"Weekend Edition" Painting in Progress and Portrait Class

"Weekend Edition" work in progress stage 2, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Pretty quick post ... because there's still lots to do today.

I continued to work on "Weekend Edition" after class today. The newspaper article taking shape is the photo, text about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit that was in the Washington Post's Weekend Section on Friday, May 6. I couldn't resist.

For my portrait class today, my students were doing all sorts of quick gesture studies in oil, Studio Incamminati style. Our model, Shalonda, treated them to beautiful and fun poses. What impressed me was how much better they became, quickly, at proportions as they moved away from contours into large shapes. This photo is toward the end of class once we'd moved to a little longer pose.

Tomorrow's my still life class. Should be fun!

All the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit Events

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. Please come!

 

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Closed Sundays.

 

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Classes, A Workshop, A Talk ... And More

 I just got back in town on Monday (from a two-week trip to London) and there are lots of preparations and stuff going on in the Banks household... getting ready for this Friday's talk, the start of classes at the beginning of next week (May 2 & May 3) and hanging the 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit at the Great Falls Library on May 3. A bit nerve-wracking.

Talk on "Building and Engaging Your Art Clan" on Friday, April 28
I'll be talking on "Building and Engaging Your Art Clan" this Friday, April 28 from 10:45 to Noon at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Drive, McLean, VA. The talk is sponsored by the McLean Arts Society and is free and open to the public.

Also, check out info on classes I'm teaching through the Great Falls School of Art. It's getting down to the wire to sign up... please email me if you're sending in your registration and check. Go to my web site: www.jillbanks.com and click on my Classes page for more info, links to supply lists and info on registration. I give a demo the first day of class. Continuing students can choose to watch the demo or paint. For new students, that gives you one more week to gather your supplies.

Portrait Painting and Drawing 

"John," oil on linen, 40"h x 30"w, private collection

This course covers the basic elements of painting and drawing the portrait: composition, mood, gesture, form, structure and features. Emphasis is placed on creating sound and compelling paintings (or drawings) as well as achieving a likeness. Beginning students will work in grisaille or charcoal – concentrating on accurate values and form. Intermediate and more advanced students will learn how to paint beautiful skin tones through color studies and to place the figure in space. For information on the instructor, see Jill’s blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com or www.jillbanks.com. Model fees are extra and are to be paid directly to the instructor the first day of class.  For real beginners (new to oil painting or with limited drawing experience), I suggest taking my still life painting class for a few sessions before taking this class.

8 Class Sessions - Mondays, May. 2 - June 20, 10:00am-1:00pm  $280 plus

model fee (model fee to be paid directly to the instructor)

Still Life Painting in Oils

"Sunflowers and Gladioli," 30"h x 24"w, by Jill Banks

Still life provides a great tool to hone skills. Students of all levels welcome.  Beginners will learn the fundamentals including laying in lights/darks (grisaille), color, materials and form.  More advanced students will apply skills to increasingly complex subject matter (metals, textures, water, flowers), refine color and produce finished paintings, learn to see as artists, simplify forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compositions. Some classes will concentrate on drills/exercises to get at the essence of single objects and loosen brushstrokes and style. Want to learn something in specific? Email me at jillbanks1@aol.com and we’ll work that into the instruction. Information on the instructor can be found at www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com.

8 Class Sessions - Tuesdays, May 3 - June 21, 10:00am-1:00pm

$280 plus materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)

WORKSHOP

Mastering the Business of Art 

"Dining Alfresco" on cover, April 2011

Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art.  This two-part workshop covers the fundamentals of planning and establishing a career as a professional artist.  Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing supplies, pricing your work, exhibiting and selling, grants, marketing, social media and more!  Jill began art classes in 2003 and has successfully built a rewarding art career through sales, commissions, awards, a grant, gallery representation and teaching.  This popular class is held once a year.  Do not miss this opportunity!  For more information on Jill visit www.jillbanks.com.

Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, 6:30-9:30pm

$100 plus $20 booklet fee (booklet fee paid directly to instructor)

School Address for classes and workshops: 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066

To register, complete the registration form (you can download all the course listings and registration form at www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org or print the registration form on my site and mail with full payment to: Terri Parent, Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, Inc., 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. Questions? Contact school registrar Terri Parent, 703-433-5358 or parent.terri@gmail.com

I have a few more drawings from London to show you ... sometime soon. I'm hoping to paint again on Friday afternoon! Can't wait!

Vladimir Gribach Is Face #88 and Dreams of Future Paintings

"Vladimir Gribach: Face #88," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

A dozen faces left to paint.

Today's sitter for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project, Vladimir Gribach, is my dad's Russian friend. I've been dying to paint Vladimir since I met him many years ago. (So I was very glad when he volunteered to sit for my project.)

Ideas for Future Paintings
I'd like to paint Vladimir again. I imagine painting him creating something. Carving, or creating detailed bead and ornamentation work. Over the years, Vladimir's created gifts for my parents including a beautifully decorated bible and a beaded and painted egg. Can't you see a painting of him working away? After this project, I know I'll want some sort of break from faces ... but I'd like that painting to be one of my 2011 undertakings. As a testament that today went well, I believe that Vladimir agreed to sit for me again.

I'm also dying to paint my mom and dad playing gin rummy in one of their usual hangouts. (They always read my blog ... so this will serve as warning.)

For both of those, I will be taking my lessons from this project. I want to paint people from life without staging the scene or asking them to stay still. Paintings may need multiple sessions but I need the experience of being there and letting the painting evolve. A fly on the wall with an easel and paintbrush.

 Back to Today

"Robert," oil, copyright Jill Banks 2006

This painting just flowed through my brush. I loved painting today!!! This reminds me of a favorite painting of mine that I created during Rob Liberace's class many years ago of "Robert." Painting men with beards is clearly easier ... it makes chins easier to understand. It's just fun!

Vladimir and I had an interesting time communicating. With his accent and my hearing troubles, each topic took awhile to cover. We talked some about artists. I want the spelling and name of a Russian portrait painter he mentioned who painted the Kings and Queens of Europe with beautiful detail. Vladimir prefers the classical school of Russian art to the avant-garde. (His opinion is somewhat stronger than that.)

For a while today, Vladimir was drawing me while I was painting him. 

He likes to fish with his grandson Alex. His other grandsons have temporarily outgrown the activity.

Vladimir with the painter (as in me, Jill Banks)

There was a little worry that Vladimir would be able to sit still for that long. He passed with flying colors taking only one short break in our about three-hour session. I do get the feeling that I'm pretty entertaining while I paint. I'd squint at him and he'd squint back. He wanted to know what I was smiling about ... but I do that all the time. Perhaps I'm just begging for attention.

Vladimir's report on the painting: "It's me."

England, London and Art

I've got a trip coming up soon to England and husband Randy and I are in the throes of figuring out what we really need to see and do. Do any of you have particular paintings, museums, galleries that we simply must see -- in or around London -- that aren't on the usual must-see tourist list? Favorite towns outside of London we should take day trips to or places we should stay? We've got an extra four or five days to enjoy (in addition to a planned tour) ... and have never been to England. I'll be plunking myself down every day at some point to draw, sketch, paint ... and post on my blog.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA) in May
Tentatively, I believe the reception will be Saturday, May 7 in the afternoon. I have Saturday, May 21 afternoon reserved as well for either a demo or talk. (Can't decide yet.) My web site will definitely spell out the details and is the best place to check for official word.

Register Now for Classes & Workshops that Start in May

Go to the Classes page on my web site. I'll be teaching "Portrait Painting and Drawing" on Mondays, 10am-1pm; "Still Life Painting in Oils" on Tuesdays, 10am-1pm and a "Mastering the Business of Art" Workshop on May 25 & 26, 6:30-9:30pm. Preregistration required.


Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Maxine, Age 10, Is Face #83 Today ... And Painting Was Bumpy

"Maxine: Face #83," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Today's painting of Face #83 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project just didn't go smoothly. Soon-to-be 11, Maxine was happy to be the subject of the day and she was good company ... but the artist in me just wasn't cooperating. I figure that at this point, I've painted three Maxine's. One who looked about 20 (this morning). One who looked about six (early afternoon). (Age approximations by Maxine.) And, this one which I believe is a reasonable approximation of Maxine (late afternoon).

There is a potential culprit here ... other than me. I made the error of telling Maxine early in the sitting that a number of my sitters worked at standing out in the crowd of 100. Like wearing a bright different color. A scarf. Fun earrings. Bright color. No color. So, guess what Maxine noticed about the faces I have currently in my studio. No smiles. No teeth. I'm anti-grins with teeth because 1) it's an almost impossible pose to hold; 2) it's hard for it to look natural; and 3) it takes me forever to paint and I end up painting from photos. Maxine did do well actually "holding" her grin in person which was the only reason I attempted it.

I did send Maxine and her dad home when I just couldn't work out the painting. I know that with my younger sitters, the very best time to capture them is right at the beginning because a lot unravels after that. There just was no way I was going to be helped with the real Maxine in front of me for my third attempt on her face. Funny thing was, when I had first sketched her face this morning with just sepia paint ... about five minutes into it, Maxine's mom said she liked it just like that.

Maxine and a Blackberry break

About Maxine: making art is not her thing; she really likes math; loves rollercoasters; plans to be a dermatologist; she enjoys being an individual -- likes to stand out in the crowd; plays the piano; likes swimming more than diving; likes the trampoline; loves sweets; dislikes vegetables; likes bananas and blueberries.

One more note. Maxine wanted to play a game of storytelling with her dad and me. The story gets passed around and added to by each person. I flunked. There was no way I could deal with a difficult painting session and imaginative storytelling. Another time perhaps.

Register for Spring Classes and Workshop
I added info to the Classes page on my web site on my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class (Mondays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 2) and Still Life Painting class (Tuesdays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 3). I'm also offering my Mastering the Business of Art workshop in May. You can print a registration form also from my site. Space is limited ... but the school space will be expanded starting April 1 ... so more room!!! Classes are beginning to fill. Don't wait.


Faces from South Carolina ... Tomorrow
Tomorrow I'll be painting Jerry Stocks who has traveled from South Carolina with her daugther and two grandsons (age 4 and 7) to become part of my project. I'll be painting the four of them in the next three days ... so I'll be doubling up sittings. I'm feeling the pressure and will have to moderate/quiet that however I can. Tea with honey? Paint in pajamas? Clean brushes?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Model Mom

My mom modeled for my portrait class this Tuesday in Great Falls -- and I had a chance to create this sketch during the class. She did a great job. It's tough to sit still.

Anyway, this painting has had plenty of admirers. It's obviously fresh and loose ... just the way I like to paint. Plus, the subject's plenty special.

"Mom", oil on linen (Senso canvas), 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2008

Super Model Sarah

My daughter, Sarah, modeled for my portrait painting class (that I teach through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts) today. I had a chance to paint her in the morning class. What a great experience!

It was also fun to see each students' interpretation of my daughter. Everyone caught some aspect of who she is.

Close-up of sketch of Sarah. 20"h x 16"w, oil on linen (Senso canvas), copyright Jill Banks 2008.

More images from class: Mehrnaz Moussavi putting the final touches on her painting of Sarah (whew! she was painting at top speed!); Diane Falconer with her painting; Shanaz Asasi with hers.

I will be teaching again in the Fall, classes once a week for eight weeks. More details coming soon on my classes and others offered through the Great Falls School of Art. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and witnessing the joy of discovery from a different perspective. Please email me (jillbanks1@aol.com) if you would like to be added to my list of prospective students.

Today's Portrait Class

During the morning class, I had a chance to paint for a little while once we moved onto the longer pose. Since I wasn't talking and painting at the same time, I suppose it's not a demo. Close-up of "Shalonda". Copyright Jill Banks 2008.

Teaching Portrait Painting Classes

This past Wednesday, July 16, marked the first day of classes for the newly-formed Great Falls School of Art (part of the Great Falls Foundation for the the Arts -- see www.gfffta.org for more info) and my portrait class was the very first class. I am teaching two classes -- both on Wednesdays and the Summer 2008 schedule includes six classes for each session. The photo shows three students from the morning class tackling quick light/dark painting exercises depicting the model.

Vicki Blum, a terrific fellow artist, is teaching Still Life Painting on Thursday evenings. I had the pleasure of witnessing the start of her class. She created a gorgeous setup just waiting to be painted.

If you are interested in receiving information about my classes, the Great Falls School of Art offerings or know someone interested in modeling, please email me at jillbanks1@aol.com.