Working on "The Spanish Steps"

"The Spanish Steps" work in progress, oil on panel, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Quick post ... because it's time to rest. Although this one was proclaimed finished, I wanted to return to "The Spanish Steps" -- a view of Rome -- before including this one in my upcoming solo show. Despite efforts, today was not tremendously productive, thus, among other things, I'll have to return to this to REALLY finish it. (But it is prettier tonight than it was this morning. That's good, right?)

The best laid plans...

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

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Phone: 703.403.7435

Rome Days: "Trevi Fountain" Work In Progress

"Trevi Fountain: work in progress, oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

It seems that my heart and head have been traveling back to Rome in the last few days. (Except I'm in Virginia.) The Trevi Fountain is one of the first spots Randy and I visited during our 2010 trip to Rome ... and it was difficult to get much of a view ... with its pile-up of people who obviously wanted to do the same thing there. I sketched (not too well) sitting around the fountain. It always takes me a few tries to warm up to sketching during travel days since I paint almost all the time I spend at home. (The switch between mediums is difficult.) It doesn't matter, though. It's not about the results as much as taking the time to get to know a place. To experience it.

Patrons' Show at the Art League

"Open Life," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

The Patrons' Show, the Art League's major fundraiser for the year is coming up ... and I donated "Open Life" for the Luck of the Draw event. On Thursday, I'll (hopefully) help hang some of the show. I say hopefully because I can't just point and say where I'd like a piece to hang. I think they expect their volunteers to possess some measuring and hammering skills. Check the Art League's web site for more information about this blockbuster event.

On Exhibit:

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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"Spanish Steps" Painting In Progress

"Spanish Steps" work in progress, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

There were a lot of "highlight" days in Rome ... lots of favorites ... but one of them was when Randy and I made the trek to the Spanish Steps. Perhaps I should watch more movies because the trip there and the sight was brand new to me. There should have been a musical score as we walked down the avenue lined with shops catering to a group of people I've never encountered. We went into a gallery with astounding art, a fantastic figure painter. It seemed as if everyone was heading in one direction. Toward the Spanish Steps. A one-way street for pedestrians?

Once there, it was teeming with people. We walked to the top and went in a humble church to see one more Caravaggio. That's part of what I love about Italy. Works of art are everywhere. They envelop you ... no matter who you are.

I'm working here ... about a year and a half later from a photograph and a memory. I remember the glow and my joy at being there. Another reason why I love Italy is that people gather there. Public spaces overflow with life. The more the merrier.

I've been in Armand Cabrera's three-day workshop today and yesterday. Tomorrow's day three. I'm enjoying not being the teacher (although I like that, too). I've taken very few workshops in the last few years ... just because eventually you have a good base of knowledge and what you do need to learn can be gleaned in different ways. Today, Armand gave his second demo and it was great to see a beautiful landscape painting develop. In working plein air, this new adventure I embarked on this past year, I find I proceed in too rushed a manner. The paint gets crazy and I lose control over the cleanliness of my colors, edges, etc. Here we are in a studio/classroom setting with photos that aren't changing every second or two ... and it's less fun but a good base to build on for future outdoor endeavors.

You'll see more tomorrow.


On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA through February 6. Take a look!

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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