Showing posts with label Jill Banks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jill Banks. Show all posts

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Alexandria King Street Art Festival - Sept. 21 & 22 - VA

Four paintings went home with happy new owners today ... but there are still plenty more in my booth #92, near the intersection of Pitt and King Streets in Old Town Alexandria. Come visit from 10am to 5pm. I'd love to see you!

These are the four you won't see in my booth...

"Blushing Pink Peonies," oil, 12"h x 12"w,  ©2019 Jill Banks. Private collection


"Moor Mates," oil, 10"h x 8"w,  ©2019 Jill Banks. Private collection


"Purple House," oil, 12"h x 9"w, ©2019 Jill Banks. Private collection
"French Table," oil, 20"w x 16"h, ©2019 Jill Banks. Private collection.

Hope to see you on Sunday!

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Events
September 21-22 - 17th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA, BOOTH #92 near corner or Pitt and King Street, facing the Alexandrian Hotel
Sunday, October 6 - MPA McLean Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean VA
October 18-20 - Great Falls Annual Studio Tour,  Great Falls VA - Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road 

Exhibits
Thru September 28 - Paint Great Falls Plein Air, Great Falls VA (People's Choice & Second Place - "Farm Flock")
September 6-November 3 - Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus Exhibition, Loveladies NJ
September 12 - October 12 - Women Artists of the West Mountain Aire National Exhibition, Boulder CO

Visit my studio in the heart of Great Falls
Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA. Regular Open hours: Wednesdays, Noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm. Or by appointment, 703.403.7435 or chance. First Friday Art Walk, April to December, 6-8pm

Thanks for reading,

Jill

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/JillBanksStudio/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 

Read the Article: "A Paris Plein Air Adventure" published by Outdoor Painter (from Plein Air Magazine)



Monday, March 20, 2017

"Persimmons in the Kitchen" Wins Best in Show and Two Other Big Treats

"Persimmons in the Kitchen," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks won Best in Show at the "There's No Place Like Home" juried exhibit of work by Great Falls Studios artists on view at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA) through April 8, 2017. The exhibit was juried and judge by Tom and Linda Neel. The Best in Show award was sponsored by Brightview Senior Living Great Falls. Thank you!
This past weekend was pretty spectacular ... with joy spread around at gatherings I could and couldn't attend.

Saturday Night, March 18, 2017

Where I was: At an incredible dinner hosted by a collector celebrating six women artists -- bringing us together for great food, very interesting conversation, toasts, and connections. Most of us did not know each other when we walked through the front door. We were treated to a five-course meal presented in a candlelit dining room surrounded by beautiful art. The evening was capped off with tour throughout the house of all that art -- including many of our works -- hung with care.  My head's quite full of visions and remnants from a very memorable evening. Thank you to this very special collector and to ALL you collectors out there who invite us into your hearts and homes!
The Party's Over ... the aftermath of a wonderful dinner for six lucky women artists hosted by a special collector. His dog says "Bye." We were surrounded by art ... and talked art, among other subjects.

Where I wasn't: At the awards reception for the Arts of Great Falls School Annual Student Exhibition -- Youth Edition.  This is the first year that the Student Exhibition has been divided into two with the Youth Exhibit up in the School Gallery now and the Adult Student Show starting on April 8.  I love the awards reception -- with students happily joined by friends and family to celebrate their hard work and growth as artists.  I'm so sorry to have missed this one but WILL be at the Adult Student Show's Award Reception on Friday, April 14.  Hope to see you there! Congratulations to the younger artists who have pursued classes and presented their work in the current show.

Sunday Afternoon, March 19, 2017

Where I was: Teaching my last Portrait Painting class of the term. I'm going to miss our Sunday afternoons together. Winter is the only time of the year that a weekend weekly class fits in my schedule. Each student has devoted a lot of their "together" time with family to attend and have shown stunning growth each week. It's hard to express how rewarding it is to be part of that process.  In addition to enjoying seeing them progressing, I love seeing friendships formed. We've had an awful lot of fun meeting challenges together!
One view from my Portrait Painting Class. This Sunday was the last day of class and I couldn't miss it. Each student has grown so much this term ... and afforded me the joy of helping make that happen. The Youth Student Exhibition for the Arts of Great Falls School show is in the background -- all around the room.

And another view

Where I wasn't: At the Awards Reception for the "There's No Place Like Home" Exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA). That's where Judges Tom and Linda Neel awarded my oil painting "Persimmons in the Kitchen" Best in Show and talked about why/how they chose each piece. I sure wish that a clone was available ... occasionally. So much time goes into "pitching" an exhibit (Great Falls Studios exhibit committee presented a proposal to ArtSpace Herndon long ago), organizing it, selecting the jurors, selecting the work to display, hanging the work, selecting the award winners, and on and on ...  As artists honored by having our work on exhibit and potentially winning awards, we strive to properly thank organizers, judges, fellow artists ... by showing up at receptions and show events. That's why I flew to Fort Wayne, Indiana for one day last year for the opening of the Oil Painters of America's Salon Show. Or why I've flown or driven to exhibit receptions in NYC, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and elsewhere. It's a joy ... but it's also a thank you. So, I couldn't be there for the reception -- but do sincerely appreciate all the efforts, work and consideration put in by the Great Falls Studios exhibition committee, ArtSpace Herndon, fellow artists and Tom and Linda Neel for judging the show.  Please go take a look at the exhibit -- on view through April 8 at ArtSpace Herndon.  Tell them I sent you (please).


"There's No Place Like Home" Award Winners -- Judges Tom and Linda Neel

Best of Show:  Jill Banks for "Persimmons in the Kitchen" (oil - shown above)
Award Sponsored by Brightview Senior Living Great Falls

Pat Neuman's "Hens Over the Haha House" wins Best Use of Theme - award sponsored by TD Bank
Best Use of Theme: Pat Neuman for "Hens Over the HaHa Wall" (pastel)
Award Sponsored by TD Bank

"Springtime Palisades" mixed media piece by Jennifer Duncan wins Second Prize
Second Prize: Jennifer Duncan for "Springtime Palisades" (mixed media)

Dorry Emmer's "Be It Ever So Humble" fiber art garnered Third Prize
 Third Prize: Dorry Emmer for "Be It Ever So Humble" (fiber)

"Wolftrap" by Roberta Pruett Beasley received an Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention: Roberta Pruett Beasley for "Wolftrap" (mixed media)

"Michael and Jesse," Lori Goll's beautiful pastel of Frying Pan Park, received an Honorable Mention -- and was snatched up by an artist/collector at the Awards Reception of "There's No Place Like Home."
 Honorable Mention: Lori Goll for "Michael and Jesse" (pastel)

Congratulations to All!

Lastly, a Few Friendly Reminders...

Spring Classes are Open For Registration

Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Spring class listings including Evening Paint, Plein Air Landscape and Still Life Plus are on my web site.  Have any questions, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com.  See my listing of all classes here: https://jillbanks.com/workshops

Now might be a good time to register. Make sure there's a spot for you this Spring.

Upcoming Spring Art Events Officially on the Calendar for 2017 
Hope you'll mark your calendars.
March 14-April 9: "No Place Like Home" juried exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon VA. Reception: Sunday, March 19, 3-5pm. Get more info on that exhibit here.  "Persimmons in the Kitchen" won Best in Show.
April 22-23: Arlington Festival of the Arts, Arlington, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Fairfax Fine Art Festival, Fairfax Corners, VA (more info to come)
April 29-30: Great Falls Spring Art Festival at the Atelier (756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA) and the Grange/Schoolhouse plus more.  My work will be at the Atelier and hopefully I'll have a helper to greet you -- but see me at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival at my booth.
May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA
June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA

Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

Jill


Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition, September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- out of 1440 entries.  More info on the competition here.


Finalist -- Sedona Art Prize, January 2017 for "Scene at the Bar" -- see the 12 Top Paintings selected by artist Robert Burridge here: https://www.sedonaartprize.com/about-sedona-art-prize/finalist-paintings/finalist-paintings-january-2017

Blog: For my latest art news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as and Artist at: http://jillbanks.blogspot.com/

Email: jill@jillbanks.com 

703.403.7435

Website: www.jillbanks.com
Subscribe to my email newsletter News From the Easel

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Winter Painting: "Pink Tulips Plus" Continued

"Pink Tulips Plus," oil, 36" x 36," ©Jill Banks 2015


The season of snow. This winter has plagued lots of our schedules and plans. It's disrupted many of my portrait and still life classes. There haven't been those sudden bursts of unexpected Spring like weather that offers the treat of days outside at my easel.

My subject material isn't waiting for me just outside. I have to shop for it or schedule visitors to my studio. In the winter, I plan vs. see what the day holds.

I wrote last of my favorite painter Sorolla and how he viewed the studio as a place to store paintings, but not to create them.  While I long for some warm sunshine and new adventures, there's enjoyment to be had indoors ... with an interior that contrasts the coziness of inside vs. out or a beautiful still life with fresh flowers from somewhere else. What other indoor visual treats do you think I should paint? Suggestions are welcome.

My protagonists in "Pink Tulips Plus" sputtered for their last day as subjects in today's still life class. Time to move on.

"Italian Vines," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 was painted in the Piemonte wine region

Events and Exhibits
  • February-March: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
  • April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
  • June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
    June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
    July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
     
  • See the Events page for more info/updates
  • Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
    12- 4pm
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

Friday, March 16, 2012

"Lunch in the Courtyard Cafe" Painting This Afternoon

"Lunch in the Courtyard Cafe" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012
I don't know whether this qualifies me as easy or difficult company ... but today was spent almost entirely behind the easel. No earned accusations for talking too much. First, (this morning) the subject was the porch and ocean beyond at the condo my parents once owned and now rent. My guess is you'll see that tomorrow after a little more thought. Lately, I've been dreaming about painting ... identifying all those spots from the day's work that could be improved. Let's see what a night's sleep does for that one.

Then we had a fine lunch at the French Bakery and Courtyard Cafe at Pineland Mall in Hilton Head. There's a waterwheel and pond near where we sat. A potential subject. But, the umbrellas, diners, and fountain held more appeal. The Bakery closes at 4pm and umbrellas come down, tablecloths removed ... and most likely ... people head home. I started first on those subjects that were apt to change the soonest (umbrellas, people, tables). The light also moved. A focal point, the fountain, was saved 'til last.

With this being a large canvas and complicated subject, it's not complete with just the afternoon's work. The canvases needing more attention are piling up ... and the "plan" for completing them (how, where, when) is yet to be hatched.

My goals are to practice, in non-competition mode for plein air paintouts I hope to participate in this year ... plus develop new paintings for events and exhibitions ahead. Plus, I get to enjoy it all in a beautiful, different setting (for me), with gorgeous weather, and great company when I do put the paintbrushes down. Pretty great.

Oh, and I'm working on a new computer that's confusing me at the moment. Blog posts take longer and things I used to know how to do -- such as inserting special characters -- are beyond my capability at the moment.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (tomorrow)!

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


Register for Spring 2012 Classes
Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events
March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

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

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

Friday, March 4, 2011

Tamara Gribach Is Face #61: Funny Day Today

"Tamara Gribach: Face #61," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Tamara is part of the Gribach family, my parents' Russian friends. Her husband, Vladimir, and daughter, Zoya will also be part of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project.

The day started with my wondering where Tamara was. I had sent her an email yesterday about where I'd be painting her (I have multiple studios and I don't know far in advance where I'll want to be). She didn't get my email so she was looking everywhere around the Artists' Atelier (my studio in Great Falls, VA) while I was hanging out in my home studio. Soon I get the phone call with Tamara's Russian accent, "Jill, where are you?" She had gone into fellow artist and former studiomate Adrienne Kralick's gallery and had asked about me in there ... and a bunch of folks there asked if she was today's "face." Pretty funny. A bunch of them have already been painted and others are scheduled to sit for my project. Tamara must have wondered how all of them knew.

She did make it to my door. My goal was getting her to relax and get down to this painting business.

Tamara makes it to almost all of my art "events" -- exhibits, studio tours, outdoor shows, you name it. A tradition is that she brings me a chocolate bar as a present. Today she brought two. Pretty cute.

We make it into my studio and I point to the chair for Tamara to sit in and I go over to my easel to set up. Tamara wants to switch the easel and the chair -- because I look much more beautiful standing at the easel than I would sitting in the chair. It was all about the light. I'd never had someone contest where I'd asked them to sit before. New territory. I did agree to play along to compare Tamara standing behind the easel and her sitting in the designated chair. Behind the easel, there were hardly any shadows (something she liked) and that made her skin tone more beautiful. But, that crammed me into a corner with my easel so I couldn't back up and those shadows help (a lot) in drawing/blocking in the portrait. I accepted those two challenges and proceeded, i.e., we switched places. I'm not usually that pliable.

Hmmm....
We spent four hours having fun talking and trying to figure out what the other one was saying. Someone should have taped us.

Despite the language challenges, we really had a very deep and beautiful conversation.

Tamara was working hard to convince me that as much laughing as she was doing, that I should show her not so serious. But I'm seeing a lot of potential paintings of each person who sits for me. We have many facets to our personality and I have to pick one view in. Since portraying my sitters laughing or showing a huge smile is about three times the work for me and requires I work from photos versus life, I rarely choose that expression. More time is spent with sitters thinking. Pensive, talking, relaxed. I paint that. It brings you closer, I believe, to that soul in front of me.

Tamara did say she thought that (my painting) was probably how she looked when she was working to find a translation for a Russian phrase or seeking an English word. And, she did a lot of that.

What a treat today was. I cherish it.

The show at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 16 other artists) looks terrific. Since you missed tonight's First Friday, visit on Saturday open hours, noon to 4pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066 throughout March. (I'll be painting at home in the morning tomorrow but will make it for part of the afternoon.)

As wonderful as my 100 Faces Project is ... it wreaks havoc on the rest of my schedule. I was talking tonight to artist Claudia Samper about wanting to paint tulips ... and she said something about "why not, with the two minutes of time you're wasting." Pretty accurate.

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

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Richard Suib Is Face #59

"Richard Suib: Face #59", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011
Richard Suib, digital artist and husband of Mary Suib (Face #56),  came to sit for me today. He'd warned me in advance that he has the tendency to fidget (which I knew before inviting him). We were both correct about that and the process was therefore, definitely more challenging. I was using the session to both enjoy Richard's company, but also to exercise my mental/visual muscles to memorize or freeze a "frame." I think I did remarkably well and call the session a success.

Take a look at Richard's web site to see his work that generally starts with photography as a "jumping off point." See www.richardsuibimages.com.

Our discussions spanned Richard's travels and experiences researching, designing and managing exhibits throughout the world. He's been almost everywhere with only two spots where he'd rather not ever return. I won't fill in the blanks. That can be a question for him.

We talked about not ever wanting to retire. Neither of us would ever want to ... Why would we ever want to stop what we love and seem to need to do? Mary's the same way ... pursuing her dream of acting as much now as when Richard and Mary met ... quite awhile ago.


Richard had no desire to see the painting before it was done, although I did convince him to take a look at it once. All of my sitters are different ... and sometimes it seems to be a good idea to show a work in progress, and other times not. I think for Richard, our session was just about sitting there, helping me out by providing me with a fresh face, and seeing if it turned out looking something like himself.


"Four By Four" Exhibit at the Atelier
Featuring four works each by four Atelier artists: Jill Banks (me), Nancy Keane, Michela Mansuino, Mollie Vardell ... new in the gallery for the month of March.
Plus, the Bird Show 
See it First Friday, March 4, 7-9pm for an opening reception and Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in.
1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

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

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Jane Anne Houser is Face #36 Today

"Jane Anne Houser: Face #36", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011
Jane Anne Houser became Face #36 today for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. Jane Anne is Bob Gilbert's sister-in-law. Directly after Bob sat for me, he went out for a family dinner with all the in-laws and talked about my project and Jane Anne was immediately intrigued ... and wanted to sign up. She's beginning a new chapter, studying art, after retiring from teaching Middle School at Longfellow and Cooper. Studying art is just one of her pursuits. Enjoying her 7-month-old grandson is another. (There's plenty more.)

Jane Anne sat for me upstairs at the Artists' Atelier (where I share studio space with sixteen other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) ... which happened to be a pretty busy place today with many of us (Walt Lawrence, Elaine Elinsky, Jennifer Duncan and Michela Mansuino) in working away and quite a few visitors coming in to check out all the work, our birds exhibit (artwork related to choosing the official Great Falls bird), and visit. My sitter fit right in and enjoyed the working studio environment.

Jane Anne viewing the finished painting of Face #36
I showed her the painting at various stages ... even at about 15 minutes in. Just because it was developing so naturally. She is easy to paint. (Not all of us are.) Plus, she came to enjoy the process and very pleasantly surprised with the results.

Jane Anne commented that she was amazed at how calm I seemed painting. By now, I've had plenty of practice to get rid of any potential jitters and I really love talking, painting, enjoying my sitter's company. Everyone seems happy to sit ... encouraging me to take as much time as I need. I'm pretty confident everything will turn out just fine. I hope it will. I also figure that both sitter and painter (me) are in this together. If the painting doesn't turn out, we'll have shared a very nice, different experience.

Wall of Faces Day 36. My husband's face is the one missing. Still getting operated on.
In the end today, Jane Anne loved the experience and the painting. Really loved it! It made her feel really good about herself. That's the ultimate reward for me. (Not that I need one.)

Very, very nice day indeed.

One more thing. I painted on "Pick-a-Peck Peppers" this afternoon ... a painting I started before this project. Sorry, no photos of it because my camera card is full. I'm not done ... but it was fun to paint something other than a face, too. A treat. And, I applied some knowledge learned from my faces project to this new market scene. Very cool.

Randy and I went out to dinner tonight at the Old Brogue Irish Pub to enjoy studiomate Elaine Elinsky's solo show there. It looks wonderful, and we weren't the only guests enjoying the view. Check it out throughout the month of February.

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

Friday, January 15, 2010

Progress Report Etc.

You know, I painted today ... and had a GREAT painting day ... and I can't show you what was so great about it.  Well, that's no fun.

I've been working on a really, really big portrait commission and loving it. It's one of those projects that you work your tail off on, and still end up only making a dent each day. I know what it's going to look like finished (unbelievable!!!), yet I have ten gadzillion brushstrokes left until the rest of you (and my clients) see it, too.

For this portrait commission I'm relying on a huge array of photos and images stuck in my head. I've found having multiple, non-specific sources interesting, because it keeps me thinking from start to finish ... just as I do when I work from life.

See my web site for information on commissioning a portrait: www.jillbanks.com. My pricing will be increasing shortly (probably January 31). If you've been thinking about commissioning a piece, now just might be the best time to do so.

One of my breakthroughs was a compositional solution I came up with. (Yet to be implemented.) I don't like to leave long, unbroken expanses of lines or curves. One piece of the painting needs to lure the eye to another part and any unbroken lines tend to divide the canvas. I know how to break the curve.

This will make a whole lot more sense when the portrait's finished and you can see it revealed. My target date is by March 1. As usual, stay tuned.


Since I couldn't show you what I painted today, here's "Orange and Orchid" work in progress day 2 (worked on last Wednesday).

"Orange and Orchid" painting in progress Day 2, oil on Senso linen, 12"h x 9"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010. This is a pretty rough photo -- taken at night, wet paint, yellow light. Not perfect conditions, by a long shot.

For those following my Dad's progress: He's in Hilton Head resting comfortably and happily. My son Sam and his girlfriend Michelle have left to head to Richmond and then back to VA Tech. Dad has tests coming up the next two weeks and then I think will come back home to Virginia for some other procedures. I don't get that many comments on my blog but I have about my hero blog. (Emails, too.) There are a LOT of people who love him. No surprise there.

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

Monday, November 23, 2009

Art Night Out! A HUGE Success!


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

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


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

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

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

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




Thursday, November 19, 2009

Winter 2010 Classes at the Great Falls School of Art

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


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


ADULT CLASSES 


NEW!

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

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



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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

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

Sunday, December 28, 2008

"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.

Friday, December 19, 2008

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(?).

Monday, December 15, 2008

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.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

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.