Back to "Hudson" NYC River View

"Hudson" work in progess, oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

In the midst of time spent getting ready for my August visiting residency in the Torpedo Factory (art center in Alexandria,VA), I snuck in some nice hours returning to this painting, an enlarged version of one started in the hotel room shower in Soho. Every morning for a three-day stay, I worked on the little version of this ... watching the sunrise on the Hudson ... and the city come to life.

It must have been quite a scene. I'm not usually a sunrise watcher. Something to change about myself.

See "Sunset in NYC" on my web site for the view at a 90-degree angle ... at sunset."Sunset in NYC" and the painting sketch done in the shower are my models for this piece.

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

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.  
Reception: Thursday, August 9, 6-9pm (2nd Thursday Art Night receptions throughout the Torpedo Factory).  
Portrait painting demos: Sunday, August 12 and August 19, 1 to 5pm with a great model.
I'll be in my studio:
Mondays, 10am-5pm
Thursdays, 2-9pm
Friday, noon-6pm
Saturdays, noon to 6pm
Sundays, noon to 6pm
Other events/times will be listed on my event page on my new web site. I hope to see you there!

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

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

Start of "Hudson River Morn" View from the Shower

"Hudson River Morn" work in progress, oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Back at the end of March, I spent three days in our Soho hotel shower with my easel set up, painting from before sunrise to sunset. In one direction from the floor-to-ceiling windowed shower offered this view overlooking the Hudson River and the traffic to the Holland Tunnel. I painted a smaller version of almost this view, multiple mornings while there. The Hudson River view was at its best at sunrise. The view looking at a 90 degree angle offered the Empire State Building, Trump Hotel and the low-rise buildings of Soho. At sunset it was incredible, and there/then, I painted "Sunset in NYC."

The original "Hudson River View" on the easel in the shower

I love the sketch done of this view, too ... but decided to work out the finished piece on a much larger scale ... more fitting of the scene in front of me each morning. It was fun to watch NYC stretch and wake up. Our stay was over a weekend, too, so quieter that the regular week. The snarl of traffic that accompanied the rest of the day/week went missing early morning those days.

Obviously, this needs lots more work but I can't wait to make the highrises across the river sparkle. Add in the lone cars. Paint the early morning sky.  It will take awhile.

The sketch done in the shower -- on which this is based -- is 14"h x 11"w, called "Hudson River View."

"Sunset in NYC" was part of my Out & About exhibit last month at the Old Brogue and is now on view in my studio at the Artists' Atelier. Come take a look at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066, open on Saturdays, noon to 4pm and by appointment.

"Sunset in NYC," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

New York City has been the inspiration of many of my paintings. As have been other urban views. Take a look at some of my other paintings of urban spots in the Gallery pages of my web site.

Exhibits and Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Sunset in NYC" Continues: Scene from the Shower

"Sunset in NYC" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Last night we got back from a weekend trip to San Antonio to attend the Salon International awards dinner and opening reception. The show is absolutely fantastic. I had the chance to meet and get to know a little some outstanding artists from across the country. At the awards reception, my question of where the art hotspot is in Texas was met with a unanimous response: Fredericksburg. Armed with a hand-drawn map and a list of galleries that were must-sees, (husband) Randy and I headed to Fredericksburg on Saturday for a full day of gallery-hopping. What we saw were fantastic galleries filled with work by many of the top realist artists in the country. It was truly an inspiring trip ... seeing the Salon International exhibit, meeting many artists to possibly paint and show with, and visiting the galleries in Fredericksburg, TX.

These are busy days, but I'll try to share more of the highlights in a later post.

This afternoon, after class, I returned to the painting of a NYC skyline, "Sunset in NYC" that was started in the floor-to-ceiling-glassed shower at my hotel in Soho. Each time I've worked at in the studio, the sunlight streams in from the window falling across the canvas, lighting my rendition of sunset. It's pretty extraordinary. Obviously, there's more work to do.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX.  “Contrapposto”

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

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

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

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

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

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Out and About" Solo Show in May

You might think there was resting going on with two days of blog silence. But no.

With a solo show right around the corner (May 1-31 at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue Irish Pub), the agenda is filled with LOTS of painting, postcard design, minor press stuff, web site work, photography, getting frame orders together, touch-ups and some planning.

This is the least "ready" I've ever felt. Okay, maybe not. Getting ready for last year's "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit was clearly more monumental. This time around, there will only be twelve canvases to sign off on instead of one hundred. There are many of those twelve, though, that need a lot of hours dedicated before they are ready to be hung.

"Sunset in NYC" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Like "Sunset in NYC" that's still a work in progress. It was the main project of the day. This is the painting started in the Soho hotel shower. Pretty great view!

Time to post ... more on the upcoming solo show "Out and About" another time.

Happy Easter and Passover.

Exhibits and Events

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

"Sunflowers and Gladioli," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks

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

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

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

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

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Sunset in NYC" Work in Progress: Scene from the Shower

"Sunset in NYC" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

This was yesterday's project. As I've been doing the last few days, my painting time was spent at the easel set up in our hotel room shower, replete with floor to ceiling windows. From the beginning, my plan was to get ready for sunset, when I knew the shadows and light would be the most exciting. That meant hours of preparation and speedy color application when the time was right.

At 24"h x 36"w, it is the largest of my "shower" pieces. "Sunset in NYC," my easel and I were crowded in there. Randy would hand in those objects left outside the shower. Times outside the glass enclosure were limited.

There was no way to finish it on site. It's now back home where it will be worked on with photo references as a guide, but maintaining the color and shadow effects set here.

Three other paintings were started in the hotel. None are finished yet ... though I spent another morning today at sunrise to work on the painting shown last post.

It was an amazing stay. So much fun and more will come from inspiration gathered these three days.

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

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

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. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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. 

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

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).