"Chameleon" Alla Prima Portrait

"Chameleon," oil, 16"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Well, it took awhile to get back to posting.  "Chameleon" had two inspiration sources this past week, plus a deadline that made one portrait morph into another (hence the name).

I'd attended last Saturday's open life session at the McLean Community Center -- but 25 minutes late -- which meant that the spot for my easel seemed like a mile away from the model. Okay, that's an exaggeration.  My place would have been okay if I was painting the whole figure, but the distance made capturing a portrait much more difficult. Still, I was going to try.  So, last Saturday's model was inspiration #1.

Then, one day this week I read Nancy Boren's review of a workshop taken with Milt Kobayashi. The upshot of the post was that Milt takes his inspiration from the model -- but then lets his imagination and interest take it from there.  That's what happened last night -- just in time to take this painting, along with five more to be photographed professionally to this morning's shoot. Inspiration #2 and the deadline that made it happen.

"Nigerian Beauty," 24"h x 18"w, by Jill Banks, private collection

"Chameleon" reminds me of a favorite painting of mine that is now hanging in a collector's home. "Nigerian Beauty" is one of those paintings I'll miss forever -- and could just be Inspiration #3.  

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

Events

Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

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," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

Painting the Forest Goddess

"Artemis," oil, 11"h x 14"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

After painting at the Atelier during open hours, I headed off ... a little reluctantly to the Open Life Long Pose session held at the McLean Community Center (McLean, VA). Reluctantly -- because I wasn't very far along on what was being worked on this afternoon.

Open Life was terrific. I walked in just as the pose and set-up were ready. It was quite a scene ... and I started with this portrait ... finishing it about halfway through so I could capture the whole set-up in a second painting.  That you'll see in tomorrow's post.

Artemis is the Greek goddess of the forest ... and I imagine that's who sat for us today.

Cupcake as Subject

"Artsy Cupcake," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

The giveaway at Thursday's fundraiser for the Great Falls Foundation of the Arts were cupcakes with a palette of "paint" on top.  Before I could test mine, it had to pose on my easel.  The cupcakes were from Georgetown Cupcake ... cute and tasty.

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


See my web site for Events & Exhibits: www.JillBanks.com.

Couldn't Resist: "Charmin" Portrait Sketch Today

"Charmin," oil sketch, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Today's model for portrait class was coming in for a single-day pose ... and recent terms I've been relying on students to get involved in recruiting interesting faces and people to sit.  Christine brought us her sister-in-law,  Charmin  ... who I haven't seen for a very long time. Although much of the class was missing, the painters in attendance were excited to tackle Charmin's beautiful red hair. Actually, I was dying to paint her.

Lots of fun!!!!!

Charmin had a great time modeling for us. Mutual joy.

Exhibits and Events

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

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

Alla Prima Portrait: "Garrett"

"Garrett," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Today was the first day of my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class, and that meant it was demo time. It's a treat for me (because I get to paint a portrait from life... yea!) but it's an awfully effective learning tool.  Watching other painter's demos is always informative. The more you paint, the more you become ready to see/learn something new when someone else is wielding the paintbrush.

Garrett, boyfriend of my friend/studiomate's (Jennifer Duncan) daughter, was our model today. He did great! I think of the few times filling in for a model who was arriving late ... just how difficult sitting still can be. Garrett's invited back. That's a sign of success.

I'm looking for people to sit for multiple Mondays this term. Sitting still isn't easy, but it's pretty neat to see a number of your faces all around the room. Think about it and contact me if you're interested. Go to the Classes page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com for dates, times.

After class, Randy and I headed to the Art League (Alexandria, VA) to go shopping in the store before it closed (at 4pm) and to hang out around Old Town until receiving for the April Art League Exhibit. Those few hours gave me time to see the studio I'll be occupying in the Torpedo Factory in August (as a visiting resident studio artist). It's beautiful!!! It will be an exciting place to paint, display my work and invite visitors for the month.

We also saw the Art League's "Play" show in the Gallery ... on the last day of the show.

And, visited a couple of galleries. The real stand out in Alexandria is the Principle Gallery. There are pieces ready to be hung for the "Women Painting Women" exhibit that was reviewed in American Art Collector's April edition. I'd seen some of those pieces and work by the regular gallery artist in print and online. But, nothing compares to seeing it in person. Lots of (great) surprises on the wall. Take a look at Larry Preston's still lifes (donuts!), Geoffrey Johnson's moody cityscapes ... and just keep looking.

"Contrapposto" lower right, April edition "American Art Collector"

Fun and full day!

And, not like I'd forgotten ... but my painting "Contrapposto" is in American Art Collector Magazine's April edition since it is part of the Salon International 2012 exhibition at Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas this month. Pick up a copy!

You can view my piece and the other accepted works online on the Greenhouse Gallery's web site. For  a closer look at "Contrapposto," see it online.

See "Contrapposto" online

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 (next week!)
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

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).

Husband Randy Banks is Face #27 Today, Snow

"Randy Banks (husband): Face #27" Round Three. From 1/29/11

So we got whopped by some snow and ice ... so instead of painting Bailey's mom, Christine ... I painted my husband Randy who was sort of stranded with me.

Before I forget, I will not be speaking at the McLean Art Society meeting tomorrow am (due to weather and roads and school closings, I suspect). Another time. I'll keep you posted.

My painting of Face #27 is quite a conglomeration. Not sure how well I like it. I love him. (I may like this - again, don't know.) But this painting and our "sittings" haven't gone smoothly. It's not as easy to engage my own family as it is friends, acquaintances and strangers. I guess I've talked them out.

I had started this as practice before I began my faces project. I think on December 30 or 31 and it was absolutely awful. I had set up my easel way too close to Randy ... and it was that old "I can't see the forest for the trees" problem. Yuck. It didn't help a bit that I was about to launch 100 of these and hadn't figured out the problem. You need some sort of confidence when jumping off the high dive.

My painting of Randy on 1/27/11. Not so good.

Anyway, I left it until now because I figured I'd fix it and it would fill in when one of my faces couldn't show up ... or I couldn't paint. So I was working over a bad drawing (good drawing's depend on some distance from your subject or super skills) and my subject was yawning, diverted, falling asleep. (He's been working very hard on a renovation project and was out late last night retrieving our stranded daughter and shoveling the driveway this am -- so, reasonable to be falling asleep.) But it didn't help the painter and I relied on some photos to get the drawing in better shape.

So, there you have it. Husband Randy. Face #27. This is more detailed than all the rest -- so he'll stand out in the crowd. I prefer the more expressionistic, alla prima style -- but it was easy to apply the paint and get it to stick because the board had already had a layer of paint on it. A friend of our son Sam's is the subject for tomorrow.

Note: the painting at the top was my touched-up version on January 29 (two days later). The painting at the bottom is what I created on January 27 that pertains to this post. I know it's confusing.

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

Today's Sitter (Face #26) Writes About Today's Session

Today's post is by a guest writer, Alex McVeigh, community reporter with the Connection Newspapers, who sat for me as Face #26. So here's his perspective on the day.

Today I was the 26th face in Jill Banks' 100 Faces in 100 Days project. I wrote a story about the project for the Great Falls Connection (link: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=347779&paper=88&cat=104), and so I had seen faces 1-13 on the wall a few weeks ago. It's pretty cool to see new faces added to the wall. 

"Alex McVeigh: Face #26", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I greatly enjoyed having my portrait painted, other than a caricature when I was younger, I'd never been drawn before. And while as a kid the 10 minutes it took for the caricature seemed to take forever, this morning flew by. 

I met Jill at her studio in Great Falls. She mentioned that in her home studio, the subjects can see her painting the portrait in a mirror placed directly behind her. I wasn't able to see the entire making of the portrait, but we took several breaks, and I saw a few different steps on the process, which was very interesting. 

Stage 1 - Just the darks

The first time I saw it, she had only done the darks, so the right half of my face was in shadow and barely visible, while the left side was roughly drawn in. I'm glad I got to see the preliminary part, because as I observed the painting further down the line, it was fascinating to see how Jill added different features in, and what she chose to emphasize from that basic sketch. 

Stage 2 - Starting to add the lights

Jill mentioned several times that she wasn't sure if she would give me two eyes, as the shadow was obscuring my side of the face. That was in interesting concept to me, because when you see yourself in photographs, it's generally with a flash so there aren't many shadows across your face. It was a glimpse of what other people see in darker spaces, and it was neat to see what the light picked up and what the shadows blocked. 

It was also interesting watching Jill work, as she constantly moved her eyes back and forth between me and the canvas, making strokes every time her eyes hit the canvas. Sometimes after a few strokes she would look pleased, puzzled, or amused, so it was interesting to watch her react to how the painting came together. 

Alex with the finished painting

Overall, it was extremely fascinating to watch the painting come together, and I enjoyed talking to Jill during the process. I didn't have to freeze in one place, or with one expression on my face, so it wasn't difficult in the least. 

Seeking some outside input on the portrait, I sent a photo to my girlfriend, and she said she really liked the portrait, but that she thinks I'm "more handsome in person." I respectfully disagree with her, but I'm glad she liked it, because I like it too. 

Alex McVeigh
Community Reporter
Connection Newspapers

Back to me ... it was a pleasure talking to Alex today. There are many similarities between us, with the primary one being we're interested in other people's stories and getting to know them. He's an incredibly likable person. Great to be around. Interested and interesting. I had fun!

My 100 Faces in 100 Days Project will be exhibited at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA) in May. I'll be keeping in touch with all the volunteers for the project on that exhibit and other events/news about the project as it unfolds.

Thanks Alex for sitting ... and writing about it.

Jill Banks

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

Cindy Hargroves is Face #21 in My 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

"Cindy Hargroves: Face #21", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Cindy Hargroves came to sit for me ... because she read the blog post of Cindy Grisdela (Face #5) about sitting for my project. Thanks Cindy (Grisdela) for explaining that it's a fun and different thing to do. Cindy (Hargroves) believed you ... and emailed me to "sign up."

I'm going to say that 2011 seems to be the year that a lot of people are committing to trying something new, moving outside their comfort zone, or giving something a shot that they have always wanted to do. Lots of my faces subjects have volunteered because it's something they had never done before (and they wanted to do something outside their comfort zone). It's one of the top three reasons I hear. (The other two are volunteering to help me improve my skills as an artist while letting me do what I really want to do ... and the curiosity/learning aspects of the experience.)

This is an open grisaille (one color painting) of Cindy. How I start.

Cindy Hargroves has been trying out new things including taking a drumming class and an African dance class ... and sitting to have her alla prima portrait painted. Alla Prima means all at once, or in one sitting. These "faces" paintings are much less developed than a formal portrait and are more like an oil sketch to get the essence of my sitters versus an accurate snapshot. Today's sitting was three-and-a-half hours. Most are from 3 to 4 hours.

I keep getting to each person's mouth last ... since we're having conversations from beginning to end and I can't paint it mid-sentence. I did ask Cindy to keep her mouth still -- no talking -- for a little bit. But, I complicate things because I'm always having such a good time, I'm always smiling and it's difficult not to smile back. (You can try it when you come sit for me.) Plus, inevitably, I'll ask someone to hold his/her mouth still so I can paint it, then immediately ask them a question. Duh. This time I was about to ask a question, then stopped myself and by the time we started talking again, I'd forgotten what I wanted to know.

The painting a little further along ... on my easel.

Today I painted in my home studio ... and tomorrow and Sunday I'll be back in the Artists' Atelier to paint. Feel free to stop by on Saturday from 10am to 4pm (I'll be painting from 10am to 2pm -- but the studio will be open for regular open hours until 4pm). I'll be bringing in my three paintings I did at home -- Begona Morton (Face #19), Adrianne Pedlikin (Face #20) and Cindy Hargroves (Face #21) to put up on my Faces wall in my studio at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Those will complete my wall with its current shelving -- so husband Randy will need to add more for my next week's worth of paintings.

I love the wall. You will, too. It's amazing how powerful all these people all together. Like a room jam-packed with friends.

Cindy Hargroves taking a photo of the finished painting.

Which reminds me. One of the wonderful things Cindy told me about today was that her neighborhood all gets together for Friday Happy Hour, hosted at one of the houses with people bringing snacks to share and drinks. Neighborhood kids know neighborhood kids, everyone knows everyone. From there, they've formed other activities like a Book Club, dinner club, etc. -- but it's a wonderfully social group. How great is that? So much better than everyone leading their own separate lives -- and terrific for the kids who need those connections with those older and younger than themselves.

Okay, enough typing. I've got a show application to do ... and have to really map out a talk I'm giving next Friday to the McLean Art Club. Got to go.

Thanks, Cindy Hargroves, for sitting for me. Thanks, Cindy Grisdela, for your help in convincing her.

P.S. I forgot to mention that my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project will be exhibited in May at the Great Falls Library in Great Falls, VA. At least that's one of the places you will be able to see it. I will also be doing a solo show there in February 2012. (Something other than faces that I'll spend the following 256 days on, I guess.)

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

"Granddaddy" is Face #10, Only 90 More of You To Go

"Granddaddy" is Face #10, Day 10 of 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

My father-in-law, Granddaddy to my kids, Drate Banks was the model for the first day of my portrait class today. And because I'm really not crazy, my demo painting fulfills my "face" for the day.
All went well. When class was over, Drate, Randy (my husband) and I went off for a nice lunch and break. Drate then sat for me for another half hour or so (time flies faster for me) allowing me to finish up. Face #10 is complete and up on the wall. Yea! That's a milestone of sorts.

Second Appearance
This is my first time painting my father-in-law ... but he has appeared before in one of my favorite drawings. The red-chalk drawing "Granddaddy" had been juried into the Salmagundi Club's Graphic and Photography Exhibition in 2009 ... which was my first time being accepted into that prestigious show. This drawing now hangs happily in our dining room. Nice company.

"Granddaddy", red&white chalk on treated paper

Coming Up
Now I'm working at catching up on emails and mulling over setups for my still life class that starts tomorrow. After that, my dad's sitting for me as Face #11. I guess this is family week. (Mom sat on Saturday as Face #8.) This is an exciting week ... lots of fun challenges. I don't know what to expect ... particularly this coming Sunday when I may be painting my youngest face to date. On Thursday, I'm painting Oscar (the 94 year old super model from last semester's portrait class) and on Wednesday, Oscar's wife and my parents' minister, Joan.

I guess I shouldn't give away too much. Lots of other exciting people to paint coming up. Maybe I'll just leave the rest in suspense.

By the way ... keeping up with emails is SOOO much tougher during this project. Yikes. I don't actually know how many volunteers I have lined up, but it sure seems like a lot. I'll try to get a handle on that tonight and attach dates/times to everyone who has said yes they'd do it.

My wall of faces on day #10. This is hanging in my downstairs studio in Great Falls.

100 Faces in 100 Days
If you're just finding out about this project now ... I'm painting 100 Faces in 100 Days. Alla prima (meaning all at once). Volunteers agree to sit for 2-1/2 to 4 hours for me. No pay. I keep the painting for future exhibit(s) and publishing in a book. The sittings are actually fun and we get to know each other -- lots of conversation -- and you get to learn more about the painting process. This is a tremendous exercise for me that will inevitably help me grow as an artist and let me understand and enjoy capturing my favorite subjects: all of you! In addition to putting up a post each day on my face of the day, I also have a 100 Faces project page on my web site: www.JillBanks.com that you can visit with links back to each blog post. Pretty fancy.

Great Email from Face #7 (Will Tuthill) on the Joys of Sitting

I got this note yesterday from Will and can't resist sharing it. (With his permission.)

Hello Jill,

Just got a chance to take a look at "my" post on your blog. You definitely captured something of my likeness, my spirit. I'll never forget that moment when I looked at your painting of me on Friday after you said something to the effect of, "You should come take a look. Something interesting is happening." When I looked, there was a moment of surprise bordering on shock. There on the canvas was ME, not just a picture of me, but some essence of me captured there. You are gifted.

Thank you for your kind comments about me on your blog. And I like the part about the shadowed side and the bit of mystery.  :-)  We certainly covered much fascinating ground in our conversation! It's always a pleasure to feel at ease enough to share thoughts and stories at the level we did on Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed your company as well and appreciated the opportunity to see you at work, to understand a bit about how you perform your magic.

After I left on Friday I realized I forgot to give you my card. I'll try to remember to hand you one next time I see you.

Great project! I'll be following this one on your blog. Nice post on your mom. Keep up the inspiring work.

-Will

Now to get organized...

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

Mom is Face 8, 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

"Mom", Face #8 of 100, oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Today was fun! Okay, you've heard that before.

Face #8 is none other than my Mom, Shonnie Johnson, numero uno Mom, art agent, friend, wife (to Dad), Nana (to lucky grandkids), neighbor (to all those Stratford House folks) ... and awfully cute, to boot. The hardest critic for my paintings of Mom is my Dad who thinks she's so beautiful that nothing I can create in paint can hold a candle to her. That's probably true.

But I tried.

She sat super still. She's had training as a model for one of my previous Portrait classes. This is NOT a requirement for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project, but she did it anyway. I did take a little lunch break sitting in the chair I set up for her ... and I admit that it was awfully comfy.

Mom walking around the Artists' Atelier, my shared studio

It was great to have some extended visiting time. It's impossible to get enough. 

Dad is going to be Face #11. He agreed to model for me after my Still Life class next week. What he doesn't know (even though my Mom and I are both telling him), is that he's going to enjoy this just as much as I am. It's a reprieve from all those things he has to do ... and some nice time making his daughter happy.

I'm filling up my Faces calendar a little at a time  and have a schedule opening for this coming Friday, January 14 in the afternoon and Sunday, January 16, also in the afternoon, both probably at 2pm. I've had lots of volunteers that I just need to assign to a particular day.

My Mom sat for me for about four hours. The range has been between 2-1/2 to 4 hours. I've been asked whether I think I'll speed up the more I do ... and I just don't know but my guess is that it will stay about the same. The span of time required seems to be less about the model than about me. I have been using the full time lately, though, because I spend more time in the Open Grisaille stage ... laying in the darks only (in a mix of transparent oxide red and French ultramarine blue) to nail my drawing. As soon as the darks are put down, it matters very little how much my sitter moves. After that, I am just looking for the colors of her/his skin tones and clothing in the light.

Open Grisaille stage ... just starting to add in the lights

I did take a shot of my painting of Mom as I was just beginning to lay in the lights. I keep my darks thin paint (just less of it -- I don't use any medium) and use thicker paint on my lights.

All of these paintings are being done on 12" x 12" Raphael oil-primed, linen-lined boards. They are a bit tricky, but I like them. The trickiness comes from their smooth, oil-primed texture. Paint is not absorbed at all and the hard, smooth surface makes every single brushstroke show. There's an upside to this, too. Brushstrokes are pretty beautiful in and of themselves ... and I think the "craziness" of them just adds energy and life to each of these paintings.

There are two more openings in my Portrait Painting and Drawing class that starts this coming Monday, January 10. The class is weekly from 10am-1pm for nine weeks and I give a demo in the first session. (The demo will be of Face #10: my Father-in-Law, Drate Banks.) See my web site's Classes page for more info and email me if you're interested. Classes are held through the Great Falls School of Art at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. I hope you can join us!

Learn more about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project on earlier blog posts or on my web site. I'm adding links to each day's Face back to the blog post for their day. Interesting. A bit of work but a great way to get to know more about them. My mom's not on there yet, but she will be.

I'm curious, too, what you see (those of you following this project). I know it's only the beginning of week two ... but is there a change? A common thread? Something you want to know more or less about?

Thanks, MOM for ALL you do ... including sitting for me!

"Mom", Face #8 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project, oil on Raphael board, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011.

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

Face 6, Day 6: 100 Faces in 100 Days

"Jan Heginbotham", Face #6 of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

A quicker post than usual ... but I've still got oodles to do today and not oodles of time. Hopefully, I'll add more later today.

Jan Heginbotham, a sculptor in my Great Falls Studios group, sat for me today ... and became my Face #6. I'm thinking that it was about 3 hours total ... but we chatted for a good while just because we've traveled a number of the same roads. (House renovation, time in Philadelphia, comparing sculpting -- which I've done some of -- to painting -- which Jan has done some of.)

See Jan's work on her web site.

She did an outstanding job sitting. Tina (Face #5) was there to tell Jan I say that to everyone. Thanks, Tina.

Two Jan's: The painting looks bigger than it is from this view.

I took this photo with the easel right next to Jan (not where I was painting from). The camera view is misleading making my painting seem huge. Each one is 12"h x 12"w. Randy's in the studio right now installing shelves that I can lean these on as I go along.

Come take a look tomorrow for First Friday, 7-9pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. We've hung the Great Falls School of Art Student Show in the upstairs gallery and there's an award reception for it. Plus you'll see my first week's worth of faces, including tomorrow's model. Wet paint warning.

"Jan Heginbotham," Face #6, oil on Raphael linen-lined panel, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011.

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

What I Learned on Day 5 of My 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

"Tina Learned" is Face #5 of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Well, today was a blast!!! I may soon be on fun overload.

Tina Learned, a fellow artist, buddy, studiomate sat for me today. She made the mistake of sending me an email yesterday (last night) saying she'd be willing to sit and asked when I would like her to come. I chose today. Volunteers get hired rapidly around here.

She was worried about being able to sit still and I think awfully glad that sitting still wasn't a requirement. (But she ended up being pretty calm and comfortable by Tina standards.)

This time I set up in my studio at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA) because I figured that was more convenient for Tina and we were doing receiving for the Student Show  from the Great Falls School of Art today -- and then hanging the show at the Atelier.  So, a change in venue was in order. There we had the added dynamics of numerous visitors, lots of artists in the Atelier, etc. It was a bustling place and Tina and I were still enjoying our own little world as a microcosm of that.

Two Tina's ... I don't remember her looking that demure.

So, what I learned today was:

• I want to get a copy of "Real Simple" magazine and make the recipe for Chicken with White Beans and Tomatoes.  (Tina had a copy and was oohing and aahing about that one.)
• This project gives me purpose and simply demands discipline. I know exactly what (actually who in this case) I'm painting the next day. I know when I need to have a clean paintbrush, prepared palette and canvas set up at my easel, ready to go. Once my painting session starts, I keep going until that painting is complete (with breaks for my models and me, as needed). There's no being sucked into a phone conversation, emails, social media, etc. I'm accountable to someone else and myself. Pretty wonderful, right???
• I'm suddenly decisive. Any questions about what to wear or how's the hair or should I add a scarf -- I now know the answers. My instincts are taking over.

This alla prima (painted all at once, in one sitting) portrait was completed in two hours and forty-five minutes. It was easy, fun, no angst.

I'm getting fantastic comments on these posts plus a boatload of emails. You have no idea how excited I am to get my portrait volunteer emails. I have so many wonderful faces I get to look forward to paint!!!!! Thank you, all. I heard from Rachel's mom that Rachel (Face #2) is following my blog and progress and Rachel's mom is thrilled. Dorry's sister, Kerry, thinks I've captured Dorry (Face #1) to a tee and would be happy to sit except she lives 8000 miles away. Cindy Grisdela (Face #4) wrote a wonderful post about her sitting experience that you have to read. (Cindy's web site.) (Dorry did, too ... in case you missed it.)

I have tomorrow and Friday scheduled ... and have to schedule the rest of the 93 days ... although I'll do those a little at a time. I believe that I have around 32 volunteers (including the 5 faces I already painted) ... assuming that daughters, sons, husbands of those I talked to really agree to sit. Maybe more. But, there are 100 Faces ... so obviously I still need plenty more. I get the feeling that the more I do, the more volunteers will pop forward. This is just too much fun to pass up.

Read more about my project on my web site and on previous blog posts.

By the way ... I did do more today. I fit in many hours of painting on my "Piazza di Michelangelo" painting in progress and I may post again later today. I'm simply loving it and it makes me want to go back there (Florence, Italy) so much!!!!!! It's enchanting.

Or, I might just concentrate on my scheduling duties or some art business ... or fixing dinner and eating.

"Tina Learned: Face #5", oil on Raphael oil-primed linen-lined board, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011.

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

100 Faces in 100 Days: Day Four "Cindy"

"Cindy," 100 Faces in 100 Days, Day Four, 12"h x 12"w, oil on panel

Today's volunteer for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project is Cindy Grisdela, fellow artist, friend and oftentimes cohort in Great Falls Studios art shows and other regional shows in the DC area. Cindy's award-winning work ... she creates art quilts ... is stunning. We've had many booths side by side which is a joy. First, we're friends. Second, her work shows beautifully and our work looks great together. You'll need to go to her web site and blog and just see for yourself.

This is another one that I painted and worked on a bit after our session. We talked and laughed enough during the session, I just couldn't "commit" to Cindy's mouth. A serious expression wouldn't do. So, here it is. A good depiction of today's visit.

Not like you can tell, but this is me painting Cindy. Time to straighten up the studio.

Two comments. One, I asked Cindy what made her volunteer to sit for my project ... and the answer was that one of her New Year's resolutions was to try something new this year. (That's one part. There's more.) I know I'm only in Day Four and son Sam was told he had to sit for me ... but this is a common thought. This is a different experience and most who know me or my work figure that I won't screw up the task completely...  I think, on day four, no one regrets their decision yet. (So email me to volunteer. I need 100!!!)

Second, Cindy and I sat down for a snack after the painting session and I put placemats on the table. Cindy was examining them carefully. They were quilted! My observation: artists look at everything in the world with such a different eye. It's just that much more fascinating. When was the last time you looked at the stitching on a placemat?

Read more about my project on earlier posts. (I also just added a page to my web site about it ... which I'll update from time to time with new faces and info. See a link from my home page.) Still looking for plenty of volunteers. Interested? Email me. Also, my classes (portrait and still life) start this coming Monday and Tuesday, January 10 & 11. See more info on my web site, classes page.

"Cindy", 12"h x 12"w, oil on Raphael lined board, copyright Jill Banks 2011.

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

100 Faces in 100 Days: Sam

I've got to run ... to clean up and head to the Art League for receiving. My palette needs cleaning as do my brushes ... as do I before tomorrow's session.

Here's my son Sam. Face #3. Sam's avoided being painted for about 8 years. I don't know how he did it. But, he couldn't escape this time.

Read more about my project in earlier posts.

"Sam", oil on Raphael linen-lined board, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011.

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

100 Faces in 100 Days: Day Two

"Rachel", 100 Faces in 100 Days: Day Two, oil on board, 12"h x 12"w

Wow. Today was wonderful. I chose my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project as one of my goals for this year because I spent time thinking about those moments/days/times that I felt most alive and energized as a painter. Guess when those were?  Answer: Whenever I had the great privilege to paint someone who was sitting right in front of me. My chances to do so came in classes I took in portraiture and figure or when I'd hire a model to give a demo or teach class. A few times, a group of us from my studio (the Artists' Atelier, working studios of 17 artists located at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA) would hire a professional model to come sit for us for five or six sessions, once a week. But, it's been awhile and I missed it!!! Painting from life is awfully close to what I hope heaven is like. So much fun. So inspiring. A chance to talk and really get to know someone else in such an easy, comfortable setting.

Rachel with "Rachel"

Today's model for Face #2 is Rachel, a ten-year-old who sat for me for about two-and-a-half hours. She serenaded her mom and me with the clarinet at the end of the sitting ... which was great. Rachel and her mom (Diane) and I talked about who else in the family might be good candidates for my faces project. I know that Diane will sit (sometime soon) and that maybe I'll see Rachel's brother (age 8) and possibly her dad.

It was fun to witness Diane and Rachel's discussions. Just easygoing, interesting, fun, full of good humor. I have a mirror set up behind my easel so both of them could see me working away and the canvas in progress. I stop and show what I'm doing and explain the process or how I break down lights and darks, etc. But mainly I share my joy at having them there to paint.

Another view. The shorter chair was for Rachel's clarinet concert.

I did have an a-ha moment last night ... and the night before that.

My a-ha moment last night (while I was half asleep) was that I need to get back to the way I developed alla prima (painted all at once, in one sitting) portraits previously (as in Robert Liberace and Danni Dawson's classes at the Art League and workshops taken at Studio Incamminati) versus a do-everything-at-once approach I'd adopted briefly ... perhaps in panic. Today I laid in the darks, all in one shade (a mix of transparent red oxide and French ultramarine blue) and solidified my drawing in this simple step. When I was satisfied, I moved on to my lights. That's exactly how I've approached the portrait for almost-countless demos. Do what you know. So, my a-ha moment is sort of a ... duh.

Yet it worked.

So much easier.  By the way, I am happy with my portrait of Dorry as Face #1 yesterday -- it was just harder to get there. That's how I learn, though. Even if learning is re-learning.

I'm getting volunteers ... not enough yet ... so contact me. The hardest times to fill will be toward the beginning of this project because I've had so little time to get the word "out." All ages, shapes, sizes, personalities, ethnicities, energies ... I want you. (Email me ... call.)

This project is about the process. The time we get to spend together letting each other into the other's lives. An exciting time for me as a painter.

While I have no immediate plans (or venues) ... I'm sure I will exhibit these as a whole somewhere. I'll post each day my Face of the Day on my blog. I'll most likely publish a book. (Can't imagine not doing that.)

So, I'm not sure who I'm painting tomorrow ... or the next day ... but I imagine a grand time. Can't wait to get up in the morning. Can't wait to get started.

Thanks, Rachel!!! Thanks, Diane!!!!

Take a look at earlier posts for more info on my project.

"Rachel", 100 Faces in 100 Days: Day 2, oil on Raphael linen-lined panel, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011. (All portraits will be on the same support; same size; similar proportions. And, by the way, don't sweat what to wear -- just a little will show -- or looking photo-perfect. I'm not taking a photo and I don't see "perfectly.")

And, in case you missed it ... here's Dorry's account of providing Face #1... Dorry writes a blog as well and wrote about today's events as providing my First Face on the first day of the New Year. It provides an interesting perspective of just how much torture I'll subject you to.  Check it out here. Warning. I've been captured in my painter's smock. Several times.

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

Happy New Year!!! and "Piazza Di Michelangelo" Painting in Progress

"Piazza Di Michelangelo" work in progress by Jill Banks

Here's to a wondrous, happy, healthy, prosperous New Year! Thank you for all your tremendous support in 2010. You're wonderful!

I  couldn't let the last day of 2010 go without a post. I still want to sum up the year but I don't have my facts straight yet. Too busy getting ready and planning for 2011.

Practicing for Tomorrow
Today I was practicing painting faces for tomorrow's launch of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project on a handsome face I know exceedingly well. Husband Randy's. That was nice but it gave me a sneak peek into just what I'm getting myself into. Tomorrow you'll see my real Face #1 who comes to sit for me tomorrow morning. I'm asking for volunteers to come to sit, let me paint from life and just enjoy the experience of being painted. For my practice today, I painted for four hours with a few breaks. I could have used more time but I hope to get the process down a bit. I ran into some troubles. Parts I like, parts I don't.

Want to Sit for Me?
I really need volunteers for sitting next week (starting Monday) and beyond. Read my earlier posts and email me if you're interested. Thanks!

At least one result I can imagine from my project is gaining the ability to teach one heck of an "Alla Prima Portrait Workshop". Think of all the lessons I'll have in my back pocket by my 100th portrait in a row.

"Piazza Di Michelangelo" and That Italian Light
So, the "Piazza Di Michelangelo" painting in progress shown here isn't what I worked on today ... but it is what I worked on the last three days. I'm really pleased with the way it's turning out. It recalls all the beauty I remember from visiting Florence. The place is so full of life. People just cherish the everyday. Here we are standing near one of the city's Davids, looking out over the red roofs beyond with the Arno clearing a path to the sky. My focus will be on the young boy on the far right. You can't tell yet ... but that's what's in my head.

What I love about this one is the quality of light. It reminds me of my "Italian Men", "Boats in Burano" and "Pizza and Pesce." So what is that, Italian light? I'm using the lessons learned in a Kim English workshop in Easton Maryland. 

This painting might get a new name. Don't know. But I'm thinking about it.

"Piazza Di Michelangelo" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010?

I think 2011 is going to be AMAZING for all of us. Good amazing.

Oh and for those of you who want to be inspired, listen to Rose Frantzen's awesome talk at the National Portrait Gallery (58 minutes long -- be prepared) about her portrait project along similar lines to my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. She's inspiring. She's walking on cloud nine and I know she has really touched at least the 180 lives (her subjects in Iowa).

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

"Ellen" Alla Prima Portrait: Post #1

Get ready for a full day of posts ... three in all. There's lots to talk about! It's been an interesting 24 hours.

This afternoon, the Great Falls School of Art hosted a free drawing/painting session with Ellen as our model. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that painting with a live model is about as much fun as I can stand. Shorten how much time I have to paint and I have that much more of a blast.  I had an hour and a half for this one. Knowing that, I picked a small canvas size (9" x 12") and didn't fuss over anything. Fun, fun, fun.

It's painted alla prima ... or all at once. Wet into wet.

By the way, we had tons of visitors at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA). We're open the First Friday of every month from 7 to 9pm and every Saturday from noon-4pm. The flood of folks came because fellow studiomate Judith St. Ledger-Roty made the cover of the Great Falls Connection and Jenna Klimchak and Jennifer Duncan were also featured as well. Publicity helps! Judith had her opening of a solo show at Katie's Coffee, part of the Old Brogue Irish Pub... I stopped in at the reception and she'd sold two paintings and had a whole slew of appreciative patrons enjoying the show. It hangs through the month of March ... a good time to be showing scenes from her recent trip to Ireland at this very popular Irish pub.

Many of those visitors were interested in signing up for classes. Go to my website: www.jillbanks.com to find all the listings for classes and to download a registration form ... or read my blog entry about classes here. Sign up now...

The empty easel is where I was painting ... I'd just packed up.

Check back for the other two posts today. You're going to enjoy them!

"Ellen", oil on Senso linen, 9"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010

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

Alla Prima Portrait Today

Today, I took advantage of the Saturday long pose open life session at the McLean Community Center (McLean, VA). What a treat! Monday, I start teaching my winter session at Great Falls School of Art (see classes) ... and I'll be demonstrating ... so I always welcome the practice of just painting before needing to paint and talk simultaneously.

Each session is three-and-a-half hours with a different model and pose. I will try to catch as many of these as possible. This is the first time I've used the session to paint (versus drawing). I'm so much faster painting! In about 40 minutes a lot of the portrait was established.

This is an alla prima painting ... painted all at once, wet into wet in a single session.

I'm loosening up ... getting all my painting muscles in shape for 2010. So far, so good!

"Alla Prima Portrait," oil on Senso linen, 14"h x 11"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

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