"Peacock Blue"

"Peacock Blue," oil, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

While Greg Staley was photographing my studiomates and other Great Falls artists' work yesterday, I was busy putting last hour touches (yes, not last minute) on "The Poker Club" and after that, "Peacock Blue." Good thing he had plenty of work to shoot.

I painted a different sketch of this peacock on site at Kidwell Farm (part of Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA). That sketch included the tail feathers but the bird was in constant motion and never seemed to offer the same view twice. Two separate attempts and that one's almost a painting.

In working on that sketch, what stood out was the peacock's feather on the top of his head as it emerged in the light. Since the tailfeathers demand so much attention, I'd never noticed the rest of the bird.

Today hasn't been a painting or sketching day.  Instead, I'm in San Antonio to attend the reception for Salon International at the Greenhouse Gallery.

So far, though, we enjoyed a very nice Mexican lunch, a walk along obstacle-course like sidewalks. If you spend too much time gazing at the scenery (gorgeous doors and unusual architecture), you're likely to be looking at it from the ground. Hopefully, I'll capture some sketches around town tomorrow.

See more work from my Feathered and Furry Friends Series on the Gallery page of my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

See "Classical Painting Atelier" in the April Art League Exhibit

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. 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. 

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Contrapposto" Juried Into Salon International 2012 and Wet Paint!

"Contrapposto," oil on linen, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks

Today I found out that my painting "Contrapposto" was juried into Salon International, an exhibit sponsored by Greenhouse Gallery (San Antonio, Texas) and the International Museum of Contemporary Masters. The jurying is done from online entries by the gallery owners and staff. This is my third year having work accepted into the show. Work will then be juried for award by Edward Minoff after the show has been hung. Last year, "Tranquility" won an Honorable Mention of Artistic Excellence in Salon International 2011.  We'll see what happens this year.

"Contrapposto" is an Italian term for the Greek sculpture scheme of having the model stand with the weight on one leg which causes the hips, shoulder and head to tilt ... suggesting a more relaxed, natural posture.

It's always interesting selecting work to submit for such shows. Since this is my third time in -- I've gotten a pretty good sense for what is appealing to the Greenhouse Gallery selection jurors. For some shows the selection jurors change from year to year. In those cases, it's just the luck of the draw. For others, like Salon International, the selection jurors stay the same and the awards jurors change. If they liked my work one year, they will probably like it the next. Of course, I don't know what the other work submitted is from year to year. There were many of my 100 Faces in 100 Days that I believe they would have loved ... and "Miriam in Her Gray Beret" but work needed to be for sale ... and none of those are ... so, no.

"Classical Painting Atelier," oil, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Wet Paint! New Exhibit at the Artists' Atelier
There's a new show hanging in the Artists' Atelier Gallery (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) -- "Wet Paint!" of Atelier artists latest work. My two entries definitely qualify. I painted on both of them just three days ago. The studio is open tomorrow (Saturday, February 4) from noon-4pm. Come take a look! I'm participating in a three-day workshop in the school one floor down so it's unlikely you'll see me. But, that shouldn't stop you.

"Drama Queens," oil on linen, 20"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

My two pieces in the exhibit are "Classical Painting Atelier" and "Drama Queens" -- my two latest still life paintings. Remember I told you I was really inspired to paint all sorts of things? I am interested in trying some new still life ideas and Tuesday, after teaching class -- I went fabric shopping for a backdrop and bought another sculpture stand to change around my home studio still life setup. None of these activities has resulted in any new paintings -- yet. But the stage is getting set. The fabrics I bought are gorgeous. I can't wait!

That's exactly the way I want to feel before embarking on any new art adventure. It bodes well.

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 through February 6. Take a look!

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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

Salon International 2009

I'm heading home in a few minutes (actually on the plane) ... after attending Salon International 2009 at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio. It is a great show, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting other exhibiting artists, the Greenhouse Gallery staff, and Joshua Rose, the editor of American Art Collector magazine. I will add some photos from the event sometime today, maybe in between flights. The Greenhouse Gallery has posted the entire exhibit online where you can view photos of the works including the works in frames. They did a great job with that as well -- thanks to the expertise and hard work of Jason Smith, their webmaster (among other responsibilities).

My two pieces in the exhibit are: "Sunday Morning" and "Bellydancer III". Check them out on the Greenhouse Gallery web site. The exhibit runs until May 1.

It was a great trip. Glad I took it.

More later.

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