Jill Banks Fall Classes at the Great Falls School of Art

"Apple Singer," oil, 16" x 20", ©Jill Banks 2014 was one of my Still Life class demos

Before my computer gets packed away ready to resettle in Fairfax ... momentarily ... I'm letting you in on the latest info on my Fall classes offered through the Great Falls School of Art.

Soon, hopefully, the registration page and this info will agree in dates, number of sessions, tuition.

"Florentine Square,"©Jill Banks 2014: While we won't be painting here, plein air class can get you ready to do so.

Still Life in Oils will be offered on Tuesdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm, September 16 to November 4 (8 sessions) with classes held at the Great Falls School of Art, 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA.  Class size is limited ... and generally fills quickly. Find more information on the class with a link for registration at http://jillbanks.com/workshops.

Plein Air Landscape Painting is offered on Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm, September 18 to October 30 (no class October 16) with classes held in locations around the DC area (specific locations emailed the day before class or sooner -- so you must be registered to know where to go). 6 sessions. $325.  In case of inclement weather, we will meet at the school in Great Falls and class will go from 9:30am to 12:30pm (one hour shorter). I will make this up to you somehow if there are two or more inclement weather days. Find more information on the class with a link for registration at http://jillbanks.com/workshops.

Class size is limited in both. Sign up soon! 

"Tavern Shops," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Coming Up

• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel (This link takes you to the subscription page.)

Register for Fall 2014 Classes. Get more info on my Classes page on my web site.

"The Snuggery" Complete?

"The Snuggery," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Hopefully I won't wake up tomorrow bound and determined to do a complete overhaul.  That happens sometimes ... but as of tonight, I'm happy with "The Snuggery" as is. (Other than the photo -- taken at night, blurry, colors off.)

We shall see.

It's one of up to nine paintings to be hung this coming Saturday, February 1 at Katie's Coffee, next door (and part of) the Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, VA for my solo show that keeps changing names.

Today's name for the show is "Here and There" primarily because this painting is set right where my pieces will hang. Hence, "Here." And, I've been to "There," too. Lots. "There" will include Paris, maybe Carmel, Italy, New York (maybe). Those are an awful lot of maybes for a show to be mounted in five days.

Got to get a grip.

Tomorrow's my second day of still life class ... full of new students and returning ones. My refrigerator is stocked with some new setups plus some beautiful blue hydrangeas are calling me. I hope it's catching.

Fundraiser for the Great Falls School of Art
Saturday, February 8, 6:30-9:00pm

Join us for a fun Art Night Out with artists, art enthusiasts and the community as we raise money to support the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts and GF School of Art. The event will feature wine & chocolate tastings along with a variety of romance foods. Guests can enjoy the "Flowers, Chocolate & Romance" Exhibit in the Gallery and floral art demonstration! Location: Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, 3rd Floor (Suite G), Great Falls, VA

Tickets: Guest - $75
VIP - $100 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership)
Patron - $200 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership and special recognition)
Sponsor - $500 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership and sponsor promotion) A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible, amounts provided with ticket purchase.

RESERVE TICKETS online at www.greatfallsart.org

"The Toast," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks

"Art Night Out" is an event coordinated by Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, a local charitable 501(c)(3) with a mission to provide opportunities for art education, expression & professional development in the Great Falls community. Visit us online at www.greatfallsart.org

My pieces in the "Flowers, Chocolate and Romance" exhibit in the gallery include "The Toast" and "June Peonies." 10% of sales during Art Night Out will be donated to the Great Falls School of Art.

Your support would be greatly appreciated -- to help the school continue to offer high quality art education to artists of all ages. Many thanks!!!

Workshop in Italy This August
Come paint with me this August in the Italian wine country.  Details coming very soon on this trip that I'm thrilled about. Hope you will be, too!

Price Increases on February 1
February 1, prices on all my pieces are heading up. Take a look at the website and if one of those works is on your list ... consider purchasing it at pre-February 1 prices. More specifics coming up here and on my site.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com

Events
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. I'll be there painting at least one day during the month. See my web site (or the blog) for updates.

More to come.

Back to the NYC Street Painting

"Traffic Patterns" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

I was in the studio (the Artists' Atelier, the space I share with 13 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) today after a long hiatus. I love being there ... combining comraderie and the chance to paint.  There were many of us in there painting, plus some visitors including a family from Italy who came to the studio chatting in Italian with Michela Mansuino (my studiomate). That, along with an afternoon filled with opera coming through the afternoon made it a cultured sort of day indeed.

While more is left to do, the afternoon was spent working on "Traffic Patterns."  A pleasure.  The pigeon appeared today.

Last night's reception for the Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition was fantastic.  It really is my favorite art opening of the year -- particularly because the artists are of all ages -- and they get the chance to show what they've been working at and toward during the year. I thought that most of this post would be about that ... but one of my students, Christine Flack-Blazier, put up a blog post of her own that is a better report than any I might add. So go to hers at: http://cfblazier.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/student-art-show/.

Winners were chosen in both Youth and Adult categories by guest juror, award-winning painter Vicki Vidal Blum. The winners are:

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Youth Category

1^st Place Amrita Sahu for “Yellow Flower”  Super Sculpy and Acrylic Paint

2^nd Place Mary Jones for “Flying in the Meadow”  Paper Collage & Watercolor 

3^rd Place Maryam Bade for “Sugar Pot”  Acrylic on Paper 

Honorable Mention Grace Kugler for “Ducky in the Pond”  Acrylic & Watercolor on Paper

Honorable Mention Maryam Bade for “American Girl Doll”  Charcoal & Pencil on Paper

Honorable Mention Grace Kugler for “Seafood”  Watercolor on Paper



Adult Category

1^st Place Nancy Keane for “Still Life with Ball Jar and Red Onion”  Oil on Canvas

2^nd Place Amy Zavrel for "Cove Point"  Oil on Canvas

3^rd Place Mary Beth Gaiarin for “Treasures from Italy”  Oil on Canvas

Honorable Mention Henry Haigler for “Carolina Lady”  Oil on Canvas

Honorable Mention Nancy Keane for “Lilia”  Oil on Canvas

Honorable Mention Barbara Marhoefer for “Onion with Mason Jar”  Oil on Canvas

I may put some photos up from the evening ... but on another day. Currently, there seems to be more to do than hours in the day.

Classes start next week! There are lots of great offerings with new classes and new teachers. It's always difficult to get new classes going -- the best way to help is to sign up. The Great Falls School of Art is a great place to learn, with excellent teachers, and supportive, fun fellow students. Plus, parking is easy and convenient and your art could be in the gallery next January. Come join us!  Go to my web site's classes page for more info on my offerings and a link to the school.

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

Events and Exhibits
Register now for Winter classes.  See my web site: www.JillBanks.com, Classes page for Still Life Painting in Oils and Draw, Paint, Sculpt the Portrait -- offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA. Still Life is now full with a wait list. Sign up for the Portrait class -- it's going to be a great one! 

 

Student Exhibit Makes the Cover of the Connection

Great Falls Connection, January 11, 2012 edition

 I'm posting this on Friday ... but wrote it yesterday. Believe it or not ... I cooked a great dinner last night and totally forgot about hitting the button to publish. I hope that's not a sign of things to come.

So, from Thursday (Yesterday):

The Great Falls Connection celebrated last Saturday's Awards Reception of the Great Falls School of Art with a cover article written and photographed by reporter Alex McVeigh. Very cool! For a short time (one week), you can download a PDF version of this issue to read the full article and enjoy the nice view of this month's exhibit at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA). (Under print editions online, click on Great Falls to download the PDF)

There were over 50 entries for the exhibit which was juried for awards by award-winning Great Falls lithographer, Will Tuthill -- who took one-and-a-half hours to select the winning work. The cover of the Great Falls Connection shows Begoña Morton accepting her second place award in the adult category for her painting "Nautilus." I still need to take photos of each selected work ... but I've not been able to find the time yet. Funny. That keeps happening.

Next Monday and Tuesday, my Winter classes begin. I can tell it's going to be a wonderful term -- with returning star students and new stars to be. My classes are full but I do have a wait list for the Still Life class. Who knows, something might happen with that...
Take a look at the roster of classes and workshops at www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org and download a Winter bulletin. There are January photography/photoshop workshops by Sarah and Jeff Burton and a "Honing Your Craft" painting workshop coming up taught by Armand Cabrera on February 3, 4 and 5.

Yesterday, I spent my last day painting "The Gin Game" on site in my parent's condo. I'll still be tweaking it in the studio ... but it's time for my easel to exit their kitchen. It was great fun to paint the two of them and hang out for so many days. They never want to stop playing ... which makes them awfully patient models.

You'll see the final results in the next week or so. At least, so I think.

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

 

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

And the Awards Go To...

Last night was the Awards and Opening Reception for the Great Falls School of Art Exhibit ... and ever since hanging the show, I've been very glad that I wasn't the one to choose the winners. The exhibit is terrific ... and each piece is award-worthy. 2011 was a year of accomplishment and the evidence is hanging in the gallery. Come see it during Open Hours, Saturdays, noon to 4pm at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

I'll add more photos of the winning entries later today ... after I get some painting time in the studio.

Adult Category

Jill (me, left) and Lori Wiseman (right) next to her First Prize winning portrait "Green Scarf"

1st)  Lori Wiseman, "Green Scarf"

2nd)  Begoña Morton, "Nautilus"

3rd)  Mary Beth Gaiarin, "Persimmons and Copper Pot"

Honorable Mention

Begoña Morton, "Portrait of Livia"

Begoña Morton under "Nautilus" (top)

Begoña Morton, "Message Bottles"

Nancy Keane, "Ahmed's Pitcher"

Youth Category

1st)  Delaney Jones, "High Tech Girl"

2nd)  Victoria Wang, "Human Eye Profile"

3rd)  Katie Ledford, "Carly"

Honorable Mention

Cormac Goodwin, "Hen"

Amrita Sahu, "Cat Mask"

Congratulations to All of You!

Nancy Keane (right)  with Me (left) under "Ahmed's Pitcher" (top right)

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

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

Great Falls School of Art Exhibit at the Artists' Atelier Gallery and More...

Part of the Great Falls School of Art Student Show

Yesterday was receiving day for the Great Falls School of Art Student Show. Paintings and drawings kept pouring in ... and it was great to see them all together. Especially since I'd seen so many of the pieces develop in class. There's a big change, too, between last year and this. The work keeps getting better and better. I guess that's what is supposed to happen. Yet it's fun and rewarding to see all the students' hard work paying off.

Come join us for the Opening and Awards Reception this Saturday, January 7, 5 to 8pm in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. The show is being juried for awards by Great Falls master lithographer Will Tuthill. Awards in both youth and adult categories will be presented around 6pm on Saturday.

Another view of the Student Exhibit

"The Gin Game" Continued
Today I worked more on "The Gin Game" -- a portrait of my Mom and Dad. It's almost there! One more day, I think, to increase contrast and put together some finishing touches.

Oh, I did find out that the 2011 year of gin games ended with my Dad ... very slightly ahead.

"The Gin Game" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!



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

Back to School ... and Back to Painting Today

"Shalonda," oil on Senso linen canvas, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Yea! Today was the first day of my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class ... so it was demo day. That means I was painting after a reprieve due to the London trip, planning and giving a speech to the McLean Arts Society, and getting ready to hang my 100 Faces in 100 Days show tomorrow afternoon.

A treat!

Plus, it was great to see my class back in session. Tomorrow's the first day of Still Life class ... with many returning and some new students to meet. The expanded classroom space is WONDERFUL. Another treat. The light is super and there's just this nice feeling of space. Air. Room to move and paint.

Shalonda was the model today. I loved her expression. This was a pretty large canvas (24"h x 18"w) to work on for one three-hour session. I think I was just excited to be doing something other than 12"h x 12"w -- the size of all my 100 Faces. Still, it might have been better to use a 20"h x 16"w canvas ...

Now I've got to return to details/work for hanging my show. And, figuring out still life arrangements to use. Busy times.

Check my web site for show receptions coming up on Friday night (Manassas -- the Artists' Atelier show) and Saturday afternoon (May 7, 2:30-5:30pm, my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit) at the Great Falls Library.

Mom is Face 8, 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

"Mom", Face #8 of 100, oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Today was fun! Okay, you've heard that before.

Face #8 is none other than my Mom, Shonnie Johnson, numero uno Mom, art agent, friend, wife (to Dad), Nana (to lucky grandkids), neighbor (to all those Stratford House folks) ... and awfully cute, to boot. The hardest critic for my paintings of Mom is my Dad who thinks she's so beautiful that nothing I can create in paint can hold a candle to her. That's probably true.

But I tried.

She sat super still. She's had training as a model for one of my previous Portrait classes. This is NOT a requirement for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project, but she did it anyway. I did take a little lunch break sitting in the chair I set up for her ... and I admit that it was awfully comfy.

Mom walking around the Artists' Atelier, my shared studio

It was great to have some extended visiting time. It's impossible to get enough. 

Dad is going to be Face #11. He agreed to model for me after my Still Life class next week. What he doesn't know (even though my Mom and I are both telling him), is that he's going to enjoy this just as much as I am. It's a reprieve from all those things he has to do ... and some nice time making his daughter happy.

I'm filling up my Faces calendar a little at a time  and have a schedule opening for this coming Friday, January 14 in the afternoon and Sunday, January 16, also in the afternoon, both probably at 2pm. I've had lots of volunteers that I just need to assign to a particular day.

My Mom sat for me for about four hours. The range has been between 2-1/2 to 4 hours. I've been asked whether I think I'll speed up the more I do ... and I just don't know but my guess is that it will stay about the same. The span of time required seems to be less about the model than about me. I have been using the full time lately, though, because I spend more time in the Open Grisaille stage ... laying in the darks only (in a mix of transparent oxide red and French ultramarine blue) to nail my drawing. As soon as the darks are put down, it matters very little how much my sitter moves. After that, I am just looking for the colors of her/his skin tones and clothing in the light.

Open Grisaille stage ... just starting to add in the lights

I did take a shot of my painting of Mom as I was just beginning to lay in the lights. I keep my darks thin paint (just less of it -- I don't use any medium) and use thicker paint on my lights.

All of these paintings are being done on 12" x 12" Raphael oil-primed, linen-lined boards. They are a bit tricky, but I like them. The trickiness comes from their smooth, oil-primed texture. Paint is not absorbed at all and the hard, smooth surface makes every single brushstroke show. There's an upside to this, too. Brushstrokes are pretty beautiful in and of themselves ... and I think the "craziness" of them just adds energy and life to each of these paintings.

There are two more openings in my Portrait Painting and Drawing class that starts this coming Monday, January 10. The class is weekly from 10am-1pm for nine weeks and I give a demo in the first session. (The demo will be of Face #10: my Father-in-Law, Drate Banks.) See my web site's Classes page for more info and email me if you're interested. Classes are held through the Great Falls School of Art at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. I hope you can join us!

Learn more about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project on earlier blog posts or on my web site. I'm adding links to each day's Face back to the blog post for their day. Interesting. A bit of work but a great way to get to know more about them. My mom's not on there yet, but she will be.

I'm curious, too, what you see (those of you following this project). I know it's only the beginning of week two ... but is there a change? A common thread? Something you want to know more or less about?

Thanks, MOM for ALL you do ... including sitting for me!

"Mom", Face #8 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project, oil on Raphael board, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011.

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

"Ellen" Alla Prima Portrait: Post #1

Get ready for a full day of posts ... three in all. There's lots to talk about! It's been an interesting 24 hours.

This afternoon, the Great Falls School of Art hosted a free drawing/painting session with Ellen as our model. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that painting with a live model is about as much fun as I can stand. Shorten how much time I have to paint and I have that much more of a blast.  I had an hour and a half for this one. Knowing that, I picked a small canvas size (9" x 12") and didn't fuss over anything. Fun, fun, fun.

It's painted alla prima ... or all at once. Wet into wet.

By the way, we had tons of visitors at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA). We're open the First Friday of every month from 7 to 9pm and every Saturday from noon-4pm. The flood of folks came because fellow studiomate Judith St. Ledger-Roty made the cover of the Great Falls Connection and Jenna Klimchak and Jennifer Duncan were also featured as well. Publicity helps! Judith had her opening of a solo show at Katie's Coffee, part of the Old Brogue Irish Pub... I stopped in at the reception and she'd sold two paintings and had a whole slew of appreciative patrons enjoying the show. It hangs through the month of March ... a good time to be showing scenes from her recent trip to Ireland at this very popular Irish pub.

Many of those visitors were interested in signing up for classes. Go to my website: www.jillbanks.com to find all the listings for classes and to download a registration form ... or read my blog entry about classes here. Sign up now...

The empty easel is where I was painting ... I'd just packed up.

Check back for the other two posts today. You're going to enjoy them!

"Ellen", oil on Senso linen, 9"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010

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

Another Lemon Painting

"Lemon Yellow", one more painting of a lemon, was one of the five still life setups from my Still Life class today. I set this one up in my studio and painted it this afternoon. I will be submitting it on Friday for the Great Falls Studios group show at the Old Brogue that runs the month of August.

For this painting, and recent work done on "Sunflowers and Gladioli" I added Winsor Lemon by Winsor & Newton to my palette. (See post on my "Sunflowers and Gladioli" painting here.) It's nice added to my three cadmium yellows (deep, medium and pale).

There are two more classes in the Summer session, and registration is still going on for my portrait painting weekend workshop held on August 14, 15, and 16. Go to the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site, Great Falls School of Art page to download the Summer bulletin and registration form.

On Sunday, Randy and I spent the day in Annapolis. It was hot! So, that left more time for sketching in an air-conditioned space. Some drawings from that trip will be shown as soon as I get a chance to photograph them. While getting ready for our Annapolis jaunt, I also re-discovered many more drawings from my Venice trip last year, including many done from statues and paintings in Venetian museums. My notes weren't overly helpful ... sort of staccato. I guess I was just more interested in looking than writing.

"Lemon Yellow", oil on linen, 8"h x 10"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Ongoing and Upcoming Shows:
"On the Bright Side" solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 through August 31. See web site for preview and open hours.

"Still Life Poetry" group invitational show at ArtSpace Herndon, August 4-30. Reception: August 8, 7-9pm, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.
MPA Artfest, juried outdoor show, Sunday, October 4, 10am-5pm.

And, my studio at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, open Saturdays, noon-4pm and the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm ... plus any time I'm in there working or by appointment. Call 703.403.7435.

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

Painting Tomatoes

After teaching my still life class (last one of the session) and giving a private lesson yesterday, I broke out the paints and created this one. "Family Ties" depicts four vined tomatoes that were going to be made into gazpacho last week -- but they had to be held over to this week for another class painting session. This is a simple, small painting. See more of my still lifes of food and markets on this blog and on my web site -- gallery section, both Still Lifes and Places.

Since I haven't been blogging for a week, here's a little bit of catching up... I've been finishing up on a portrait commission and finalizing "Food and Wine". You'll probably see both of those here soon. First Friday was absolutely fantastic -- the best ever. The student show in the downstairs gallery looks terrific and it was fun to meet family members and friends of many of the students that are part of the Great Falls School of Art. The place was buzzing all night. Unfortunately, I was having way too much fun to remember to take photos.

The Farmer's Market was also good. My Market Series paintings have been really well received. "Food and Wine" made its first appearance there ... with good reviews. "Rainy Day Market" is a constant favorite. Someone's going to buy it ... soon, I bet. Other top favorites are drawings, particularly ink washes and "The Donut Line-Up". Two young boys visited with their father and I asked them which painting was their favorite and one of them said "that one ... and that one ... and that one" until he picked the entire tent's worth. Definitely a budding art patron.

This Saturday, I'm heading up to New York City with Randy to drop off drawings at the Salmagundi Club for their Annual Juried Photography and Graphics Exhibition. See my earlier post on that acceptance. Richard Schmid's work is in an exhibit there -- that I'm looking forward to seeing. Plus, I can't wait to see the Salmagundi Club itself.

"Family Ties" (painting of tomatoes), oil on Senso linen, 10"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. "Rainy Day Market", oil on Senso linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"Chocolate Cupcake" Painting of the Day and More...

Today's been a busy day. I finished a portrait that's been a major project of Bob Borchers, my client, and mine ... and "unveiled" it this afternoon. I will need to talk more about this special portrait and show a photo later, someday soon. We'll be going over to FrameMasters (my favorite framer) to pick out a frame for it tomorrow. By the way, FrameMasters has a $25 off coupon for custom orders on minimum orders of $125 through January 31. See their web site: www.framemasters1.com.

Well, a little more now ... I have been working the past three weeks (while preparing for the Christmas holidays) to finalize the portrait painting. I strive (I mean, REALLY strive) to produce the best work I possibly can. This portrait has been by far the most challenging painting I've undertaken, and I'm relieved that it exceeds my sometimes ridiculous expectations.

So, as a treat ... I produced "Chocolate Cupcake" this afternoon ... something easy and fun. It's really important to me to keep changing the type of work (subject matter, size, complexity) to keep my enthusiasm (passion) for each project at a high level. That excitement shows.

See also "Cupcake", "Four Square" (painting of four donuts), and my "Me O My! Donut" for some more of my small food paintings a day ... or just keep looking at Older Posts. There are lots of them!

"Chocolate Cupcake", oil on stretched canvas, 5" x 5", copyright Jill Banks 2008.

Reminders: Register now for classes at Loudoun Academy of Art and the Great Falls School of Art. I'm teaching a workshop "Mastering the Business of Art" January 13 & 14, 6:30-9:30pm in Great Falls in addition to a portrait and still life class. See my post on the Great Falls School of Art winter classes and workshops.

Painting of "Mom" in the "Fresh Perspectives" Exhibit

The painting I did of my Mom while she posed for my portrait painting class at the Great Falls School of Art in the Fall is in the "Fresh Perspectives" Great Falls Studios Exhibit at the Great Falls Library (in Great Falls, VA). The painting has some admirers, as does the subject. It's probably difficult to separate the two reactions. It's hard not to like the painting when you love the person it depicts.

Anyway, I thought you might enjoy reading the information I put on the tag next to the painting. I curated the show and asked the participating artists to put work into the show that was new and exciting and to write about what made that particular piece special. So, following my own instructions, here's what I wrote:

Title: “Mom”
Media: Oil
Artist: Jill Banks
Price: Priceless
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: (703) 403-7435
Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com (this is my visual diary of my life as an artist)
This year, I started teaching through the Great Falls School of Art (part of the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts) and the Loudoun Academy of the Arts in Leesburg. For my Great Falls class, I hired my mom to sit for a couple of sessions. It was tough for me to watch others paint her – and not be able to paint myself. (I live to paint!) During one of her sittings, a couple of students couldn’t make it – so I “stole” a little time to paint “Mom.” What joy!
Other 2008 highlights: winning Best of Show at the Art League in November, Honorable Mention at the Art League in December, Casey Memorial Award in NYC national show in October, Strauss Fellowship grant from the Arts Council of Fairfax County and placing as a finalist in Artist’s Magazine’s Annual Art Competition.

Please go by the exhibit to see "Mom" and "Deli Italiano" in person ... as well as the works by other artist members of Great Falls Studios. The exhibit closes on December 31. Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA. Closed Sundays.

Yesterday's Painting: "Almond Joy"

This leftover Halloween candy was residing in my purse ... waiting for a chance to become the subject for one of my small paintings. "Almond Joy", oil on stretched canvas, 5" x 5", copyright Jill Banks 2008.

I'm teaching still life classes at both the Great Falls School of Art and the Loudoun Academy of Art in Leesburg, VA in January 2009. I received Loudoun's Schedule of Classes and was thrilled to see "Sunday Morning" featured on the cover and course listing. Very cool!

I am also teaching a portrait painting class and a workshop "Mastering the Business of Art" through the Great Falls School of Art. Click on the Great Falls School of Art link above to find out more.

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)