Where There Once Was A Goat

"On Top of the World," oil, 60"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks

... Now there's a painting of granddaughter Emma and husband Randy. I guess there's some explaining to do.

I've Been AWOL
First, I apologize for my ridiculously extended absence from my blog here. I've been much more active with regular email newsletters from my website: www.JillBanks.com.   I've made some guest author "appearances" - most recently a really neat article about my 46-year tenure as Christmas card cover designer for my parents' annual mailing  -- published on Fine Art Today last week.  Then there's been events, holidays, Facebook and Instagram posts (follow me please).  So, I'm out there ... just not necessarily here.

For the last week, I've been working on a piece to make myself happy.  Painting -- pretty much anything -- makes me happy but this was a special project and a piece that can hang out with me ... in our home.

Fresh Off the Easel
The subjects for "On Top of the World" are granddaughter Emma and husband Randy out on a late Fall walk in a favorite spot.  Bet you can figure out why it was high on my priority list for paintings to be.

There are lots of other pieces waiting for attention. To be finished or started.  That can start happening tomorrow.

I knew that this had to become a painting ... and also knew precisely where it would reside.  There is a perfect spot atop our fireplace that is just right for this.  I can see "On Top of the World" leaning there as I'm typing this and it is visible from almost every spot on the main floor.  Before Emma and Randy were painted, this same spot held "Got Your Goat?" -- another favorite piece that has gone off to a great home.  Since it left here, though, I've been trying to figure out what can fill that spot in my heart and home. This is it.

Poor photo ... but this is where "On Top of the World" will be hanging out

Spend Some Time Browsing My Website to Catch Up ... Please

There's plenty there, including "On Top of the World" just added to the People and Portraits gallery on my website.

www.JillBanks.com

Thanks for reading,

Jill

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com

 

Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Website: www.jillbanks.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/JillBanksStudio/ (Please like that page if you like it...)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/ 

 

Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola.  

 

Read the Article: "Christmas Card Paintings: 46 Years and Counting"Here's a link to the article in Fine Art Today, published by Fine Art Connoisseur.  

 

Read the Article: "A Paris Plein Air Adventure" published by Outdoor Painter (from Plein Air Magazine)

Day Eight: The Brown Portrait and a Doll

Carolyn, me, Lou in front of the portrait in progress

This morning was the last day that Carolyn and Lou Brown came through the door and walked straight to the couch in my living room ...  to sit for their portrait. Randy and I then took them to lunch and to the airport for their flight back home to Alabama. I can't imagine not seeing them tomorrow morning. It's been a really fun week. We heard the three-legged pig joke at lunch today. I should say after lunch which is oftentimes the best time to hear one of Lou's jokes.

"Clown Girl and Kisses" will be heading to Alabama...

So for eight days while I've been staring at the two of them, Carolyn and Lou have been staring at my painting across the room -- "Clown Girl and Kisses." Today, Carolyn asked Lou if he had asked about the painting. He said no, and then asked if the painting was for sale. I said yes and Lou said he'd take it. It will be Carolyn's birthday present. I'm so glad that it will be with them. While all of us have some great memories of this time together, having "Clown Girl and Kisses" up on their wall in Alabama will just reinforce them.

Carolyn started laughing today -- and said tomorrow morning she's probably going to head for the couch. Randy cleared the easel and my gear out of the living room -- back to my studio. Otherwise I'd probably head to the corner there.

There's still a long way to go on their portrait, but it's off to a good, solid start. My living room will be there as a model. I'm holding onto their cribbage board and cards until done. That much staring will pay off. See the Portrait collection on my web site to see some of my finished paintings.

The Brown Portrait ... work in progress, day 8

Lou does a very funny impression of me painting. Apparently I stick my neck forward and squint. Then, pull back with a surprised look and open eyes. Must be a scary sight.

Web Updates
While resting up after getting back home, I put up five paintings -- on my web site ... including "Clown Girl and Kisses" and my four remaining Beanie Baby paintings. You can find them in the Still Life section of my Works portfolio.

Exhibits and Events (Now look at this on the Events page at www.JillBanks.com)

August, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, Studio #333. See regular hours/days, reception, demo dates on the events page on my web site.  
Reception: Thursday, August 9, 6-9pm (2nd Thursday Art Night receptions throughout the Torpedo Factory).  
Portrait painting demos: Sunday, August 12 and August 19, 1 to 5pm with a great model.
I'll be in my studio:
Mondays, 10am-5pm
Thursdays, 2-9pm
Friday, noon-6pm
Saturdays, noon to 6pm
Sundays, noon to 6pm
Other events/times will be listed on my event page on my new web site. I hope to see you there!

July 7- August 31, Artists' Atelier, "Water, Water, Everywhere" group exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  Open Saturdays, noon - 4pm. 

 August 1-10, "Quiet" in Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Exhibition held at Denise Bibro Fine Art, Chelsea, NYC.

Sunday, October 14, MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Brown Portrait: Day Two, First Painting Day

"Lou and Carolyn Brown" portrait in progress in the living room

Today was the day the palette came out -- loaded up with piles of fresh oil paint.

Yesterday I drew a rough sketch for compositional purposes and last night we enlarged and printed copies of it at actual size to match the two different canvases that were stretched and ready to go. Carolyn and Lou picked the size and composition ... and that let me get started.

The first painting day is my "no worry" day for the week. Because oil paints dry slowly, all the other painting days will need to be planned a bit. There will be areas I can't touch for a few days. At the same time, I have to get some paint throughout the canvas ... so it can dry and have a second coat applied in four or five days. Hmmm. I was working on the sunflowers and background after they left to make the most of their time with me.

I've enjoyed talking with Carolyn about her quilting, her passion and piecing some of their history together. Eating lunch together, it was interesting to see how they looked close up vs. across the room with my not perfect vision. I love spending non-painting time with the people I'm painting. Somehow those two perspectives combine to give a clearer sense of the individuals. Close up, I realize what I need to capture.

Tomorrow morning will be painting session two.

I thought about fixing tomorrow's lunch, but reconsidered. Time to rest up for another big day for all three of us.

New Web Site
Three drawings were added today to the Drawing Collection on my Works page. Go to www.JillBanks.com. Sign up for Fall classes, now listed. Please join my email newsletter list. Thank you!

Exhibits and Events (Now look at this on the Events page at www.JillBanks.com)

July 7- August 31, Artists' Atelier, "Water, Water, Everywhere" group exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  Open Saturdays, noon - 4pm.

August, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, Studio #333

 August 1-10, "Quiet" in Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Exhibition held at Denise Bibro Fine Art, Chelsea, NYC.

Sunday, October 14, MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

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
Email

Progress Report Etc.

You know, I painted today ... and had a GREAT painting day ... and I can't show you what was so great about it.  Well, that's no fun.

I've been working on a really, really big portrait commission and loving it. It's one of those projects that you work your tail off on, and still end up only making a dent each day. I know what it's going to look like finished (unbelievable!!!), yet I have ten gadzillion brushstrokes left until the rest of you (and my clients) see it, too.

For this portrait commission I'm relying on a huge array of photos and images stuck in my head. I've found having multiple, non-specific sources interesting, because it keeps me thinking from start to finish ... just as I do when I work from life.

See my web site for information on commissioning a portrait: www.jillbanks.com. My pricing will be increasing shortly (probably January 31). If you've been thinking about commissioning a piece, now just might be the best time to do so.

One of my breakthroughs was a compositional solution I came up with. (Yet to be implemented.) I don't like to leave long, unbroken expanses of lines or curves. One piece of the painting needs to lure the eye to another part and any unbroken lines tend to divide the canvas. I know how to break the curve.

This will make a whole lot more sense when the portrait's finished and you can see it revealed. My target date is by March 1. As usual, stay tuned.

Since I couldn't show you what I painted today, here's "Orange and Orchid" work in progress day 2 (worked on last Wednesday).

"Orange and Orchid" painting in progress Day 2, oil on Senso linen, 12"h x 9"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010. This is a pretty rough photo -- taken at night, wet paint, yellow light. Not perfect conditions, by a long shot.

For those following my Dad's progress: He's in Hilton Head resting comfortably and happily. My son Sam and his girlfriend Michelle have left to head to Richmond and then back to VA Tech. Dad has tests coming up the next two weeks and then I think will come back home to Virginia for some other procedures. I don't get that many comments on my blog but I have about my hero blog. (Emails, too.) There are a LOT of people who love him. No surprise there.

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

Using a Bit of Imagination

I spent most of the day working more on "Orange and Orchid" ... and I'm still not finished. Considering the relatively small size, this one's time-consuming.

Then, I decided to return to the portrait I painted last Saturday, and work without a source (no model, no photo) to make it a more intriguing painting. I already liked it, just wanted to accomplish some effects I couldn't achieve in an alla prima portrait within that short a timeframe. I renamed it, too. The old title no longer fits.

Hope you like it.

A painting sold today, too. "Orange Peeled", the painting that won Best of Show November 2008 at the Art League's Small Works Exhibit found a new home. That's the tenth painting that sold as a result of my Home Studio Open House held this past December.

"Rachel", oil on linen, 14"h x 11"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

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

Face Painting Today

Today, I decided to continue working on "Tranquility" -- a figure painting that I've been working on "live" up until today's session. I worked exclusively on the model's face ... well, almost exclusively ... since I had to rework the background a little to achieve better edges on her hair and cheek. I'm not completely satisfied yet, but I did make some good progress. The photo I took doesn't do it justice. It's tough to get a decent photo with sopping wet paint.

Check out my progress on this painting with these earlier posts:
 Sooo... Much Fun Painting Today (Day 1)
Painting a Model at the Artists' Atelier, Day 3
Day 4 for "Tranquility"
Day 5: Wet Paint and Model Day at the Atelier

Lots to do. Lots to do.

Close-up of "Tranquility" work in progress, 30"h x 24"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Back to Michelle I and More on Life

My husband Randy's mom passed away peacefully yesterday morning. We're not mourning. We are celebrating her life. Randy and I brought together two beautiful families. That makes for a lot of lucky people. We've got each other.

I have been painting ... just not quite as much. Yesterday and today, I worked on "Michelle I", the painting I started this summer as practice for my public demo as part of my "On the Bright Side" solo show. I'm close to finished. I cherish every moment I get to paint. I need it.

I've also been working on a portrait commission and my Wednesday live model session painting, "Tranquility." I have big hopes for it and I really like the portrait.

I did ship "Sunflowers II' up to New York City yesterday for the American Artists Professional League's Grand National Exhibition being held at the Salmagundi Club.  That's one of two NYC shows I've been juried into for November. Since I knew it was accepted into the show, I've had it sitting on my family room mantel for the last few weeks. I miss it. It was extraordinary to live with. A spirit-lifter.

"Michelle I" work in progress, oil on linen, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"Michelle I" Still Progressing...

Here's an update on a painting I did as practice before my public demo as part of my "On the Bright Side" exhibit at the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA; on exhibit through August 31) ... of my son Sam's girlfriend, Michelle Anonick. I still want to work on some of my edges and her ears, hair, expression a bit, but I'll let it dry for four days before doing any more work on it. That way, the progress made to date won't be lost. (If I don't think it's improving, I can "erase" the new day's work.)

Sam's happy with it (again). Yea!

"Michelle I" work in progress, oil on linen, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

First Friday and the "Go Figure" Exhibit

We hung the "Go Figure" show at the Artists' Atelier (working studios and gallery spaces I share with 15 other artists in Great Falls, VA) ... in time for some tweaking before Friday's "First Friday" 7-9 opening. We could have put up a show about three times this size -- it seems we share a passion for portrait and figure paintings. After much deliberating, rearranging, measuring and pounding, all of us in the hanging crew kept patting each other on the back for a job well done. Come join us this Friday, June 5, 7-9pm for art, refreshments and some fun -- and tell me what you think. 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA (behind Dante Ristorante near the corner of Walker Road and Colvin Run Rd.).


In addition to changing the exhibit in the gallery, many of us have plenty of new pieces to see throughout the Atelier. My area looks like my obsession with food is calming a bit. More people; less frosting.

There will be an exhibit in the school gallery, Suite D, of work created by students of the Great Falls School of Art. The work is impressive... showing what can be accomplished with small classes, good instruction and dedicated students. Registration is going on now for Summer classes. Download the summer bulletin at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site or pick one up on Friday night.

See you then!

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

Two Portrait Deliveries

Yesterday, husband Randy and I delivered the framed portrait of Bob and Bridget Borchers to Bob. Randy took this photo of Bob and me with the painting in situ. I suspect that it's a sign of a well-satisfied client that he's smiling! Note: I am grinning, too. Read more about the portrait in an earlier post.

And, today, I'm waiting for another client to come to my house to reveal a portrait. This new painting will be a gift (to be given in a couple of months) ... so it's another case of not being able to see it for now. Randy set up the caped portrait and easel in our family room. I'm a bit uncomfortable with too much drama ... but it is a treasure underneath. Anticipation! This painting will inspire some more paintings sometime soon.



I have been busy getting ready for my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop I'm giving Tuesday and Wednesday night. I've learned a great deal just preparing. Perhaps the most important thing I've learned is just how vital being organized is to accomplishing your goals. There is always so much I want to do ... and as my Dad says ... there's only one of me. That one of me has to be incredibly selective about how I spend my energy and resources so I can create the beautiful art currently stored in my mind.

More Local Press

Last week, the Great Falls Connection ran a wonderful article, "Great Falls Takes Art Tour" on the Studio Art Tour. Mollie Vardell, fellow studiomate, friend and the head of the Great Falls Foundation of the Arts was on the cover, painting away in the Atelier! Adrienne Kralick and I were interviewed and pictured on Page 3. The reporter, Mike DiCicco from the Connection was over in our area when a group of tour goers were asking about portraiture, working from photos, how long it took, etc. That was great timing because it allowed the reporter to witness just what the Studio Tour is all about -- introducing the public to how and why we do what we do. Read a copy of the article here.

There was another article run in the September 23 edition, with a photo and caption, "Great Falls Artists Gear Up For Tour". To read, click here.