Art and Produce ... And More

My "Practice" Booth Set Up for the Farmers Market

Tomorrow morning (Saturday, May 26, 9am-1pm) will find me hanging paintings under a tent at the Great Falls Farmers Market (Great Falls, VA) ... and marveling over produce in the next tents. I've set up quite a few times at the market and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I like bringing art to where people are versus waiting for someone to suddenly decide to go looking for art... and art only. Granted, though, more purchases are made with the produce/pastry/food vendors at the Farmers Market than at my booth. But my paintings of fruits and veggies have a very long shelf life. No refrigeration necessary.

The Great Falls Farmers Market is located in the parking lot at the Great Falls Village Centre, 750 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

"Grazing On Buttercups," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

And, the good thing is the Farmers Market is right around the corner from Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue where my "Out & About" Exhibit is up for just one more week. That means you can see 29 of my paintings within walking distance.

Signing and Touch-Ups

As I'm selecting paintings for the Farmers Market booth, I picked out two ("Grazing on Buttercups" and "Down By the River") that haven't been signed yet. While Randy was upstairs varnishing some others, I took the two paintings to my downstairs studio to sign. After a good while, I hear Randy's footsteps coming downstairs. There he finds me, in my studio, with the two paintings on the ground ... getting quite a bit more attention than just a signature. "You're painting on them, aren't you?" he asks ... or accuses. Somehow my husband doesn't think that right before packing up for a show is when I should decide to do some extensive ... slow-drying, wet paint touch-ups. They look so much better, though. I could decide to bring two other paintings instead ... but I want to show them. So here's the warning ... some wet paint ahead.

"Down By the River," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Indian Yellow

One of the things that has been bugging me about plein air painting is that it is so difficult to achieve brilliant contrast. When I paint in the studio, it takes multiple sessions and layers to capture the effect of light. But, I came across a clue yesterday ... and that's part of what made me paint on those almost ready to go paintings. I'd removed some colors from my palette when putting together the color charts and supply lists for my classes. One of the colors I got rid of was Indian Yellow, because it's so intensely bright it can cause trouble. I realized that super intense colors are needed to come anywhere close to capturing light outside. There are experiments to come ... but I think I'm on to something.

Exhibits and Events

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Painting on site: to be announced (the Brogue's closed Monday, May 28).  Check back here before coming in case times change or dates/times are added. Thanks! Preview the exhibit here.
 

May 20-June 23, Wayne Plein Air Exhibition 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA (May 15-19). 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.  Eight pieces for purchase/on exhibit.

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

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Rainy Day in NYC" Sold Today & the Great Falls Farmer's Market

Just a few minutes ago, I got a great call from the Art League Gallery that my "Rainy Day in NYC" award-winning painting sold today. It's still in the show -- paintings remain there until the 'scapes exhibit ends on September 6. There is an Opening Awards Reception on Thursday, August 12, 6:30-8:00pm where I'll be receiving the Chameli and Amiya Bose Memorial Award for best oil or acrylic painting on canvas. Here's an excerpt from the Juror's Statement about "Rainy Day in NYC":

I like the handling of the paint and light. The abstract quality is really nice. I love how the patches of color come together to make the painting work. The composition and perspective are excellent.

           - Joey Manlapaz, artist & faculty member of Corcoran College of Art & Design, juror

Read the rest of the juror's statement on the Art League's blog.

And to think I was worried about not drinking coffee out of my "lucky cup" this morning.

I spent the morning at my booth at the Great Falls Farmer's Market today. Artists from Great Falls Studios (a merry band of 90 artist members who live and/or work in Great Falls) take turns at setting up an individual booth at the Farmer's Markets on Saturdays. This was my second time there this year, and I'll do it one more time on Saturday, September 25. It's a lot of work to set up/take down... and I was, sort of, dreading it. (I'm worn out from our house move/ongoing renovations.) Still, it was thoroughly enjoyable. A musician soothed right next to me. And when I wasn't talking to someone, I was drawing "Jennifer's Pastries", the very popular booth right across from me. You should have seen their pies fly out of there. My paintings weren't moving as rapidly... but they were well appreciated.

I'll show you "Jennifer's Pastries" later ... when (and if) it has more substance. At the moment, I don't think you'd be impressed. That's a sign that I had plenty of folks to talk to.

One of my favorite moments this morning was overhearing a conversation a dad was having with his very young daughter. He asked her "how she knew that painting ["Birds of a Feather" shown in the upper left of my booth] was of New York City". She replied "because of the pretzel stand." Obviously, she spends her time in NYC the same way I did as a kid. I also talked to her about those pigeons. She once fed pigeons her pretzel. Maybe that's why they're hanging out near the pretzel stand in my painting. Never thought about that.

One more thing I thought about after another conversation. I forget to mention some key points regularly. Here's my laundry list (in no particular order) of the things I want you to know about buying from me:

• You are always welcome (locally, at least) to try out a painting in your home for a day or two -- to see where it would look best and decide if that's the one for you. Or I could bring the painting to your house to help you find the right spot. Or suggest something else. 
• Frames can be changed. Don't pass up buying a piece of art that you love because the frame's too large or the wrong color or wrong style for you. I take pride in framing my art well ... but I'm far more interested in your getting the piece that you love than your sticking with the frame I've selected. It's about the art.
• You can purchase my work over time. You suggest the payment plan that works for you. I really just want my art to go to loving homes. (It's in a lot of those already.) While you're paying it off, I get to enjoy living with it.
• You are not seeing everything I have painted/drawn ... that is available for purchase ... ever. It's impossible for me to include everything on my web site, in a show or in my portfolio. I am constantly creating. Request a personal showing. I would be so flattered. Give me an idea of what you love that I've done ... and perhaps why ... and I'll arrange to show you works that I think you would also love. Or I'll just talk to you about the direction I'm taking right now and show you works on and off the easel. I really value you as collectors or potential collectors. The better I get to know you, the happier I am.
• You can commission a work. So, if you love my work, but nothing is the right size/shape/color/etc. for you, talk to me about your space and wishes.
• I accept MasterCard and Visa.
• Do you know how wonderful it is to live with original, beautiful, inspiring art all around you? To have it greet you every day?

In a few minutes, husband Randy and I will return the screens and tent, unload my paintings at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 or so other artists in Great Falls, VA) ... and then hopefully go out and celebrate. Won't that be nice?

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

"Farmer's Market" Painting Finished

Today I was experiencing just how creative the creative process is. I wasn't happy with a previous stab at finishing this painting I started a few weeks (or month) ago at the Great Falls Farmer's Market ... so I performed all sorts of changes today to get to what you see here. People came and went. (On the canvas.) Plans developed. More vibrant color and thick paint took over. And, voila! Now I'm happy.

I'm not sure who all the characters are in the painting ... but one ... second person from the left in jeans carrying a bag ... is Laura Nichols. Laura's the fearless leader of Great Falls Studios, a consortium of now ninety artist members who live or work in Great Falls, VA. Great Falls Studios has to be the most effective arts organization (or any community organization) on the planet. Working together, they sponsor exhibits, a highly successful Studio Tour (annually in October), social gatherings, arrange photo shoots for members' arts, developed a terrific web site, keep members informed of exhibit opportunities, sponsor members-only studio tours, arrange two art events each year, gain amazing publicity for the group, and on and on. It's through Great Falls Studios that I first started exhibiting ... learning "the ropes" from other artists in the group. I served on the board for three years as an Exhibit/Show chairman ... another chance to learn new skills while enjoying the comraderie of a great group of artists.

Back to the "Farmer's Market" painting ... it will be one of the paintings exhibited next month (July 2010) in my solo show "Painting the Town" at the Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, VA. A reception is scheduled for Sunday, July 25, 2 to 5pm. See a preview (sort of... still thinking and painting) of that show on my web site.

This coming Saturday, June 12, join me for a free drawing session with a model, 2:30-4:30 at the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach). I think I'm the artist in charge. What's better than a free drawing session? Address: 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. And, we have open hours at the Artists' Atelier, same address, upstairs from the school in Suite G ... on Saturday, from noon-4pm. Hopefully, I'm not in charge of that.

I am conducting a series of single-day workshops called "Painting (and Sketching) the Town." Each day we will pick a different location ... maybe Reston, Great Falls, Herndon, Vienna, etc. to paint or sketch. I'll post each day's location on my web site. I hope you sign up and come paint (or draw) with me! The workshops are being held: Saturday, July 17 (10am-5pm), Sunday, July 18 (10am-5pm), Monday, July 19 (10am-5pm), Sunday, August 15 (10am-4:30pm) and Monday, August 16 (10am-4:30pm). Each single day's workshop is $95. You can sign up for one or as many as you like. Look at my web site for more info.

I'm also teaching a Still Life in Oils Workshop, Tuesday through Thursday, August 3-5, 10:00am-5:00pm each day. Again, look at my web site for more particulars.

"Farmer's Market", oil on Raymar panel, 8"h x 10"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

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

Plein Air Painting at the Farmer's Market This Morning

My single artistic goal for this year is to become a better painter. To do whatever it takes to make a gigantic leap forward. I've thought about this a ton and made lists of what steps I can take to make this leap happen.

What I know is that the glorious achievements happen when you're most alive and motivated -- painting what you're absolutely dying to paint. Something else I know is that I'm most alive when my subject is right there in front of me -- changing and moving, challenging me constantly. So, I decided that this year I was bringing my easel and sketchbook out of the studio -- to paint those things (and people) I love to paint -- live.

This is a bit scary. I want to paint all over town ... in DC, in Reston, in Great Falls, Herndon, Alexandria, Bethesda. I want to paint inside restaurants. Around cafes. You know I love market scenes. So, I'm going to markets to paint there. It's a lot more about planning, getting okays and lugging what I need around. But, I know it will be well worth the effort.

I'm taking baby steps. On Wednesday, I painted on my patio -- testing out my EasyL (portable easel -- it's great, by the way) and figuring out what I need to take this "show on the road." (I'll post a photo of my patio painting sometime soon.) On Thursday, I went to Lake Anne in Reston to sketch ... ending up with three. And today, I started the day at my easel at the Great Falls Farmer's Market (Great Falls, VA).

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a challenge ... really windy, lots of people to talk to, and my "models" never stood still. One young girl chose to hang out with me while her mother shopped. Wrapped up in my painting is the whole experience of standing there at my easel as part of the market scene.  That's cool. Plus,  I'm proud of myself for taking these first steps toward my goal.

I'll try it again next week.

"Farmer's Market", oil on Raymar panel, copyright Jill Banks 2010. (I'm not sure what size it is.)

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

Farmer's Market, "On the Bright Side" Solo Show, MPA Artfest

What I'm up to, basically, for the next few days and months...

First Friday, June 5, 7-9pm, The Artists' Atelier (the working studios and gallery space I share with 15 other artists), 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Lots of new artwork is hung with a concentration on portrait and figure paintings and drawings. In the Great Falls School of Art space, Suite D, you'll get a chance to see some of my students' paintings from this session's Still Life class. The Artists' Atelier is open the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm and every Saturday, noon-4pm. (Note: I won't be there Saturday, June 6. See next item.)



My tent from the Farmer's Market in May. Come see me at this Saturday's market, June 6, 9am-1pm.


Great Falls Farmer's Market this Saturday, June 6, 9am-1pm, Great Falls Village Centre in parking lot near the Wachovia Bank (across from the Safeway on Walker Road). This will be my second (and probably last) appearance there for this year. Under the Great Falls Studios (a group of 85 artists of which I am a member) tent, I'll be showing my market paintings, still lifes and restaurant series. Hopefully, a slightly wet "Food and Wine" painting of a market in Burano will be hanging. Let's see how painting goes today.


July 2-August 31 "On the Bright Side" Solo Show at the Great Falls Library Meeting Room, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Opening Reception, Saturday, July 18, 3-6pm. Painting Demonstration, Saturday, July 11, 1-4pm. This exhibit battles our trying times one canvas at a time. The world's full of silver linings. I found some. I'll set up a sneak preview on my web site (www.jillbanks.com) later in the month. Check back.


August 14-16 "Portrait & Figure Painting Workshop in Oils": I'll be teaching a weekend workshop through the Great Falls School of Art (a program of the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts). Spaces are limited, register now by downloading a summer bulletin at www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org
. Click on School of Art. I'm also teaching a Tuesday morning, six week "Still Life in Oils" class that starts July 7. See my May 19 post for a course description.

Sunday, October 4 MPAartfest in McLean Central Park. I just found out I was accepted into this terrific outdoor arts festival put on by the McLean Project for the Arts.


Saturday and Sunday, October 17&18 Great Falls Studio Tour. I'll be one of 44 artists (members of Great Falls Studios) participating in the Studio Tour that takes place all around town. Visit me at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA.

"Corner Couple," oil on panel, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2007.









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