Last Day to See "On the Bright Side" Exhibit

In case you've missed it, today's the last day to view my "On the Bright Side" solo exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. The show includes 23 paintings and drawings that give you a solid glimpse into my joyful-leaning outlook on life. Turn off the news. Go see the show.

Tomorrow's the last day to see "Still Life Poetry" an invitational group exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA, open tomorrow 1-3pm. I have four pieces there including "Sunflowers and Gladioli", "Peonies", "Sunday Morning" and "Peppermint Stick and Pencil". It's a great exhibt. Don't miss it either!

I'll be in my studio today (Saturday), the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls from noon-4pm -- probably painting apples. Maybe oranges. Maybe Michelle. Maybe a commission.

There are my marching orders for you this weekend. I hope they work.

I still don't have evidence that the subscribe via email section is working. Keep checking this site until you start to get posts via email from me. Thanks!

"Rainy Day Market" is my postcard image for the "On the Bright Side" show. Remarkably, it's still available for purchase. Oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Arance, Oranges" New Painting in Progress

This is Day Two on this painting of oranges and lemons from a market in Florence, Italy -- the latest work in my Market series. This is one of those paintings that looked phenomenal just in the underpainting stage -- when I first lay in the darks with Burnt Sienna and French Ultramarine Blue to "deign" the painting. You can see some of that underpainting on the parts of the painting I haven't touched yet.

I'm definitely having fun. Large forms, generous scale, loose brushstrokes, intense color, happy painting -- the perfect formula for me. It's hard not to love it.

My son Sam turned 21 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAM!

His birthday present from Randy and me was "Michelle II". See yesterday's post.

I'm not sure "Arance, Oranges" will be the final title on this, but it will do for now.
"Arance, Oranges" work in progress, 24"h x 36"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

By the way, Randy and I had dinner tonight at the Old Brogue in Great Falls where my painting "Lemon Yellow" hangs as part of the Great Falls Studios group show through the end of August. Check it out and these other exhibits before they close at the end of this month.

"On the Bright Side" solo show of 23 paintings and drawings at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through August 31. See my web site for more information about that show.

and "Still Life Poetry", a group invitational (fantastic) exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA -- where I have four still lifes -- on exhibit through August 30.

And, come see me at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Open Saturdays, noon-4pm and the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm. Plus, by appointment -- call 703.403.7435.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Portrait Delivery and "On the Bright Side" Reception

This past Friday, the couple captured in this portrait saw it for the first time -- with an official unveiling in my studio. I've worked on it on and off in my studio for months, and I get the distinct feeling that they are my most famous sitters to date. Everyone who has seen it instantly recognizes them and were excited to see this work in progress. The few who don't know them, love this painting anyway.

The portrait commission was a gift to them from another client of mine. (A pretty wonderful gift!) Edited out by the artist (me) was Victor's plaid shirt. This is what I love about this portrait: the sense of relaxation and ease, the striking composition, and the light airiness of the environment. My famous couple were thrilled with it, too. Yea!

I made minor changes to it and framed it for them to pick up during my "On the Bright Side" reception this Saturday at the Great Falls Library. The exhibit is up until August 31 at 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Regular hours are Monday-Wednesday, 10am-8pm; Thursday & Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-5pm; closed Sundays. If you haven't seen the show yet, I hope you'll stop in and consider purchasing a piece or two. I would be glad to give you a personal tour if you'd like. Contact me at jillbanks1@aol.com or 703.403.7435 if that's of interest. Sold so far are "Limoni", "L'Auberge Chez Francois", "The Duomo" and "The Gondolier." That means there's still a chance to purchase "Rainy Day Market", "Sunflowers II", and "Rooster and Geraniums," to name a few.

Last night and today I'm working on one of my two Michelle paintings. I guess that makes it no longer "alla prima" ... maybe "alla two time-a". Now, both son Sam and his girlfriend, Michelle are excited about it. Sam was smiling ear to ear.

I'll show you later my progress on "Michelle I". I'm really enjoying painting her. Part of it is the opportunity to spend time with her and part is painting the portrait from life.

The portrait shown is oil on linen, 20"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Find out more information about commissioning a portrait on my web site: www.jillbanks.com. See portraits on my gallery page and info on the commissions page. Portraits take time, plus I have a very full schedule of already commissioned portraits I'm working on ... so if you're interested, meet with me and book now for 2010 delivery.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435