"Seat by the Window: Montmartre" Painting In Progress

"Seat by the Window: Montmartre" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Less than a week ago, I was occupying a seat next to Randy at the window of our newly favorite restaurant in Paris. When picking what to paint -- I went for the memory of that fantastic meal, day, trip, place to guide me. It was a great spot, too, to people watch with interesting characters inside and lining the tables right outside the window.  It was tough to stop painting today -- too much fun and it was a great way to relive the afternoon.

It really doesn't get any better than that ... or this.

Tomorrow's the first day of my Spring Still Life class. There's still room if you'd like to register on the spot. Go to my web site (www.JillBanks.com), classes page for more info.  Then, on Wednesday, my Landscape class starts. We'll be painting in different locations all over town.

This coming Thursday, April 12, there's a coffee at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA)  at 9:30am sponsored by Celebrate Great Falls, the group that brings together five big community events throughout the year. Come get to know that group and enjoy our Windows and Doors show in the gallery. Nice treats, too!

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

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

"Lunch in the Courtyard Cafe" Painting This Afternoon

"Lunch in the Courtyard Cafe" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

I don't know whether this qualifies me as easy or difficult company ... but today was spent almost entirely behind the easel. No earned accusations for talking too much. First, (this morning) the subject was the porch and ocean beyond at the condo my parents once owned and now rent. My guess is you'll see that tomorrow after a little more thought. Lately, I've been dreaming about painting ... identifying all those spots from the day's work that could be improved. Let's see what a night's sleep does for that one.

Then we had a fine lunch at the French Bakery and Courtyard Cafe at Pineland Mall in Hilton Head. There's a waterwheel and pond near where we sat. A potential subject. But, the umbrellas, diners, and fountain held more appeal. The Bakery closes at 4pm and umbrellas come down, tablecloths removed ... and most likely ... people head home. I started first on those subjects that were apt to change the soonest (umbrellas, people, tables). The light also moved. A focal point, the fountain, was saved 'til last.

With this being a large canvas and complicated subject, it's not complete with just the afternoon's work. The canvases needing more attention are piling up ... and the "plan" for completing them (how, where, when) is yet to be hatched.

My goals are to practice, in non-competition mode for plein air paintouts I hope to participate in this year ... plus develop new paintings for events and exhibitions ahead. Plus, I get to enjoy it all in a beautiful, different setting (for me), with gorgeous weather, and great company when I do put the paintbrushes down. Pretty great.

Oh, and I'm working on a new computer that's confusing me at the moment. Blog posts take longer and things I used to know how to do -- such as inserting special characters -- are beyond my capability at the moment.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (tomorrow)!

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

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.

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. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

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 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).