Rittenhouse Square the Original Art Show This Weekend, June 3 to June 5

"Barn at Granogue," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2015 Jill Banks will be one of the paintings from the Brandywine Valley Plein Air and Wayne Plein Air juried competitions that you'll find in my Rittenhouse Square booth

In Philadelphia at the Rittenhouse Square the Original Art Show June 3-5

If you're somewhere near Philadelphia this coming weekend, Friday June 3 to Sunday June 5 ... please stop by the wonderful Rittenhouse Square Art Show (click link for more info).

Show hours, rain or shine:

Friday, June 3: 11am to 7pm

Saturday, June 4: 11am to 6pm

Sunday, June 5: 11am to 5pm

I'll be in Booth #25 on Walnut Street.

List of Exhibiting Artists: See list and links for artists here to take a sneak peek.

Map of Booth Numbers Around the Square: See link and map here.

Parking Info

Read the history of this event here.

Can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to returning to Rittenhouse Square  -- my second year participating in one of the most respected and well attended outdoor art fairs in the country. Hope to see you there!

"Flowers to Go," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2015 Jill Banks: flower market near Wayne PA painted plein air.

I've spent a lot of time painting around the Philadelphia area so many of the pieces in my booth this year will have been painted (fairly) nearby including "Barn at Granogue," "Flowers to Go" ... and some REALLY close by (as in ... IN the Square) like "Garden Lion, Rittenhouse Square," and "Tents in the Square."

"Garden Lion, Rittenhouse Square," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2015 Jill Banks: painted during my Official Rittenhouse Square demonstration given in 2015. I'll be demo'ing again on Saturday, June 4 at 1pm. I'd love to see  you!

It won't all be local ... many other favorite pieces painted on travels around the US and Europe as well as those close to my home in Virginia will be there for the choosing. I hope you like (love) what I picked to show you!

And in New York at the Salmagundi Club through June 3...

At the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition at the Salmagundi Art Club (47 Fifth Avenue in NYC), there's still a short chance to see "Seaside Sunset," my oil painting of the beach at Carmel, California at sunset which has been awarded the very top prize (the Board of Directors Award -- Best in Show -- by jurors Naomi Campbell and Rick Rosen). The Awards Reception is on Friday, June 3, 6-8pm at the Salmagundi Club in NYC. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make that event since it coincides with the Rittenhouse Square Art Show on June 3-5. Can't be in two places at one time -- but if I could, I would! The reception is free and open to the public though ... so hopefully, maybe you could drop in!

Click here to view the CLWAC Member exhibition

And in Great Falls, VA ... another big Art Weekend awaits

ArtsFest on the Green, June 3-5

Art Walk in the Village: First Fridays  

Friday, June 3rd, 6-9pm     FREE

This month's Art Walk is combined with ArtFest!  Stroll through 20 artists' booths under tents on the Green and 3 indoor art studios (info below). Live music at The Old Brogue beginning at 9pm. Enter the Green through the art studios at 756, 766, or 776 Walker Rd in Great Falls, VA.

Great Falls Studios  Art Show & Sale

Friday, June 3  (6 - 9 pm)
Saturday, June 4  (

9 am-5 pm)

Sunday, June 5  (11 am - 8 pm)
 

On the Village Green in Great Falls, wander through the booths of over 20 artists of Great Falls Studios to see oil, acrylic, watercolors and mixed media paintings; pottery; photographs; jewelry; blown glass; and fabric art. Visit the indoor studios of Artists on the Green (766-B Walker Rd.), The Artists' Loft (766 Walker Rd.), and Artists' Atelier (756 Walker Rd.) This is a great opportunity to see the art and chat with the artists who make it.

FREE ADMISSION     greatfallsstudios.com

 

See my work (and my studiomates) at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066. (Yes, there is more there.) Interested in purchasing at the ArtsFest? Send me an email at jill@jillbanks.com with the piece you are interested in and your contact info and we can make it happen. Or call: (703) 403.7435.  Thanks!

FREE     www.greatfallsart.org/ArtWalk 

That's it... Hope you get out and about for a full weekend of art.

UPCOMING EVENTS

May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

May 22-June 3: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in NYC, Salmagundi Club, NYC. "Seaside Sunset" awarded BEST IN SHOW -- the Board of Directors Award.
June 3-5: Rittenhouse Square 89th Annual Spring Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. Official arts demonstrator: Saturday, June 4, 1pm. Free painting demonstration.

July 9-10: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford Historic Village in North Kingstowne, RI.

September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

 

"The Poker Club" National Arts Club Bound

"The Poker Club," oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

My painting of my dad and his friends, "The Poker Club," was accepted into the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 116th Annual Open Juried Exhibition at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003

October 2-26, 2012
Benefit Reception, Fri., Oct. 12
Awards Dinner, Fri., Oct. 26

This means at least one road trip to NYC and a wonderful reception. Yea!

This will be my fourth time exhibiting at the CLWAC's Annual Open Exhibition. The National Arts Club is well worth a visit.

Exhibits and Events (Now look at this on the Events page at www.JillBanks.com)

August, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, Studio #333. See regular hours/days, reception, demo dates on the events page on my web site.  
Reception: Thursday, August 9, 6-9pm (2nd Thursday Art Night receptions throughout the Torpedo Factory).  
Portrait painting demos: Sunday, August 12 and August 19, 1 to 5pm with a great model.
I'll be in my studio:
Mondays, 10am-5pm
Thursdays, 2-9pm
Friday, noon-6pm
Saturdays, noon to 6pm
Sundays, noon to 6pm
Other events/times will be listed on my event page on my new web site. I hope to see you there!

July 7- August 31, Artists' Atelier, "Water, Water, Everywhere" group exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  Open Saturdays, noon - 4pm. 

 August 1-10, "Quiet" in Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Exhibition held at Denise Bibro Fine Art, Chelsea, NYC.

Sunday, October 14, MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Scenes from the Salmagundi Club

Music and art.

Since I was too busy painting to keep up with posting, here are a few photos from the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition reception (held March 23) at the Salmagundi Club in NYC.

Gloria Spevacek won a prize for her sculpture of a rabbit. The sculptures were terrific, and it was great to see them as an integral part of the exhibition. (For the Annual Open Exhibition, they are on one floor, and the paintings on another.)

Gloria Spevacek with her award-winning sculpture

Poster outside of the Salmagundi Club

Here's another look too at the poster outside of the Salmagundi Club. That's my painting of a portrait on the red background, lower row, second from left. I got a kick out of that!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. 

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 13, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

Painting of Horses Start Today: How Do You Like IT?

"Untititled (So Far) Horses" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Today, despite a slow, dubious start ... turned out to be one of my favorite painting days ... ever. That's saying a whole lot. (I'm never short on fun.) I love this subject and the play of sunlight on their manes and legs. Note, too, this is a relatively large canvas. Freeing and fun. Can you tell?

Since visiting Savannah, Georgia this week ... I've been dying to paint these two horses in perfect light. It will be a few days before there will be a chance to return to them, and it will be difficult to wait.

I'm on the road again tomorrow, for a very short trip to the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Members' Exhibition reception and awards ceremony. No awards this year, but I'm looking forward to meeting fellow members (I was just juried in last year and this is my first members show). It's almost impossible to do so at their Open Annual Exhibition ... with receptions that are packed with members and non-members alike. The exhibit is being held at the Salmagundi Club in NYC. It should be fun ... and I'm hoping for a small part of the day to paint before heading back home. Maybe?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

August 1-31, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Exhibit ... And Some Days

"Hog Wild," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2006

I've been painting. I swear. It's just that the results aren't what I'd like them to be. At least I'm having a conversation with myself about why.

Today, I tried to find a spot around my house ... on this rainy day ... that I wanted to paint as one of those small plein air exercises. After trying yesterday and today, with no paintings ready for view ... I realized that this is a forced exercise. Small studies are good. But. You have to paint what you're dying to paint. And a wet, wintery landscape of my back or front yard with non-spectacular light just isn't going to cut it. So, instead of reaching for numbers (as in 100 studies), I'm going to concentrate on just painting what I want to paint. If a still life is far more exciting than regular plein air surroundings, guess what will get attention?

"Dining Alfresco," oil, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

Despite a slight bit of angst over the last few painting attempts, I was productive today. Tons of show submissions are due in this one to two week span ... and an envelope went out with my selections for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's member exhibit taking place this month. As a juried member, my two pieces "Hog Wild" and "Dining Alfresco" are assured a spot in the Members Exhibit held at the Salmagundi Club (47 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, March 18th through March 30th with an Awards Reception
Friday, March 23rd 6-8pm) in NYC later this month. We'll be going there to enjoy the show and get to know some of the other Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club members.

It was tough to figure out what to submit, especially with deadlines popping up left and right. Using a dart board and darts is probably just as effective as agonizing over the choices. Right? Too bad I don't have a dartboard.

On Exhibit:
"Black and White" is on exhibit at the  Artists' Atelier March 3-31, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

March 17-30: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition. "Hog Wild" and "Dining Alfresco" at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Awards Reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

Rain or Shine ... But Not Snow

The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Reception in NYC

The last two days' have been filled with intentions ... not very well met. Yesterday, Randy and I headed up to NYC to go to the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Awards Reception at the National Arts Club ... only to be stuck in huge traffic jams throughout the New Jersey turnpike. Instead of arriving early so that we would have a chance to really look at the show and meet/talk to other artists, we got there about one hour late ... right when the crowd was sitting down to dinner. We took what appeared to be the last two seats left.

It was sort of a bumpy night but we were seated, by chance, at the table of the Honored Member of the Year, Gabriella Gonzalez Delloso -- a phenomenal painter. We weren't in a position to really talk across the table but I would have loved to hear about her journey to get where she is today.

The road home.

We spent a little time out and about last night in the city. It is a magical place, made a bit more enchanting around Halloween. People watching is even more interesting when the people are in costumes. There were parties going on everywhere. Randy and I ducked in a pizza joint where the fare is $1 a slice ... to be met with some Halloweeners whose costumes/makeup made it hard to eat. On the way back to the hotel, we passed by a grocery store being patronized by three super heroes. You've got to smile about that.

I had planned to join the Salmagundi Club members for a paint out scheduled for this morning. That was rescheduled for next Saturday ... via email on our way up yesterday. The event was rain or shine ... but not freezing rain or snow. Randy and I went out for brunch instead ... just going a few blocks away and ending up sopping wet, freezing cold ... a mess. The food was good, though ... at Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company ... where we'd popped in to warm up. It was time to give in, change plans, and head home. Tomorrow I'm painting ... inside the warmth of my studio. Sounds perfect.

Exhibits & Events

Expressions Portrait Exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon, November 1 through 27. Reception and awards, November 5, 7pm. "Tranquility" was chosen as one of the finalists. 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.

The Art League's October All-Media Membership Exhibit,  105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA. My charcoal drawing of "Oscar" was juried in and will be on view through November 7. "Cubanelle and Roses" is in the Bin Gallery.

American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National,Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 1-11. "Alan" was juried into the show.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

A Rewarding Pursuit

"Tea with Anne" -- portrait of Anne Heilman

Remarkable things keep happening. On Sunday night about 9pm, I got a call from Anne Heilman, the 100-year-old subject of my award-winning portrait "Tea with Anne." ("Tea with Anne," shown at right, won the Casey Memorial Award for a Human Family Theme at the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Annual Exhibition held at the National Arts Club in NYC in October 2008.) Anne's a fellow artist, friend of my mom's, and someone who has become a great supporter and follower of my art. My mom (my most avid cheerleader and great volunteer art agent) had sent Anne printouts from some of my latest blog posts including the post about being accepted into the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe exhibit this year ... and the post about painting my mom and her buddies at the Old Brogue. Anne got a huge kick out reading up on my exploits, and gave me a call.

She can't figure out how I find time to paint. (I make time for that activity -- it's priority one.) Liked the fact that I knew my new (older) house had nice bones. Loved the painting start of my mom & friends at the Brogue. Reminded me that she expects my paintings to end up in the National Gallery of Art.

It just feels good. Having people, like Anne, cheer me on. Appreciate what I do and show genuine interest in what I'm up to.

This is hard, but incredibly rewarding work. The rewards are in the process of painting, in creating something new and enjoying the finished work, in talking with people about my art, in getting someone else excited about art in general -- making it, collecting, enjoying.

I love it when someone else joins my "art clan." At my reception last month, one couple came from Gaithersburg to see my show at the Brogue, and told me seeing my work was well worth the drive. They wouldn't have missed it. Many others came from my parents' church (where my mom made an announcement about the event -- yea, mom!) and they became new supporters. One sent along a web site address of a painter who reminded him of my work ... that he wanted me to see. A fellow Great Falls Studios artist sent me an email last night with a photo of a diner scene that might inspire me. One collector has a Jill wall in her house: of artwork and postcards from my shows and framed note cards. (I get a kick out of that!) I get a lot of help and inspiration from so many... and the greatest inspiration is knowing that there are people enthusiastic about what I love to do.

It takes a lot of people to "feed" an artist -- spiritually and financially -- both important. I count my blessings. Thank you!

I hope you keep passing the word, inviting friends, family and neighbors to take a look online (on my blog or my website) or come to an event. It really helps ... and I greatly appreciate it.

Now it's time to get back to painting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435
For info on Fall classes: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/Classes_3.html
Great Falls School of Art registration form: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/Registration_Form.html

"Tranquility" Accepted into Catharine Lorillard Wolfe's National Exhibiition

You'll see new paintings and works in progress here soon ... but I think I need that week-long nap I hinted at in an earlier post. I painted all day yesterday (ten hours) and about five today before pooping out. Zzzzzz.

Good news arrived in the mail today. I got a fat (much better than thin) self-addressed envelope. One of my favorite portraits, "Tranquility,"  has been accepted into the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's (CWLAC) 114th Annual Open Exhibition to be held at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY from October 5 to October 29. This is my second acceptance into CWLAC's  Annual Exhibitions ... and I look forward to returning. A reception benefiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art is on October 15 from 5:30-8:00pm. These are terrific events: elegant, and warm and friendly at the same time.

The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, one of the oldest women's art clubs in the country, was founded in 1896 in honor of Miss Wolfe, a prominent New York philanthropist and art collector. She was the only woman among the 106 founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Find out more about the organization on their web site: www.clwac.org.

For the Open Exhibition, each applicant could submit one image to be accepted/declined by the jury of selection. It's always tough for me to pick out what work is the "right one" for a particular exhibit. I need to check dates of the exhibit and know that work isn't promised or needed someplace else at the time. Usually, it means pulling the work from active marketing as well. Not many people want to buy a painting and loan it back to me for an exhibit.

A jury selects pieces for awards from the actual work -- so once the exhibit has been hung. My piece, "Tea with Anne," won the Casey Memorial Award for a Human Family Theme in the 112th Annual two years ago. Winning that award and attending the awards reception at the National Arts Club (where my painting was projected up on a big screen) is one of the big highlights in my art life.

Only one day left to see my "Painting the Town" solo show at the Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066! It comes down Sunday noon-ish.

Now, back to my nap.

"Tranquility," 30"h x 24"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

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

"Tea with Anne" Chosen as a Finalist in the Raymar Art Competition

"Tea with Anne" gets chosen for another honor. I entered this portrait in Raymar's art competition, a year-long competition in which 12 finalists are chosen each month. "Tea with Anne" was chosen by Gil Dellinger, as a November finalist. See the Raymar web site to see Gil Dellinger's comments and the other finalists. After January's competition, winners are chosen from the finalist paintings. This contest is sponsored by Raymar, the manufacturer of fine art painting panels, and the prizes are sizeable. What impresses me most is that the finalists are big names in art world competitions ... plus I generally admire the paintings chosen ... so it's nice company "Tea with Anne" is keeping.

I have been a Raymar finalist twice before ... with "Pre-Dinner Drinks" in December 2005 and "Chadwick's" in September 2006. While "Tea with Anne" and "Pre-Dinner Drinks" are sold, "Chadwick's" is available for sale through Chasen Galleries in Richmond, VA ... except it has been renamed as "After Hours." Please contact the gallery to purchase. (Tell them I sent you.)

"Tea with Anne" won an award at the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club in NYC (the exhibit was at the National Arts Club). The painting depicts Anne Heilman, a great lady, artist, and friend of my mom's. See my earlier posts about that honor listed below.

"New York, New York"
"Tea with Anne" Wins Award in New York Exhibit
Accepted into New York Art Exhibit



Top left: "Tea with Anne", oil, 24"h x 18"w, private collection; middle right" "Pre-Dinner Drinks," oil, 12" h x 9"w, private collection (this painting is of the parlor from the Inn at Little Washington); bottom: "After Hours" (previously titled "Chadwick's), 16"h x 20"w, available for purchase through Chasen Galleries. Paintings copyright Jill Banks. All rights reserved.

Happy Holidays to All!