"Scene At the Bar" Latest Painting

"Scene At the Bar," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©2016 Jill Banks

There were two main impetuses behind starting and finishing "Scene At a Bar."

I'd read the news of artist Ken Auster's passing. He was known for capturing many different subjects, but I identified with his works set in cafés and bars.  When delivering paintings to a collector who purchased "Seat by the Window: Montmartre" (among others), I found out that "Seat By the Window" was headed to another home to keep company with his collection of Ken Auster's works. It's final destination, apparently was the "Bar" House.

The second nudge/shove to start this canvas was the painting that just wouldn't "behave." The only hope to save that attempt is to set it aside for awhile. Perhaps the next string of paintings will suddenly guide me in how to proceed.  I at least know where my trouble began. Look for that lesson when/if I finally call that one finished.


"Scene At the Bar" is worth seeing.  I'm difficult to please lately ... but this passes the test. Not without persistence, though.

"Late Night Saloon," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. Private collection

See more interiors/urban landscapes including bar and cafe paintings on my web site's Places Gallery.

Threaded With Green Biannual Quilt Show at ArtSpace Herndon
Do go see the fiber/quilt exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon at 105 Center Street, Herndon, Virginia before it concludes on February 14.  Randy and I took a long look this past week and it is wonderful. Get more info on ArtSpace Herndon's web site here: http://artspaceherndon.org/

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com  

See the Events page for more info/updates

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

Two New Exhibits: "Still Life Poetry" and "Food"

I'm losing track of days here ... probably for good reason. On Friday, I helped Walt Lawrence and Cindy Grisdela (and Linda Rosen) hang a new Great Falls Studios exhibit "Food" at Katie's Coffee, part of the Old Brogue Irish Pub. My contribution was "Lemon Yellow" (see my July 28 post). The exhibit contains 23 pieces, all less than 154 square inches and fitting the broad theme of "Food." Lemons work. The show hangs for the month of August.


On Saturday, I worked more on "Reflections". I'll return to that piece later on today while I scheme about the new still life setups for class tomorrow. Hmmm.

Yesterday, I took four pieces to ArtSpace Herndon for the "Still Life Poetry" invitational exhibit. I can't wait to see that show hung. I think it will be phenomenal -- nice space, great art, great group of artists. What you'll see there of mine:





"Peonies"
20"h x 16"w
oil on linen
$1500





















"Sunday Morning"
12"h x 12"w
oil
$1050
This painting was juried into Salon International 2009, a project of the International Museum of Contemporary Masters, held at Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, Texas. Also appeared in the April 2009 issue of "American Art Collector".








And, the littlest:
"Peppermint Stick and Pencil"
6"h x 4"w
oil
$195
This one's fun and a good painting to boot.










Details on that exhibit:
What: "Still Life Poetry" Exhibit
An extraordinary group show by award winning still life artists:
* Trisha Adams * Jill Banks * Vicki Blum *
* Petra Gerber * Robert Johnson *
* Virginia Johnson * Tricia Ratliff *
* Patty Rice * Kurt Schwartz *
* Henry Wingate * Jordan Xu *

When: August 4-30. Gala Opening and Artists' Talk: Saturday, August 8, 7-9pm. Regular Gallery Hours: Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm; Wednesday 10am - 2pm; Thursday 10am - 2pm; Friday 10am - 8pm; Saturday 10am - 2pm; Sunday 1pm - 3pm (Or by appointment). Closed Mondays

Where: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA

After dropping off my paintings, Randy and I headed to Rehoboth Beach to see the opening of two of my studiomates, Adrienne Kralick and Mollie Vardell's "Coastal Colors" show held at the Aerie Art Gallery. Great show, beautiful gallery, and a really fun evening.

This coming Friday is First Friday at the Artists' Atelier, 7-9pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. You're Invited! I hope to see you there.

Also, my "On the Bright Side" solo show of 22 paintings and drawings continues at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls until the end of August. Don't miss it!!! If you are interested in purchasing a painting, contact me by email: jillbanks1@aol.com or call 703.403.7435. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Friends of the Great Falls Library.


Now, I'm off to paint!

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

Latest Work, New Name

I just finished what used to be (as in the last two weeks) called "Seeing Red" today ... and a not so subtle shift earned it a new name: "Give Me Liberty...". I added the daisy in the bottom left, the one that was willing to die for its freedom, and it stole the show. Hmmm. Patrick Henry, this daisy and I share the same philosophy.

"Give Me Liberty...", oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Ongoing and Upcoming Shows:
"On the Bright Side" solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 through August 31. See web site for preview and open hours.

"Still Life Poetry" group invitational show at ArtSpace Herndon, August 4-30. Reception: August 8, 7-9pm, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.

McLean Artfest, juried outdoor show, Sunday, October 4, 10am-5pm.

And, my studio at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, open Saturdays, noon-4pm and the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm ... plus any time I'm in there working or by appointment. Call 703.403.7435.

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