Lost in the Land of Flowers...

"Two Kittens" -- Name and Painting in Progress, oil, 30"h x 40"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Today brought me back to working on the large-scale still life set up by my Dad.  A week in ... the fruit and flowers are definitely the worse for wear, but not quite as bad as you might think.  Replacements will be hitting the table for some of the subjects, but not the flowers.  Those were what I worked diligently to capture today before soon turning to the foreground.

"Traffic Patterns," oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

When I look at this setup and the recent one for "Garden Girl," I get the sense of walking into a storybook.  The kittens are checking each other out under a bower of lilies. It's some sort of land of enchantment.

I'd like some help on a name.  Right now it's "Two Kittens" which is fine, but I've thought of "The Encounter," and wondered whether there was something else that evokes the magic of it. Your ideas are most certainly welcome.

Yesterday, I finished up "Traffic Patterns." (Husband) Randy has no idea why I named that one ... that ... so maybe he caused my naming indecisiveness. Seems obvious enough to me.

Yesterday, too, we had the wonderful privilege of helping Oscar Haynes (who became Face #13 on January 13, 2011 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project) celebrate his 97th birthday.  Most people might say when encountering someone of that age is I hope to look like/be like that at his/her age. Heck. In Oscar's case, I hope to look like/be like him at this age.

"Oscar Haynes" as Face #13, oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Quite an incredible man and we (Randy, Oscar, his wife Joan and I) enjoyed a really great lunch.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Student Exhibit of the Great Falls School of Art in the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon - 4pm.  Through the end of January.

"Classical Painting Atelier" Still Life in Progress

"Classical Painting Atelier" wip, oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

The name might change ... and there's more work to do ... but this started as today's demo for the first day of Still Life class. I definitely didn't get this far with an audience. It's a case of biting off more than you can chew. Or something like that. Too large. Too many elements. Too much fun and other stuff to cover to get it in respectable shape during class.

When my students realized that there wasn't any way they were going to see it come together, they asked me to finish (or more fully develop) one part. I chose concentrating on the book in the scene, "Classical Painting Atelier" by Juliette Aristedes. As they watched me paint the portrait on the book cover, I wasn't hearing overwhelming praise. I won't repeat any of the comments.

I think it's just fine ... and I like the introduction of a dark and portrait elements with the book. If I developed it more it would jump forward in the scene. Not what I'd want.

In addition to liking it as an object, the book tells a story about the painting. It's pulled from the classroom library. It places all those gourds and brussel sprouts at the scene.

That's enough for this post. It's been a long day.

Oscar Haynes as my Face #13 for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Tomorrow is Oscar Haynes birthday. Happy Birthday, Oscar!

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

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

"Monkeying Around" Beanie Baby Painting #6 and Visitors

Beanie Baby Painting #6: "Monkeying Around," oil on panel, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

As my exhibit "100 Faces in 100 Days" draws to a close, I've been encouraging people to come in and take a look before it's gone. (Randy and I take it down next Wednesday, August 31.) That worked today ... especially with Hurricane Irene threatening to swipe away tomorrow's hours.

My first visitor (who arrived before I got there) was Jeff Mizell. I met Jeff at last Sunday's Reston Century bike race (I'd won 1st place in the t-shirt art competition so my painting was printed on the back of shirts given out to all the riders). He'd come to see my 100 Faces project a couple of days ago and in addition to talking about the project and art in general, I pointed out the first five paintings in my series of nine Beanie Baby paintings. After purging our house last year (taking all the extra good stuff to places where it could then end up in good, new homes) prior to a move, I found myself short on what we used to be really long on ... i.e. beanie babies.

The Candidates for #6, #7, #8 and #9. Thanks, Jeff!

Today, he arrived with two very large plastic boxes filled to the brim with potential candidates (from his now grown kids' collections) for my last few small panels. He encouraged me not to worry about keeping too many. If I thought I might want to paint it, it went into the keep for now pile. Tonight I took a photo of all the candidates I kept.

Each time I paint there are so many converging influences. For the Beanie Baby Mini Project, I have a stack of fun-colored scrapbooking paper from Michaels that I select to complement my "model." Those are set on my laptop on top of a sculpture stand I can put at various heights. Today, I paid tribute to another of this afternoon's visitors.

Soon after Jeff left with the non-candidates, two of my special faces (Joan Bell-Haynes and Oscar Haynes) entered with friends visiting from Alabama.  We sat and talked and then the door opens again and Christine came in -- one of my faces and mom of two others -- including my youngest subject, then six-and-a-half-month old Bailey. Part of the fun with this project is that visitors get to find the other faces on exhibit... as in, can you find me ... or do you see anyone you know?

Joan, Oscar, and their friends Lou and Carolyn kept us laughing and enjoying time together. Christine mentioned that her cheeks hurt from "too much funny." Mine did, too.

So, my additional influence ... for this one beanie baby is that Christine, for her day, wore a chartreuse shirt and colorful scarf. Chartreuse is a favorite color for both of us ... and we talked about that.

The fact that I had a shorter time to paint -- meant I had to keep it simple. Thus, full circle, beanie baby #6.

See Beanie Baby Painting #5. Beanie Baby #4.

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, September 8, 7:30pm: Demo for the Vienna Arts Society, Vienna, VA. More details to come.

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!

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

Oscar Haynes (Face #13) and Bob Simon (Face #100) Share Their Wisdom Today

"Reston Founder Robert (Bob) Simon: Face #100," 12"h x 12"w, oil

Two of my favorite models ... for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project ... spoke today to share their 190 years + of collective wisdom. These two, Oscar Haynes (Face #13), age 95 and Reston founder Robert (Bob) Simon (Face #100), age 97 provided great inspiration to the packed standing-room only crowd at the Reston Museum. Oscar's great  godson, Eli, introduced the pair (great introduction!) and emceed the question and answer section of the program. I'm glad I didn't have to come up with answers to those questions on the spot.

Oscar's "my attitude is gratitude" motto sure puts life into perspective. When asked whether he would like to undo or redo anything about his life ... he wouldn't want to undo or redo a thing. He treats others well, courteously and feels good about the way he's acted and what's been accomplished. Eli mentioned that to meet Oscar is to become his friend. So true. What a great way to live for  95 years.

It was interesting to me how much I learned about Oscar through this talk. While I painted him, we talked for three to four hours and I'd learned so much. What I realize is that when someone is highly productive, visionary and living life fully in gear for 95 years, getting to know all about that person takes many, many, many, many four hour discussions. He's amazing!!!

"Oscar Haynes: Face #13," 12"h x 12"w, oil on panel

Bob Simon received a lot of questions and praise about Reston. Obviously, and for good reason, people feel passionate about this unique community and place that Bob made a reality. One of his comments that interested me was about density. Some people who already live here fear change and development. He clearly doesn't -- giving the example of Manhattan. With people comes a greater community. You need people to fill the plazas, support businesses, build amenities, make our lives more vibrant. I agree!

Today was about listening ... to wise advice ...  from two passionate, good men. They've set great examples by which to live.


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

Oscar Haynes is Face #13

"Oscar Haynes", Face #13 (of 100), 12"h x 12"w, by Jill Banks 2011

Oscar Haynes, the soon-to-be 95 year old super model who agreed to pose for my Portrait class last session ... also agreed (happily) to be one of my volunteer faces for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. Oscar's wife, Joan Bell-Haynes  (Face #12) posed for me yesterday.

My Dad escorted Oscar to and from my home studio ... and we had a wonderful time between that to and from.

I enjoyed stories of Oscar being conscripted into the Air Force in 1941 on July 3; going home for the July 4th holiday; and getting assigned KP duty for unknowingly going AWOL.  Remarkable stories of his work in marketing and in and for the church. He talked about saying "Now, can't we just work together ... " and I just can't imagine anyone turning him down. He is a visionary, seeing what could be who evidently also knew how to make what could be ... happen. All of what he accomplished would be remarkable at any time, but when he did so, make it more extraordinary. He constantly strove to be better and better. To be the best.

Oscar Haynes checking out the newly finished painting of his Face #13.

With all that, what's most important to those who meet and love Oscar is his extraordinary kindness. The gentleness of his spirit. His sheer happiness at being alive. A beautiful attitude.

His motto: "My attitude is gratitude."

Pretty great lesson.

Fun day!

"Oscar Haynes", Face #13 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project, oil on Raphael linen-lined board, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011.

Check out more about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project in earlier posts and on my web site.

I went tonight to the Art League (in Alexandria, VA) for the awards reception for the All-Media Membership Exhibit. I received an Honorable Mention for "Sunflowers in My Studio."

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

Great Time with Oscar

Just had to post this ...

Here's Oscar with my Portrait Painting and Drawing class, week two. My dad brought in sunflowers for all the gals. Lots of hugs and good cheer. Oscar's been the very best muse.

He's a wonderful reminder that portraiture is more about heart and soul than flesh and bones. Thank you, Oscar!

Coming up:
First Friday at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA, 22066, October 1, 7-9pm
Reception: "Expressions" Portrait Exhibition, Herndon Artspace, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA, Saturday, October 2, 7:30-9:30 pm ("Nigerian Beauty" was juried into that show)
MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Festival, McLean Central Park, corner of Dolley Madison Blvd. and Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA, Sunday, October 3, 10:30-4:30. I'll be in booth 20. See www.mpaart.org for more info.

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

"Oscar" Alla Prima Portrait Demo

"Oscar" alla prima portrait demo in oils

Today was the first day of my Fall portrait painting (and drawing) class, and we all had the pleasure of having Oscar Haynes sit for us. What a great session! He just has this beautiful, calming, happy presence we all got to enjoy. Plus, he was thrilled to sit -- a first-time experience for this gentleman in his ninth decade. It's not easy to hold a pose (try it yourself sometime), but Oscar managed to hold it well and get right back into it after each break.

Demos are different than painting from the model on your own. They are a great teaching exercise, but you miss just getting to really observe your subject. That's a quiet activity ... as the person is slowly revealed. My class gets to experience that more next week when Oscar visits us again. Lucky them.

See more of my portraiture in the portrait section/gallery pages on my web site: www.jillbanks.com

I'm going to spend tonight trying to unpack some, organize some ... see what I can get accomplished to still the jitters of so many art happenings fast approaching. I'm scheduled for a booth at the Great Falls Farmer's Market this Saturday September 25, 9am-1pm; the MPA McLean Artfest Sunday October 3, 10:30am-4:30pm in McLean Central Park (McLean, VA); and the Great Falls Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday, October 16&17, 10am-5pm (at the Artists' Atelier in Great Falls, VA). Read more about each event in my post about Events and Exhibits ... and I hope to see you at all or some! Bring the family and your art-loving friends. Yikes. Better get to work.

"Oscar" oil sketch, 16"h x 20"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

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