Art at the Mill Delivery

Among other things, I delivered my Art at the Mill Show paintings at the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood, VA today. Fellow artist, Adrienne Kralick kindly drove -- so I could enjoy the scenery and take photos along the way. Anyway, I reported earlier that I had my best results yet in acceptances into the show. I had received a postcard that said that three of my entries were accepted, and one was placed on reserve. This one, "Reclining Nude," 11"h x 14"w, oil on linen -- had a check mark (meaning it was accepted) on the postcard (that I didn't bring with me). Yet, the records at Art at the Mill had an "x" by it -- meaning it was rejected. So, ultimately I left three other paintings and packed this one back in the car.

I could have tried to be more persistent, but I was actually just as happy to take it back home with me and exhibit it in the Atelier for the Studio Tour.

The Art at the Mill show runs October 4-19. The show is open Sunday through Friday, 12-5pm, and Saturday, 10am-6pm. There is an Artists' Reception, Sunday, October 12, 2 to 5pm.

The work in this particular show impressed me more than in previous shows. Adrienne and I also stopped in at the Aldie Mill show -- one I haven't entered yet. Both shows are worth taking an enjoyable drive to go and check out.

Art at the Mill Show Acceptances

The Art at the Mill Show in Millwood, Virginia is a regular fixture in the exhibit schedule for regional artists. Artists submit up to five pieces, and the jury decides whether the piece is accepted, rejected or placed on reserve. There are two shows a year, one in the Spring and the other in the Fall. These shows are a bit quirky (my opinion) with what I consider a really wide range in quality and prices of the work, but they are well attended and a lot of art is sold each show.

Yesterday, I heard word that of the five pieces that I submitted, three were accepted, one was placed on reserve and one was rejected. I'm making progress! That's my best "score" so far.

The Fall Art at the Mill show will take place at the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood, VA on October 4-19, Sunday through Friday, 12-5 pm and Saturday, 10am-6pm. There is an admission fee.

Every time I enter a show, I literally torture myself making a decision on what to submit. I try to think about the venue, notice what sells and what has appeared there before, and consider the juror, if that's publicized. Then I try to pick what I think best suits that combination. I still win some and lose some, but my odds seem to be improving.

Above, I included one of my accepted entries. "Striped Skirt" was painted a week and a half ago, alla prima, when Ellie modeled for the portrait painting class I teach. To paint something alla prima means to paint it all at once -- in a single session without layering the paint. This painting is super loose -- a nice respite for me. 20"h x 16"w, oil on Senso linen canvas, copyright Jill Banks 2008.

By the way, Richard Schmid, a favorite painter of mine, wrote a wonderful book titled "Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting." This is such a great book for artists of all levels! It's published in both hardback and softcover.