"Late Night on Light Street" Wins Second Place in the MAPAPA Baltimore Nocturnes Show

Tim Kelly Awards My Plein Air Painting One of the Top Awards

"Late Night on Light Street," oil, 24"h x 12"w by Jill Banks wins Second Place

I barely squeezed in time to paint for this Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painter Association "Baltimore Nocturnes: A Plein Air Show." Work needed to be completed before August 31, created on location in Baltimore to be hung at the Highlandtown Gallery at the beginning of September.  With extensive travel including lots of painting days in the South of France, there was little time left to create this work and others with the same deadline in Long Beach Island NJ for the exhibit there.  Good thing weather was on my side.

Anyway, it is cool, unexpected news to have received this award for "Late Night on Light Street" from a fellow painter whose work I deeply respect.  Another happy dance ensues. See the exhibit through October 31.  Gallery Hours are:
Thurs/Fri/Sat
8am - 5pm
and by appointment
248 South Conkling Street • Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-7035

MPA Artfest this Sunday - Tomorrow - October 6, 10am to 5pm

 I am one of 40+ regional artists exhibiting at MPA Artfest, this juried outdoor arts festival being held in McLean Central Park in McLean VA at the intersection of Dolley Madison Blvd. (Route 123) and Old Dominion Drive.  Hope to see you there!

Events

Sunday, October 6 - MPA McLean Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean VA, 10am to 5pm

October 12-13 - Bethesda Row Art Festival, Woodmont Ave., Bethesda MD

October 18-20 - Great Falls Annual Studio Tour,  Great Falls VA - Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road

Friday, Nov. 1 - First Friday Art Walk in the Village, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA - 6-8pm

Exhibits

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

Thru October 31 - Baltimore Nocturnes, Highlandtown Gallery, Baltimore MD

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

Contact me with any questions/comments here.  Web: www.JillBanks.com (subscribe to receive my email newsletter)  

Phone: 703.403.7435

Follow me on Facebook: JillBanksStudio

Follow me on Instagram: jillbanks1

Really Hope to See You Soon!

Jill (Banks)

Here I am painting "Late Night on Light Street" on an overhead walkway in Baltimore MD this summer. Interesting perch.

Texas Time -- Demo at RS Hanna February 2

Holding up Arched View at RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg TX for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase. Come out for the First Friday Art Walk, 6-8pm and my demo, 4-6pm on February 2.  The showcase continues until June 2.  My painting Day at the Ranch shown above me on the left was recently purchased ... pre-show opening as it was featurede on the event postcard.  Yay!

Arched View, oil, 16" x 12", ©2017 Jill Banks. Painted plein air in Sedona

While I haven't yet figured out my subject for the painting demo tomorrow, I do know the time and place.  Please join me or pass the word that I'll be painting on location at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX from 4-6pm on Friday, February 2 for the opening reception and First Friday Art Walk to follow from 6 to 8pm. RS Hanna Gallery has two locations in Fredericksburg but visit me at their 208 Llano Street gallery.

Fredericksburg, Texas is a really neat town.  Randy and I have visited it a few times ... briefly ... but it's nice to be here for a little longer stay with a chance to explore.

I was on the hunt for a place to paint today but could have set up anywhere. Lunch was at Hondo's and there will be a painting from there ... it just didn't get started today. At least not on canvas.

Teresa from RS Hanna's Main Street location recommended both Hondo's and taking a look at the town of Luckenbach nearby -- where Hondo dreamed and built a cool musical venue that's drawn mega talent including Willie Nelson.  There we went.  Life resembles a scavenger hunt with lots of treasures around every turn.  A painting start did happen at Luckenbach. Plenty of inspiration did, too.

February 2: Join me at RS Hanna Gallery to watch my free painting demo from 4 to 6pm and stay for the First Friday Art Walk in Fredericksburg TX. Fiddlin' Around, oil, 12"h x 16"w, © Jill Banks is one of six of my paintings available through RS Hanna from February 1- June 3 for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase.

Not to Be Missed!
The two weekends before this were spent in NYC, with two receptions at the National Art Club for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club National Exhibition plus inspiring trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Michelangelo Divine Draftsman and Designer once-in-a-lifetime exhibit (you have to see this ... and it ends February 12!) and the Frick. Wow.

From the Met's website:

This exhibition presents a stunning range and number of works by the artist: 133 of his drawings, three of his marble sculptures, his earliest painting, his wood architectural model for a chapel vault, as well as a substantial body of complementary works by other artists for comparison and context. Among the extraordinary international loans are the complete series of masterpiece drawings he created for his friend Tommaso de' Cavalieri and a monumental cartoon for his last fresco in the Vatican Palace. Selected from 50 public and private collections in the United States and Europe, the exhibition examines Michelangelo's rich legacy as a supreme draftsman and designer.

It was stunning to see room after room full of masterpieces. Just unbelievable.

Day at the Ranch was featured on the RS Hanna Gallery postcard ... and then spotted by the ranch owner who purchased the painting. Glad she saw it!

Events

• February 2-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with five pieces at one time ("Old Market," "Day at the Ranch," "Cactus Corner," "Fiddlin' Around" and "Chicken Chat" are all heading to Texas) over this four month period.  I will be giving a painting demo there on Friday, February 2 and attending the First Friday Art Walk opening at RS Hanna from 6-8pm that day. Hope to see you there!

Thank you for reading!

Jill Banks

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

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): 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. 

Alexandria King Street Fine Art Festival This Weekend!

You're Invited!

Alexandria King Street Fine Art Festival in Old Town Alexandria VA

Saturday, September 16, 10am to 7pm

Sunday, September 17, 10am to 5pm

200 Juried Artists in a Variety of Mediums

I'll be at Booth #90 on King Street near the Alexandrian Hotel (was the Monaco) at the corner of Pitt and King in Old Town Alexandria VA

 www.JillBanks.com

I REALLY Hope to See You There!

"Il Porto," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks is one of a few paintings created in Italy that will be in my booth this year!

Get more info on the Festival on the show website here

One part of my "planned" sides for my booth.  I spend a whole lot of time figuring out what to bring ... then generally change it, at least a bit, at the last minute.

See more of what you might see in my booth on my Events page here.

Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!

Jill Banks

 

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

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

Events

 

"Close Encounters" Solo Show at the Ellis-Nicholson Gallery in Charleston SC September 1-30. View the paintings that are part of my "Close Encounters" exhibit at Ellis-Nicholson in Charleston, SC this September online here.

 

Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ Exhibit September 8-October 27

 

Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA, September 16-17

 

Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY, September 23-24

 

MPA McLean Artfest, McLean VA, October 1

  

Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21

 

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 20-22

 

Fall Classes and Workshop ... Register Now

Painting the Portrait -- Three-Day Workshop -- October 27-29, 2017.
Class size is limited. The class and workshop are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756-C Walker Road, Great Falls VA.
Get more info on my Classes page.  
 

I was chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com. (Pretty cool endorsement.)
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

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.

"Hitched" in Charleston SC

 www.JillBanks.com

Okay, that's perhaps a little misleading ... since husband Randy an I got hitched (married)  a whole lot of moons ago in Bryn Mawr, PA.

"Hitched," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

I'm on a short, personal painting trip to Charleston, South Carolina and this is my second piece of the trip -- created plein air at the spot the horse and carriages line up waiting for their passengers.  Many a horse came and went ... but there was always a stand-in to inform my painting. What a wonderful day!

I added "Hitched" to the Animals, Birds and Wildlife gallery on my web site although it could also go in the Places section. Hopefully, you feel free to explore all.

More donkeys, horses, fountains, tree-lined vistas to come this week.  I think one of the fountains at Waterfront Park is up next.

We're planning to eat at Sorghum and Salt tonight. The menu looks incredibly innovative ... another artist feeding an artist.  My review of dinner will come tomorrow.  (Just in case you want to know.)

Prior to this trip, I've only spent one afternoon in Charleston. It's an enchanting city and I'm looking forward to every moment spent here.  Love the hospitality. Wading is allowed in the fountain I'm planning to paint. Right near it are rows of wooden swings and casually arranged outdoor seating areas for chatting. Hospitality is in full force.

Paintings In Different Places

• See "Got Your Goat" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through May 31
• See "Hudson River Morn" -- the view from my hotel room shower window in NYC -- at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through June 4, 2017. Open exhibit juried by Dana Shearin. 
• See five paintings of Great Falls including "Village Centre Walk" -- a painting to be raffled off by Celebrate Great Falls to raise funds for the Walker Road Streetscape Project at the mini Gallery at TD Bank on the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. ($50 per raffle ticket. 100 tickets - maximum sold.)

 Work is spread around elsewhere as well (like the American Women Artists Online Showcase)...

Events

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

 

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!

 

Jill Banks

 

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

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

"Daily Special," the Best in Show winner in the September 2016 BoldBrush Painting Competition (out of 1440 entries) found a new owner.

Recently Purchased:
"Daily Special"
"On the Rocks"
"Evening By the Lake"
"Pink Pond"

"The Road Show" Closes January 31

"Table on the Green" is one of my plein air paintings included in "The Road Show"

 www.JillBanks.com

Part of "The Road Show" exhibit on view through January 31 in Great Falls, VA

This is the last Saturday (January 28) to come visit my solo exhibit "The Road Show" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA.  I will be there from 2-5pm either painting or visiting and would love to see you!

Stop in.  I'll have a few new pieces in addition to the regular exhibit for you to view. (Like "Grace" -- my new ballerina painting and "Mandarins" -- a just completed still life.)

Email me at jill@jillbanks.com if you'd like me to know you'll be visiting.

Or view most of  the exhibit online here.

CLASSES START SHORTLY -- REGISTER NOW
There are still spaces available in my Evening Paint (Tuesday nights, 6:30-9:30pm starting January 31) and Portrait Painting class (Sunday afternoons, 1:30-5:30pm starting January 27). So ... if you'd like to join the class or know someone who would ... who lives somewhere in the DC metro area, I'd love to help you along on your artistic journey. Get more info on Classes at www.JillBanks.com. Any quesstions? Email me at jill@jillbanks.com. Thanks! (Classes are taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, Virginia.)
Classes info.
 
Thank you for reading and your support... Hope to see you soon!

Jill

Best in Show -- BoldBrush Painting Competition September 2016 for "Daily Special" -- Hip Hooray! More info here.  

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

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

 

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/

(Please like that page if you like it...)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

"The Brogue Bar" and a Birthday Celebration

"The Brogue Bar," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Secret project #1 revealed. I started "The Brogue Bar" back in May, setting up my easel in the pub part of the Old Brogue in Great Falls, VA. The Brogue has served as the backdrop of many of my paintings, each of them has been set in the Katie's Coffee/Snuggery side. My plan was to paint the bar itself and the people who populated it when I was ready (had gotten to that part of the painting).

Jed on left, and David, on right in front of the painting

The day following my first session there, I was contacted by Marjorie Fox who had been told by friends that her husband (David Fox) was featured in my painting. She wanted to purchase it as his 70th birthday gift -- a gift that was delivered tonight at his "surprise" 70 party.

David is in the hat to the far right, talking to his best friend, Jed, who is leaning against the post in the white shirt. Thing is, Jed wasn't at the Brogue the first day I painted there. And, David was originally sitting to the left of the post. Since it was a surprise gift, I couldn't exactly ask them to cooperate with my original painting start. By the end, I painted David three times ... but as they say, the third time's the charm. It definitely was in this case.

Because I painted this as people appeared in the scene, it didn't allow me to see the painting as a whole composition. All three of my original subjects to the left of the pole were facing to the right -- which was definitely not good. My husband, Randy, helped me correct the problem by sitting in the seat second to the right, and facing to the left.

Marjorie graciously invited Randy and me to attend tonight's celebration of David's 70th, a private party at the Brogue (Katie's Coffee/Snuggery side this time) ... with "The Brogue Bar" hanging over the mantel  -- the prime spot -- for the occasion. She considers meeting me -- and my having been in the bar painting her husband -- serendipitous. Serendipity works both ways.

It was fun to be there at the party and witness the guests' reactions. That's a real understatement. People loved it. They loved the way it captured the atmosphere of a spot so familiar. That felt great.

And, this is one of those days, I can't write about all the wonderful parts. There were way too many.

New Web Site
One drawing was added today to the Drawing Collection on my Works page. ("Buckingham Palace Fountain" -- one of my favorites from last year's London trip. Go to www.JillBanks.com. Sign up for Fall classes, now listed. Please join my email newsletter list. Thanks to those of you who already signed up! (Oh, and subscribe to this blog for more frequent updates.)

Exhibits and Events (Now look at this on the Events page at www.JillBanks.com)

July 7- August 31, Artists' Atelier, "Water, Water, Everywhere" group exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  Open Saturdays, noon - 4pm.

August, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, Studio #333. See regular hours/days, reception, demo dates on the events page on my web site.

 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

My Own Model

"Me," oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Today I worked on another self-portrait. This time on a smaller canvas. I'd worked on it a little yesterday and this morning I was rushing to finish it ... to take it to a photo shoot that is actually this Thursday. I was pushing myself to paint quickly. Randy packed up his new car with paintings for the shoot. We raced over to the library and ... the room was empty. Okay, now it's time to check my email for the correct date. Oh well.

When I got home, I managed to find another four hours of painting to do on it. So, I guess all really was well.

Because the paint is sopping wet on this one, the photo shows lots of glare. That's one of the reasons I'm going to the photo shoot ... on Thursday.

One benefit of painting a self-portrait is the model is happy to stay as long as you're willing to paint.

Tomorrow It's Back to the Brogue to Paint

Tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, May 30, 3:30-6:30), I'll be going back to the Old Brogue to paint in the bar area. I wanted to give last week's start a chance to dry, and tomorrow I'll be concentrating on contrast and light, and maybe painting a couple more people into the scene. Perhaps.

Where I sat up, it's tough to find a spot to watch the progress. Sorry about that ... but I did want to paint the bar and also needed to be as far back as possible. That determined where my easel would go.

"Out and About" Exhibit Ends on Friday
Take down is at 2pm on Friday, June 1. If you haven't seen the show yet, there are just a couple days left to catch it in Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, 760C Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

Exhibits and Events

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Painting on site: Wednesday, May 30, 3:30-6:30.  Thanks! Preview the exhibit here.
 

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.

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

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Who Goes There?" is Beanie Baby Painting #3

"Who Goes There?," oil on gessoboard, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I got an early painting start this morning. It helped that I'd set this guy up last night and he was just waiting for me to paint him. I just couldn't wait! So, this a.m. reminded me of my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. Anticipation of what lies ahead ... although with less uncertainty. And, this mouse didn't have much to say.

So, "Who Goes There?" is #3 of nine in my Beanie Baby series. See yesterday's post to check out #1 and #2.

Randy and I are heading to Richmond for the afternoon to offer our what-it's-worth housing advice to son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle. I haven't decided yet whether I'll be reading my new landscape painting books or drawing on the trips down and back. I'm leaning toward drawing. I have (lots of) this wonderful paper Randy ordered and had shipped from Zecchi's art supply store (the BEST) in Florence, Italy. It's been calling to me. The paper holds up beautifully for ink washes, watercolor, graphite ... you name it ... and it has these delicate, tight ridges that add to the drawings. Probably sounds like I like it.

Coming up:

Friday (Tomorrow), July 22, 7-9pm Reception for the "Signs of Summer" Exhibit in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

Sunday, August 7: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 26-August 29: Four-day intensive, still life workshop: "A Painting A Day" offered through the Great Falls School of Art. Space is limited. Details coming soon on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

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: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435 

Terri Parent Is Face #71 and "Dad" Is Picked As A FAV 15%

"Terri Parent: Face #71," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Terri Parent -- photographer, writer, creative soul and director of the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach) -- sat for me today to become Face #71.

Terri and I have spent quite a bit of time together ... but it was nice for us to spend time together without an agenda other than for me to come up with some semblance of her in paint.

Terri has one of those really expressive faces. I always know what she's thinking. Her mouth goes in a million directions. Her eyes change shapes. I like those kind of faces ... because I want that window into the person. It's part of the conversation. Still, it's interesting to try to paint an animated face.

These conversations are just as important to me as practicing alla prima painting. I love hearing other people's perspectives and their way to navigate life.

Occasionally I hear ... "and don't you dare choose that to blog about."

Here's Terri's email comment to me from today (the next day):

I either photograph beautifully or horribly.  I was prepared for either scenario as Jill painted me.  I am pleased to say this is a good one.

While I do not find it natural to sit still, the 4plus hours flew by.  As Jill layered paint, we peeled layers of ourselves as we learned more about each other, our families and so on.  The time and conversation spent together is the real treasure of being Face #71.

 

Jill, I looked at the blog this morning and I love "me".

Terri

See my web site: www.JillBanks.com and my 100 Faces in 100 Days page there for more info about my project. I updated it a couple of days ago.

"Dad: Face #11" Is Chosen as a FAV 15% in the Fine Art Views February 2011 Online Art Competition

"Dad: Face #11" is chosen as one of the top entries in online contest

I occasionally enter an online competition, Fine Art Views Art Competition, which is juried every month. In February, I entered  my 100 Faces painting of my Dad ... one of the faces I truly love. While the awards haven't been completed, each month the Fine Art Views Staff picks their favorite 15% of the entries for an honor called FAV 15%. So Dad made it for the February 2011 contest. Smart folks. My painting "Rainy Day in NYC" made it into the FAV 15% last year.


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

Mike Pahner Is Face #65

"Mike Pahner: Face #65," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Mike Pahner came to sit to become today's face. #65 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. Mike and I met ... a number of years ago when I was in charge of exhibits for Great Falls Studios and we hung a show for the opening of the RE/MAX Gateway office in Great Falls. I remember Mike introducing himself and then asking me to take him on a tour of the exhibit. From that point on, he's come to see countless exhibits and just generally been there to support the local arts.

He took a few of my Still Life painting classes and credits me with getting him into painting and opening his eyes to what it takes to produce a beautiful piece of art. Hopefully, at some point he'll take from me again. (He was one of my best recruiters for new students and a pleasure to have in class.)

Only Mike...

We talked some about business careers, his pets (a new puppy Stonewall Jackson and a sweet cat who passed away), wild days, art, painting ...

Mike's most endearing quality (to me) is that he really is "in love" with his wife Pam. I witnessed phone calls during today's sittings (and formerly during class or other times) and they just take such great care of each other. He loves talking about her. Just beams. If I ever painted a portrait of the two of them ... that's what you'd see. (In my painting "Randy and Me," of my husband and me ... I made sure Randy was looking adoredly right at me.)

"Through the Window" Accepted in the Art League Show

"Through the Window," oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, copyright Jill Banks 2007

Randy and I made the trip last night to the Art League to submit artwork for this month's juried show "Carnivale." Almost every month, artist members from the Washington DC area can bring in up to two paintings for possible inclusion in the exhibit. Over the years, my work has been accepted regularly (each month by a different, rather stellar juror), won Best in Show three times, and Honorable Mentions quite a few times. I thought "Through the Window" fit the theme in its celebration of life and vibrant colors ... but I'd love to have already seen and painted Venice's Carnivale celebration and entered that. That would be right up my alley. Someday.

"Through the Window" was based on a photo taken while in Florence, Italy in 2006. (My first trip to Italy.) I loved the contrasts of the ancient dulled buildings and windows of stores and restaurants overflowing with vibrant colors and warmth. I showed this painting during my solo show "Place Settings" at the Art League, January 2008.

I updated my web site's 100 Faces in 100 Days Project page yesterday so go take a look at 64 of my faces with links from each photo to the blog post about my sitters. 

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

Elaine Elinsky is Face #58

"Elaine Elinsky: Face #58", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Elaine Elinsky, fellow super artist, fellow studiomate and buddy, patiently sat for me today to become face #58 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. This isn't exactly the funny, wise, fun, cool Elaine that I know ... but it's a piece of her.

Elaine told me to go home, rest and "do not dare" touch this afterwards and I obeyed. Thank you, Elaine! I needed a "talking to."

Elaine's paintings are beautiful and ethereal. She's been my studiomate for lots of years now and we work catty-corner from each other at the Artists' Atelier in Great Falls. I love painting away knowing she's in her corner doing the same.

It was fun, today, too learning more about Elaine and her family and her story. I look forward to looking up her brother and his stained glass business in London this April. She couldn't be prouder of him ... and I can't wait to witness why for myself.

We had lots of fun. (Despite being pooped.)

I'm coming to the deadline for posting so that's about it for now. I did paint a little painting from still life class today that I'll try to get up here tonight ... so check back. 

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

Danni Lougee is Face #42 Today

"Danni Lougee: Face #42", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Danni Lougee (Face #42) is a friend of Cindy Hargroves (Face #21) who found out about my project from reading Cindy Grisdela's (Face #4's) blog. Cindy Hargroves brought Danni by to see my wall of faces at my studio ... right before they attended African dance class. So, I didn't know Danni before other than a short "hi" when she'd come in to look at my wall.

There's something really special about this African dance class ... sounds like a bunch of wild women letting loose. (I wouldn't mind taking part in that at all.) At least, I'm pretty sure that Danni's letting her dancing spirit out in full force.

Danni told me about her great birthday party that her husband threw for her inviting a big group of her favorite girlfriends and their spouses ... with a dj and a dance floor. Her African dance friends and instructor were there and Danni's husband asked the dance teacher to lead the group in one of their dances. Danni was thinking ... when viewing the size of the dance floor (not large) ... that her husband hadn't seen them dance before. (Wild, crazy dancing takes up some room.)

Face to face

I loved how open Danni is ... she's comfortable talking from her heart, meeting new people (like me). Her favorite thing to do is to spend time talking with her girlfriends, having coffee or lunch, or at various get-togethers. She has a lot of friends ... also remarkable because she's only lived in the area for three years (moved from Dallas and before that Seattle). She loves to find connections to other people and builds on those. She collects people.

Danni possesses a wonderful free, positive spirit. Arrived at a good place enjoying who she is and what she's doing. She's comfortable and confident in her own skin.

We had a good day. I took a bit longer than normal but neither of us was in any sort of hurry. We were on Italian time.

Tomorrow, 8-year-old Jack will be sitting for me.

Sam and Michelle's Wedding Fast Approaching

My son Sam (Banks) is marrying Michelle Anonick on Saturday, February 19. Very exciting!!!!! This is one truly wonderful couple. As one of the moms, I can feel the emotional roller-coaster starting. Hard to believe that my little kid is going to be standing up at the altar saying "I do." I'm really, really, really happy for them ... but I'm also seeing Sam's smiling round cheeks going round on his toy train. You know?

I can't wait to see what these two do together. They make a great team. Perhaps this 1+1 makes 50, or something like that.

I'm ahead two faces ... so I'll be posting those during two of the wedding days. I'll catch up two more sometime before the end of my project ... so it will really be 100 Faces in 100 Days. I believe I have 100 volunteers. Now, it's figuring out who sits when. (Scheduling is tough.) If you've offered to sit and I haven't nailed down a date for you ... let's try to do that. (Another email to me would help.)

Web Site Just Updated

All of my 42 first faces are up on my website (on my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page) with links back to each sitter's individual post.  Check it out.

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

Pamela Grim is Face #30 and Sisters

"Pamela Grim: Face #30", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Pamela Grim, sister of Marlene Grim (Face #29), came to sit for me today to become Face #30 (in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project)... and Marlene came to keep her and me company. Funny, fun day.

Pamela's single.

Pamela works in the lingerie department at Lord & Taylor in Tysons. Since I don't spend a lot of time in the lingerie department ... I'd never met her but I would bet that should you be in need of some help in that department (no pun intended), that Pamela's who you should go see. She's FULL of personality, with a  great sense of humor (needed while shopping for bras and undies). Warm and calming. (Also helpful.)

When Pamela first came over, she met my husband Randy ... and he looked really familiar to her. "Had he shopped at the store?" Uh-oh.  He hadn't shopped there for me. (I'm kidding about the uh-oh ... Randy's the greatest husband on earth. He's not shopping for anyone else.) We decided he was a celebrity look-a-like. But Randy might suffer from my overly imaginative dream mechanisms.

We share a love of pickles. I used to get them as birthday presents from my friends. Still, when I go to lunch with others, I collect all the unwanted or not-wanted-as-much-as-I-want-them pickles from everyone's plate.

Pamela and Marlene are two of five sisters in their family ... and they get a huge kick out of each other. Actually, Pamela comes up with the funny stories and one-liners and Marlene encourages by being quick to laugh. The fun is contagious.

Pamela Grim (l) and Marlene Grim (r) hamming it up

Their mom passed away recently, and Marlene mentioned that her mom was the glue that held them all together. I really felt that their mom was there today, so clearly appreciating them and vice versa. I think the glue's going to stick just fine.

Pamela did try to have a discussion with me about what I ought to paint in and out ... lightheartedly, I think. I told her, kindly, that I wasn't taking any instructions today ... that I wanted to paint her the way I saw her. I want people who sit to see themselves through other eyes ... and I try to convey that as best I can in paint. I see people as a whole ... not bit by bit ... and my heart's almost always in gear focused on your personality and story.

That said, painting-wise, I had a little trouble with the panel I was painting on today. Paint was streaky and picking up more than I wanted it to. I NEED to get to the art supply store this week for brushes, paints, stuff. I'm flying through paint and wearing out my brushes. Important tools.

Tomorrow, I'm cheating a bit and painting Sue Bennett, one of my portrait class students ... who agreed to be one of my faces if I could paint her during class. So she'll be painting us while we're painting her. (I teach Portrait Painting and Drawing on Mondays through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts)

Randy and I did spend the whole afternoon together ... buying a suit for him for Sam & Michelle's rapidly approaching wedding. (Which reminds me of another thing I gained from today's painting session. I showed Pamela and Marlene my dress and Pamela recommended that I get some pretty patent leather shoes ... dressy enough for such a special occasion.) We also did some shopping but the day wasn't completely crammed full.

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

Patti Chisholm is Face #17

"Patti Chisholm", Face #17, oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I'm sort of pooped ... so probably a short post today.

Portrait class was great today with some outstanding progress and bold steps. Patti Chisholm sat for me after class was over ... and the conversation was great ... but we were still both ready for a nap. I sent her sleepy eyes home and I finished up via photo. I've got a pretty clear picture of Patti, and she has one of those faces I was itching to paint. There is no way I could portray her hair as wild as it really is, but I had fun trying.

My description of Patti is what you see, is what you get. Always a lot of fun. Bold. Cool. Interesting. Thoughtful.

Patti's a professional artist who normally leans toward abstract, but she's a strong portrait painter, too. Check out her web site: www.pchisholmstudio.com to see her work.

One comment that perhaps I should leave out is that when I put my painting of her up on the wall, I realized I'd painted her on a slightly smaller scale than the rest of my faces. I'd been influenced (my guess) by painting little Bailey the day before. Except, I like this painting of Patti and its composition just the way it is.

You can check out all of my faces and more about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project on earlier posts and on my web site, 100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page.

"Patti Chisholm", Face #17, oil on Raphael linen-lined board, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011.

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

Meet Face #14: Anne Guerin

"Anne Guerin", Face #14 of 100, 12"h x 12"w, oil on panel, Jill Banks 2011

Anne's a new student of mine -- in my portrait painting and drawing class I teach on Mondays. So, today we were getting to know each other, plus examining the process and  taking a look at my drawings and paintings spread out throughout the house... as well as putting face #14 on canvas (panel).

What I gather is that Anne's a strong, determined, hard-working soul. Born in Paris, she's participated in full and partial marathons and climbed Mont Blanc. Anne's just beginning her journey in art, but I have a sneaking suspicion that her other journeys up mountains and on the road will come to her aid.

I'm asked often ... as I was today ... about recommendations for training. i.e., should students take multiple classes at one time, what programs are good, should they work with multiple instructors, etc. I base my answers on my own experiences and the experience level of the particular student.  While I studied for many years with two primary teachers/mentors, I had a problem when I studied with two different ones simultaneously when I was first starting out. Reason: I hadn't yet adopted an approach to painting and those two competing approaches just left me confused because I didn't know how to pick and choose among the lessons taught by each. Later, I felt ready to study under multiple instructors and to cull guidance and advice that I wanted to apply. Since then, I have chosen instructors/classes/workshops specifically for what I desired to learn from them. Multiple classes by the same instructor, even in different genres are great, particularly if you need the motivation to paint (or draw, or sculpt, etc.).

An interesting coincidence is that Anne recently retired from running her own business for 30 years to turn to other pursuits ... as I did in 2001 after running a business for 16 years. Turns out her business started as Mothers' Aides. They helped place a wonderful sitter for my daughter Sarah when I first started my business in 1985. We figured that Anne is probably who I talked to, to find out the right person to come stay with Sarah at my workplace for her first year and a half. Small world.

Tomorrow I'm painting former fellow studiomate Judith St. Ledger-Roty, who has been studying in a part-time Atelier program at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia. Studio Incamminati was founded by Nelson Shanks ... and I took two summer 2-week long workshops there early in my painting training in 2004 and 2005. These workshops were instrumental in kicking my training and painting into full gear. (They are bootcamps for artists, and my lack of habits and newbie-ness was perfect for learning new skills.) Anyway, I'm anxious to hear all about her experiences.

I need to work on scheduling for next week with volunteers needed for Tuesday afternoon (2pm or after for three to four hours) and Saturday and Sunday (January 22 and 23, flexible times). I'll look to filling those slots with volunteers who already said they'd be willing to sit ... but let me know if you want to be the one for those spots. (Send me an email.) Unsure what this is all about? Look at earlier posts or my web site.

I'm a little less peppy today. Yesterday was a bit too jam-packed. I like a happy medium.

See you tomorrow!

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

Portrait Delivery and "On the Bright Side" Reception

This past Friday, the couple captured in this portrait saw it for the first time -- with an official unveiling in my studio. I've worked on it on and off in my studio for months, and I get the distinct feeling that they are my most famous sitters to date. Everyone who has seen it instantly recognizes them and were excited to see this work in progress. The few who don't know them, love this painting anyway.

The portrait commission was a gift to them from another client of mine. (A pretty wonderful gift!) Edited out by the artist (me) was Victor's plaid shirt. This is what I love about this portrait: the sense of relaxation and ease, the striking composition, and the light airiness of the environment. My famous couple were thrilled with it, too. Yea!

I made minor changes to it and framed it for them to pick up during my "On the Bright Side" reception this Saturday at the Great Falls Library. The exhibit is up until August 31 at 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Regular hours are Monday-Wednesday, 10am-8pm; Thursday & Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-5pm; closed Sundays. If you haven't seen the show yet, I hope you'll stop in and consider purchasing a piece or two. I would be glad to give you a personal tour if you'd like. Contact me at jillbanks1@aol.com or 703.403.7435 if that's of interest. Sold so far are "Limoni", "L'Auberge Chez Francois", "The Duomo" and "The Gondolier." That means there's still a chance to purchase "Rainy Day Market", "Sunflowers II", and "Rooster and Geraniums," to name a few.

Last night and today I'm working on one of my two Michelle paintings. I guess that makes it no longer "alla prima" ... maybe "alla two time-a". Now, both son Sam and his girlfriend, Michelle are excited about it. Sam was smiling ear to ear.

I'll show you later my progress on "Michelle I". I'm really enjoying painting her. Part of it is the opportunity to spend time with her and part is painting the portrait from life.

The portrait shown is oil on linen, 20"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Find out more information about commissioning a portrait on my web site: www.jillbanks.com. See portraits on my gallery page and info on the commissions page. Portraits take time, plus I have a very full schedule of already commissioned portraits I'm working on ... so if you're interested, meet with me and book now for 2010 delivery.

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