Three Days, 60 Artists, STUDIO TOUR

It's that time again for the Great Falls Annual Art Studio Tour (Great Falls, VA).  Yay!
www.JillBanks.com

 

"Daily Special," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©2016 Jill Banks

GREAT FALLS ANNUAL STUDIO TOUR 2016

October 14-16

10am to 5pm Each Day

Self-guided driving tour of joint and home studios of Great Falls artists. Rain or shine!

Studio Tour Artists

Studio Tour Map

(You can download a PDF on this page of the whole Studio Tour brochure.)

You'll find me at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA in Studio Stop #14.

Free Daily Painting Demo: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 1pm.  

Would anyone like to sit for me on Saturday or Sunday to be painted during my demo?

Contact me at: jill@jillbanks.com

Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Part of my space at the Artists' Atelier almost set for Studio Tour 2016

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.

September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 

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

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Come Out for MPA Artfest on Sunday, October 2

My booth at MPA Artfest 2010

It's been a long day. I gave a talk this afternoon at the Rotary Club of Reston on my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. (It went well.) I was preparing for it and gathering materials this morning. Then I tried to finish up my "Merry Go Round" painting so it could be framed and part of the tent at Artfest this weekend. I think I need to redirect my goal for that one to Studio Tour. There are lots of reasons ... but the one of the important ones is that dust and a slightly wet painting don't mix. Dust and outdoor art festivals do.

Tomorrow brings screen pickup for the weekend, figuring out just what I want to display for Artfest (a very difficult exercise -- I always want to show everything I'm excited about) and painting (with some of my studiomates) the gallery walls at the Artist's Atelier so it looks spiffy for Studio Tour.

I hope you can come to both events. They are two of my favorites of the year. See more info below. Check back here on Friday or Saturday for a preview of what will be in my booth on Sunday. (I'll let you know when I know.)

UPCOMING EVENTS

MPA Artfest Outdoor Arts Festival, Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm

Booth #35, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Oct. 15&16, 10am-5pm

Artists‘ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Out & About Norfolk Plein Air Painting Event, October 20-22 

ON EXHIBIT

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s 115th Annual Open Juried Exhibit

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 4-28

American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National

Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 1-11
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
Phone: 703.403.7435

Studio Tour Updates, Today's Portrait Class and More...

Honestly, given the title this post would be WAAAAY too long. I'll try an abbreviated version.

The Great Falls Annual Studio Tour weekend was fantastic thanks to the brilliant efforts of the Great Falls Studios artists, leadership, board, Great Falls Foundation for the Arts board, support of the community, businesses, friends and family. We drew unbelievable crowds at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 16 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066). My estimate is approximately 500 studio visitors each day at our location. AMAZING. I've never talked so much in my life. (I listened too.)

"Made in China" demo work in progress

I sold two paintings ("Beets and Orange" and "Pizza and Pesce") and two drawings ("After Caravaggio" and "Quiet"). Lots of other paintings received plenty of real interest. We'll see what happens.  I already miss my sold works. That's just part of the package of being an artist.

Over the weekend -- incredibly -- I didn't take any photos. Hopefully some of my studiomates have pics I can share later. The place looked better than ever.

I did a sort of demo for one hour on both Saturday and Sunday. I wasn't trying to accomplish anything other than give a general idea of materials and how to start a painting. "Made in China"... this painting start was the "result."

Today was the first day with a new model and pose in my portrait class. I painted, too ... and am looking forward to hiring Lilia (our model) to pose for a portrait on my own. Wow.

Lastly, sorry for the lousy photo but "Magnolia Leaves and Gourds" is looking like it might be done. I'll take a look in the light of day tomorrow to reassess. Visitors on the tour were fascinated to look at this as a work in progress along with the setup in my studio. One visitor accidentally moved my gourd.

Thanks to all who came out to visit!

"Magnolia Leaves and Gourds", 30"h x 24"w, oil on linen

 "Made in China" work in progress, 24"h x 18"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2010.
"Costumed"
"Magnolia Leaves and Gourds" done?, 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

Cobalt Blue Color Chart, Studio Tour This Weekend

I've got to be quick with this post ... I'm getting ready for the Great Falls Art Studio Tour this weekend where you'll find me ... Saturday and Sunday, October 16&17, 10am-5pm at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Sign up for a chance to win $50 in Art Bucks (certificates for $50 worth of purchasing power to be spent on art from one of the 48 artists participating in this self-guided tour all around Great Falls) at www.GreatFallsStudios.com. Winners will be selected soon.

I'm planning on giving a demo both Saturday and Sunday for about an hour each day from 1 to 2pm. The rest of the time I just want to talk to you about the process, inspiration, tools, etc. Anything you want to know or discover. 

Cobalt Blue Predominant Color Chart

I have lots to tell you, but no time. I'll hopefully get to other posts soon. For now, here's my latest color chart -- from yesterday, a Cobalt Blue Predominant Color Chart. See earlier posts for an explanation. And here's my painting of magnolia leaves, a gourd and tomato ... as a work in progress from last week. (It's further along now, but I don't have a photo of it.) This is one of the pieces that you'll have a chance to see this weekend. Come!

"Magnolia Leaves and Gourds" work in progress day three, 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

MPA McLean Artfest 2010 This Sunday ... Plus More!

My booth at Artfest 2009

I'd say that I'm busy getting ready for Sunday's big outdoor art festival ... but I'm actually frozen in front of a computer screen ... and hoping to face the rain in a mad dash to my car to get in to paint in the studio. Nerve calmer.

I know that Sunday's MPA Artfest (Sunday, October 3, 10:30am-4:30pm in McLean Central Park at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd in McLean, VA) will be a great event, lots of fun filled with interesting conversations, some art sales, visiting with new and loyal fans. I love these events while I'm there. Still, they are tons of work to suddenly get your framed artwork and art business essentials to appear on a grassy spot in the middle of a park. Fortunately the Artfest is sponsored by the McLean Project for the Arts and their myriad of fantastic volunteers who make setup and takedown much easier. If you buy lots of my art, that makes takedown much easier too! (Hint.)

"Five Umbrellas", oil on linen, 18"h x 24"w, Jill Banks 2010

I haven't determined just what I'll be bringing, but I know of some pretty sure bets ... like "Five Umbrellas", "Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" and "Arance, Oranges" ... plus many happy surprises.

I hope to see you there.

Oh, and tomorrow (Friday, October 1) is First Friday, 7-9pm at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA.  This is the opening reception for a gorgeous new show in the gallery of works by the artists of the atelier who will be participating in this month's Great Falls Studio Tour (October 16&17, 10am-5pm, self-guided tour of artist studios throughout Great Falls, VA -- get more info at www.greatfallsstudios.com). Lots more art will explode on the scene by Studio Tour but this is a knockout show as it is.

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle", 30"h x 24"w, Jill Banks

On Saturday (October 2, 7:3) there's an awards and opening reception for the "Expressions" portrait competition exhibit at Herndon ArtSpace (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA). My portrait "Nigerian Beauty" was juried into that show. Go to the ArtSpace site for more info: www.artspaceherndon.com.
A bunch of my artist buddies were among the 26 finalists, including fellow Atelier studiomate Brenda Drake, fellow Great Falls Studios member Claudia Samper, plus Tricia Ratliff, Gavin Glakas and Christine Lashley. The show runs until October 26 in case you can't make the reception.

"Arance, Orange", 24"h x 36"w, oil on linen, Jill Banks

Better run.

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

"Chocolate with Sprinkles" Debuts at the Farmer's Market

Since I'm a bit overwhelmed at the moment, only some of my artwork is loaded in the van for my Saturday's (today -- September 25) Farmer's Market booth (9am-1pm at the Great Falls Village Centre, near the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA). Let's call it a sneak preview for the big upcoming events: MPA Artfest one week + one day away on Sunday, October 3, 10:30am-4:30pm in McLean Central Park (McLean, VA) and the Great Falls Annual Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, October 16&17, 10am-5pm where I'll be in my studio at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Find out more about Studio Tour at www.GreatFallsStudios.com and more about Artfest at www.mpaart.org. Lots of other stuff going on too in October, personal and art-wise. More exhibit info is listed on the home page of my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

Anyway, my donut painting "Chocolate with Sprinkles", once named "On the Edge Donut"will be making its first public appearance at the Farmer's Market. Perhaps it will be gobbled up. I used a palette knife on this little one... and the texture of the paint is, well, pretty cool. I have absolutely no "official" idea how to use a palette knife but it seems full of possibilities. More experiments to follow.

I hope to see you soon!

"Chocolate with Sprinkles", 5"h x 5"w, oil on canvas, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

Events and Exhibits: LOTS!

Fall's a really busy time for art-related activities. I hope you can join me at all ... or at least some of these. Here they are, in date order.

Great Falls Farmer's Market: Saturday, September 25, 9am-1pm in the Great Falls Village Centre (off of Walker Road near the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA)
I'll have a booth there for the third time this year ... with paintings, drawings.

My booth at MPA Artfest 2009

MPA Artfest, an annual juried regional outdoor arts festival sponsored by McLean Project for the Arts: Sunday, October 3, 10:30am-4:30pm in McLean Central Park located at the intersection of Dolley Madison Blvd. (Route 123) and Ingleside Drive in McLean, VA.

"Expressions" Portrait Competition juried regional (MD, VA, DC, Delaware artists) exhibit: September 28-October 24, Reception and Awards: October 2, 7pm at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA 20170. "Nigerian Beauty" placed as a finalist and will be on exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon. (Judging for awards will be done from actual artwork after the show is hung.)

"Tranquility", 30"h x 24"w, oil

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 114th Annual Open Exhibition: October 6-October 29; Benefit Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Friday, October 15, 5:30-8pm; Awards Dinner: Friday, October 29, 6-9pm all held at the National Arts Club, a National landmark, 15 Gramercy Park, New York, NY 10003. "Tranquility" was juried into this exhibit at the National Arts Club.

Seventh Annual Great Falls Studios Tour: Saturday and Sunday, October 16, 17: 10:00am to 5:00pm DON'T MISS This! Join us on a free driving tour on the back roads of Great Falls, Virginia, to meet 48 painters, potters, photographers, sculptors, quilters, jewelry designers and other artists in art studios and other venues scattered around our village. (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with a great group of other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066.}October 16 and 17, 10:00 to 5:00. See unusual houses. Watch art demonstrations. Explore studios. Buy art. Celebrate creativity. Family friendly. Lunch/dinner available at many fine local restaurants.

To download a map and roster of artists and to register to win one of forty $50 gift certificates, go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com. You can also pick up a free map at any venue on Tour days.

Tour has become one of northern Virginia's most unusual and important art events. It is supported by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Arts Council of Fairfax County, Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, and the Great Falls Business and Professional Association.


 A Note: The Artists' Atelier will be decked out with LOTS and LOTS of original artwork -- floor to ceiling -- in a very special exhibit specifically for Studio Tour. So ... you have to see it THAT weekend.


See more of my work at:

Market Cellars at 11873 Market Street, Reston, VA (the Reston Town Center near the Hyatt). A small selection of paintings and drawings. Buy some art and wine. Ongoing exhibit.
Chasen Galleries, Richmond, VA.
Keller-Williams Realty, 6820 Elm Street, McLean, VA 22101, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Eight of my still lifes are on exhibit in a two-person show with pastels by Pat Neumann through mid-October.

By the way, I've postponed the start of my portrait class by a week ... it begins Monday, September 20 ... due to coming down with the sniffles, cough, sneezes. Oh well. (See my web site for more info on classes: www.jillbanks.com.)

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

A Wonderful Weekend

Despite the ridiculously horrible weather, this past weekend's Great Falls Annual Art Studio Tour (put on by Great Falls Studios, a consortium of over 85 artists who live or work in Great Falls) was a roaring success. We (my studiomates and I at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists in Great Falls, VA) had a continuous crowd of regulars, first-time studio-goers, friends and family -- all so excited to be there. They came in out of the rain to see a warm, bustling, soaring-ceilinged space jam-packed with colorful, beautiful art. We worked so hard at setting it up ... and it showed.

The publicity for this event was phenomenal. Coverage in the Washington Post and Connection Newspapers plus having the 44 participating artists promoting the event ... really drove traffic.

If you missed it, don't next year. It's always bigger and better.

I enjoyed talking to other artists looking for inspiration, non-artists who thought that only people with natural talent can create art (wrong), people interested in classes (I teach), and lots of art enthusiasts of all ages.

I sold four paintings to four people with great taste.

My friends (paintings) that are now being enjoyed by others are:
"Rainy Day Market" - my postcard image from my "On the Bright Side" exhibit this summer at the Great Falls Library. Not only was this my husband's favorite painting (although he's glad I sold it), it also clearly was a bunch of other folks' favorite. I think that until someone else buys something you love, you can imagine owning it yourself. There's hope. I know that the few days this painting hung in my house, it lifted my spirits. It's extraordinary.
"Male Torso" - not an exciting title, but an absolutely beautiful painting. Also one of my favorites.
"The Celebration" - purchased for the glow of the lights and settings, and mystery of the scene.
"Four Square Donuts" - one of my miniatures. Dunkin' Donuts selections.

These sales in combination with sales of other favorites at MPA Artfest two weeks ago are cause for a few heart twangs, happiness that these collectors appreciate what I've painted, and renewed pressure to create new favorites. What a leap of faith that is.

I've pictured my friends here. Check out this blog and my web site to see if you want to own any of my other ones.

Paintings copyright Jill Banks 2008, 2009.

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

"Pumpkinfied" Pumpkin Painting and Studio Tour This Weekend

After passing one beautiful pumpkin patch after another on my way home from the Artists' Atelier, I had to post this "oldie, but goodie" in honor of the season. "Pumpkinfied" is definitely a portrait of a pumpkin. No humble gourd here.

This was Danni Dawson's (my teacher and mentor) favorite still life painting of mine. It was painted as a homework assignment ... only I think we were supposed to paint an apple. Obviously, that's not what I wanted to do. During the critique, when one student was asked to select her favorite apple painting, she answered, "The pumpkin." At least, that's what I remember.

It sure made me feel great. I've had a lot of those moments along the way ... and I appreciate them all.

Tomorrow we have a model coming in for the Atelier artists to paint or draw. This will be a renewed weekly ritual. I can't wait!!! Hopefully, I'll be able to post my painting start tomorrow.

Register for Art Bucks
Tomorrow's the last day to register for "Art Bucks" at the Great Falls Studios web site or in paper form at the Artists' Atelier. "Art Bucks" are certificates good for $50 toward purchases of art from the Great Falls Studio Tour artists. Register by 5pm. Award winners will be notified by phone prior to the Studio Tour this weekend.

Come Out for the Studio Tour This Weekend: Rain or Shine!
The Great Falls Annual Studio Tour is this weekend, October 17&18, 10am-5pm and takes place all over the artful village of Great Falls, VA. I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls. Download a map and info at the Great Falls Studios (a consortium of 85 artists who live or work in Great Falls, VA) web site: www.greatfallsstudios.com.


"Pumpkinfied", oil, 14"h x 11"w, copyright Jill Banks 2005 (?)

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

"Queenie" Figure Drawing on Exhibit for Studio Tour

"Queenie" is one of the drawings I created awhile ago -- that I recently (as in a week and a half ago) framed in preparation for last weekend's Artfest. Since no one snatched it up then, it will be on view during this coming weekend's Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. (Saturday and Sunday, October 17&18, 10am-5pm, self-guided driving tour all around Great Falls. I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, my studio, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Get more info at the Great Falls Studios web site: www.greatfallsstudios.com)

This is one of my favorite drawings. I really like the variation in the line work, fluidity and pose. Randy and I also picked out and put it in the perfect frame. It would be a great centerpiece for a collection of drawings. I've hung a series of drawings of different media in my master bath. Collectors of mine have turned a stairwell into a beautiful black and white gallery.

For any of you similarly inclined, I'll be featuring screens filled with drawings in charcoal, watercolor washes, red chalk, three-color chalk and ink washes during the Studio Tour weekend.

"Queenie", charcoal, 20"x16" outer mat dimension, copyright Jill Banks 2007. See my web site: www.jillbanks.com for more drawings in the gallery section.

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

Yesterday's Figure Drawing: "Marye, Marye"

Yesterday afternoon, I attended an open life session in McLean for the third time. I'm trying to balance painting with drawing, so I painted for four hours at the Artists' Atelier on a portrait commission -- then tore myself away to head over to the open life, long pose session held from 4-7:30pm at the McLean Community Center. It's getting really popular ... which means I might have to get there earlier in order to find a spot without any obstructions. I drew this one peeping between two other artists. A little challenging.

It's drawn on Canson pastel paper with black and white charcoal (soft vine black, black and white charcoal pencils). I love adding the white. What a difference that makes.

Everywhere I turn ... including this open life session ... are familiar faces. The pursuit and passion for art builds a very strong community with close ties. Lots of friends. Lots of shared experiences.

elan Magazine came out with its 10th anniversary edition (October 2009) with a page of each year's covers and the a listing of the artists featured each month. My cover was in May 2006 with my painting "Alan." But, also striking was how many of the featured artists are friends, fellow Great Falls Studios artists and  members of the Artists' Atelier.

The Great Falls Annual Studio Tour is this coming weekend (October 17&18), Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. We'll be getting the Artists' Atelier ready all week for visitors. Come! I'll be in the Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Register for one of forty $50 art bucks ($2000 giveaway) being awarded at the Great Falls Studios web site: www.greatfallsstudios.com. I think the drawing is either the 14th or 15th -- so you need to hurry. You can also download a map and info at the Great Falls Studios site. The tour is free. I hope to see you there.

"Marye, Marye", black and white charcoal on Canson pastel paper, 21"h x 17"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Scenes from MPA Artfest

Sunday was a successful (and fun) day at MPA Artfest. Tiring, though. I wonder if people visiting outdoor art shows have any idea what goes on behind the scenes. Hard, manual labor is involved.

On Sunday, I sold "Sunday Morning" -- my comics, croissant and coffee painting that had been juried into Salon International and appeared in American Art Collector magazine in April 2009. Now I know someone else loves it just as much as I do. I also sold two new, framed drawings.

I was excited about the sales, but also loved the comments received all day. My favorite might be "Wow. Wow!".  All of my pieces were somebody's favorite... which is good news, and interesting.

Many visitors said that they appreciated that if they kept looking at my paintings, they saw something more. Something they hadn't noticed at first glance. Since new meanings, ideas and connections come to me while I'm painting each piece, those layered nuances naturally result. It's an evolutionary process, a slow unfolding.

If I had one real showstopper, it would be "Nigerian Beauty", a painting that's won Honorable Mention at the Art League and been juried into a National Biennial Exhibit in Punta Gorda, FL.  The painting, and its subject, Uchenna, possess a beautiful, emotional aura. This is also one of the few paintings that is just as intriguing up close as far away. "Nigerian Beauty" wasn't one of my sales -- but an awful lot of people wanted to take it home.

Now, the next event I'll be participating in is the Great Falls Annual Studio Tour on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, from 10am-5pm. I'll be one of 45 artists participating in the tour. You can find me at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Download a map and more info at the Great Falls Studios web site: www.GreatFallsStudios.com. Come see me and my fellow studiomates. We'll have our paintbrushes in hand.

Also, read up about Art Bucks on the Great Falls Studios site. Enter to win one of 40 $50 Art Buck certificates -- to spend on the Tour. (I accept Art Bucks... hint.)

"Nigerian Beauty", 24"h x 18"w, oil on linen-lined panel, copyright Jill Banks 2007.

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