Looking Back: Hurray to 2009!

While I'm figuring out just how I can make 2010 a roaring success (good start already), I'm taking some time in-between brushstrokes to appreciate just how terrific 2009 was for my art career... thanks to some incredibly terrific supporters -- enthusiasts, jurors, collectors, students, and my art buddies.

Quick recap of three of 2009 highlights:

• SOLD and Delivered: 36 original pieces of art including some major commissions. Gross sales increased over a very successful 2008... an astonishing achievement considering this very tough economy.
  
• Accepted into four highly prestigious juried National shows for the first time: Salon International 2009 (Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX), Allied Artists of America's Annual Exhibition (National Arts Club, NYC), Salmagundi Club's Annual Exhibition (Salmagundi Club, NYC) and the Grand National 2009 (American Artists Professional League, Salmagundi Club, NYC). Getting accepted was a huge step. (Next up: I want to win!)
• "On the Bright Side" solo show at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA) this summer was a huge success. I have received tremendous support from the community of Great Falls in my art endeavors... including my fellow Artists' Atelier studiomates, fellow artists (now numbering 88) in an incredibly active and successful arts organization - Great Falls Studios, students and volunteers in the recently founded Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (where I began teaching in 2008), and an ever-growing base of collectors and enthusiasts who have followed my career over the past few years. I had a blast at a public painting demo with plenty of attendees enjoying brushstroke-by-brushstroke commentary by student Dana Fredericksen. So many people turned out! You have no idea how great that made me feel! Plus, I had the pleasure of reading comments left in my guest book during the two-month exhibit. Knowing that you're doing something that brings real joy to people is an astounding ... well, joy!

Since I'm "looking back", I figured an apropos visual would be my "Over the Shoulder" painting. This one is one of only two that I painted in oil on paper ... a little unusual experiment. What's interesting about it is that unlike on canvas, you can't wipe out any paint marks (you can paint over them -- but can't "erase" back to the paper's surface). So, all my "intentions" as a painter show. It's immediate, fresh and moody.  Still, the reason that there's only two of them is that I don't like the "feel" or tug on the brush that the paper gave. I love working on canvas (actually, Belgian linen) too much to give it up.

"Over the Shoulder", oil on Canson paper, copyright Jill Banks 2007. (That's a bit of a guess. Created in Robert Liberace's class at the Art League.)

By the way, I have a really exciting, jam-packed, special "life as an artist" day lined up for tomorrow. I might write about it later on today. So, stay tuned...

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

A Great Falls Studios Holiday Celebration and the Case for Joining an Art Group

Last night, Randy and I went to the home of Laura Nichols, founder and president of Great Falls Studios (GFS), for a really amazing holiday party for members and spouses (or significant others). It was the anti-Office Party... and so much fun ... it was ridiculous.

Great Falls Studios is a group of 78 artists who work or reside in Great Falls, VA. It's with this group that I first "came out" as an artist ... started to exhibit and talk with art enthusiasts (and potential collectors) about what I do. Through GFS, I acquired an informed appreciation for a variety of art forms as I attended individual studio tours of members in which the artists talked about their inspiration and process. I gained 78+ friends. Sharing this strong a common interest is a great shortcut to real friendship. As a board member of GFS for the past three years, I learned a lot about building a successful arts organization, and in my capacity as co-chairman of the Shows & Exhibits Committee -- I learned all about putting on successful art exhibits and events. I retire from the board and as committee chair in January, but my commitment to this terrific organization will continue.

During the party, artist (and GFS member) GuruSangat Khalsa performed ... singing and dancing beautifully to "Amazing Grace", "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes", "Lean on Me," a Bob Dylan song, and tons of others. She had us singing along, dancing, tapping, humming, and playing the tambourine. All this in Laura's warm, ancient home ... with the fire crackling while enjoying the camraderie of super friends.

Last night was part of my life as an artist. Today I was painting a portrait commission I want to finish before the end of the year. Tomorrow, I'll be at the Atelier again for our Saturday Open Hours, noon-4pm. The Artists' Atelier is located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

Since I can't show you my painting from today, here's a drawing you haven't seen yet that is available for sale at the Atelier. What's remarkable about this one is that here are three drawings in one done from three five minute warm-up poses. The odds of this working out as a decent composition are probably a gadzillion to one. A special piece, then. "Wild Man", ink wash and pen&ink, copyright Jill Banks 2007(?).

The Best Parents

My mom and dad, Shonnie and Ken Johnson, are my best and most enthusiastic supporters. They pop in at all my many, many art events; pass on news to everyone they know (lots of people); and just clearly show how proud they are of me, of what I've done and how I've gotten here on a daily basis. They've decorated art spaces, helped hang shows, booth sat, chauffered models to and from my class, picked up and delivered paintings to shows, carried around photos of my work, catered show openings, purchased my paintings, set up still lifes (my dad's special role), and on and on. They pass on all the positive messages they receive from people who admire my work. I have a team promoting what I do -- and my parents are the head cheerleaders. It feels really good.

There have been lots of hurdles, rejections, hard times, questioning moments, etc. on the road toward establishing myself as an artist. Having my parents' unwavering support has helped me put all those things in perspective and to celebrate each accomplishment as it's occurred.

Thanks Mom and Dad!!! I love you.

The image shown above is a red and white chalk drawing on treated paper that I did of my dad. I definitely need to paint the two of them together.