Thursday, July 27, 2017

"Better Days"

"Better Days," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
An unusual piece for me, "Better Days" has been chosen for the Women Artists of the West Annual Exhibition which will take place in an unusual place for the group ... the McBride Gallery in Annapolis, MD (November 5-December 31).

I painted this during Richmond Plein Air and almost chose it for the two pieces that were juried for awards. Don't know exactly what stopped me from doing that.  Perhaps I know how much this painting draws me in without understanding why? The simplicity? The slope?

Comments are welcome. Or emails.

So many wonderful things have been happening recently and I'm just grateful. Sales. Appreciation. Recognition. Even a few minutes of fame.

Today I revealed a portrait. A tense event (understatement). The parents of my subject TRULY loved the painting.  That's more than a relief.  It touches my soul.

 A recent email was a reminder.  My husband Randy makes what I do possible and fun. Our brains are as dissimilar as apples and orangutans. Seriously. Since taking up painting, I no longer can multi-task. He handles inventory, shipping, packing the car, what we need, travel arrangements, taxes, deadlines, framing, booth raising, lighting, gerry-rigging, figuring out where we're eating and staying, and on and on. But, besides all those important "jobs," what Randy does is make my life full of joy. We work hard but do it together ... and then it turns into something else.  I love him SO much and could not be more thankful for him, our marriage, our life.

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


Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Hopefully you'll be able to still grab the July issue of Southwest Art Magazine ... but here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. I've had a heck of a time finding extras after making several stops at Barnes and Noble.

Thanks for reading!


Jill Banks

Upcoming Events

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 21-22

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...)

2 comments:

Christine said...

Congratulations Jill! That is so wonderful. And thanks for making me cry (tears of happiness). You and Randy are truly blessed. Hugs!

Philip said...

You DO have an awesome partner in this journey. Lucky you!