The Patil Portrait Finished: Some Close-Ups

Here it is. I know I'd written a post about the unveiling of the Patil portrait back in March... when the family got their first glimpse of the portrait I'd been working on for a very long time. I wrote in that post that I had a few tweaks to make and that the Patil's were very happy with their family treasure. Pluto and Goofy -- the family pets -- needed longer hair and I still had some areas of the portrait that I wanted to work on.

It's really done now. I'm happy with every part which is not exactly easy with a painting of this scale and complexity. (On second thought ... it's never easy.) Randy and I will take it over to their house on Friday. Pretty exciting final delivery. I'll post some photos of those moments, too.

One of the comments Sherrie McGraw made (in the workshop I attended last week) when asked how long she might spend on a painting is that she's never anxious to be done with a painting. She stops when she's accomplished what she set out to do. She has a relationship with the painting that she's sorry to see end.

I accomplished everything I set out to do with this painting. It looks like that vision I had in my head from the very beginning. (Only more so.) The Patils love it. And my relationship with this painting will continue after it's hanging in their home. I imagine forever.

So here is a better photo of the finished piece plus close-ups. I'll put this up soon, too, on my web site: www.jillbanks.com, along with some stories on my process. In the meantime, look at my portrait pages and information on commissioning a portrait.

Happy day.

"The Patil Portrait" and closeups of same, oil on Angel linen, 45"h x 59"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

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

Portrait Delivery and "On the Bright Side" Reception

This past Friday, the couple captured in this portrait saw it for the first time -- with an official unveiling in my studio. I've worked on it on and off in my studio for months, and I get the distinct feeling that they are my most famous sitters to date. Everyone who has seen it instantly recognizes them and were excited to see this work in progress. The few who don't know them, love this painting anyway.

The portrait commission was a gift to them from another client of mine. (A pretty wonderful gift!) Edited out by the artist (me) was Victor's plaid shirt. This is what I love about this portrait: the sense of relaxation and ease, the striking composition, and the light airiness of the environment. My famous couple were thrilled with it, too. Yea!

I made minor changes to it and framed it for them to pick up during my "On the Bright Side" reception this Saturday at the Great Falls Library. The exhibit is up until August 31 at 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Regular hours are Monday-Wednesday, 10am-8pm; Thursday & Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-5pm; closed Sundays. If you haven't seen the show yet, I hope you'll stop in and consider purchasing a piece or two. I would be glad to give you a personal tour if you'd like. Contact me at jillbanks1@aol.com or 703.403.7435 if that's of interest. Sold so far are "Limoni", "L'Auberge Chez Francois", "The Duomo" and "The Gondolier." That means there's still a chance to purchase "Rainy Day Market", "Sunflowers II", and "Rooster and Geraniums," to name a few.

Last night and today I'm working on one of my two Michelle paintings. I guess that makes it no longer "alla prima" ... maybe "alla two time-a". Now, both son Sam and his girlfriend, Michelle are excited about it. Sam was smiling ear to ear.

I'll show you later my progress on "Michelle I". I'm really enjoying painting her. Part of it is the opportunity to spend time with her and part is painting the portrait from life.

The portrait shown is oil on linen, 20"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Find out more information about commissioning a portrait on my web site: www.jillbanks.com. See portraits on my gallery page and info on the commissions page. Portraits take time, plus I have a very full schedule of already commissioned portraits I'm working on ... so if you're interested, meet with me and book now for 2010 delivery.

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

L'Auberge Chez Francois Paintings

Yesterday, Randy and I went to L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, VA to celebrate my birthday. We had a great dinner as usual, finished with a chocolate souffle. I collected plenty of ideas for new restaurant paintings -- but thought I'd share two I've already painted of this spot. The first, "The Celebration", 30"h x 40"w, depicts friends and fellow artist (photographer) Walt Lawrence, his wife Maria and sister-in-law Bernie enjoying an anniversary and birthday celebration themselves. This painting is in Walt and Maria's collection (so not for sale), but it is a good example of the non-traditional portraits I'm doing. The second painting is another scene from L'Auberge. It will be included in my display this weekend at the Great Falls Studios Annual Holiday Art Show and Sale at 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA. The Show is on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 & 14, 10am-5pm both days.