"Pumpkin": Surrounded by Gourds

"Pumpkin," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Each shopping trip for my still life class -- for weeks -- has resulted in a growing collection of gourds. They are piled in the kitchen, in the back seat of my car, in my studio.  Obviously, at least one was meant to make it onto the canvas. And, other vestiges of still life class -- brilliant, curly-petaled orange tulips in a favorite vase (made by Laura Nichols of PigPen Pottery), purple grapes and an old school chair joined the scene. I'd mentioned to my students on Tuesday that they would probably find me there late that night, painting away, since this view called pretty loudly. They could have.

This is a painting that deserves a close-up, since a great deal of the action is in the brushstrokes.

Close-up of "Pumpkin," oil, ©Jill Banks 2014

A trip to the Chastain Park Art Festival in Atlanta lies ahead this week -- where my art makes its last appearance under a tent for 2014. 

Lots of paintings are underway and planned for my solo show at ArtSpace Herndon which opens mid-January.  Each solo show involves a countdown and checklist as I figure out the exhibit's story, what to show, what to paint, and then paint, contemplate, frame, present.  Sounds simple and straightforward. Nope. But each time I really think about where my art is presently, where I want it to go, contemplate my own personal story ... the work itself takes a giant leap forward. Worth every minute, hour, week, month.

Events and Exhibits

• November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
• November 3-December 1: Large Works Show, Art League, Alexandria, VA. "Garden Girl" chosen as one of 16 works for this exhibit (out of 80 entries)
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

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"Pumpkinfied" Pumpkin Painting and Studio Tour This Weekend

After passing one beautiful pumpkin patch after another on my way home from the Artists' Atelier, I had to post this "oldie, but goodie" in honor of the season. "Pumpkinfied" is definitely a portrait of a pumpkin. No humble gourd here.

This was Danni Dawson's (my teacher and mentor) favorite still life painting of mine. It was painted as a homework assignment ... only I think we were supposed to paint an apple. Obviously, that's not what I wanted to do. During the critique, when one student was asked to select her favorite apple painting, she answered, "The pumpkin." At least, that's what I remember.

It sure made me feel great. I've had a lot of those moments along the way ... and I appreciate them all.

Tomorrow we have a model coming in for the Atelier artists to paint or draw. This will be a renewed weekly ritual. I can't wait!!! Hopefully, I'll be able to post my painting start tomorrow.

Register for Art Bucks
Tomorrow's the last day to register for "Art Bucks" at the Great Falls Studios web site or in paper form at the Artists' Atelier. "Art Bucks" are certificates good for $50 toward purchases of art from the Great Falls Studio Tour artists. Register by 5pm. Award winners will be notified by phone prior to the Studio Tour this weekend.

Come Out for the Studio Tour This Weekend: Rain or Shine!
The Great Falls Annual Studio Tour is this weekend, October 17&18, 10am-5pm and takes place all over the artful village of Great Falls, VA. I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls. Download a map and info at the Great Falls Studios (a consortium of 85 artists who live or work in Great Falls, VA) web site: www.greatfallsstudios.com.


"Pumpkinfied", oil, 14"h x 11"w, copyright Jill Banks 2005 (?)

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