Where There Once Was A Goat

"On Top of the World," oil, 60"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks

... Now there's a painting of granddaughter Emma and husband Randy. I guess there's some explaining to do.

I've Been AWOL
First, I apologize for my ridiculously extended absence from my blog here. I've been much more active with regular email newsletters from my website: www.JillBanks.com.   I've made some guest author "appearances" - most recently a really neat article about my 46-year tenure as Christmas card cover designer for my parents' annual mailing  -- published on Fine Art Today last week.  Then there's been events, holidays, Facebook and Instagram posts (follow me please).  So, I'm out there ... just not necessarily here.

For the last week, I've been working on a piece to make myself happy.  Painting -- pretty much anything -- makes me happy but this was a special project and a piece that can hang out with me ... in our home.

Fresh Off the Easel
The subjects for "On Top of the World" are granddaughter Emma and husband Randy out on a late Fall walk in a favorite spot.  Bet you can figure out why it was high on my priority list for paintings to be.

There are lots of other pieces waiting for attention. To be finished or started.  That can start happening tomorrow.

I knew that this had to become a painting ... and also knew precisely where it would reside.  There is a perfect spot atop our fireplace that is just right for this.  I can see "On Top of the World" leaning there as I'm typing this and it is visible from almost every spot on the main floor.  Before Emma and Randy were painted, this same spot held "Got Your Goat?" -- another favorite piece that has gone off to a great home.  Since it left here, though, I've been trying to figure out what can fill that spot in my heart and home. This is it.

Poor photo ... but this is where "On Top of the World" will be hanging out

Spend Some Time Browsing My Website to Catch Up ... Please

There's plenty there, including "On Top of the World" just added to the People and Portraits gallery on my website.

www.JillBanks.com

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

 

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/JillBanksStudio/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

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

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

 

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.  

 

Read the Article: "Christmas Card Paintings: 46 Years and Counting"Here's a link to the article in Fine Art Today, published by Fine Art Connoisseur.  

 

Read the Article: "A Paris Plein Air Adventure" published by Outdoor Painter (from Plein Air Magazine)

The Alexandria King Street Fine Art Festival Has Been Postponed ... See You September 22 & 23

Saturday, September 22, 10am to 7pm

Sunday, September 23, 10am to 5pm

Old Town Alexandria VA on King Street

My recent booth at Shadyside ... something similar full of artwork you just might want to take home will be in Alexandria VA for the King Street Art Festival on its new dates of September 22 and 23

I really want to see you in Old Town Alexandria for the King Street Art Festival ... but this fantastic outdoor fine art show isn't this weekend (September 15 & 16, 2018) as originally planned ... but is a GO for the following weekend on September 22 & 23. 

"Sky Drama," oil, 24"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks (painted plein air in New Hope PA)

Find out more about the festival here. And, get a sneak peek into what your may find in my booth here.  There are apt to be some fresh new paintings created between now (when I'm posting this) and the show.  I know I'll be meeting some goats and have paints ready to capture them ... the week leading up to the 22 & 23.  And if goats aren't your "thing," maybe urban streetscapes, markets, still lifes and people are.  (You'll find those in my booth too.)

And to find my booth, it really helps to have cross streets and landmarks ... but I will not find out my official booth number until September 20 so check my events page here before coming.  (My booth has been located right in front of the Alexandrian hotel in the past.  Hope to be there again.)

My booth won't look just like what's shown above. That middle cityscape on the the back wall was purchased last weekend and will go to its home far, far, far away as soon as the shipping logistics are worked out. Actually, many major pieces have found new homes lately. I will be working on a beautiful new showstopper. Wish me luck and good painting, please!!!!

There's lots of news to share ... so look for multiple blog posts today and tomorrow.  Also a newsletter coming to those subscribed via my website (it's not the same -- so if in doubt, go to www.JillBanks.com to subscribe). 

September 1-30: "Water Works" Solo Exhibit, The Old Brogue Great Falls VA. View the exhibit online here.

 

September 1-30: "Paint Great Falls Plein Air" Exhibit, The Arts of Great Falls Gallery, 756-C Walker Road, Great Falls VA. View the exhibit on Saturdays, 10am-Noon or by appointment.  My piece, "Station No. 12" was awarded 1st Place in the competition.

Station No. 12, oil, 12"x12", ©2018 Jill Banks - Won 1st Prize

September 22 & 23: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA (NOTE: these are NEW dates as the Alexandria King Street Festival was postponed from the previous week.  Help us spread the word please.)

September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)

September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY

 

October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

 

October 19-21: Great Falls Annual Art Studio Tour, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Rd, Great Falls VA

 

CLASSES Start September 25 and September 27 including Still Life Plus,  Evening Paint and Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Get more info and Register at my Classes Page

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

 

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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 (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

 

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. 

Paris Outside the Window

Fifth Floor View, oil on linen-lined panel, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks

If there was a way for me to talk with you that didn't involve technology, that would be exactly how I'd do it. 

Today, when it's almost time to say goodbye to Paris, I painted near the surface of the Seine, preparing for the sunset on Pont Neuf and capturing a quick view of Pont des Arts before making an about-face. It was my favorite evening among so many.  I did well painting Pont Neuf at sunset but what I saw and felt will be added to that image before appearing here. Same with Pont des Arts. Same with so many of the 15 canvases that will head back to the States. It isn't that I want them perfect, I want what I saw and felt to live in them so you can as well.

This is just one extraordinary city. Now that I've met hundreds of people, two rank in the trouble department. One who consumed many too many at Rue de Mouffetard and another on the grumpy side selling glace (ice cream/sorbet) outside Giverny. Actually, a few extra city crazy folks swear outside the window on occasion but I don't include them as acquaintances.

I always leave a place knowing what needs to be painted.  For me now, it's Rue de Mouffetard. I painted two canvases there but want to sew the scene together. That will one day make sense. Photos don't seem to be doing anything justice ... so see for yourself. Next chances are at Shadyside in Philadelphia, my solo show in Great Falls and other shows in September. Contact me if something in particular is of interest.

                                                                                                                                                                          

Le Soleil D'Or, oil on linen-lined panel, 16"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks

See more of my paintings from here and elsewhere in the Places collection on my website: www.JillBanks.com

#pleinairpainting #paintinginParis #jillbanksart

Thanks for visiting! 

Jill

 

P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

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

 

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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 (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

 

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. 

ART EVENTS

First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)

  

June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI

August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA

September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA

September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)

September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY

October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

Plein Air Painting in Place Des Vosges - Paris - Pretty Cool!

Park Place, oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- created plein air at Place des Vosges with me trying to be inconspicuous. Hard to accomplish when you have an easel in front of you.

I painted in Place Des Vosges the last time in Paris in March 2013. That previous trip, I couldn't feel my fingers ... it was that cold. This time around, it was a bit too toasty and bright, so I found a spot on a bench with a canopy of leaves overhead where it might be possible to not draw excessive attention to my easel.  At least I received less.

Natalie Chan's Drawing from Place Des Vosges.  Thanks, Natalie! I love it!

A surprise well into my painting was having a young woman, Natalie Chan, offer a gift of her wonderful drawing of Randy and me on that bench in the park. Apparently I was getting more attention than realized.

While I was trying to paint a little bit out of the way to help my progress, one of the real joys of creating en plein air is the interaction of those you meet on those outings ... like Natalie and all the other artists of all ages and enthusiasts.  All encounters have been great ones ... minus one this trip ... but I'll save that story for another post.

We made one big boo-boo this trip and that is not bringing any easy way to transport or pack wet 18" x 24" canvases (the size of Park Place). That means you could have seen me precariously holding this canvas weaving through the full sidewalks of Central Paris.  That's one way to disperse a crowd.  That will be remedied before the next major outing!  We've ventured far, on foot, and it can be a complicated trip back to our home away from home here in Paris.

It's possible I'll add pigeons to this or other paintings.  They are everywhere and Place Des Vosges was no exception.  (Natalie definitely noticed them.) My reluctance may have come from pigeon droppings really getting husband Randy on my first morning out painting.  I don't want the birds to think they belong ON my art.

Greetings from Paris! Here I am painting in my new (still fresh but not for long) smock from Charvin - Paris. Plus I'm trying out a new squeegee tool with a clipped corner. Haven't figured it out yet (how/when to use), but I'm working on it.

This blog posts are going to be all out of chronological order.  Doubt it matters.  This place is too much fun and with walking, discovering, eating, painting, returning home, and then getting ready to post ... well, I might just be having some troubles fitting it all in.

See more of my paintings from here and elsewhere in the Places collection on my website: www.JillBanks.com

#pleinairpainting #paintinginParis #jillbanksart

Thanks for visiting! 

Jill

P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

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

 

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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 (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

 

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. 

ART EVENTS

First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)

  

June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI

August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA

September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA

September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)

September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY

October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

Painting in Paris at Luxembourg Garden ... Wow!

The Regatta, oil, 12 x 24 inches, ©2018 Jill Banks

This is the third plein air painting of my Paris adventure, but the first photographed and ready to show.

After landing in Paris and checking into our home away from home, it was rest time and then we headed out for an 8-mile trek to various locations where I might want to paint.  Luxembourg Garden is ridiculously gorgeous ... and a spot I could paint for a year.  When I did head back there two days later it was even more spectacular with the addition of all these wonderful sailboats.  They go where they want and all their "sailors" can do is head them in another direction when they near the edges of the basin.

Lots more to come.  Follow the adventure through my Facebook page or website or here. 

And, I have a new smock from the Paris Charvin store.  That will show up in some future posts. Given that it's August, lots of shops are on vacation so it was very nice to find an art supply store that was open AND on the way back home.

Thanks for visiting! 

Jill

P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

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

 

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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 (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

 

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. 

ART EVENTS

First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)

  

June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI

August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA

September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA

September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)

September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY

October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

Are You Ready for a Night Out on the Town?

"Memory Lane," oil, 36"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks

It's time for the First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre -- Great Falls VA that is!

Sure hope you'll be there!
Start at the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066.

Friday, August 3, 6-8pm
Visit 3 joint studios.
1 Gallery
1 Petite Gallery
Eat at one of our Village Centre restaurants
Music at the Old Brogue starting at 9pm.

Refreshments while they last.

This is version three of "Memory Lane." I've been going nuts with this one.  Really think I have it.

But more importantly, what do YOU think?

See it in person -- version 3 -- tomorrow night.


"Memory Lane" isn't the only painting that's gone through a renovation... 
 

"Cat House" will be there, too. A favorite from Telluride. Find out how it got its name.

Come see "City Sparkle" at the studio.  This week I changed this favorite painting for a reason. That was daunting and a bit crazy but I now do love it more than ever.  Think you will too.

Check out most of the paintings from Telluride -- sold and available here.

My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

Jill

 

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

 

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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 (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

 

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. 

ART EVENTS

First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)

  

June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI

August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA

September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA

September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)

September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY

October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA