From Fort Wayne to McLean: Art

"Pears and Pink," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Just painted.

Home again.

Husband Randy and I flew to Indianapolis, then drove to Fort Wayne, Indiana to attend the opening reception for the Oil Painters of America Salon Show held at the extraordinarily beautiful Castle Gallery there in Fort Wayne. It was a truly magical evening with the gallery filled with beautiful art (300+) paintings, gracious gallery owners, good spirit, and many of the top names in the oil painting artist arena.

I'm so happy to have attended.  My main "take" was how in the world would the awards juror make sense of 300 topnotch paintings spread out over three floors hung in every nook and cranny?

My painting "Janssen's Market" did not win an award there other than the honor of hanging with so many other amazing works by artists who poured their hearts and talents into their offerings ... just like me.

"Janssen's Market" middle top row at the Castle Gallery for the OPA show in Fort Wayne

Sunday, October 2, 10am to 5pm is the McLean MPA Arfest.

Join Me and 51 other artist is McLean, VA on the corner of Route 123 and Old Dominion Drive for a celebration of art.  I'll be waiting for you!

Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.

September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.

Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 

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/

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MPA McLean Artfest -- Sunday, October 5, 10am - 5pm

I hope you'll come by for a visit.

"Primary Colors," oil, 20"h x 16"w, by Jill Banks

Artfest features 50 artists juried for this one day, free, outdoor fine arts festival.  The weather should be beautiful ... but it takes place rain or shine.

What You'll See
Randy is loading the car right now with the 26 oil paintings I picked for tomorrow's show.  Paintings from two trips to Italy, interiors of the Old Brogue Irish Pub, the playground there at McLean Central Park ("Primary Colors" shown left), a plein air scene from Old Town Alexandria, a variety of still lifes including one fresh off the easel, a bit of NYC, Cumberland MD, Vienna's Meadowlark Gardens and animals from Kidwell Farm round out the mix.

Can't wait to see you!

McLean Central Park at the intersection of Route 123 (Dolley Madison Blvd.) and Old Dominion Drive in McLean VA. Sunday, October 5, 10am to 5pm.

"Sticking Together," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Events and Exhibits

• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

"Warm Studio," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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

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

"Seat by the Window: Montmartre" Wins Award at Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 117th Annual Open

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre" Wins Award in New York City Show

Yea!

Today was awards judging day at the National Arts Club in New York City ... for the 117th Annual Open Exhibition for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club.  This evening, I received an email telling my that "Seat by the Window: Montmartre" was awarded the Winnie Borne Sherman Memorial Award.  While I've been juried into many of these Annual Exhibitions ... and love having my work on view in this special venue, it's still the "cherry on top" to take home an award for my art.

The awards jurors included: Gary Erbe, award-winning artist; Bob Bahr, editor of Plein Air Magazine; and Beth Carver Wees, Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

One of highlights of my art career was winning Casey Memorial Award at the CLWAC's open in 2008. The club knows how to make every event amazing, with an image of your winning painting projected large to a captive crowd there for the awards dinner. So, it's very exciting to be honored again.

The exhibit is on view October 1 to October 25 at the National Arts Club.

The Benefit Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art will be held on Friday, October 11, 5:30-8:30pm. This is so much fun!  Great to see the walls hung with care in this historic arts club. (National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003. (212) 475-3424. Contact the club prior to visiting. They hold some private events in the space.)

The Awards dinner will be held on October 25, 6-9pm.

Two great excuses to visit New York City in October. Plus, I'll be painting in Gramercy Park on Saturday, October 12 with some of the folks from the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association.  Sounds like more fun than I can handle.

Lots coming up.

Tomorrow, I'm helping with the mailing of the Great Falls Studio Tour Brochures. If I were in Nashville, Tennessee (I'm not), tomorrow night is the Reception and Awards Ceremony for the Cumberland Society of Painters National Juried Exhibition at Richland Fine Art.

Friday, October 4, 6-9pm is the Reception at the Berkley Gallery (31 Main Street, Warrenton, VA) of the Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia. (My pieces "Sunflowers in My Studio II," "Caffe Bar" and "Cafe Break" are in the exhibition that runs until October 15.)

Saturday, October 5 is a special celebration of Great Falls Studios 10th Year Anniversary being held 10am-5pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. I'll be there 2-4pm for the book signing -- of a new publication highlighting 16 artists' studios -- which includes my home studio space. That night is the Reception and Awards Ceremony for the Portrait Expressions Exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon, 7-9pm at 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.

And, Sunday, October 6, I really hope you can join me at McLean's MPA Artfest, an outdoor juried festival with 49 artists displaying their work under a tent in McLean Central Park at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd. in McLean, VA. Rain or shine. 10am-5pm. Find me under Tent #22!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.comEmail
Phone: 703.403.7435

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
Lots -- see the events page on my website.  Thanks!

September 4 to October 5: Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street Frederick, MD  
13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery. September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Friday, October 4, 6-9pm: Opening Reception

Inaugural Exhibition Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia

Berkley Gallery

31 Main Street

Warrenton, VA

Three of my pieces on view. 28 artists. Exhibit through October 15

Saturday, October 5, 7-9pm: Opening Reception and Awards

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA "Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist

Sunday, October 6, 10am-5pm

MPA McLean Artfest Outdoor Juried Art Show

Under a tent in McLean Community Park, McLean, VA at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd.  Lots to see!! 49 artists. Rain or shine.

Friday, October 11, 5:30 to 8:30pm

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Benefit Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC. 117th Annual Open Exhibition of CLWAC.   Exhibit October 1-25. Awards reception: Friday, October 25, 6-9pm.

Saturday and Sunday, October 19&20, 10am-5pm

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour -- Celebrating 10 Years!

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. We join the 60 artists opening up our studios for the weekend, talking about our processes, tools, and hoping to inspire the artist in you in this FREE, self-guided tour throughout the streets of Great Falls.  

Coffee Break Solo Show at 

Greenberry's Coffee & Tea 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Coffee or Tea?," "Cup of Tea," and "Not Picasso." Through October 15.

MPA Artfest Was Wet, Cold, Tiring ... And Great!

"Little Miss Muffet's" moved to a new home

I HAVE to keep this post short. I can barely keep my eyes open and I believe every part of me aches. It was cold and rained a good bit in the afternoon ... but we were able to travel dry to and from the tent this morning and evening, so thank goodness for that.

All I kept thinking, post Artfest, was how I'd like to leave the dishes in the sink. As in, if I had a different husband (I'm very glad I don't), I wouldn't have delivered paintings to the third floor to the Artists' Atelier. I wouldn't clean out his car. I wouldn't refold the screen covers and put them in the box downstairs (at home) where they belong. I'd just shutdown. Curl up on the couch. Vegetate. (Even with his diligence, getting ready for any show turns my entire house upside down. Don't come visit me at home any time soon.)

"Morning At Starbuck's" went to a good new home, too.

I hope to get back to (after some rest and not tonight) what made this such a great show. Happy purchasers did go home with two of my paintings -- and those were two of the highlights. But there were many more. So, if I forget, remind me.

Thank you to everyone who visited my booth today. In case you couldn't tell, it means a lot to me that you took the time to talk with me and appreciated my work.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Oct. 15&16, 10am-5pm

Artists‘ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Out & About Norfolk Plein Air Painting Event, October 20-22 

ON EXHIBIT

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s 115th Annual Open Juried Exhibit

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 4-28

American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National

Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 1-11
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
Phone: 703.403.7435

Do A No-Rain Dance?

"Dining Al Fresco," 24"h x 20"w

The weather today ... was a big Yuck. And, tomorrow's MPA McLean Artfest is definitely going to be outside. I'm scaling back the art I'm taking. Husband Randy says not enough. The pieces I'm bringing are the cream of the crop. Lots of new. I just can't have any overflow (nothing on the ground) and I'm keeping drawings out of the wet air. You'll have to see those at Studio Tour mid-October or another time.

Maybe there will be sympathy purchases for soggy artists. Or maybe the sun will come out and it will be a whole new bright day.

We went over to the park to check things out this afternoon. It wasn't so bad then, but I did take the suggestion of going out and buying rain boots. There should be a lot of strong fashion statements tomorrow.

The MPA planning team had to call it: indoors vs. outdoors on Wednesday when Sunday was forecasted as 0% chance of rain ... sunny and cool.

"Barn Dance," 24"h x 20"w

I may be so glad to see visitors tomorrow ... each one might get hugged.

See you tomorrow?

Some of what I'm bringing:

• Best of Show winner, Great Falls Studios "Birds of Great Falls" Exhibit: "Blue"
• elan Magazine's cover art, April 2011: "Dining Al Fresco"
• 1st Prize winner, Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition: "W&OD BBQ"
• New Feathered and Furry Friends series painting: "Barn Dance"

UPCOMING EVENTS

MPA Artfest Outdoor Arts Festival, Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm

Booth #35, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Oct. 15&16, 10am-5pm

Artists‘ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Out & About Norfolk Plein Air Painting Event, October 20-22 

"Blue," 12"h x 12"w

ON EXHIBIT

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s 115th Annual Open Juried Exhibit

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 4-28

American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National

Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 1-11
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
Phone: 703.403.7435

A New Use Found for Our Family Room: Booth Staging Ground

Today ... a whole lot of it ... was spent selecting paintings for my booth setup for Sunday's McLean Artfest. I'm positive that all those artists who travel the country doing art festivals have this down pat (or don't worry as much). It's hard to leave some home. I want to have some extras for when pieces do sell. Randy and I would both like to include drawings, too, but we'll have to find a different way to present those. I still have to do labels, signage, figure out what else I need to bring, etc.

These photos do not do it justice and there still will be some swapping out, but here's a sneak peek. My brainstorm of the day was to buy a second red rug (just one was too small). I'm rolling out the red carpet for you. Come take a walk on it this Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm in the McLean Community Park at the corner of Dolley Madison Blvd. (Route 123) and Old Dominion Drive in McLean, VA. Stop by Booth #35.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MPA Artfest Outdoor Arts Festival, Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm

Booth #35, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Oct. 15&16, 10am-5pm

Artists‘ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Out & About Norfolk Plein Air Painting Event, October 20-22 

ON EXHIBIT

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s 115th Annual Open Juried Exhibit

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 4-28

American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National

Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 1-11
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
Phone: 703.403.7435

Come Out for MPA Artfest on Sunday, October 2

My booth at MPA Artfest 2010

It's been a long day. I gave a talk this afternoon at the Rotary Club of Reston on my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. (It went well.) I was preparing for it and gathering materials this morning. Then I tried to finish up my "Merry Go Round" painting so it could be framed and part of the tent at Artfest this weekend. I think I need to redirect my goal for that one to Studio Tour. There are lots of reasons ... but the one of the important ones is that dust and a slightly wet painting don't mix. Dust and outdoor art festivals do.

Tomorrow brings screen pickup for the weekend, figuring out just what I want to display for Artfest (a very difficult exercise -- I always want to show everything I'm excited about) and painting (with some of my studiomates) the gallery walls at the Artist's Atelier so it looks spiffy for Studio Tour.

I hope you can come to both events. They are two of my favorites of the year. See more info below. Check back here on Friday or Saturday for a preview of what will be in my booth on Sunday. (I'll let you know when I know.)

UPCOMING EVENTS

MPA Artfest Outdoor Arts Festival, Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm

Booth #35, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Oct. 15&16, 10am-5pm

Artists‘ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Out & About Norfolk Plein Air Painting Event, October 20-22 

ON EXHIBIT

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s 115th Annual Open Juried Exhibit

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 4-28

American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National

Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 1-11
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
Phone: 703.403.7435

Another Day on "Merry Go Round"

"Merry Go Round" work in progress (Day 5), oil on linen, 30"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I'm not quite done with "Merry Go Round." Maybe there's a day or two more to go. But, tomorrow the week starts again ... and quite a week it will be. Monday is day three of my portrait class ... and we have a great model, studiomate Brenda Drake. After that, I finish taking down my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit. Tonight Randy and I brought half of it home. Tuesday is Still Life class. Wednesday I speak at the Rotary Club. Thursday we patch and paint the gallery and pick up screens for Artfest. Friday and Saturday will be consumed with figuring out how to set up my tent, packing, making labels, other prep, etc. And, Sunday's Artfest. There will be some painting ... other than the walls of the gallery ... thrown in there somewhere.

It's time to wash my brushes, relax and think about tomorrow. Sounds exciting, eh?

UPCOMING EVENTS

MPA Artfest Outdoor Arts Festival, Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm

Booth #35, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Oct. 15&16, 10am-5pm

Artists‘ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Out & About Norfolk Plein Air Painting Event, October 20-22 

ON EXHIBIT

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s 115th Annual Open Juried Exhibit

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 4-28

American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National

Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 1-11
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
Phone: 703.403.7435

Roosters Painting Finished Today and Time in the Atelier

"Barn Dance," oil, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

This painting got finished and renamed today. "Barn Dance" used to be "Whatcha' Doing?" but thinking about my time with the roosters and hens at Kidwell Farm in Frying Pan Park. They careened around the pen ... sort of interacting ... and posturing.

One of my favorite parts of painting today was when I added in the blues to the tail feathers. I just loved the color but it also gave a good sense of iridescence. They are handsome critters.

"Barn Dance" is the first larger piece from my developing Feathered and Furry Friends series. Sooner or later, I'll get to many more. It will be in my tent for next Sunday's MPA McLean Artfest outdoor arts festival.

Time in the Atelier

I painted at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) today for open hours. Laurie Bell, owner of Great Falls Tea Garden, was holding a tea tasting seminar in the gallery for a number of new visitors to our space. I painted while learning a good bit about Darjeeling tea.

Bobbie (Roberta) Beasley and Walt Lawrence, two of my studiomates, were in ...and after they were gone, Mollie Vardell came in to spend some time painting and also packing up for a week-long plein air painting adventure/paint-out. Walt helped Bobbie out with advice on framing and frame shops. Mollie talked about packing for her trip and we walked down together to her car so I could see how she organized her supplies for the trip. We'd talked about travel easels up in the studio and she set up her latest (and greatest) one for me to see in the parking lot. Before that, we talked about Vasari paint and her new box of colors.

One of the great parts of sharing studio space with other professional artists is that we learn from each other ... all the time, whether the topic is framing or products or techniques. Mollie and I are both tackling plein air painting and it's a whole new ballgame. It's nice to have someone else to lean on/swap ideas with/share what we discover. That's pretty great.

Coming Up
Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

October 20-22, Out & About Norfolk 2011: Juried Plein Air Event and Wet Paint Sale. I'll be spending three days in Norfolk for this 5th Annual Plein Air Competition ... painting away. I'm excited!

November 1-11, 83rd Grand National Exhibition 2011: "Alan" will be on exhibit at the American Artists Professional League Grand National at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Reception" Sunday, November 6, 2-5pm.

My Still Life and Portrait Painting & Drawing Both classes are full for Fall sessions. See the Classes page on my web site for more information on those classes. Send me an email if you would like to receive notification of other class/workshop offerings -- what kind of courses you would be interested in, days of the week and times.  

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

"Cat's Meow" Beanie Baby Painting #8

"Cat's Meow" Beanie Baby Painting #8, oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

We have a kitten guest for the weekend, Misa, who accompanied son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle up from Richmond. This isn't Misa, but Beanie Baby "Purr" closely resembles her. Now it's time to visit. There's one more Beanie Baby to paint to complete the series.

Coming Up
August 1 - September 24: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Fridays and Saturdays, Noon-4pm.

My Still Life and Portrait Painting & Drawing Both classes are full for Fall sessions. See the Classes page on my web site for more information on those classes. Send me an email if you would like to receive notification of other class/workshop offerings -- what kind of courses you would be interested in, days of the week and times.  
Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA


Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

October 20-22, Out & About Norfolk 2011: Juried Plein Air Event and Wet Paint Sale. I'll be spending three days in Norfolk for this 5th Annual Plein Air Competition ... painting away. I'm excited!

November 1-11, 83rd Grand National Exhibition 2011: "Alan" will be on exhibit at the American Artists Professional League Grand National at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Reception" Sunday, November 6, 2-5pm.

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

Back to the Carousel Horse Painting with a New Name

"Merry Go Round" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

"Daisies and the Carousel Horse" has been renamed as "Merry Go Round." After two days of "other stuff," I was happily able to return to this painting with some replacement fruit and daisies. I worked at finishing up most of the fruit ... before my replacements need replacements. And, I worked a good bit on the carousel horse. This whole painting is filled with great subjects. It was tough to leave for the night.

Yesterday, I went "missing" from the blog ... as it was a "no painting" day. I was trying to fit it in, but it wasn't to be. Randy and I attended a fantastic pre-MPA Artfest fundraising party, a Soiree! last night and the entire afternoon was spent out shopping so I'd have something to wear. Shopping is not one of my strengths. Turns out I did okay, but it ate away a good chunk of hours.

I was amazed at the organization, attendance, enthusiasm, home, planning, etc. at the party. A huge crowd thoroughly enjoyed the event, fantastic setting and jazz music. I knew that a horde of volunteers worked to make the Artfest event successful for the community and participating artists. I didn't know how much the volunteers and McLean Project for the Arts staff do for the party as well. It's a year-round effort.

It made me look forward to filling my tent and enjoying the day at Artfest on Sunday, October 2, from 10am-5pm. I'll be in Booth #35 ... waiting to talk with you.

Tomorrow and Saturday, I'll be in the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066) for open hours from noon-4pm as the last chance to see my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit in the gallery there. Come visit!

August 1 - September 24: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Fridays and Saturdays, Noon-4pm.

My Still Life and Portrait Painting & Drawing Both classes are full for Fall sessions. See the Classes page on my web site for more information on those classes. Send me an email if you would like to receive notification of other class/workshop offerings -- what kind of courses you would be interested in, days of the week and times.

Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

October 20-22, Out & About Norfolk 2011: Juried Plein Air Event and Wet Paint Sale. I'll be spending three days in Norfolk for this 5th Annual Plein Air Competition ... painting away. I'm excited!

November 1-11, 83rd Grand National Exhibition 2011: "Alan" will be on exhibit at the American Artists Professional League Grand National at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Reception" Sunday, November 6, 2-5pm.

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

"Fresh Peaches and Cantaloupe" Painting in Progress and Artfest

"Fresh Peaches and Cantaloupe" work in progress, 18"h x 24"w, oil on linen, ©Jill Banks 2011

First, I found out today that I was juried into McLean Artfest 2011 (sponsored by McLean Project for the Arts). Yea! This will be my fourth year participating in this one-day outdoor arts festival that's one of my favorite events. This year's Artfest will be on Sunday, October 2 ... and you'll definitely get more news closer to the date. October is jam-packed with lots happening ... starting with Artfest, then a demo to give at the Vienna Arts Society on Thursday, October 13, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Benefit Reception for Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club at the National Arts Club in NYC on Friday, October 14 ... and the Great Falls Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 & 16. Many days to look forward to!

On to the painting I started today. For the last week or two, there's been a handwritten sign saying "produce" on my way into the studio. I like that it's handwritten. Seems appropriate. And the stand is just right around the corner from my studio. I had to stop and take a look. (And pick out some subjects.) Two nice young ladies were working the stand ... and the place smelled of fruit. I thought (momentarily) of taking my easel out to paint the stand or some portion of it. That may happen some day soon ... but it was a warm day and air conditioning beckoned instead.

The peaches and cantaloupe were chosen ... and this still needs LOTS of work, but it was fun! This is pretty large -- so just covering the surface with paint takes time. The seeds on the cantaloupe and fuzz on the peach will be my challenges for 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

MPA McLean Artfest 2010 This Sunday ... Plus More!

My booth at Artfest 2009

I'd say that I'm busy getting ready for Sunday's big outdoor art festival ... but I'm actually frozen in front of a computer screen ... and hoping to face the rain in a mad dash to my car to get in to paint in the studio. Nerve calmer.

I know that Sunday's MPA Artfest (Sunday, October 3, 10:30am-4:30pm in McLean Central Park at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd in McLean, VA) will be a great event, lots of fun filled with interesting conversations, some art sales, visiting with new and loyal fans. I love these events while I'm there. Still, they are tons of work to suddenly get your framed artwork and art business essentials to appear on a grassy spot in the middle of a park. Fortunately the Artfest is sponsored by the McLean Project for the Arts and their myriad of fantastic volunteers who make setup and takedown much easier. If you buy lots of my art, that makes takedown much easier too! (Hint.)

"Five Umbrellas", oil on linen, 18"h x 24"w, Jill Banks 2010

I haven't determined just what I'll be bringing, but I know of some pretty sure bets ... like "Five Umbrellas", "Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" and "Arance, Oranges" ... plus many happy surprises.

I hope to see you there.

Oh, and tomorrow (Friday, October 1) is First Friday, 7-9pm at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA.  This is the opening reception for a gorgeous new show in the gallery of works by the artists of the atelier who will be participating in this month's Great Falls Studio Tour (October 16&17, 10am-5pm, self-guided tour of artist studios throughout Great Falls, VA -- get more info at www.greatfallsstudios.com). Lots more art will explode on the scene by Studio Tour but this is a knockout show as it is.

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle", 30"h x 24"w, Jill Banks

On Saturday (October 2, 7:3) there's an awards and opening reception for the "Expressions" portrait competition exhibit at Herndon ArtSpace (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA). My portrait "Nigerian Beauty" was juried into that show. Go to the ArtSpace site for more info: www.artspaceherndon.com.
A bunch of my artist buddies were among the 26 finalists, including fellow Atelier studiomate Brenda Drake, fellow Great Falls Studios member Claudia Samper, plus Tricia Ratliff, Gavin Glakas and Christine Lashley. The show runs until October 26 in case you can't make the reception.

"Arance, Orange", 24"h x 36"w, oil on linen, Jill Banks

Better run.

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

"Chocolate with Sprinkles" Debuts at the Farmer's Market

Since I'm a bit overwhelmed at the moment, only some of my artwork is loaded in the van for my Saturday's (today -- September 25) Farmer's Market booth (9am-1pm at the Great Falls Village Centre, near the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA). Let's call it a sneak preview for the big upcoming events: MPA Artfest one week + one day away on Sunday, October 3, 10:30am-4:30pm in McLean Central Park (McLean, VA) and the Great Falls Annual Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, October 16&17, 10am-5pm where I'll be in my studio at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Find out more about Studio Tour at www.GreatFallsStudios.com and more about Artfest at www.mpaart.org. Lots of other stuff going on too in October, personal and art-wise. More exhibit info is listed on the home page of my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

Anyway, my donut painting "Chocolate with Sprinkles", once named "On the Edge Donut"will be making its first public appearance at the Farmer's Market. Perhaps it will be gobbled up. I used a palette knife on this little one... and the texture of the paint is, well, pretty cool. I have absolutely no "official" idea how to use a palette knife but it seems full of possibilities. More experiments to follow.

I hope to see you soon!

"Chocolate with Sprinkles", 5"h x 5"w, oil on canvas, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

Up to My Eyeballs in Alligators ... and MPA artfest 2010

Today I received word that I've been juried in to participate in MPA artfest, an outdoor arts festival sponsored by the McLean Project for the Arts (McLean, VA) held on Sunday, October 3, 10:30am-4:30pm. This will be my third time participating in this terrific event. I'm looking forward to it.

I am literally up to my eyeballs in alligators ... If I manage to somehow get through all of the July&August obligations it will be cause for celebration, relief and maybe a weeklong nap. This is definitely not summer vacation.



My art stuff on the calendar:

• Thursday, July 1: hang my new show "Painting the Town" at the Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066. (Three of my paintings aren't dry, many need to be framed, I'm varnishing others, need to put together tags, a press release, brochure, finalize my web site preview page, still need to order new business cards.)
• First Friday at the Artists' Atelier, Opening Reception "Summer Landscapes", a group show of works by Artists' Atelier members. Friday, July 2, 7-9pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066
• Saturday, July 3: under a tent at the Great Falls Farmer's Market, parking lot at the Village Centre near the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 9am-1pm showing paintings and drawings that didn't go in my "Painting the Town" show.
• Friday, July 9, 6-8pm: Closing reception: Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Exhibition, NYC. Two of my drawings: "Sarah" and "The Nutcracker" are in that show.
• Saturday, July 17; Sunday, July 18; Monday, July 19: Teaching my "Painting (and Sketching) the Town" single-day workshops. See my web site: www.jillbanks.com, click on classes for more info.
•  Friday, July 23: Closing reception: Salmagundi Club's Annual Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, NYC. "Rainy Day in NYC" was juried into that show -- my first time getting into this competitive exhibition.
• Sunday, July 25, 2-5pm reception for my "Painting the Town" show at the Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.

I'm going to try to squeeze in one painting demo day at the Brogue prior to July 15 ... and post the day/time here for anyone who'd like to come and watch or potentially be painted into the scene.
I'll leave off the August events ... no point thinking about them now.

What I hope you'll do:
Sign up for classes/workshops.
Visit my show at the Brogue.
Come to the Farmer's Market this Saturday.
Come to a reception or two...

By the way, the artReston show -- where my painting "On High" won Best of Show -- closes in one week (July 6). Stop by to see it at the JoAnn Rose Gallery at the Lake Anne Reston Community Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, VA.


Above: photos of my booth from the MPA artfest 2009. These were taken before the crowds showed up.

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

Scenes from MPA Artfest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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