The Great Falls Studios "Fresh Perspectives" Show

I'm thinking that this is the last show I'll be hanging for Great Falls Studios in my position as Exhibit Chair (actually co-Exhibit Chair with Walt Lawrence) -- so its being given a little more fanfare. Here is part of it in pictures. Please go visit it in person if you can -- that's much better! Sales are made by contacting the individual artists. Part of the proceeds are donated to Friends of the Great Falls Library. I always think the last show's the best. I think that about this one.


My entries are "Deli Italiano," a nocturne, and "Mom" -- a quick oil sketch I did of Mom when she sat for a session during the portrait class I teach through Great Falls Studios. More on those two in another post -- but see top photo, this post. For now, here are some photos taken of the show today.

The "Fresh Perspectives" show may be seen at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. (703) 757-8560. Open Monday to Thursday, 10am-9pm; Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-5pm. The exhibit ends December 31.

Nocturne Revisited

For those who had taken a look at my first plein air night scene previously, here's a revision a little easier on the eyes. This is Deli Italiano's awning seen from a patch of grass in the Great Falls, VA Village Centre. I loved the flowers, twinkling lights and overflowing green vines.

"Night in the Village Centre," 16"h x 20"w, oil on Senso linen canvas, copyright Jill Banks 2008. Photo by Greg Staley.

Plein Air Night Painting

Today's been a crazy day. For now, I'll talk about this evening's adventures.

I just got back from painting in the Great Falls Village Centre (in Great Falls, VA) on a small patch of grass, looking at the lights hanging from the Deli Italiano awning. I've wanted to paint outdoors (plein air) at night (paint a nocturne) for some time now. I missed out on painting Easton at night during a recent workshop because I was too exhausted to hold a brush. But, I figured that I could round up some company to do this in Great Falls and find some night I wasn't too tired to try it. Fellow artist Mehrnaz Moussavi and I picked tonight.

This is my first attempt. Essentially, I was painting in the dark. The street lamp just doesn't provide much guidance. I've discovered that my aim isn't that great when I can't see -- and colors can be completely out of whack. But it's fun!!!

For now, this is a work in progress. I may try it again tomorrow night -- working on this same scene and see how it goes. What I'll change is to really increase the contrast and bring along a small brush to help render the lights.

This was a large canvas (16"h x 20"w) to attempt. This was just one of many brave moves I made today.

I'll talk about my a.m. adventures tomorrow.