"Dragon Breath" Painting Today

I painted this guy practicing for tomorrow night's demo (at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts "Art Night Out!" fundraiser at Riverbend Country Club in Great Falls, VA). I've been known to decorate with beanie babies ... and love this plush dragon. So up he popped onto the sculpture stand that doubles as a laptop holder and still life setup stand.

This probably took too long to actually be the subject of tomorrow night's demo. In any case my dragon will be in a different position. Maybe a profile portrait?

Or perhaps I'll paint some of the dozen doughnuts Randy and I bought (for potential painting subjects) tonight. They're gorgeous!

Some suspense.

"Dragon Breath," 6"h x 6"w, oil on gessoboard, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

Don't miss my earlier post from today about winning Third Place in Vienna's (VA) Treasury of Art Show and Sale.

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

Art Night Out 2010 Coming Up

"Corner Couple", 24"h x 18"w, oil on panel

Last week I delivered paintings for the upcoming Art Night Out 2010, the main fundraiser for the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) to benefit the school (where I teach). Funds generated through ticket sales, raffles and the silent auction will help the organization secure workshop space, make facility improvements (like better lighting!), purchase equipment and market the school's programs.

Classes offered through the school (I teach regular classes on portrait painting and drawing and still life painting) are terrific with solid instruction offered to students of all levels and ages by established local and regional artists. (See more info about my Winter classes on my web page: www.JillBanks.com, click on classes. Just updated.)

Great Falls (Virginia) is a wonderful artful  community and the school, founded in 2008, offers classes that help the community discover or rediscover the artist within. Art enriches lives, helps us see the world through new eyes, and teaches us how to learn and become super problem solvers. As a teacher and observer of classes at the school taught by other instructors, I see great good happening here. Three hour classes fly by (even for the younger students). No one's ready to leave. Students go home satisfied that they know something more than when they walked in. There's a great sense of community growing, too. Friendships are formed.

"Nigerian Beauty", 24"h x 18"w, oil on panel

But, the school space needs help. It's too small to meet growing enrollment and comfortably house students and the "stuff" that comes with making art. The limited space precludes our being able to host larger workshops. Workshops are great for both the experienced professional artist who wants to hone skills and the budding artist who would like to try out an art form. A larger classroom makes for a more comfortable learning space and gives us the ability to enroll more students and attract other top-notch teachers to the school.

So those are some of the reasons why I'm supporting the school through my donations. I went a little nuts (perhaps) in my donations, with some real treasures here that will be available through silent auction at Art Night Out happening this coming Friday, November 19, 7-10pm at the Riverbend Country Club. Find out more at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts "Art Night Out" page. Interested in obtaining tickets? Contact Chris Fraley at cfraley3@aol.com.

"Ellen: Alla Prima Portrait", 11"h x 14"w, oil on linen

All work protected by copyright by the artist: Jill Banks. "Corner Couple", 24"h x 18"w, oil on panel, copyright Jill Banks 2007. "Nigerian Beauty", 24"h x 18"w, oil on panel, copyright Jill Banks 2007. "Ellen: Alla Prima Portrait", 11"h x 14"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2010. "Figure Drawing Class", 7"h x 5"w, sepia ink wash and pen&ink, copyright Jill Banks 2006(?).

I realized in putting up this post that I don't have a decent photo of either "Ellen: Alla Prima Portrait" or "Figure Drawing Class". That will have to be part of my mission at Art Night Out! on Friday. I will be demo'ing -- painting something -- as part of the festivities. Hope to see you there.

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

Looking Back: Hurray to 2009!

While I'm figuring out just how I can make 2010 a roaring success (good start already), I'm taking some time in-between brushstrokes to appreciate just how terrific 2009 was for my art career... thanks to some incredibly terrific supporters -- enthusiasts, jurors, collectors, students, and my art buddies.

Quick recap of three of 2009 highlights:

• SOLD and Delivered: 36 original pieces of art including some major commissions. Gross sales increased over a very successful 2008... an astonishing achievement considering this very tough economy.
  
• Accepted into four highly prestigious juried National shows for the first time: Salon International 2009 (Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX), Allied Artists of America's Annual Exhibition (National Arts Club, NYC), Salmagundi Club's Annual Exhibition (Salmagundi Club, NYC) and the Grand National 2009 (American Artists Professional League, Salmagundi Club, NYC). Getting accepted was a huge step. (Next up: I want to win!)
• "On the Bright Side" solo show at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA) this summer was a huge success. I have received tremendous support from the community of Great Falls in my art endeavors... including my fellow Artists' Atelier studiomates, fellow artists (now numbering 88) in an incredibly active and successful arts organization - Great Falls Studios, students and volunteers in the recently founded Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (where I began teaching in 2008), and an ever-growing base of collectors and enthusiasts who have followed my career over the past few years. I had a blast at a public painting demo with plenty of attendees enjoying brushstroke-by-brushstroke commentary by student Dana Fredericksen. So many people turned out! You have no idea how great that made me feel! Plus, I had the pleasure of reading comments left in my guest book during the two-month exhibit. Knowing that you're doing something that brings real joy to people is an astounding ... well, joy!

Since I'm "looking back", I figured an apropos visual would be my "Over the Shoulder" painting. This one is one of only two that I painted in oil on paper ... a little unusual experiment. What's interesting about it is that unlike on canvas, you can't wipe out any paint marks (you can paint over them -- but can't "erase" back to the paper's surface). So, all my "intentions" as a painter show. It's immediate, fresh and moody.  Still, the reason that there's only two of them is that I don't like the "feel" or tug on the brush that the paper gave. I love working on canvas (actually, Belgian linen) too much to give it up.

"Over the Shoulder", oil on Canson paper, copyright Jill Banks 2007. (That's a bit of a guess. Created in Robert Liberace's class at the Art League.)

By the way, I have a really exciting, jam-packed, special "life as an artist" day lined up for tomorrow. I might write about it later on today. So, stay tuned...

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

Art Night Out! A HUGE Success!

I get the distinct impression that Art Night Out!, the annual gala fundraising event of the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts is truly the "party of the year." Tons of chocolate, great wine, art supporters, artists and art enthusiasts, beautiful setting in the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA), a silent auction, strawberries, cappucino, fun conversations -- were all part of the mix making this the place to be this past Friday night, November 20.

Anjanette Murphy was the event chairperson. Her committee team were like magic elves -- transforming our studio space, hanging the show for the silent auction, bringing in incredible food, catering, and drinks and inviting and bringing in a fantastic crowd. I don't know how many people were there -- but I don't think we could have fit in one more person. It was packed!

All three of the pieces I donated to the auction went to new homes. Yea! That means I sold my third (out of three) "Bellydancer" painting -- so it's time to start thinking about the fourth. I also sold my "Town Center Fountain" ink wash drawing. I love showing my drawings and paintings together ... they represent the two "sides" of me.  The drawings also offer people an opportunity to collect my work at an affordable price -- and they still get to own a beautiful original piece.

I can't wait 'til next year! Thanks to everyone who bought tickets, bought art, contributed work or food and drink, worked on the event or sponsored it. What a great success!

The photos from top to bottom: The buffet table pre-guests, my mom and dad (Ken and Shonnie Johnson) taking a chocolate tour around the world, signs of an animated evening, Randy and me in my downstairs studio/gallery space (I have space upstairs and downstairs) - photo taken by friend and fellow artist Adrienne Kralick, and a view of the party through the strawberries.

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

Winter 2010 Classes at the Great Falls School of Art

I've been putting together the new bulletin for the Great Falls School of Art, where I teach ... and figured that this is the perfect opportunity to give you the first peek at this January's offerings. I'll be teaching Monday and Tuesday day classes. See dates and times below. Also, I'm teaching a "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop on January 6 and 7. This is offered once a year. It earned rave reviews last year... and I know firsthand that it has had a major influence on those who attended the class. Registration begins immediately for all classes. I didn't list the teen and children's classes offered ... see the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site to download the entire bulletin. More info on my classes and a registration form and information can be found on my web site: www.jillbanks.com -- just updated!


The Great Falls School of Art is located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. Registration is going on now. I put a registration form and info on my web site here.


ADULT CLASSES 

NEW!

Portrait and Figure Painting in Oils – Jill Banks
This course covers the basic elements of painting the portrait and figure: composition, mood, gesture, form, structure and features. Emphasis is placed on creating sound and compelling paintings as well as achieving a likeness. Beginning students will work in grisaille – concentrating on accurate values and form. Intermediate and more advanced students will learn how to paint beautiful skin tones through color studies and to place the figure in space. A supply list is posted on Jill’s web site.  For information on the instructor, see Jill’s blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com or www.jillbanks.com. Model fees are extra and are to be paid directly to the instructor the first day of class. Nude and clothed models. A supply list will be posted on Jill’s web site.

Mondays, Jan. 11-Mar. 8, 10am-2pm  $400 plus model fee (model fee to be paid directly to the instructor)

Still Life Painting in Oils– Jill Banks
Still life provides a great tool to hone skills. Students of all levels welcome.  Beginners will learn the fundamentals including laying in lights/darks (grisaille), color, materials and form.  More advanced students will apply skills to increasingly complex subject matter, refine color and produce finished paintings, learn to see as artists, simplify forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compositions. Information on the instructor can be found at www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. A supply list is posted on Jill’s web site.

Tuesdays, Jan. 12-Mar. 9, 11:00am-3:00pm
$400 plus materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)


Traditional Oil Painting Techniques – All levels - Adrienne Kralick
This class is tailored to help each students at their own level whether beginner or advanced, with an emphasis on the concepts and painting techniques that can be learned from great paintings throughout history.  Beginning students will work on still life or photos chosen by the instructor to fit their skill level while advanced students work on paintings of their choosing.  Everyone benefits from the instructions given to others in the group. Information on the instructor can be found at www.adrienneartist.com.

Fridays, Jan. 8 – Mar. 19, 9:30am-12:30pm  $300 (no class on Jan. 29 or Feb. 12)
Sundays, Jan, 10 – Mar. 21, 1:00pm-4:00pm   $300 (no class on Jan. 31 or Feb. 14)


The Lives and Techniques of the World’s Most Famous Artists – Adrienne Kralick
A combination of hands-on painting and art history. Take home a different masterpiece from each five week session. Sessions will alternate between weekday and weekends to accommodate more students. If you can’t do one session, you can wait for the next. Session 1: Luminous Landscapes Like Monet – This class starts with a trip to a local museum to study Monet paintings up close; analyzing brushstroke, canvas, priming and colors used by this master of impressionism. Then, students will create a painting of their own home, garden or special scene with the luminous light and airy feeling of an 1870s Monet. During this course, students will learn about the artist and his life while completing his/her own masterpiece using Monet’s exact colors, canvas and techniques. Instructor will provide similar colors and canvas used by the artist. (Look for upcoming series: Vibrant Portraits Like Van Gogh and Stroke and Style of Mary Cassatt.)

Saturdays, 9:00pm-12:00pm, 5 weeks
Museum Trip: January 9; Painting Sessions: Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13.
$200 plus supply fee; supply fee paid directly to the instructor.


Figure Drawing, The Long Pose – Michela Mansuino
Drawing from the live nude model, this class will be structured around the long pose for three consecutive weeks at a time, allowing students to focus on learning anatomy and produce detailed, finished drawings.  Materials and techniques to be used are charcoal, red and white chalk and pen and ink on paper.  Supply list will be posted.

Tuesdays, Jan. 12-Mar. 9, 6:00pm-9:00pm
$300 plus model fees


Drawing/Painting from the Plaster Cast – Michela Mansuino
In the French academies of the not-so-distant past, students were encouraged to paint from plaster casts that were replicas of sculptures.  The instruction was designed for students to build confidence in the handling of oil paint.  We will recreate the lesson.  Each student will work from an individually set up and lighted white plaster cast of a part of the human figure.  We will focus on edges, proportion and value using just three colors on an oil painting ground.  The student will stay with the same cast for 9 weeks and will be expected to produce a finished, highly polished study which can then be used as a measure of success.  Supply list will be posted.

Drawing Class: Wednesdays, Jan. 13-Mar. 10, 10am-2pm  $300
Painting Class:  Wednesdays, Jan. 13-Mar. 10, 3:00pm-6:00pm $300


Jewelry – Made in Metal I – JJ Singh
Discover the limitless possibilities of working with metal clay.  Made in Metal I will introduce the low firing formulation of PMC3 (Precious Metal Clay) and explore its properties.  Learn to cut, form, texture, paste, set stones, refine, fire and polish you fine silver designs into beautiful jewelry.  Projects may include earrings, bracelet, pendants and a ring.  Metal clay is a clay-like medium used to make jewelry, beads and small sculpture.  It consists of very small particles of precious metals (such as silver, gold or platinum) mixed with an organic binder and water.  Metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using moulds.  After drying, it can be fired in a variety of ways including in a kiln, with a handheld gas torch or on a gas stove.  The binder burns away, leaving the pure, sintered metal. Six sessions.

Mondays, Jan. 25-Mar. 1, 10am-1pm, Maximum class size 8
$280 plus material fee $115 ($35 for personal tool kit which can be reused and $80 for PMC3 – 50g pack); materials fee paid directly to instructor.


Jewelry – Made in Metal II – JJ Singh
Prerequisite: Made in Metal I. Made in Metal II will continue to explore the properties of metal clay through the manipulation of paper clay, syringe clay and the original PMC+ formulation. Projects in this course will be more complex and intricate than the Level I course and will focus on the unique properties of PMC+.

Thursdays, Jan. 28-Mar. 4, 10am-1pm, Maximum class size 8. Six sessions.
$280 plus materials fee to be determined; materials fee paid directly to instructor.


WORKSHOPS
Great Workshop: Offered just once a year!
Mastering the Business of Art – Jill Banks
Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art. This two-day workshop covers the fundamentals of planning, establishing and running a career as a professional artist. Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing, pricing your work, exhibiting, selling, applying for grants, taxes, setting up merchant accounts, marketing, add-on products and branding, promotions, publicity, approaching galleries, establishing name recognition, handling commissions, inventory control and more. The instructor started taking classes in 2003 – and in a little over six years has successfully built a rewarding art career through sales, commissions, recognition, awards, a grant, gallery representation and teaching. The business of art is challenging and rewarding – and conquering it lets us do more of what we love to do! A workbook is included. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. This popular workshop is held once a year. Don’t miss it.

Wednesday and Thursday, January 6 and 7, 5pm-8pm
$95 per person + $10 booklet fee (booklet fee payable directly to instructor)


Oil Color Mixing Workshop – Michela Mansuino
This workshop will be structured in four parts. Let’s spend the morning laying out the permanent palette in a professional way and making two-color combinations. I’ll pass out a template that you can use to mix up the combinations and that you will have as future reference pages. Some mixtures will become your favorites and some you will come back to time after time, as solutions for certain passages. We will then turn a few of the local colors into the four value ranges necessary to model the form from light to shadow. We will practice making the “pools” of value and saturation ranges and “walking” the brush to get those lovely halftones that describe the natural world around us. A supply list will be emailed upon registration.

Saturday, January 16, 10:00am-2:00pm $50

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Jill Banks                      703-403-7435           jillbanks1@aol.com            www.jillbanks.com and http://jillbanks.blogspot.com

Adrienne Kralick          571-437-5060             ajkralick@aol.com                www.adrienneartist.com
Michela Mansuino        571-263-7696          michelamansuino@yahoo.com
Deana Fernandez         703-798-9890           bromley_deana@hotmail.com
JJ Singh                        703-759-7068           jj@jjsinghjewelry.com        www.jjsinghjewelry.com


Sign UP!!! See the registration form on my web site for more information. See also www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org to download the entire course bulletin.

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

First Friday and Gala Silent Auction Preview

So, I definitely waited until the last minute to figure out what I was donating for the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) Gala's silent auction.  With a show going on now at Maison du Vin (a great wine shop in Great Falls, VA), I kept thinking about those paintings and drawings as candidates ... looking for them around my studio and finally going ... duh ... and realizing they were hanging out elsewhere.

I ended up putting in three. Anyone interested in these pieces should plan on attending the Gala (you need to purchase a ticket) which will take place on Friday, November 20, 7:30-10:00 at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G. Get more info at GFFFTA's web site. Many pieces of exceptional art have been donated and the starting bids are at 50% of retail prices. The artwork will be in the gallery to be previewed tomorrow, Friday, November 6, 7-9pm or Saturdays, noon-4pm or any time an artist is in. Funds raised will benefit the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach).

Here's my line-up:
"Chadwick's"
(Alexandria, VA)
Oil on Raymar panel
16"h x 20"w, framed in Omega gold frame
Retail Price: $1500
Opening Bid: $750
This painting was one of 12 finalists in Raymar’s Annual Art Competition, September 2006. See www.raymarart.com. The competition is stiff … with top American artists placing as finalists.

"Town Center Fountain"
(Reston, VA)
Jill Banks
Ink wash, pen & ink
12”h x 9”w (outer mat), framed in Omega black/gold frame
Retail Price: $295
Opening Bid: $147.50
A major part of creating art is about making choices. I love the simplicity of this piece. Ink wash is almost impossible to control and yet I managed to do just enough here.

"Bellydancer III"
Bellydancer III
Jill Banks
Oil
14”h x 11”w
Retail Price: $1200
Opening Bid: $600
Bellydancer III was juried into Salon International 2009, a project of the International Museum of Contemporary Masters, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX.











I hope to see you at the Artists' Atelier tomorrow night for the preview. The Atelier is open the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066.

Also, be sure to stop in to see my work in a new solo show "Black&White and Red All Over" in the tasting room at Maison du Vin. There are some great pieces there. Think about holiday gift giving. I'm planning on being there on Saturday, November 21, 1-5pm for a mini-reception in conjunction with Italian Wine Tasting from Bravo wines. Maison du Vin is located at: 756 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA.

Also, "Sunflowers II" is in the American Artists Professional League's 81st Grand National at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC through November 13. I'll be attending the reception and awards ceremony this Sunday, November 8, 2-5pm. Yea! I love New York.


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

"Michelle I" Finished and Day 4 for "Tranquility"

It was a good painting day today. This morning was day 4 for a live modeling session for the Artists' Atelier painters. (I share studio space with 15 other artists at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066.) I made a lot of progress on "Tranquility", working during the first few sittings on the model's face, then her leg and shoe and more on her outfit. I also started sketching in the background ... a scene from the studio.

Then, I finished up working on "Michelle I" -- a painting I started in preparation for the public demo I gave as part of my "On the Bright Side" solo show this summer. "Michelle I" is a portrait of Michelle Anonick, my son Sam's girlfriend. It's a fitting portrait -- I can see "her" in the painting -- and that's a good thing.  She's a natural beauty, inside and out.

This coming Friday, November 6, is First Friday at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066), 7-9pm. Art donated for the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts Gala (November 20, 7:30-10pm, see the GFFFTA web site for more info) will be hanging in the gallery  and on our moveable walls. Come take a look and pick your favorites for silent auction on the 20th.

Then on Saturday, I'm off to NYC for a reception of the American Artists' Professional League's Grand National 2009 being held on Sunday at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue in NYC, 2-5pm. My painting "Sunflowers II" was juried into that show that is on exhibit at this esteemed arts club from November 3 to November 13. So, I won't be in the Atelier for regular open hours this Saturday ... but you can still visit from noon-4pm.

"Tranquility" work in progress day 4, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.
"Michelle I", oil on linen, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009

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

Scenes from My Studio Pre-MPA and Color Lessons

Tonight I'm in "deer-in-the-headlights" mode. I've honestly got a gadzillion things to do to prepare for MPA Artfest (coming up this Sunday, October 4, 10am-5pm at McLean Central Park, McLean, VA) and I don't know how to wrap my arms around this particular challenge ... or to move out of my chair at the moment.

One of my tasks, of very high priority, is to clean out my car so that it can be packed (carefully) with paintings, screens, bags and bubblewrap for all the paintings and drawings I'll be selling, etc. at this weekend's event. My car currently cannot accommodate one more thing. I drove home today from the Atelier with my multitude of still life objects, painting supplies, paper, frames, artwork, art books shifting with every turn. I have passenger seats ... just can't accept any passengers.

Let's say I get the chance to clean my car. What's left between me and MPA Artfest? 1. Signing, matting, picking out frames, framing drawings and paintings. 2. Picking up screens. 3. Designing my display, essentially figuring out what works to bring and where to hang them -- the very hardest and most important task of all. 4. Putting together and printing labels. 5. Bringing my portfolio up to date. (Photographing new work, printing) 6. Putting together signage. 7. Putting up the new exhibit in the gallery at the Artists' Atelier (to do tomorrow). 8. Rearranging my walls in Suite D and G at the Atelier in preparation for First Friday (this week). 9. Varnishing paintings. 10. Packaging up all the stuff I'll need and loading it into Randy's and my cars. 11. Figuring out what to wear?

The one thing that I can say is that I'm not exactly short on work to choose from. Even though I've also been working on commissions, I've noticed that if you really are creating all the time, you can cover an awful lot of linen canvas. These photos give you a little glimpse into the overflowing nature of my environs. This is the tip of the iceberg.

Oh, and color lessons. This morning I taught my "Oil Painting from Life" class (that I teach through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts). One student had requested instruction on color mixing. This is something I do well, but I researched it to form the lesson. In the process, I learned so much and passed it on. Here are the email comments from two of my students:

"I've been taking painting classes for over 5 years now and that's the first time anyone has ever explained to me how to keep my colors bright... Today's lesson provided a real insight for our class.
Thank you!"

"Thanks for all your help today – especially with the critiques and all the perspective help. The printout on the colors is EXCELLENT.
Much appreciated"

Pretty wonderful feedback.

Wish me luck this week.

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

"Caffe Bar" and "Lemon Yellow" at the Art League

Two of my paintings, "Caffe Bar" and "Lemon Yellow" are on exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria (VA) for the month of September. It seems appropriate that "Caffe Bar" was juried in. It depicts a scene from last year's art historical trip to Venice that my husband and I took, led by Rob Liberace and arranged through the Art League. Randy and I dropped off my entries last night for the Art League's monthly show. This may be more than you want to know ... but each month as an Art League member you can submit two works, only one of which can be accepted. Receiving happens the first Monday night and Tuesday am of each month ... and it's a regular ritual for area artists. The Art League chooses a different juror each month (and in the DC area we have a wealth of capable jurors from the Smithsonian system, area art institutions, etc.) and that juror selects the pieces that will make up that month's show. Each month's juror also selects award winners. While "Caffe Bar" didn't win an award, I've won two Best of Shows and two Honorable Mentions in other exhibits there.

"Lemon Yellow" hangs in the bin gallery -- an area of the Art League gallery where artists who have been juried into three (of the Art League's) shows that past year can hang a small work. So I did.

Today was the first day of my painting class taught through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. I'll post some works in progress from my demo painting tomorrow. One of the most important lessons I try to teach is patience. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, painting is clearly an acquired -- through hard work, time spent, canvases covered -- art. You can't rush it. You can work toward becoming a good, even great painter, one step at a time.

"Caffe Bar", oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009 and "Lemon Yellow", oil on Senso linen, 8"h x 10"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"An Apple Arrangement" Continues and First Friday at the Atelier

First Friday is this Friday, September 4, 7-9pm at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D & G, Great Falls, VA. We're hanging a new show tomorrow "Back to School" in the upstairs and downstairs gallery. Downstairs, in Suite D, is a faculty show (I'm one of the faculty) of teachers' work at the Great Falls School of Art. Upstairs in the GFFFTA gallery, we'll be hanging students work. Plus, many of my fellow studiomates hang a whole new array of work in our individual galleries.

Having just gotten back unsold work from my solo show "On the Bright Side" and ArtSpace Herndon's "Still Life Poetry" exhibit plus "Lemon Yellow" from the Old Brogue "Food" exhibit, I have plenty to choose from for my walls. They should be beautiful! Come see.

Today I worked on "An Apple Arrangement" and visited one of my portrait commission clients to get approval on my sketch and decide on a size for the painting. I had fun painting and I had fun showing the sketch. Life is good. I'm really looking forward to getting started on the commission ... it's ridiculously interesting, great family, just what I like to paint.

"An Apple Arrangement" is going well, too. The apples are fading a bit (in real life) so it's time to wrap this one up. I'll paint on it again tomorrow -- around the show installation. I love paint. It's properties are amazing and it was showing off a bit on some of the apples. It can glow and mimic just about any surface.



I know my photos aren't the best -- I was a bit lazy taking them so you get all the glare from the wet, thick paint -- but I figured I had to at least let you peek.

"An Apple Arrangement" work in progress, 24"h x 30"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Plus, a close-up of the pitcher.

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

Bulletin and Registration for Fall 2009 Classes Up

Download the bulletin and registration form for the Great Falls School of Art on the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site (www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org). I just got news that it was up.

I'll be teaching two classes this Fall ... "Drawing From Life" on Monday nights, 6:30-9:30pm, nine sessions starting September 14 and "Oil Painting from Life" on Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, nine sessions starting September 8. I currently have a few spaces left in my "Drawing from Life" class and the Tuesday class is full. I will take names for a wait list for the class and if there is enough interest, I may do something about it (you never know). Email me at jillbanks1@aol.com or call (703) 403-7435 if you are interested.

Here's info about my classes. I'll post more about some other select classes later -- probably today. Check back.

Great Falls School of Art
FALL 2009 ART CLASSES
Offering Adult, Teen and Children's Classes

School Address: 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066
To register, complete the registration form (download from the GFFFTA web site) and mail with full payment to : Great Falls Foundation for the Art, Inc., c/0 Terri Parent, 325 Sinegar Place, Great Falls, VA 22066. Questions? Contact school registrat Terri Parent, 703-433-5358 or terrikate@aol.com

Drawing From Life – Jill Banks
Learn to master values and drawing working from life in various media including charcoal, ink wash and pen and ink, and watercolor washes. Multiple demos per session. Subjects include models and still lifes. A supply list will be provided. For information on the instructor, see Jill’s blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com or www.jillbanks.com.

Mondays, Sept. 14-Nov. 9, 6:30pm-9:30pm $300 plus models and materials fee to be determined and paid directly to the instructor



Oil Painting from Life – Jill Banks
Working with varied subject matter (still life, interior, portrait), this course is for students of all levels. Beginners will learn the fundamentals including laying lights/darks (grisaille), color, materials and form. More advanced students will apply skills to new subject matter, refine color and produce finished paintings, learn to see as artists, simplify forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compositions. A model will be hired for some sessions. Information on the instructor can be found at www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot. Supply list will be posted.

Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Nov. 3, 9:30am-1:30pm
$400 plus $60 model/materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)
CLASS FULL -- BUT JOIN THE WAIT LIST -- ANOTHER CLASS MAY BE ADDED.

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

"Peach" Painting and New Drawing Class Offered

Today's (better hurry typing) class was great. I teach a Still Life class through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org) on Tuesday mornings -- and I love it. Peaches were part of the act in two of my still life setups and I didn't see students "get" the shadow/light patterns on the also-patterned peaches. So, I painted an example, albeit a little too late for class, but I hope it will help for next week. That happens to be the last day of class.

I'm still looking for two-three more students for my portrait painting workshop offered through the same organization August 14-16. Contact me for more info at jillbanks1@aol.com or 703.403.7435. This will be an extraordinary class!

Today we also came up with a brand new class offering. I will be teaching drawing on Monday nights, 7-10pm in the Fall (starting September 14), running for nine weeks. The location is 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA. The cost will be $300 plus model and material fees (to be determined). Students are enlisting our models -- friends, spouses, people they'd love to draw. Students not ready for drawing people will have still life setups to choose from. I'm excited about offering this class. I've been influenced (a lot) by one of my teachers, Rob Liberace, in exploring drawing across many media -- and it's become part of my soul as an artist. Drawing materials can be with you anywhere ... so you can create while the rest of the family sits on the beach. I'll do multiple demos, especially when we're moving to a new medium. Classes are small -- maximum 9-10 due to space constraints -- so contact me if you'd like to be one of this special group. I think classes will fill up quickly!

I also worked today on one of my two Michelles, portraits of son Sam's girlfriend. Since Sam loves Michelle, he's one heck of a critic. But then again, I do enjoy a challenge.

"Peach"; oil; size: not sure, but little; copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Working Away and Nancy's Pears

The last two days I've been working on my "Seeing Red" and "Sunflowers and Gladioli" paintings -- working on getting them ready (possibly) for the "Still Life Poetry" exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon in August. I also presented my sketch today for one of my portrait commissions. All went well but I want to do a little more work before showing my progress here.

So, no photos of my work today ... but I wanted to show you a photo of Nancy Keane's painting of pears, in progress, from my Still Life class (offered through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts). Nancy's relatively new to oil painting -- this is her second session in my class -- and, this painting looks like she's been painting for years. It's beautiful. For some bizarre reason, she's worried about how to deal with the fabric. Seems to me that if she can paint the pears and Chinese red basket, and metallic silver surface, she can handle the fabric. Bet I'm right. By the way, I take pride in setting up this beautiful "scene" -- it's a great base for a great painting.

When I paint, I approach every subject in the same way -- breaking it down into abstract shapes of lights and darks. I'm not afraid of anything -- perhaps because I started in painting with the most challenging subjects (portraits and figures). This fearless approach is part of what I teach.

I'm teaching a Portrait and Figure Painting Workshop August 14, 15, and 16. There's still room for a few more students. Contact me if you're interested in attending or sign up through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. My email is jillbanks1@aol.com.

So you know ... I am extremely proud of the work of all the students in class. They work hard (as I do and did) and are benefiting from each other's encouragement and my instruction.

Work in progress in oil by Nancy Keane. Copyright Nancy Keane 2009.

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

Come to the Artists' Atelier "Go Figure" Exhibit Friday, June 5

Tomorrow we're hanging a new exhibit "Go Figure" in the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) Gallery ... that's located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA ... the Artists' Atelier working studios and gallery spaces. This exhibit includes nudes and not-so-nudes, paintings, photographs and drawings. The exhibit runs throughout the month of June. Come see it and other new works by the Atelier artists during First Friday, June 5, 7-9pm (we're open the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm), or on Saturdays, noon to 4pm. You're also welcome to call and I'll show you around. (703) 403-7435.

Two of my paintings that will be on view are shown above. I'll also have many drawings (charcoal, ink washes, watercolor washes, chalk drawings). "Standing Nude", oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2007. "Reclining Nude", oil, 20"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2007.

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

"Peonies" Painting: Fresh Out of the Yard and Off the Easel

I painted "Peonies" during and after my Still Life class today... plus gave a private lesson ... plus took a painting to a potential purchaser (maybe more on that later). Busy and fun day. As usual.

The Summer Classes and Workshops bulletin can now be downloaded at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site (www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org, click on Great Falls School of Art). I'll be teaching a six-week (once a week) Still Life class and a Portrait workshop. Registration is going on now. Email me with any questions or just to let me know you're signing up. Email: jillbanks1@aol.com.

If you're a new blog reader, click on Older Posts at the bottom of the page to see more. If you're looking for a more organized way to view my artwork, go to my web site, www.jillbanks.com.

"Peonies", oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"The Donut Line-Up" Painting and Summer Classes & Workshop Offered

I painted this during and after my still life class today. There's nothing like smelling fresh donuts all day. The donuts were a last-minute purchase last night at the Safeway checking out with grapes for an ongoing class set-up. $3.99 for a dozen, and I couldn't resist. It gave me a chance to try out this interestingly-sized canvas, 4"h x 12"w that I had bought a while back. Definitely fun. I will resist eating my models today (and tomorrow), and now I'm off to paint something else.

"The Donut Line-Up", oil, 4"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Registration is going on now for summer classes and workshops at the Great Falls School of Art. The School is located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. I will be teaching a once a week class for six weeks on Tuesday morning, 9:30am-12:30pm, July 7-August 11. Cost: $200 (paid to Great Falls Foundation for the Arts) + $15 materials fee (for still life stuff -- paid to me). A supply list will be emailed to students.

Still Life Painting in Oils
Still life painting is the ultimate teacher -- learn how to achieve glorious color, draw with paint concentrating on simplifying forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compelling compositions. The instructor (that's me) will set up multiple still lifes for each class and teach student how to design their own incorporating some of their favorite objects. This is a great class for artists of all levels -- from beginners to advanced.
Tuesdays, 9:30-12:30, July 7-August 11

"Coconut Cake", oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

And, I'm offering a Summer Workshop in Portrait & Figure Painting:
Portrait & Figure Painting in Oils

Learn to see and capture the human form through direct observation. The instructor will demonstrate on Friday night, leaving students with plenty of painting time over the weekend to hone skills. Short poses each day help students increase the speed and accuracy of their paintings. A long pose will finish each day's painting session. Students are invited to bring one of their pieces to the workshop for a one-on-one critique during the session. Clothed models. A supply list will be posted on my web site (www.jillbanks.com).
Friday, August 14 demo, 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16: 10am-4pm
Cost: $195 + model's fees (paid to the instructor)
Level: Intermediate/Advanced. Some figure/portrait drawing and oil painting experience is recommended.

Go to www.GreatFallsFoundationforArts.org to download the school bulletin and registration form and mail to: Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, Inc. c/o Terri Parent, 325 Sinegar Place, Great Falls, VA 22066. Any questions, contact Terri, the school registrar at 703-433-5358 or terrikate@aol.com. Or contact me directly, jillbanks1@aol.com.

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

"Bowl of Strawberries" Fresh Off the Easel

I finished "Bowl of Strawberries" today. I'd set it up as a secondary still life for last Tuesday's class ... but I was the sole taker for this scene. Tomorrow's my last day of class for this session. Sign up now for the next session that starts mid-April at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site. Classes next session will be held in a terrific new space downstairs from the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 14 other artists). This Friday, join me and other teachers and artists from the Atelier for First Friday, 7-9pm, to register for classes, look at our latest work, maybe buy a piece (?) and enjoy some light refreshments.

If you can't make it this Friday, visit me in my new space downstairs from the Atelier. I'm bound to be working in one space or another at 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, either Suite D or Suite G. I'm ridiculously excited about it. Come see if it's contagious.

"Bowl of Strawberries", oil on Senso linen, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

web site: www.jillbanks.com
blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
phone: 703.403.7435
email: jillbanks1@aol.com

"Croissant and Plums" Painting Continued plus Spring Class Registration

I worked today on "Croissant and Plums" trying to finish it up. The rush is due to: 1) aging plums and a petrifying croissant, and 2) the need to clear an area for my still life class tomorrow. I probably got far enough today to disassemble it. Still, I have more to do to finish it so you get the sense that you can pick up that croissant and have it for breakfast.

Registration is going on now for Spring classes through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. My still life class lasts 9 weeks and is on Tuesday mornings, 9:30-12:30, starting in mid-April. I'll give info in a day or two on the classes being offered.

"Croissant and Plums" work in progress, oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web site: www.jillbanks.com
Latest news and paintings: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com

"Croissant and Plums" Painting Started Today

During the Still Life class I teach during the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, I started this painting of a rather large croissant and some red plums. It's a continuation of a theme I started with "Sunday Morning" - one of the painting that will be exhibited as part of Salon International 2009 to be held at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, TX in April. See my earlier post about that event.

"Croissant and Plums" work in progress, oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Winter 2009 Art Classes and Workshops

CLASSES
Fall courses begin in January and run for nine weeks. Registration begins immediately.

(The Great Falls School of Art classes are being held in the Artists' Atelier, the working studios and gallery space I share with 13 other artists located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Classes are currently for teens and adults, with children's classes to be added once a different, adequate teaching space has been found. -Jill)

Still Life Painting in Oils
Jill Banks

Still life painting is the ultimate teacher – learn how to achieve glorious color, draw with paint concentrating on simplifying forms into abstract shapes, and how to construct compelling compositions. The instructor will set up multiple still lifes for each class and teach students how to design their own incorporating some of their favorite objects. This is a great class for artists of all levels – from beginners to advanced. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. Supply list will be posted.
$300 + $20 materials fee, Tuesdays, 9:30am-12:30pm, 9 weeks, Jan. 27-Mar. 24
Registration form.



Painting the Portrait in Oils
Jill Banks

This course covers the basic elements of painting the portrait: composition, mood, gesture, form, structure, and features. Emphasis is placed on creating sound and compelling paintings as well as achieving a likeness. Students will learn how to achieve beautiful skin tones through color studies and to place the figure in space. Continuing students will build on established skills. Model fees are extra. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. Supply list will be posted.
$300 + model fees (based on number of enrolled students), Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm, 9 weeks, Jan. 27-Mar. 24
Registration form.



Oil Painting from Photos You Love
Adrienne Kralick

Learn to compose and create beautiful oil paintings from photo references that interest and excite you. This lively class is tailored to help each student at their own level whether beginner or advanced, with an emphasis on the concepts and painting techniques that can be learned from great paintings throughout history. Given demonstrations and handouts are customized for the specific needs that arise during each session as the paintings progress. Information on the instructor can be found at:
www.adrienneartist.com.
$270 Fridays, 9:30am-12:30pm, 9 weeks, Jan. 23-Mar. 20
$270 Sundays, 1:00-4:00pm, 9 weeks, Jan. 25-Mar. 22
Registration form.


Introduction to Watercolor
Linda Jones


This course covers the basic techniques in watercolor: brushwork, washes, wet into wet, drybrush, color mixing and composition. Each class will include demonstration and students developing these techniques while working on specifically chosen subjects/themes from still life and photographs. A materials list will be provided before the start of the course.
$300 Mondays, 2:00pm-5:00pm, 9 weeks, January 19-March 16
Registration form.



Visual Thinking Through Media: Creating a Visual Journal
Michela Mansuino


From content to cover, this course is designed to inspire you to get serious about being creative. You will experiment with a variety of media in an 11 X 17 inch hard-bound sketchbook. Just as artists uniquely get some of their most significant ideas from working with materials, you will use these investigations to develop projects based on your personal interests and direction. The journal prompts are fused with the exploration of significant themes and contexts. They act as a springboard to help you to discover who you are and make a visual record or the process. In this studio-centered course, we will include art history, popular culture, language, science, music and other content areas. Visual journaling is a way of crafting elegant art problems for authentic learning. Visual journaling is a way of life. Hard-bound sketchbook is included. Supply list will be posted. Young teens, teens, adults.
$280 + $25 materials fee, 3:00-6:00pm, Wednesdays, 9 weeks, January 21-March 18
Registration form.




WORKSHOPS

Mastering the Business of Art
Jill Banks
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 13 & 14, 6:30-9:30pm
Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art. This two-day workshop covers the fundamentals of planning, establishing and running a career as a professional artist. Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing, pricing your work, exhibiting, selling, applying for grants, taxes, setting up merchant accounts, marketing, add-on products and branding, promotions, publicity, approaching galleries, establishing name recognition, handling commissions, inventory control and more. The instructor started taking classes in 2003 – and in a little over five years has successfully built a rewarding art career through sales, commissions, recognition, awards, a grant, gallery representation and teaching. The business of art is challenging and rewarding – and conquering it lets us do more of what we love to do! A workbook is included. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com.
$95 + $10 workbook fee
Registration form.


Introduction To Jewelry-Making
Donna Barnako
Saturday, January 17, 1:00-4:00pm
A half-day workshop where you will learn a potpourri of basic skills to get you started making your own jewelry. In this class we will make several pairs of earrings and a necklace or bracelet. Techniques covered include making wrapped loops, string considerations, crimping and adding closures. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jewelworx.com. Class targeted for adults but fine for teenager 14+. Geared for beginners with no prior experience. For information about the instructor: www.jewelworx.com or www.jewelworx.etsy.com.
$50 + $15 materials fee (tools supplied by teacher)
Registration form.


Introduction to Jewelry Wireworking
Donna Barnako
Saturday, March 7, 1:00-4:00pm
A half-day workshop where participants will learn a variety of wireworking techniques useful in basic jewelry-making as well as in a completely wireworked piece. Students will make their own earwires and a bangle bracelet while learning to fashion a clasp and to coil wire as a decorative element. Class targeted for adults. Strictly for beginners. For information about the instructor: www.jewelworx.com or www.jewelworx.etsy.com.
$50 + $15 materials/kit fee (tools supplied by teacher)
Registration form.


Photoshop Elements 6 – The Basics (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, February 7
In this crash course, students will learn the basics of this powerful image-editing software package including: how to navigate the workspace, organize, manage and save photos, resize and crop, sharpen, color correct, fix exposure, retouch and use creative filters. Plus students will explore ways to output their photos, create projects and more.
$50 + $10 workbook fee
Registration form.


Photoshop Elements 6 – Beyond The Basics (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, February 28
Stretch the boundaries of your creativity and get started on your way to mastering Photoshop Elements’ powerful image-editing tools. This course will cover key features including selections, adjustment layers, photo retouching, special effects, adding text, filters and more. Plus students will learn ways to share their images on the web and in a slide show. For the intermediate or those who have attended “The Basics” Crash Course.
$50 + $15 DVD fee
Registration form.


Photoshop Elements 6 – Advance Techniques (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, March 14
Learn how to take an image from the ordinary to the extraordinary and turn memories into masterpieces. This crash course covers the most powerful and flexible features of Photoshop Elements including layer adjustments and styles, camera raw, photomerge and other tips and tricks to make your photos shine. Students will also learn how to create a slide show and a web gallery. “The Basics” and “Beyond The Basics” are prerequisites to this course.
$50 + $15 DVD fee
Registration form.


Digital SLR Photography (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, January 31
This class demystifies the technology so you can start taking better pictures right away. Learn the basics of file formats, menu and scene settings, exposure, ISO, shutter speed, bracketing composition and lighting. Find out how to transfer images to the computer and manage them. Plus students will discover options to edit, save and print their photos. Students are encouraged to bring their digital SLR cameras to class.
$50 + $10 workbook fee
Registration form.


Photos That Click – Visual Techniques to Supercharge Your Creative Potential (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, March 21
Whether you are an amateur or pro, this class is designed to expand your vision, while providing you with lots of ideas and tips intended to strengthen your ability to capture and create images that are captivating, technically sound, and visually appealing. So if you are ready to supercharge your creative passion and potential, this is the class for you. Students are encouraged to bring their digital cameras to class.
$50 + $10 workbook fee
Registration form.


The Classic Figure: a Modern Approach
Alla Prima Figure Painting with Robert Liberace
Friday-Sunday, January 9, 10, 11, 2009
Held at the Great Falls Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, Virginia (demo January 9th from 6:30-9:30pm, and classes January 10th and 11th from 10am-4pm)

Join Rob for an exciting workshop that will unite the old and the new. Using the modern method of alla prima and a rich array of contemporary colors, students will follow a step-by-step method that will allow them to compose a figure painting with the look and finish of classic Renaissance paintings. Though alla prima (the direct manner of finishing a painting while it is wet) is often considered an impressionistic approach, it is also ideal for careful and thorough modeling which is a hallmark of classical painting. This approach will allow students to efficiently complete a painting without the laborious and time consuming classic approach of glazed layers. Methods of drawing, paint manipulation and color arrangement will be included and a general analysis of the anatomy will be stressed. But first, don't miss out on the demo Friday evening. And be sure to arrive early for wine and cheese! Students will need to provide their own easels and taborets or tables for palettes and supplies.

IMPORTANT: Registration for the Robert Liberace workshop is different than for other Great Falls School of Art courses and workshops. All are welcome. Hurry, space is limited. For the Robert Liberace workshop only, please contact Mary Orr at mary.orr@mac.com or cell 703-298-1176. Or mail check to Mary Orr at 198 Falcon Ridge Road, Great Falls, VA 22066. For more information about the instructor: see www.robertliberace.com.
$250 + model fees (to be divided among participants)