Time On the Farm

"Quick Hen," oil sketch, 5"h x 5"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

As mentioned in yesterday's post, all of the members of Great Falls Studios were invited and many showed up this morning to Laura Nichols (potter and president of GFS) farm to photograph, paint, sculpt, etc. to our heart's content.

I started three ... and this one, "Quick Hen" was to "warm me up"  this morning. Laura has plenty of chickens (and guinea hens, goats, and a sheep) ... but I guess this one was in the corner of my eye a bit longer than the rest.

Tonight, Randy and I (along with 129 other people) went to the reception of Jonathan Fisher's exhibit "Flashpoints: A Celebration of Painted Wood" at the Market Street Bar & Grill (in the Hyatt Regency Reston VA), sponsored by the Greater Reston Arts Center. The exhibit continues through July 16, 2012. For Jon, it was a feat to adapt his wooden structural reliefs -- originally conceived as sculptures -- to hang in a space accustomed to two-dimensional art. Each piece is suspended without the viewer aware of the hanging device.  Congratulations to GRACE and Jon on a terrific exhibit and reception!

More to come tomorrow.

Exhibits and Events

May 20-June 23, Wayne Plein Air Exhibition 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA (May 15-19). Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center.  Eight pieces for purchase/on exhibit.

August, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, Studio #333

August 1-10, "Quiet" in Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Exhibition held at Denise Bibro Fine Art, Chelsea, NYC.

Sunday, October 14, MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

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

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Walt Lawrence Is Face #41 ... Amidst a Ruckus in the Studio

"Walt Lawrence: Face #41", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Walt Lawrence and I have been a bunch of co's together ... co-chairpeople of the Great Falls Studios Shows and Exhibit Committee (going back a few years), co-emerging artists (he as a photographer and me as a painter), co-exhibitors (Walt and I spent lots of years next to or across from one another at art shows), and co-studiomates (at the Artists' Atelier, shared studio space at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA). The two of us ... again, for years ... somehow got to be the fearsome duo who put out signs throughout Great Falls for the latest exhibit and shows. We've hung lots and lots of shows together ... and he's the only person other than my husband who realizes that it's extremely important to raise or lower a piece by that 1/4-inch I'm requesting.

One more challenge. Working without light on the easel.

Walt was slow to sign up to sit for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. My husband Randy thinks he remembers Walt saying something like "no way" when asked if he was going to become a "face." When he realized that I want to talk to people throughout the sitting, he vowed to be the first person to keep completely silent. Tough customer.

He enjoyed giving me a hard time. This painting turned out great and it's 100% Walt. As usual, we enjoyed each other's company. He sent me an email that "Today was a total gas." And, he really likes the end result. Ta da!

Ruckus At The Atelier

For today's sitting I had planned on painting Walt in the downstairs (from the Atelier) school area ... while letting Greg Staley photograph bird and other art upstairs for Great Falls Studios artists. (You really need to read this blog daily to keep up.) When I got there, though, Walt informed me that the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts board (confused yet?) was meeting downstairs ... so we'd have to figure out a spot in the Atelier to set up to paint ... face #41. The gallery area (an alternative spot to paint) was the designated photo shoot area  ... so I used my studio area, turning my easel around from its usual spot. Voila! It was perfect.

Except... I'm glad I don't need peace and quiet. Get a bunch of Great Falls Studios artists in one area and they go a bit wild and crazy. At least it was pretty darn entertaining for Walt. We did witness some fantastic bird art coming in. Cindy Grisdela created a wonderful, quilted pileated woodpecker. Jon Fisher created a wood relief tree of birds. Linda Jones experimented with mixed media creating a bird with flower parts. Laura Nichols sculpted a ceramic wall relief with a Great Blue Heron. (Obviously I wasn't solely focused on Walt's face.) There's a bird exhibit planned for June at the Great Falls Library. Should be quite a show. The Atelier has a bird exhibit going on ... now through the end of March of art created by Atelier artists.

All the ruckus did really add to the fun. Not that I needed that.

See you tomorrow ... I hope!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

John McCabe is Face #25, One-Quarter Through My Project

"John McCabe: Face #25", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

25 Faces!!!

John McCabe, fellow studiomate, painter and artist sat for me today ... as #25 of my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. John's also a portraitist ... so we had plenty of discussions on the subject. He just received a fantastic commission to paint the portrait of Professor Constantine Katsoris, Fordham Law School (John's alma mater), for installation in the Moot Court Room. Can't wait to see that one underway at the Artists' Atelier, the studio John and I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA.

The portrait turned out much better than this photo depicts. I had changed the settings to better photograph in one room ... and took this in another. I'll replace it on here tomorrow when I get a chance.

The wall in my studio on day 25 ... so 25 faces

I'm patting myself on the back today. (That's okay, right?) At 25, I'm a quarter of the way through my project and I survived two days in a row of teaching in the am and painting in the afternoon without too much trouble. Now, if I can remember to bring in a pad to cushion my feet -- I paint standing up and the floor's brutal -- life will be even better.

Randy and I redid my wall of faces in my studio this evening and extended the shelving. So more faces can fit ... so here's a photo of it on day 25. Pretty cool!

John ... near today's painting.

Last night, I attended the annual meeting of Great Falls Studios, a group of 90 artists who live or work in Great Falls. I had put out an email right after I dreamed up this project looking for people to volunteer. Well, a lot did and last night's meeting was full of many of my faces... and many more I'll be painting soon.

Okay, time for rest. Tomorrow morning is Face #26, which I'll be painting in the Great Falls School of Art room, 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls. Feel free to pop in, take a look at the wall and see how I'm doing on the face of the day.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Jonathan Fisher Becomes Face #18 Today

"Jonathan Fisher: Face #18", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Jon Fisher, a wood sculptor and the Communications chair guru of Great Falls Studios agreed to sit for me today. I canceled my still life class today, following suit with the Fairfax County School System deciding not to fight the icy roads and to catch up on a pile of "to dos" before my painting session this afternoon. What a relief unanticipated "free" time is! It takes away panic for a few hours and I had a whole lot more energy to paint and concentrate on Jon. This turned out to be one of those paintings that look just like the subject.

I was a member of the board of directors of Great Falls Studios with Jon. I graduated off the board a few years ago while Jon remained and continues to make remarkable things happen for the organization. One of my favorite perks of being a board member was to attend meetings with Jon with his continuous stream of wild ideas and hysterical one liners. He has a wonderful sense of humor and it strikes without his changing expression and the rest of us break out in irrepressible laughter. He's also somebody who questions everything ... and thinks of every possible scenario. What a great asset to keep us on our toes.

"Blue Quartz" wood sculpture by Jonathan Fisher

I learned more about Jon today and I'm glad to have had the opportunity. He was working to be a good model for me ... sitting still and talking a bit like a ventriloquist to keep his mouth from moving. No one's tried that before. Jon was talking about this being a bit like being in the dentist's office when they ask you questions knowing that there's no way you can answer at the moment. Perhaps.

There were some funny moments during the sitting ... but typing this made me think about another instance when Jon was up to no good. Part of our promotion of Great Falls Studios Annual Studio Tour (in mid-October of each year) is to put up blue balloons at our studio locations all around town. We are responsible for picking up signs and balloons from one of the member's studios and I arrived to pick up mine as Jon Fisher was finishing up. The hardware store in town lets us use their helium tank to blow up all the blue balloons ... but the tank was empty so balloons were dwindling down to nothing. Jon had his and I was getting mine and that was it. No more. So Jon walks out the door with his balloons and two seconds later we hear him say, "Oh, SH_T!" You know what we thought. Just kidding.

My wall of faces on day #18. Pretty cool, isn't it?

So today we had fun. Painting went well ... and #18 looks good up on the wall with the rest of my characters. It's starting to look like I'm doing something around here. I need to schedule some sittings for this upcoming weekend. Just haven't had time to do so yet. (It gets a bit complicated.)

For more info on my project, go to my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page on my web site and/or check out earlier posts on my blog to see faces #1 through #18.


Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Farmer's Market" Painting Finished

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web Site Just Updated and Yesterday

More fun times were had by all at yesterday's Great Falls Studios Spring Art Show at the Colvin Run Historic Schoolhouse in Great Falls, VA. Lots of regular eventgoers showed up ... but lots of new people, too ... coming from all over the area. What's interesting to me is how appreciative visitors are that you take the time to talk to them about your art. I'm appreciative that they are interested in discussing it. Just as my paintings unfold before me as I'm painting them (as I see something new in my subject), the discussions lead the visitor to see more and more in the painting. Each painting holds a story and its enlightening to hear how others interpret it.

I sold two more works yesterday. Three in all for the weekend. "Sauce or Salsa?" went to a couple who will be taking it with them to hang in their future home in the South of France. "Basilica of Constantine and Maxenthius", my drawing fresh from the Forum in Rome, went to a fellow artist in the show. One of the dangers of participating in these art shows is that we have two days to be tempted by each others' art. I went home with a new, "lucky" mug from potter Laura Nichols and an art-quilt covered guestbook from fiber artist Cindy Grisdela. Couldn't help it. I'm happier having them!

I updated my web site this morning with new updates to come. I realized that most of the paintings and drawings I had for sale at the show this weekend were missing from the site. I can't correct that overnight -- but I did add four paintings (of New York City streets) to my Places Gallery. Plus, (drumroll), I added pricing info to that gallery as well. I plan to do this for the other galleries (Still Life, Portraits, Drawings) ... but that will take me a little while. I'll also be adding many paintings in the process.

"Sauce or Salsa?", oil on linen, 8"h x 10"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010. Sold
"Basilica of Constantine and Maxenthius", ink, watercolor wash, pencil, 8"h x 10"w outer mat, copyright Jill Banks 2010. Sold.

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

Great Day at the Spring Art Show and Sale: Come Out Tomorrow

So tomorrow (Sunday, April  11)... come if you can ... to the Great Falls Studios Spring Art Show and Sale, 10am-5pm, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.

I had a great time today -- visiting with Great Falls Studios art events regulars and newcomers and talking about my favorite subject ... art. It wasn't an easy, or short day though. Usually for this weekend event, we've been able to set up on Friday late afternoon and then takedown on Sunday evening with clean-up on Monday morning. This time around, there were dances scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday night in the space ... so we had to setup at 6:00am this morning, takedown and unload everything at 5pm tonight ... setup tomorrow at 6:00 am and takedown and cleanup everything again at 5pm tomorrow night ... all packed up etc. by 7:00pm. Yikes. Yuck.

I received phenomenal feedback today. (I like that.)  Included in my "booth" are three framed drawings from the Rome/Florence trip that I returned from this past Monday ... plus seven other drawings that are matted and ready to frame. I sold one drawing from Florence: "Santa Croce" with lots of interest in "Basilica of Constantine and Maxenthius" (a drawing from the Forum in Rome). Honestly, every painting/drawing piqued the interest of many. That's something I always find fascinating. And rewarding.

Three paintings were perhaps the top contenders for the most popular award. "Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" (painting in third photo)... my painting of happiness on linen, "Tranquility" (the portrait of the woman in oriental dress, teapot and cups shown in the top photo) and "Rainy Day in NYC" (painting at top left in the second photo from the top). Still, again, every painting found some friends.

These events help make me a better artist plus I love them. I benefit (and greatly enjoy) the comraderie of a great group of artist friends and direct feedback from art enthusiasts. It's vital.

The photos were taken so that I could setup my booth similarly (or not) tomorrow morning at 6am... so  I wasn't trying to show off my photography skills. Translation: they aren't that great. So, come see what it looks like in person. If you can.

Booth photos (top 3 photos)
Bottom photo: "Santa Croce" drawing, ink, watercolor wash, pencil, copyright Jill Banks 2010. Sold.

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

Scenes from MPA Artfest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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


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


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


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

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


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

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









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

Market Paintings at the Great Falls Farmer's Market

This Saturday, May 16, from 9am-1pm, come celebrate the art of food with me -- as I'll be exhibiting (and selling) some of my Market and Restaurant series paintings at the Great Falls Farmer's Market in the Village Centre (near the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. I'll be exhibiting in the Great Falls Studios tent. So, pictured here are some of the paintings you'll see. Some of the paintings I'll be exhibiting are heading off next week to Chasen Galleries, the gallery that represents my work in Richmond, VA... so this may be your last chance to see them in Great Falls. I hope to see you there.




Jill

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

Pictured from top down: "Rialto Market", oil on linen, 24"h x 36"w; "Limoni", oil on linen, 20"h x 16"w, "Rainy Day Market", oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w; "L'Auberge Chez Francois", oil on linen, 16"h x 20"w. All images copyright Jill Banks 2009.

New Great Falls Studios Art Show at the Conscious Bean

Great Falls Studios members hung a new exhibit at the Conscious Bean, a coffee shop across the street from the Artists' Atelier (the studio space I share with 15 other artists) and new home for the Great Falls School of Art. Jennifer Duncan, fellow studiomate and friend, curated the show of coffee shop interior and exterior scenes created by artists who belong to Great Falls Studios, a membership organization of 84 creative souls who live or work in Great Falls. There are 20 pieces on view. Works are available for sale and include sculpture, a mixed media diorama, paintings in watercolor, oils, and acrylics, photography and digital art. It's a great representation of a very diverse group.




My painting "Caffe Bar", depicting a coffee shop in Venice, is my contribution to the exhibit.

Many of the exhibitors will be participating in this coming weekend's Spring Art Festival held in two locations on Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. I'm one of them ... and I'll be moving between my two studios at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D & G, Great Falls, VA. You can see the Conscious Bean exhibit, 20 artist exhibitors at the Colvin Run Historic Schoolhouse and 10 exhibitors at the Artists' Atelier, upstairs and downstairs, Suites D & G.

The exhibit will be up for three months. The Conscious Bean, 10123 Colvin Run Rd.
Great Falls, VA 22066. (703) 757-2326. See my blog post on the first exhibit "The Coffe Mug Exhibit" here.





Top left photo: artwork by Jill Banks (l) and Suzanne Twyford (r); top right: photo of "Caffe Bar" by Jill Banks; middle right photo: artwork by Cindy Grisdela (top) and Meredith Ledford (bottom); bottom center photo: artwork by fellow studiomate Elaine Elinsky (l), Sangita Patil (middle), and fellow studiomate John Francis McCabe (r).

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

A Great Falls Studios Holiday Celebration and the Case for Joining an Art Group

Last night, Randy and I went to the home of Laura Nichols, founder and president of Great Falls Studios (GFS), for a really amazing holiday party for members and spouses (or significant others). It was the anti-Office Party... and so much fun ... it was ridiculous.

Great Falls Studios is a group of 78 artists who work or reside in Great Falls, VA. It's with this group that I first "came out" as an artist ... started to exhibit and talk with art enthusiasts (and potential collectors) about what I do. Through GFS, I acquired an informed appreciation for a variety of art forms as I attended individual studio tours of members in which the artists talked about their inspiration and process. I gained 78+ friends. Sharing this strong a common interest is a great shortcut to real friendship. As a board member of GFS for the past three years, I learned a lot about building a successful arts organization, and in my capacity as co-chairman of the Shows & Exhibits Committee -- I learned all about putting on successful art exhibits and events. I retire from the board and as committee chair in January, but my commitment to this terrific organization will continue.

During the party, artist (and GFS member) GuruSangat Khalsa performed ... singing and dancing beautifully to "Amazing Grace", "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes", "Lean on Me," a Bob Dylan song, and tons of others. She had us singing along, dancing, tapping, humming, and playing the tambourine. All this in Laura's warm, ancient home ... with the fire crackling while enjoying the camraderie of super friends.

Last night was part of my life as an artist. Today I was painting a portrait commission I want to finish before the end of the year. Tomorrow, I'll be at the Atelier again for our Saturday Open Hours, noon-4pm. The Artists' Atelier is located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

Since I can't show you my painting from today, here's a drawing you haven't seen yet that is available for sale at the Atelier. What's remarkable about this one is that here are three drawings in one done from three five minute warm-up poses. The odds of this working out as a decent composition are probably a gadzillion to one. A special piece, then. "Wild Man", ink wash and pen&ink, copyright Jill Banks 2007(?).

Holiday Art Show at the Historic Schoolhouse

I thought you might enjoy a peek inside this year's Great Falls Studios Holiday Show. The show takes place each year in the Colvin Run Historic Schoolhouse in Great Falls, VA. Some highlights of the show for me are visiting with fellow artists, and seeing people share their appreciation of art with loved ones by shopping together or for each other. Husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, whole families, and friends come together to really spend some time enjoying the experience of picking out the perfect gift. It's a joy, too, to know that my work is making some people extremely happy on Christmas Day and beyond!

I'm always glad to meet with you at my Great Falls or home studio for private presentations of my work. Please contact me at jillbanks1@aol.com or (703) 403-7435 to discuss your interests. Or you can stop by during Open Studio hours. The studio I share with 13 other artists in Great Falls, The Artists' Atelier at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 12-4pm. Plus we are there on First Fridays, 7-9pm, each month.

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.

A Boat and a Car

Transportation seems to be on my mind. I finished up two paintings today. "Touring", a small painting of a woman sitting next to her car, seems to speak of more carefree times. "Ferrari Boat" shows some more Italian men sun-spangled in a Murano canal. Both will be featured in my studio space for this weekend's Great Falls Studio Tour. Please come, visit, enjoy!



Friday night is pre-tour party night at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066 (3rd floor -- but not as bad as that sounds) from 7-9pm. There's a raffle for Art Bucks (money to spend on the tour) and you're invited to wear a hat and participate in a contest for the most creative, and craziest, I believe.

Then the tour is all around Great Falls this coming Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm each day. Bring your checkbooks. You can pick up a booklet with map and other locations at the Atelier and at other stops on the tour. Or print one out at the Great Falls Studios web site (www.greatfallsstudios.com).

"Touring," 8"h x 10"w, oil on Senso linen canvas, copyright Jill Banks 2008
"Ferrari Boat," 24"h x 36"w, oil on Senso linen canvas, copyright Jill Banks 2008

Making Headlines

Randy and I were out to dinner at the Brogue this past Wednesday and I happened to pick up a copy of the Great Falls Connection. On the cover, there's a small photo of me ... which is duplicated, larger in the E Section. This is part of the article "Great Falls Artists Gear Up for Tour" that gives a preview of the Studio Tour that's planned for October 18 & 19. You can read the story online.

The most interesting part to me is the caption under my picture that reads "Painter Jill Banks has created dozens of portraits, still life studies, and other paintings, mostly in oil, to display at her studio space during the Annual Great Falls Art Studios Tour, Oct. 18 and 19." Dozens of paintings -- that's a lot!

Great Falls Studios Tour 2008

Join me for the Fifth Annual Great Falls Studios Tour 2008

Kickoff Party: Friday, October 17 7-9pm at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 13 other artists)1144 Walker Road, Suite G (at the corner of Colvin Run Road and Walker Road -- near Dante Restaurant -- up some stairs)

The Tour:
Saturday and Sunday
October 18& 19
10am-5pm

Free self-guided tour

Visit 38 artists in their studios located in Great Falls, Virginia

Download the Studios Tour brochure at Great Falls Studios web site (www.GreatFallsStudios.com)
The brochure includes a centerfold tour map for locations of the studios with artist listings and bios.

Bring your art-loving friends and family. This is simply a fantastic event! Bring your checkbooks.

I'll list more of what you can expect to see in my studio in upcoming blog entries. See photo for what my space looked like a few months' ago. Photo courtesy of Al Reitan.