A Strange Turn and Still Life Class Today

During my Still Life class today, I painted setup #2: a rather odd mixture from Michela Mansuino's cast painting class  (the eye) and some props for my own class.  Michela's influence results in a "darker" side I just simply do not have. Her influence is being compounded by my current reading of a David Leffel book. The result is this painting will probably undergo multiple surgeries to become mine. I do really like the lady apples, though.

I'm posting it ... just so you know I'm painting.

Class was really enjoyable today. I feel good about what I pass on. As much as I continue to learn (thankfully), I've accumulated a great deal of knowledge pushing my brush around ... and am so glad to share it.

While the Winter term has started, if you are interested in attending future classes, please email me at jillbanks1@aol.com and ask me to add you to the potential student list. I'm currently teaching through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (in Great Falls, VA) and considering resuming teaching at the Loudoun Academy for the Arts (Leesburg, VA).

"Apple of His Eye", oil on Senso linen, 12"h x 9'w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Photo is not accurate ... but since I'm still planning image surgery ... I figured it didn't matter much.

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

"Sarah" Drawing of the Day and the Grand National 2009

My daughter, Sarah, sat for me today. I'm "practicing" drawing in anticipation of teaching my drawing class next week through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. I spend most of my time painting, and draw more during vacations or sketching out ideas for portrait commissions. So, I get a little rusty at holding a charcoal pencil.

My still life painting class Fall session starts tomorrow at 9:30 am. I'm scoping out my house for set-ups and then will head to the grocery to find some more subjects. Get more information on my classes on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

I found out this past week that "Sunflowers II" is accepted into the American Artists Professional League's 81st Grand National Exhibition 2009 that will be held at the Salmagundi Club (47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY) in New York City from November 3 through November 13. This is my first time applying to this juried show ... and second time this year at the Salmagundi Club. The name of the exhibit, The Grand National Exhibition 2009, sounds pretty impressive. I'll give more details closer to exhibit time.

"Sarah", black and terra cotta charcoal on paper, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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