Color Lessons and Duck Soup

"Not Picasso," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks, private collection

"Apple Singer," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, private collection

Shadyside was wonderful and exhausting ... with six paintings going to new homes, including:
"Apple Singer"
"Not Picasso"
"Delivery"
"Duck Soup"
"Breakfast Reflections"
"Hoot and Flowers"

(We started setting up the tent at 4am Saturday morning -- opened at 10am -- closed and unloaded around 7:30pm, opened and loaded in on Sunday around 7am, took down the tent and loaded the car at 7:30 or 8pm.  Long, challenging and invigorating days.)

Color Lessons
One of the purchases was touch and go -- with the collectors loving the painting but unsure about where it would work in their home given that the purple in it didn't fit with their color scheme. They decided on purchasing it, with the agreement that if it didn't work, I would gladly refund the money (or switch it out with another work if they wanted) as long as they contacted me before I left Pittsburgh for home the next day.

I did get a call Sunday evening -- from the collector -- that in fact, "Hoot and Flowers" worked not only in one, but many places. Later I found out that they moved around furniture, held up lamps upside down, tested it from room to room -- and loved it everywhere. The painting worked and enhanced every spot.  That's difficult to know when standing in the middle of a booth filled with nothing but art and none of your things.

The other reason for the phone call is that they wanted to also purchase "Duck Soup."  We delivered it -- saw my "kids" happy new home and how great they look in their new spots. Happy day!

There were many spots I wanted to paint in Shadyside and beyond -- once free to roam from Walnut Street. But, I couldn't take advantage of them this trip.  Tomorrow, you will find me at my easel -- somewhere in the DC area. No unpacking or other distractions until the painting is done.
I can't wait!


Fall Classes Ahead
Fall classes start in September when I'll be teaching Still Life (8 sessions, Tuesdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm, September 16 to November 4, $325) and the Plein Air  Landscape in Oils (6 sessions, Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm, September 18 to October 30 -- no class October 16, $325). For more info, see my web site's classes page. I have yet to update my supply list ... but will catch up shortly. If you are interested in signing up, do so soon. Classes fill very quickly.

Coming Up

Classes are offered through the Great Falls School of Art (Great Falls, VA). More information -- including how to register -- is available on my web site.  Still life only has a two spots left!

• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• 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



"Delivery," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks, private collection

• See the Events page for more info/updates

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.)

"Duck Soup," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, private collection

"Breakfast Reflections," oil, 16"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, private collection

"Hoot and Flowers," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, private collection

Three of My New Paintings Heading to Shadyside!

"Italian Vines," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, $630 -- from my August workshop in Piemonte

Well we're heading to the Shadyside Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh ... in just a few minutes. There, bright (actually still dark) and early Saturday morning, Randy and I will be setting up the tent, loading it with many of my favorite paintings including these three, never exhibited before/freshly framed new ones.

"Circle of Truth," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, $630 -- a nocturne from my own backyard

I hope to see some of you at Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA, Saturday, August 23, 10am to 7pm and Sunday, August 24, 10am to 5pm!

"Fresh Picks," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, $630

Fall Classes Ahead
Fall classes start in September when I'll be teaching Still Life (8 sessions, Tuesdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm, September 16 to November 4, $325) and the Plein Air  Landscape in Oils (6 sessions, Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm, September 18 to October 30 -- no class October 16, $325). For more info, see my web site's classes page. I have yet to update my supply list ... but will catch up shortly. If you are interested in signing up, do so soon. Classes fill very quickly.

Coming Up

Classes are offered through the Great Falls School of Art (Great Falls, VA). More information -- including how to register -- is available on my web site.  Still life only has a two spots left!

• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• 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

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.)

Register for Fall 2014 Classes. Get more info on my Classes page on my web site.

Horsing Around: Painting at the Paddock

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

--> It was a dream of a day. Gorgeous weather and I got to paint exactly what (horses) and where (Kidwell Farm in Herndon VA) my heart desired.

My Spring Plein Air class that I teach on Wednesdays has not been as charmed as in seasons past.  With only six sessions, it has rained for three of them -- so yesterday morning's sunshine seemed particularly blessed. All were grateful to be outside. The spot was Kidwell Farm where students painted the chicken coop, outbuildings, a Chevy truck, the merry-go-round, the farmer's market and expansive scenes up and down the farm's lanes. And, horses.

"Stepping Out," 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2012, private collection

Right beyond Kidwell Farm is a field full of equines, snacking on hay, rolling in the mud, grazing on grass, hanging out together.  I would never have known they were there ... if Bob Gilbert hadn't explored and set up overlooking them the day before. There was no question that I'd go back.

One of the few problems with Kidwell Farm is its sparse bit of shade. It's farmland and pasture, not forest. But today I found shade, a perfect fairly close up view of these beautiful creatures, and a painting heading constantly in the right direction.

Another Warm Welcome
Even though my painting spot was far from out in the open, there were many who saw me at the easel and extended their hand and spirit in welcoming me. It's an amazing feeling to know that just as you're doing what you love, someone else is inspired, uplifted that you're creating right in front of them. Today, I was appreciated by the Kidwell Farm staff, and the volunteers and participants in the SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program.

SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program
Turns out those horses I was painting are a mix of rescues and donations trained to provide therapeutic riding programs for children and adults. So, they are beautiful inside and out.

"Horsepower," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2013, private collection

Coming to Pittsburgh, PA
Perhaps I'm a bit worried about a busy schedule -- but still looking forward to a summer of adventures, now with one more on the calendar. I will be participating in Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street (Pittsburgh, PA) on August 23 & 24, 2014. This is one of the top 100 art festivals as ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Can't wait. My plan is to paint in many of these art festival locations -- along with attending the booth. I so hope that the plan works!

Coming Up

• June 13, 14, 15: Columbia Festival of the Arts, Columbia, MD
• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• 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

With all these events happening in new places, and my being the "new tent" in many towns -- I really hope you can attend some or let me borrow your friends in these spots.  Please spread the word. Art fairs are a gamble of sorts. I foot the expense of tent, travel, accommodations, pack up what I hope visitors want to see, put up the tent, talk art, bring my very best attitude and work, cross my fingers.  Your help, advice, recommendation will be GREATLY appreciated.

See more of my paintings of Furry and Feathered Friends in the Bird, Animal and Wildlife Collection on my web site.



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.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!