great Falls Spring Art Festival at the Atelier (756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA) and the Grange/Schoolhouse plus more.  My work will be at the Atelier and hopefully I'll have a helper to greet you -- but see me at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival at my booth.
May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA

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.

Finalist, January 2017 Sedona Art Prize for "Scene at the Bar."
Here's the page with the 12 Top Paintings for January 2017 selected by artist Robert Burridge: http://www.sedonaartprize.com/about-sedona-art-prize/finalist-paintings/finalist-paintings-january-2017
and then travel around the site from there.


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...)


Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Remembering Paris: The Travel Series?

"Parc à Paris," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"Parc à Paris" was started plein air on a cold, cold, cold day in the park behind Notre Dame.  I finally took it out to finish those thoughts this past week. Another little painting today called "The Travelers" completes three Parisian scenes in a week. Paris in March. Before and now.

"The Travelers," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
I thought of calling "The Travelers" -- "Pit Stop."  Only temporarily.

See more like "The Travelers" and "Parc à Paris" in the Places Gallery on my website.

And to show you there is plenty of juxtaposition in my paintings/life ... while I'm longingly painting The Travel Series with my own bad case of wanderlust ... two of my interiors will be heading off soon to ArtSpace Herndon for the "There's No Place Like Home" juried Great Falls Studios exhibit.

"Baby, It's Cold Outside," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©2015 Jill Banks
"There's No Place Like Home" Exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon
See "Persimmons in the Kitchen" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside" will be on view at ArtSpace Herndon 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA from March 14 to April 8, 2017.  Get more info on that exhibit here. An awards and opening reception is on Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm.  Husband Randy will be in attendance since I'll be teaching my last -- extended -- portrait class of the Winter session that day. That old problem of not being able to be in two places at a time. And speaking of classes...

Spring Classes are Open For Registration

Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Spring class listings including Evening Paint, Plein Air Landscape and Still Life Plus are on my web site.  It's a little confusing with listings still up there on current classes and upcoming ones ... but dig a little and I bet you'll figure it out. Have any questions, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com.  See my listing of all classes here: https://jillbanks.com/workshops

Now might be a good time to register. Make sure there's a spot for you this Spring. Unexpectedly (but happily), my Spring classes were listed on the FineArtViews newsletter that is received by a LOT of artists.
 

Two Art Fairs Officially on the Calendar for 2017 
Acceptances have started to roll in ... Hope you'll mark your calendars.
May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA

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.

Finalist, January 2017 Sedona Art Prize for "Scene at the Bar."
Here's the page with the 12 Top Paintings for January 2017 selected by artist Robert Burridge: http://www.sedonaartprize.com/about-sedona-art-prize/finalist-paintings/finalist-paintings-january-2017
and then travel around the site from there.


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...)






Friday, March 3, 2017

Giving Myself A Kick in the Smock

"Corner Bistro," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2017 Jill Banks


Occasionally, I'll run into a streak of time that no ideas come to me ... there's nothing calling to me to paint.  There are many potential inspiration robbers ... like a full schedule of other work and family-related items or many days teaching (or preparing), applications to fill out, etc.  I've had big canvases on my easel -- then started and erased the work -- not quite ready to commit.

At plein air competitions I've participated in -- at which artists are "plopped" in a place and expected to figure out what subject in the surroundings speak to them -- the biggest struggle we all face is what to pick, where to unpack the easel and go to work.

I Should Know Better
The fact is, something that looks ho-hum perhaps at the moment might become enchanting shortly,  Something simple belies magic upon a closer look.  All those hours hunting for just the right spot would be better spent standing still -- looking all around, finding the unexpected star instead of wandering by.

So, instead of trying to find that perfect image to inspire me, I dug around in my unfinished work pile and spent a good portion of the day painting on a plein air piece created in a park in Paris. (You'll see that one on tomorrow's blog post.) Then, I painted "Corner Bistro" -- a spot a block up from that park -- only this one is from photos and memory of the late afternoon light.  It was freezing that day and I was bundled up. The bistro seats were mainly empty except for a few diehards who apparently didn't notice the cold. I didn't carefully choose my image but did consider all the usual suspects that are thought through when preparing to paint. I also went small and will create lots of these until that a-ha moment returns along with that "I NEED to PAINT THAT" attitude.

Had fun. Feel better.

See more paintings like "Corner Bistro" in the Places Gallery on my web site.

Open Hours at the Atelier, Saturday, March 5, 10am to 2pm

Stop in and see me, please!  756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Lots of work in my studio wanting a good home.

Right after that ... I'm off to the River Bend Country Club as the exhibiting artist for Celebrate Great Falls Winter Wine Tasting event.  Anyone want a painting to go with that Cabernet? As usual, I'm overdoing it ... with plenty of work to adorn screens and easels. Happy to be invited to show! It's a fun evening ahead.

Spring Classes are Open For Registration

Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Spring class listings including Evening Paint, Plein Air Landscape and Still Life Plus are on my web site.  It's a little confusing with listings still up there on current classes and upcoming ones ... but dig a little and I bet you'll figure it out. Have any questions, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com.  See my listing of all classes here: https://jillbanks.com/workshops
 

Two Art Fairs Officially on the Calendar for 2017 
Acceptances have started to roll in ... Hope you'll mark your calendars.
May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA

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.   

Finalist, January 2017 Sedona Art Prize for "Scene at the Bar."
Here's the page with the 12 Top Paintings for January 2017 selected by artist Robert Burridge: http://www.sedonaartprize.com/about-sedona-art-prize/finalist-paintings/finalist-paintings-january-2017
and then travel around the site from there.


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...)