Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Three in Almost a Row: Bucks County PA, Richmond VA and Telluride CO

I currently think my plein air brushes are a little rusty at the moment.  By mid-July, they'll be anything but.
"La Cote D'Or Cafe," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
"La Cote D'Or Cafe" was painted plein air yesterday in, oops, Arlington. I had signed up last minute for the Falls Church Plein Air competition figuring that old kill two birds with one stone principle.  I needed the plein air practice before heading to Pennsylvania for Bucks County and the city of Falls Church was sponsoring a plein air competition.  So I headed off looking for a place to paint. Put on my brakes for this charming building. Spent a few hours across the street painting and battling some early evening mosquitoes. 

Then, realized just now as I checked the spelling that it borders Falls Church and Arlington ... but has an Arlington address. Thus, oops.  That won't work.  At least the piece created on Saturday, "Donut Heaven" at the Falls Church farmer's market will. We'll see if I can pull it together soon enough with some impending departures.

Three Plein Air Competitions Just Ahead
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

June 18-25: Plein Air Richmond, Richmond VA. Just found out that I've been accepted to this event for the first time. Looking forward to painting in Richmond!

June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride CO

And, Hope to See You at Rittenhouse Square!

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA. I'll be giving one of the official artist demonstration's on Friday, June 2, noon-1pm at her booth. Would love a volunteer to sit for a quick portrait sketch.

That's the news for now. Thanks for reading!

Jill Banks

Other Events
June 2: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm). TD Bank Petite Gallery is showing five of Jill's original oils and is open for the First Friday Art Walk, 6-7pm only.
 
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA
 
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA
 
June 18-25: Plein Air Richmond, Richmond VA
 
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
 
July 8-9: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford RI
 
September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival,, Alexandria, VA
 
September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
 
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...)
 
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Friday, May 26, 2017

The Garden Angel

"Angel Wings," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

Last week's plein air class was held in one of my student's garden. Tom's wife spends countless hours tending the garden (her canvas) and she wanted to make sure it was in even better than normal shape to welcome the class.  (The garden is beautiful.)

Tom told her that I tend to like some messy parts -- that show signs of life. Left out for us were a wheelbarrow and yellow watering can ... plus a garden spade on the outdoor dining table. All appreciated touches.

The garden angel has a broken wing but that was well propped up and she was given the gift of a hydrangea bouquet with pink ribbons. She was calling to me even before the bouquet.

Peaceful day.

Coming up next: Rittenhouse Square Art Show in Philadelphia -- June 2-4 and Bucks County Plein Air right after that.

Time to panic? Or to think about both painting supplies and what will be in my booth in Philly?

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!
Jill Banks
EVENTS
June 2: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm). TD Bank Petite Gallery is showing five of Jill's original oils and is open for the First Friday Art Walk, 6-7pm only.
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
July 8-9: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford RI
September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival,, Alexandria, VA
September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
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...)


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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Last Day of Class -- Painting at Lake Anne

"Lake View," (with Marisol and Margaret) oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

While I need the painting time, I'm sorry to see this session's plein air class come to an end.  It was an unusually small class ... full of wonderful personalities and easy rapport. Now students scatter ... one to Spain, one to a year's adventure in Alaska, another to multiple trips ... and me to the many adventures that lay ahead.

The photo is pretty dismal but the day was grand.  I'll try again soon to get the image okay and then put it up on my website.

In just a week, I head to Philadelphia to set up for the Rittenhouse show (June 2-4) and Bucks County Plein Air (June 5-12).  I'm looking for someone to paint for my Friday afternoon demo at Rittenhouse (noon to 1pm). Have a solution for me? Please email me.

There are events ahead in the DC area ... like the First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre in Great Falls, 6-8pm at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. I'll miss it because of Rittenhouse ... but if you are in the area, please attend.  In addition to work at the Atelier, there are five pieces at the TD Bank petite gallery -- open on First Friday from 6-7pm only. Hope you'll stop by!

Thank you to all who visited my booth at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at the Reston Town Center this past weekend. It was a wonderful show ... and our conversations were touching. Thanks to my new collectors, too!


Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!
 
Jill Banks
 
EVENTS
June 2: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm). TD Bank Petite Gallery is showing five of Jill's original oils and is open for the First Friday Art Walk, 6-7pm only.
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
 
 
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...)
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Friday, May 12, 2017

Last Full Day Painting in Charleston

"Meeting and Queen," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
The week ended on a high note, with a painting that cooperated with my vision for it, friendly and complimentary folks stopping by all afternoon ... culminating with a really wonderful reunion over a casual dinner with my former studiomate (the founder and visionary of the Artists' Atelier) Mollie Vardell and her husband Michael.  They relocated to Charleston a few years ago and it was easy to see why they chose this place.  But, still, it was great to see how happy they are with their decision.

True fun.

The photo of "Meeting and Queen" will be improved and this plein air piece may become a larger work that focuses more on the action and people that came together this afternoon.  The name might also change. Suggestions welcome.

A Wonderful Life

I've been writing this blog since 2008. It is titled "Life as an Artist: Jill Banks" and meant to give you an insight into the trials and tribulations of life as an emerging artist. At this moment, I just want to say ... while rejections still come my way (regularly ... since there are so many great artists out there), joy is ridiculously abundant.

A fellow student when I was first began this journey dreamed of fame.  That was not an aspiration of mine because who controls the keys to that kingdom? Not me.

Today, standing on Meeting Street, by the time my painting no longer looked like an abstract -- it seemed everyone who passed told me how beautiful it was. Many inquired about where they could purchase my work. No one fainted over the finished work price.  One already knew of me and my work. That's pretty astounding. How'd that happen?

I think I know the answer.  While there have been some incredible opportunities and exposure in the past few years, the power of someone else telling their story of a connection with my  work goes way beyond a mention, an award or passing notice.  YOU are the reason why someone might know my work on the streets of Charleston. Your support and enthusiasm gave me the confidence to stand there and hope for the best. Seriously, THANK YOU!!!!


Paintings In Different Places


  • See "Got Your Goat" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through May 31
  • See "Hudson River Morn" -- the view from my hotel room shower window in NYC -- at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through June 4, 2017. Open exhibit juried by Dana Shearin. 
  • See five paintings of Great Falls including "Village Centre Walk" -- a painting to be raffled off by Celebrate Great Falls to raise funds for the Walker Road Streetscape Project at the mini Gallery at TD Bank on the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. ($50 per raffle ticket. 100 tickets - maximum sold.)
 Work is spread around elsewhere as well (like the American Women Artists Online Showcase)...

Events

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!
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...)
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Thursday, May 11, 2017

"Wade Away" In Progress -- Fountain at Waterfront Park

"Wade Away" in Progress, oil, 24"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

I'm finishing this one from Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC at home ... so more paintings can get started (and perhaps finished) plein air here. Wading is allowed ... with some reasonable stipulations.  Nice!

While I was painting at the fountain, a young man got down on one knee and proposed. An onlooker asked me if I caught that. No.  I definitely don't paint THAT quickly!

Another post will probably come tonight ... about today's adventure. Too many paintable spots to make choosing easy.   With "Wade Away" I'd set up in the wrong spot ... too distant to the fountain to get a sense of the fun of it.  Fixed that problem by working in my air-conditioned hotel room from memories and photos of the day before.  A lesson ... hopefully learned.

Paintings In Different Places

  • See "Got Your Goat" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through May 31
  • See "Hudson River Morn" -- the view from my hotel room shower window in NYC -- at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through June 4, 2017. Open exhibit juried by Dana Shearin. 
  • See five paintings of Great Falls including "Village Centre Walk" -- a painting to be raffled off by Celebrate Great Falls to raise funds for the Walker Road Streetscape Project at the mini Gallery at TD Bank on the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. ($50 per raffle ticket. 100 tickets - maximum sold.)
 Work is spread around elsewhere as well (like the American Women Artists Online Showcase)...

Events

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
 
Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!
 
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...)
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Tuesday, May 9, 2017

"Hitched" in Charleston SC

 www.JillBanks.com

Okay, that's perhaps a little misleading ... since husband Randy an I got hitched (married)  a whole lot of moons ago in Bryn Mawr, PA.

"Hitched," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

I'm on a short, personal painting trip to Charleston, South Carolina and this is my second piece of the trip -- created plein air at the spot the horse and carriages line up waiting for their passengers.  Many a horse came and went ... but there was always a stand-in to inform my painting. What a wonderful day!

I added "Hitched" to the Animals, Birds and Wildlife gallery on my web site although it could also go in the Places section. Hopefully, you feel free to explore all.

More donkeys, horses, fountains, tree-lined vistas to come this week.  I think one of the fountains at Waterfront Park is up next.

We're planning to eat at Sorghum and Salt tonight. The menu looks incredibly innovative ... another artist feeding an artist.  My review of dinner will come tomorrow.  (Just in case you want to know.)

Prior to this trip, I've only spent one afternoon in Charleston. It's an enchanting city and I'm looking forward to every moment spent here.  Love the hospitality. Wading is allowed in the fountain I'm planning to paint. Right near it are rows of wooden swings and casually arranged outdoor seating areas for chatting. Hospitality is in full force.

Paintings In Different Places
  • See "Got Your Goat" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through May 31
  • See "Hudson River Morn" -- the view from my hotel room shower window in NYC -- at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through June 4, 2017. Open exhibit juried by Dana Shearin. 
  • See five paintings of Great Falls including "Village Centre Walk" -- a painting to be raffled off by Celebrate Great Falls to raise funds for the Walker Road Streetscape Project at the mini Gallery at TD Bank on the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. ($50 per raffle ticket. 100 tickets - maximum sold.)
 Work is spread around elsewhere as well (like the American Women Artists Online Showcase)...

Events

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
 
Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I 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...)

"Daily Special," the Best in Show winner in the September 2016 BoldBrush Painting Competition (out of 1440 entries) found a new owner.
Recently Purchased:
"Daily Special"
"On the Rocks"
"Evening By the Lake"
"Pink Pond"


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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

"Like Apple and Oranges" (With an Owl) and First Friday Art Walk

"Like Apple and Oranges" (with and owl), oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"Like Apple and Oranges" has  already had a rough ride to fruition.  I worked on a very different version of this yesterday between my two classes. Cleaned up after my Evening Paint class. Loaded a lot of stuff into my car. Put this wet painting on the roof while taking care of odds and ends. Started my drive home.  Oops. After back-tracking,  I did see it laying face down on the road.  Interesting new texture.

Then today, I added the owl, changed the background and forefront colors and did just about every other imaginable alteration.   But ... it was fun.

There is a TON of paint on this canvas.  Might have to charge by the pound. (Just kidding about that part.)  It might make it the first First Friday Art Walk in the Village (Great Falls, VA) of the year that happens on May 5, 6-8pm.  Even if you visited my studio for this past weekend's ArtFest ... what will be on the walls at the Atelier in my space will be new.  So, come for a visit and to say "hi."  Location: Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

Donna Barnako will be showcasing her jewelry in the Arts of Great Falls Gallery during the First Friday Art Walk only.  Three joint studios will be open. Two galleries.  Many artists.  Make a night of it! See below for a link with more info.

"Village Centre Walk" at TD Bank for First Friday

"Table on the Green," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Five of my pieces will also be on view in the TD Bank Petite Gallery a few short steps away.  Work there will include "Village Centre Walk" -- my painting that will be auctioned off to help the Walker Road Streetscape Project.  Raffle tickets will cost $50 each. A maximum of 100 tickets will be sold.  You might be the winner.

Events

May 5: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon! And thanks to all who visited Fairfax Corner or the Great Falls Artfest this past weekend.  And, huge thanks to my parents to greeting each guest to the Atelier in Great Falls.
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...)

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