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

A Strange Turn and Still Life Class Today

During my Still Life class today, I painted setup #2: a rather odd mixture from Michela Mansuino's cast painting class  (the eye) and some props for my own class.  Michela's influence results in a "darker" side I just simply do not have. Her influence is being compounded by my current reading of a David Leffel book. The result is this painting will probably undergo multiple surgeries to become mine. I do really like the lady apples, though.

I'm posting it ... just so you know I'm painting.

Class was really enjoyable today. I feel good about what I pass on. As much as I continue to learn (thankfully), I've accumulated a great deal of knowledge pushing my brush around ... and am so glad to share it.

While the Winter term has started, if you are interested in attending future classes, please email me at jillbanks1@aol.com and ask me to add you to the potential student list. I'm currently teaching through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (in Great Falls, VA) and considering resuming teaching at the Loudoun Academy for the Arts (Leesburg, VA).

"Apple of His Eye", oil on Senso linen, 12"h x 9'w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Photo is not accurate ... but since I'm still planning image surgery ... I figured it didn't matter much.

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

New Pages on My Web Site -- Supply Lists & Class Listings

I'm playing webmaster again ... and just added a page on classes -- complete with supply lists for my drawing and painting classes. Take a look.

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

Working Away and Nancy's Pears

The last two days I've been working on my "Seeing Red" and "Sunflowers and Gladioli" paintings -- working on getting them ready (possibly) for the "Still Life Poetry" exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon in August. I also presented my sketch today for one of my portrait commissions. All went well but I want to do a little more work before showing my progress here.

So, no photos of my work today ... but I wanted to show you a photo of Nancy Keane's painting of pears, in progress, from my Still Life class (offered through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts). Nancy's relatively new to oil painting -- this is her second session in my class -- and, this painting looks like she's been painting for years. It's beautiful. For some bizarre reason, she's worried about how to deal with the fabric. Seems to me that if she can paint the pears and Chinese red basket, and metallic silver surface, she can handle the fabric. Bet I'm right. By the way, I take pride in setting up this beautiful "scene" -- it's a great base for a great painting.

When I paint, I approach every subject in the same way -- breaking it down into abstract shapes of lights and darks. I'm not afraid of anything -- perhaps because I started in painting with the most challenging subjects (portraits and figures). This fearless approach is part of what I teach.

I'm teaching a Portrait and Figure Painting Workshop August 14, 15, and 16. There's still room for a few more students. Contact me if you're interested in attending or sign up through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. My email is jillbanks1@aol.com.

So you know ... I am extremely proud of the work of all the students in class. They work hard (as I do and did) and are benefiting from each other's encouragement and my instruction.

Work in progress in oil by Nancy Keane. Copyright Nancy Keane 2009.

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

"The Donut Line-Up" Painting and Summer Classes & Workshop Offered

I painted this during and after my still life class today. There's nothing like smelling fresh donuts all day. The donuts were a last-minute purchase last night at the Safeway checking out with grapes for an ongoing class set-up. $3.99 for a dozen, and I couldn't resist. It gave me a chance to try out this interestingly-sized canvas, 4"h x 12"w that I had bought a while back. Definitely fun. I will resist eating my models today (and tomorrow), and now I'm off to paint something else.

"The Donut Line-Up", oil, 4"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Registration is going on now for summer classes and workshops at the Great Falls School of Art. The School is located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. I will be teaching a once a week class for six weeks on Tuesday morning, 9:30am-12:30pm, July 7-August 11. Cost: $200 (paid to Great Falls Foundation for the Arts) + $15 materials fee (for still life stuff -- paid to me). A supply list will be emailed to students.

Still Life Painting in Oils
Still life painting is the ultimate teacher -- learn how to achieve glorious color, draw with paint concentrating on simplifying forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compelling compositions. The instructor (that's me) will set up multiple still lifes for each class and teach student how to design their own incorporating some of their favorite objects. This is a great class for artists of all levels -- from beginners to advanced.
Tuesdays, 9:30-12:30, July 7-August 11

"Coconut Cake", oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

And, I'm offering a Summer Workshop in Portrait & Figure Painting:
Portrait & Figure Painting in Oils

Learn to see and capture the human form through direct observation. The instructor will demonstrate on Friday night, leaving students with plenty of painting time over the weekend to hone skills. Short poses each day help students increase the speed and accuracy of their paintings. A long pose will finish each day's painting session. Students are invited to bring one of their pieces to the workshop for a one-on-one critique during the session. Clothed models. A supply list will be posted on my web site (www.jillbanks.com).
Friday, August 14 demo, 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16: 10am-4pm
Cost: $195 + model's fees (paid to the instructor)
Level: Intermediate/Advanced. Some figure/portrait drawing and oil painting experience is recommended.

Go to www.GreatFallsFoundationforArts.org to download the school bulletin and registration form and mail to: Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, Inc. c/o Terri Parent, 325 Sinegar Place, Great Falls, VA 22066. Any questions, contact Terri, the school registrar at 703-433-5358 or terrikate@aol.com. Or contact me directly, jillbanks1@aol.com.

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

"Croissant and Plums" Painting Continued plus Spring Class Registration

I worked today on "Croissant and Plums" trying to finish it up. The rush is due to: 1) aging plums and a petrifying croissant, and 2) the need to clear an area for my still life class tomorrow. I probably got far enough today to disassemble it. Still, I have more to do to finish it so you get the sense that you can pick up that croissant and have it for breakfast.

Registration is going on now for Spring classes through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. My still life class lasts 9 weeks and is on Tuesday mornings, 9:30-12:30, starting in mid-April. I'll give info in a day or two on the classes being offered.

"Croissant and Plums" work in progress, oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web site: www.jillbanks.com
Latest news and paintings: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com

Yesterday's Painting: "Almond Joy"

This leftover Halloween candy was residing in my purse ... waiting for a chance to become the subject for one of my small paintings. "Almond Joy", oil on stretched canvas, 5" x 5", copyright Jill Banks 2008.

I'm teaching still life classes at both the Great Falls School of Art and the Loudoun Academy of Art in Leesburg, VA in January 2009. I received Loudoun's Schedule of Classes and was thrilled to see "Sunday Morning" featured on the cover and course listing. Very cool!

I am also teaching a portrait painting class and a workshop "Mastering the Business of Art" through the Great Falls School of Art. Click on the Great Falls School of Art link above to find out more.