Spring Painting Classes: Sign Up Now

"Garden Girl," oil, 42"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Pop In & Paint This Friday
First, I'm the "substitute" monitor for Pop In & Paint this coming Friday, March 15, 4-7pm at the Great Falls School of Art, 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA.  Come with your supplies and reference material to start something new or enjoy the camraderie of other like-minded folks working on ongoing projects.  The cost is $25 for the three-hour session to be paid by check made out to Great Falls Foundation for the Arts.  RSVP to me at jillbanks1 @ aol.com if you're interested in attending. I hope you can! Students from my portrait class who worked in clay -- can come play with it.

Spring Still Life and Landscape Classes

"Morning at Starbucks," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011, private collection

Second, you can register now for Spring classes.  I'm teaching Painting the Still Life in Oils on Tuesdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm, for eight sessions from April 9 to May 28. Plus, I'm offering a new class on Wednesdays, Painting the Landscape, 9:30am to 1:30 for eight sessions from April 10 to May 29. For that class, we'll be mainly painting in plein air (you'll need your own portable easels), in different farms and towns in the near vicinity.  Registrants will be emailed the week's location.  (Hint: you have to register.)

My Painting the Landscape includes painting the animals, architecture, people, cars, etc. of the more populated areas versus trees, streams, mountains.  Tackling painting outside adds to the challenge but sure makes for more exciting (and less perfect) end results.  Class will be held indoors in the case of inclement weather.

"Cars and Coffee,"  of the Great Falls Village Centre hints at one of our potential locations

I paint in oils. If you use a different medium, understand that the areas I am able to help include drawing, composition, color, edges, value ... but not with medium-specific advice. 

A prerequisite for the class is bringing along a sense of humor. And, be ready for an adventure.

If you're really a beginner, I recommend taking my Still Life class first.

Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, Classes page for more info about each course and how to register.  Then, register online. It's going to be a fun Spring. Come join us!

"Cut Sunflowers," 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011, private collection

To see other classes being offered, go to the Great Falls School of Art site: http://www.greatfallsart.org/current-class-offerings/

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435


See my web site for Events & Exhibits: www.JillBanks.com.

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!

Doll Painting: Something New Today

"All Dolled Up and Nowhere To Go" demo painting

Today kicked off the new Fall term of classes with my "Still Life Painting in Oils" with returning and new students ... and I'm as excited as this very nice group is to be back in the classroom. A lot of fun and lots of new things taught and learned.

I've been immersed in Richard Schmid's "Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting" book, and using it as a tool to teach many lessons ... balanced with everything I (as in me) know about painting. We started today discussing three of my color charts so they can start the process on their own. It's complicated ... but I believe they see the value in it.

Then I gave a demo ... resulting, after seven extra hours beyond class time in this painting, "All Dolled Up and Nowhere To Go" ... my first (I think) painting that included a doll. Normally, I go "shopping" all around my house ... with reinforcements from the grocery store ... for objects to use for the class still life setups. No such luck for this week, with the great majority of my household stuff still stored in a moving truck from two months ago. (It lands here tomorrow, along with hungry and thirsty movers waiting for guidance on where to put the twice-as-much furniture than we need.) So, my still life shopping trip took me to my mom and dad's condo ... which has layer upon layer of all this great stuff. My dad and I were both circling the place. Most (if not all) of the best picks were his. I must have rolled my eyes or made a face of some sort when he picked up the wooden screen -- that's used in the painting scene -- because he told me that it'd be great. Trust him. See, Dad ... you were right!

Even using the doll is a homage to Richard Schmid who paints them beautifully and often. I was lukewarm about the idea ... but I had a blast painting this. It pays to keep an open mind.

My portrait class starts next week. Looking forward to that, too. It's going to be a great Fall session. So glad so many people signed up and share my enthusiasm.

Be sure to check out my previous post about exhibits coming up ... and mark your calendars. All the best events are happening SOON.

"All Dolled Up and Nowhere to Go" work in progress, 16"h x 20"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

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

"New York State of Mind" Painting Continues ... Plus Courses/Workshop

Busy day today.  I worked on some changes to a commission of mine in the morning before heading off to the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 or so other artists in Great Falls) for our scheduled open hours. (The studio at: 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066 is open every Saturday, noon to 4pm and the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm.)

I decided that "New York State of Mind" (see an earlier post about this painting's development on day one) would be my project of choice for noon to 4, and swore to myself that as soon as 4 o'clock rolled around ... I'd pack up and get back to my home studio to work more on the commission. Four o'clock came and went. I ended up literally tearing myself away from the studio, and this painting at about 6:45. Knowing how much I really wanted to keep on painting, I left it there so it wouldn't lure me back to it tonight. I'd end up working on it all night long.

It is so hard to stop painting for lots of reasons.

The biggest reason for me is that even though the painting develops/evolves as I paint it, I know what it's going to look like finished from the very beginning. I have a vision of it perched in my head. I'm excited about getting there. Can't wait to see it ... on canvas ... and share it with the rest of you. I think that if I just keep painting...

It's also hard to stop because ... 1) it's so much fun and 2) as soon as I put my paintbrush down, I see something I need to change or fix.

Tomorrow: Join me for a "Sketching the Town" single-day workshop in Reston Town Center from 10am-3pm for $95 (check made out to Great Falls Foundation for the Arts and filled out registration form). Get more information on my web site on the Classes page -- but you have to send me an email at jillbanks1@aol.com to confirm that you're coming and to get the exact location.

And ... I'll be teaching two classes this Fall through the Great Falls School of Art: "Painting and Drawing the Portrait" on Mondays, 10am-1pm starting September 13 and "Still Life Painting in Oils" on Tuesdays, 10am-1pm starting September 14. Both classes cost $300 each (plus supply fee for still life objects for the still life class and model fees for the portrait class -- to be paid directly to me at the start of class) for a nine-week session. Class size is limited but there's currently room. I hope you sign up!! For the portrait class in particular, sign up in the next few days. This helps me a lot in planning for the class and hiring models. I'm looking for models for this class (and in general) ... all sorts of people ... anyone capable of holding a pose for three hours with pretty frequent breaks. Male and female, young and not-so-young, all races and ethnicity. If you happen to be a puppeteer, gardener, guitar player, writer, avid reader, bellydancer, storyteller, etc., let me know, too. I want students to paint and draw you as you.

Get more information about both classes on my web site on the Classes page. There's a link to my supply list and registration form there, too. In both courses, I teach to the student's individual level. One of the benefits of my classes for the intermediate and advanced student is I gladly pass on information on contests, workshops and learning opportunities, exhibit opportunities and practical "how to's" such as marketing ideas, framing, varnishing, studio setup, etc.

"New York State of Mind" work in progress - day two, oil on Senso linen, 40"h x 30"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

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

"Orange and Orchid" Painting: Fresh Paint

The last two days have been class days ... Monday was the first day of my portrait and figure class and today the first for still life. (I teach through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. Find out more about classes on my web site: www.jillbanks.com, click on classes.) Since a few people were missing from today's class, I had a chance to paint this still life ... definitely a work in progress. It keeps me from watching every brushstroke and is an ongoing demonstration. Plus, as usual, I continued to work on it after class.

My shoulder's about to fall off. Getting back into full-schedule painting after a brief or long reprieve will do that for you. Nothing like having your arm up in the air for 7, 8, 9 hours straight.

My feet aren't faring much better. Nothing like standing for the same period of time.

Time to clean up, pack up and head home.

"Orange and Orchid" is of the second still life I set up in class. The one no one wanted to tackle. Orchids are tough to paint. No wonder.

"Orange and Orchid" work in progress, oil on Senso linen, 12"h x 9"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010. See more of my still life paintings of flowers and fruit (and more) on my web site: www.jillbanks.com in the gallery pages.

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

Sign Up For Winter 2010 Classes and Workshops

I keep getting these emails about great last-minute Christmas gift ideas. So, here's my idea for you and/or the artist in your life. Registration is going on now for Winter classes and workshop at the Great Falls School of Art -- where I teach. I'm offering three for this term. See my web site (www.jillbanks.com) for more information on those classes, supply lists and a registration form. Class size is limited. Registrations are rolling in. Any questions? Email me at jillbanks1@aol.com. There are also other great workshops and classes being offered by other instructors. You can download the whole bulletin and registration form at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) web site.

School Address: 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066 (physical, not mailing address -- see below for registration mailing address.)

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 : Great Falls Foundation for the Art, Inc., c/o Terri Parent, 325 Sinegar Place, Great Falls, VA 22066. Questions? Contact school registrar Terri Parent, 703-433-5358 or terrikate@aol.com


NEW CLASS! 

Portrait and Figure Painting in Oils – Jill Banks
This course covers the basic elements of painting the portrait and figure: composition, mood, gesture, form, structure and features. Emphasis is placed on creating sound and compelling paintings as well as achieving a likeness. Beginning students will work in grisaille – 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. Nude and clothed models. See my supply list. 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.

Mondays, Jan. 11-Mar. 8, 10am-2pm  $400 plus model fee (model fee to be paid directly to the instructor)
Registration Form


Still Life Painting in Oils– 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, refine color and produce finished paintings, learn to see as artists, simplify forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compositions. Information on the instructor can be found at www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. See my supply list.

Tuesdays, Jan. 12-Mar. 9, 11:00am-3:00pm
$400 plus materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)
Registration Form


GREAT WORKSHOP -- OFFERED ONCE A YEAR!
Mastering the Business of Art - Jill Banks

Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art. This two-day workshop covers the fundamentals of planning, establishing and running a career as a professional artist. Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing, pricing your work, exhibiting, selling, applying for grants, taxes, setting up merchant accounts, marketing, add-on products and branding, promotions, publicity, approaching galleries, establishing name recognition, handling commissions, inventory control and more. The instructor started taking classes in 2003 – and in a little over six years has successfully built a rewarding art career through sales, commissions, recognition, awards, a grant, gallery representation and teaching. The business of art is challenging and rewarding – and conquering it lets us do more of what we love to do! A workbook is included (for a $10 fee paid directly to me). Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. This popular workshop is held once a year. Don’t miss it.

Wednesday and Thursday, January 6 and 7, 5pm-8pm
$95 per person + $10 booklet fee (booklet fee payable directly to instructor)
Registration Form

Shown above: "Livia", oil on linen, 36"h x 30"w, copyright Jill Banks 2008.

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

Painting of a Stuffed Rooster in Progress

I bet you're asking why I'm painting a stuffed rooster. I set this scene up for last Tuesday's demo for my "Oil Painting from Life" class (taught through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts) because I was looking to go beyond a still life -- more like an interior -- one that would fit in a small classroom. Since my students aren't ready to transition to people, a rooster seemed to do the trick. Perhaps it's mixing my figurative restaurant, interior and still life themes into one package. It's certainly a little quirky; but it is a rich space, warm atmosphere, just with an unusual diner.

I didn't have this setup in mind when I started laying out the three class still lifes. Each week I pack up lots of extra things hoping for on the spot inspiration. The rooster (I think it's a Ty beanie baby) was potentially going to be part of a three rooster setup -- one stuffed, one a copper jello mold and the third a ceramic pitcher I bought long ago at an Italian restaurant in Bermuda. Maybe later.

And I've been on a rooster roll of sorts. "Rooster and Geraniums" is back in my studio gallery after taking down my "On the Bright Side" solo show. That's rooster one. "Rooster Ruminations" (the one shown here) is one of the paintings for this week. That's rooster two. And, the last couple of nights I've been doing a graphite drawing of a large ceramic rooster that resides in my kitchen. That's rooster three. See what I mean?

That graphite drawing is one of quite a few I hope to complete in the next three weeks in preparation for MPA Artfest, a juried outdoor arts festival sponsored by McLean Project for the Arts. I will be under a tent in McLean Central Park on Sunday, October 4, 10am-5pm with both drawings and paintings. My guess is that "Rooster Ruminations" will also be there.

"Rooster Ruminations" work in progress, 20"h x 16"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"Sarah" Drawing of the Day and the Grand National 2009

My daughter, Sarah, sat for me today. I'm "practicing" drawing in anticipation of teaching my drawing class next week through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. I spend most of my time painting, and draw more during vacations or sketching out ideas for portrait commissions. So, I get a little rusty at holding a charcoal pencil.

My still life painting class Fall session starts tomorrow at 9:30 am. I'm scoping out my house for set-ups and then will head to the grocery to find some more subjects. Get more information on my classes on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

I found out this past week that "Sunflowers II" is accepted into the American Artists Professional League's 81st Grand National Exhibition 2009 that will be held at the Salmagundi Club (47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY) in New York City from November 3 through November 13. This is my first time applying to this juried show ... and second time this year at the Salmagundi Club. The name of the exhibit, The Grand National Exhibition 2009, sounds pretty impressive. I'll give more details closer to exhibit time.

"Sarah", black and terra cotta charcoal on paper, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Bulletin and Registration for Fall 2009 Classes Up

Download the bulletin and registration form for the Great Falls School of Art on the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site (www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org). I just got news that it was up.

I'll be teaching two classes this Fall ... "Drawing From Life" on Monday nights, 6:30-9:30pm, nine sessions starting September 14 and "Oil Painting from Life" on Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, nine sessions starting September 8. I currently have a few spaces left in my "Drawing from Life" class and the Tuesday class is full. I will take names for a wait list for the class and if there is enough interest, I may do something about it (you never know). Email me at jillbanks1@aol.com or call (703) 403-7435 if you are interested.

Here's info about my classes. I'll post more about some other select classes later -- probably today. Check back.

Great Falls School of Art
FALL 2009 ART CLASSES
Offering Adult, Teen and Children's Classes

School Address: 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066
To register, complete the registration form (download from the GFFFTA web site) and mail with full payment to : Great Falls Foundation for the Art, Inc., c/0 Terri Parent, 325 Sinegar Place, Great Falls, VA 22066. Questions? Contact school registrat Terri Parent, 703-433-5358 or terrikate@aol.com

Drawing From Life – Jill Banks
Learn to master values and drawing working from life in various media including charcoal, ink wash and pen and ink, and watercolor washes. Multiple demos per session. Subjects include models and still lifes. A supply list will be provided. For information on the instructor, see Jill’s blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com or www.jillbanks.com.

Mondays, Sept. 14-Nov. 9, 6:30pm-9:30pm $300 plus models and materials fee to be determined and paid directly to the instructor



Oil Painting from Life – Jill Banks
Working with varied subject matter (still life, interior, portrait), this course is for students of all levels. Beginners will learn the fundamentals including laying lights/darks (grisaille), color, materials and form. More advanced students will apply skills to new subject matter, refine color and produce finished paintings, learn to see as artists, simplify forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compositions. A model will be hired for some sessions. Information on the instructor can be found at www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot. Supply list will be posted.

Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Nov. 3, 9:30am-1:30pm
$400 plus $60 model/materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)
CLASS FULL -- BUT JOIN THE WAIT LIST -- ANOTHER CLASS MAY BE ADDED.

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

Painting Tomatoes

After teaching my still life class (last one of the session) and giving a private lesson yesterday, I broke out the paints and created this one. "Family Ties" depicts four vined tomatoes that were going to be made into gazpacho last week -- but they had to be held over to this week for another class painting session. This is a simple, small painting. See more of my still lifes of food and markets on this blog and on my web site -- gallery section, both Still Lifes and Places.

Since I haven't been blogging for a week, here's a little bit of catching up... I've been finishing up on a portrait commission and finalizing "Food and Wine". You'll probably see both of those here soon. First Friday was absolutely fantastic -- the best ever. The student show in the downstairs gallery looks terrific and it was fun to meet family members and friends of many of the students that are part of the Great Falls School of Art. The place was buzzing all night. Unfortunately, I was having way too much fun to remember to take photos.

The Farmer's Market was also good. My Market Series paintings have been really well received. "Food and Wine" made its first appearance there ... with good reviews. "Rainy Day Market" is a constant favorite. Someone's going to buy it ... soon, I bet. Other top favorites are drawings, particularly ink washes and "The Donut Line-Up". Two young boys visited with their father and I asked them which painting was their favorite and one of them said "that one ... and that one ... and that one" until he picked the entire tent's worth. Definitely a budding art patron.

This Saturday, I'm heading up to New York City with Randy to drop off drawings at the Salmagundi Club for their Annual Juried Photography and Graphics Exhibition. See my earlier post on that acceptance. Richard Schmid's work is in an exhibit there -- that I'm looking forward to seeing. Plus, I can't wait to see the Salmagundi Club itself.

"Family Ties" (painting of tomatoes), oil on Senso linen, 10"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. "Rainy Day Market", oil on Senso linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"Bowl of Strawberries" Fresh Off the Easel

I finished "Bowl of Strawberries" today. I'd set it up as a secondary still life for last Tuesday's class ... but I was the sole taker for this scene. Tomorrow's my last day of class for this session. Sign up now for the next session that starts mid-April at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site. Classes next session will be held in a terrific new space downstairs from the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 14 other artists). This Friday, join me and other teachers and artists from the Atelier for First Friday, 7-9pm, to register for classes, look at our latest work, maybe buy a piece (?) and enjoy some light refreshments.

If you can't make it this Friday, visit me in my new space downstairs from the Atelier. I'm bound to be working in one space or another at 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, either Suite D or Suite G. I'm ridiculously excited about it. Come see if it's contagious.

"Bowl of Strawberries", oil on Senso linen, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

web site: www.jillbanks.com
blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
phone: 703.403.7435
email: jillbanks1@aol.com

"Croissant and Plums" Painting Started Today

During the Still Life class I teach during the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, I started this painting of a rather large croissant and some red plums. It's a continuation of a theme I started with "Sunday Morning" - one of the painting that will be exhibited as part of Salon International 2009 to be held at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, TX in April. See my earlier post about that event.

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

Winter 2009 Art Classes and Workshops

CLASSES
Fall courses begin in January and run for nine weeks. Registration begins immediately.

(The Great Falls School of Art classes are being held in the Artists' Atelier, the working studios and gallery space I share with 13 other artists located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Classes are currently for teens and adults, with children's classes to be added once a different, adequate teaching space has been found. -Jill)

Still Life Painting in Oils
Jill Banks

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 will set up multiple still lifes for each class and teach students 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. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. Supply list will be posted.
$300 + $20 materials fee, Tuesdays, 9:30am-12:30pm, 9 weeks, Jan. 27-Mar. 24
Registration form.



Painting the Portrait in Oils
Jill Banks

This course covers the basic elements of painting the portrait: composition, mood, gesture, form, structure, and features. Emphasis is placed on creating sound and compelling paintings as well as achieving a likeness. Students will learn how to achieve beautiful skin tones through color studies and to place the figure in space. Continuing students will build on established skills. Model fees are extra. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. Supply list will be posted.
$300 + model fees (based on number of enrolled students), Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm, 9 weeks, Jan. 27-Mar. 24
Registration form.



Oil Painting from Photos You Love
Adrienne Kralick

Learn to compose and create beautiful oil paintings from photo references that interest and excite you. This lively class is tailored to help each student at their own level whether beginner or advanced, with an emphasis on the concepts and painting techniques that can be learned from great paintings throughout history. Given demonstrations and handouts are customized for the specific needs that arise during each session as the paintings progress. Information on the instructor can be found at:
www.adrienneartist.com.
$270 Fridays, 9:30am-12:30pm, 9 weeks, Jan. 23-Mar. 20
$270 Sundays, 1:00-4:00pm, 9 weeks, Jan. 25-Mar. 22
Registration form.


Introduction to Watercolor
Linda Jones


This course covers the basic techniques in watercolor: brushwork, washes, wet into wet, drybrush, color mixing and composition. Each class will include demonstration and students developing these techniques while working on specifically chosen subjects/themes from still life and photographs. A materials list will be provided before the start of the course.
$300 Mondays, 2:00pm-5:00pm, 9 weeks, January 19-March 16
Registration form.



Visual Thinking Through Media: Creating a Visual Journal
Michela Mansuino


From content to cover, this course is designed to inspire you to get serious about being creative. You will experiment with a variety of media in an 11 X 17 inch hard-bound sketchbook. Just as artists uniquely get some of their most significant ideas from working with materials, you will use these investigations to develop projects based on your personal interests and direction. The journal prompts are fused with the exploration of significant themes and contexts. They act as a springboard to help you to discover who you are and make a visual record or the process. In this studio-centered course, we will include art history, popular culture, language, science, music and other content areas. Visual journaling is a way of crafting elegant art problems for authentic learning. Visual journaling is a way of life. Hard-bound sketchbook is included. Supply list will be posted. Young teens, teens, adults.
$280 + $25 materials fee, 3:00-6:00pm, Wednesdays, 9 weeks, January 21-March 18
Registration form.




WORKSHOPS

Mastering the Business of Art
Jill Banks
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 13 & 14, 6:30-9:30pm
Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art. This two-day workshop covers the fundamentals of planning, establishing and running a career as a professional artist. Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing, pricing your work, exhibiting, selling, applying for grants, taxes, setting up merchant accounts, marketing, add-on products and branding, promotions, publicity, approaching galleries, establishing name recognition, handling commissions, inventory control and more. The instructor started taking classes in 2003 – and in a little over five years has successfully built a rewarding art career through sales, commissions, recognition, awards, a grant, gallery representation and teaching. The business of art is challenging and rewarding – and conquering it lets us do more of what we love to do! A workbook is included. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com.
$95 + $10 workbook fee
Registration form.


Introduction To Jewelry-Making
Donna Barnako
Saturday, January 17, 1:00-4:00pm
A half-day workshop where you will learn a potpourri of basic skills to get you started making your own jewelry. In this class we will make several pairs of earrings and a necklace or bracelet. Techniques covered include making wrapped loops, string considerations, crimping and adding closures. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jewelworx.com. Class targeted for adults but fine for teenager 14+. Geared for beginners with no prior experience. For information about the instructor: www.jewelworx.com or www.jewelworx.etsy.com.
$50 + $15 materials fee (tools supplied by teacher)
Registration form.


Introduction to Jewelry Wireworking
Donna Barnako
Saturday, March 7, 1:00-4:00pm
A half-day workshop where participants will learn a variety of wireworking techniques useful in basic jewelry-making as well as in a completely wireworked piece. Students will make their own earwires and a bangle bracelet while learning to fashion a clasp and to coil wire as a decorative element. Class targeted for adults. Strictly for beginners. For information about the instructor: www.jewelworx.com or www.jewelworx.etsy.com.
$50 + $15 materials/kit fee (tools supplied by teacher)
Registration form.


Photoshop Elements 6 – The Basics (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, February 7
In this crash course, students will learn the basics of this powerful image-editing software package including: how to navigate the workspace, organize, manage and save photos, resize and crop, sharpen, color correct, fix exposure, retouch and use creative filters. Plus students will explore ways to output their photos, create projects and more.
$50 + $10 workbook fee
Registration form.


Photoshop Elements 6 – Beyond The Basics (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, February 28
Stretch the boundaries of your creativity and get started on your way to mastering Photoshop Elements’ powerful image-editing tools. This course will cover key features including selections, adjustment layers, photo retouching, special effects, adding text, filters and more. Plus students will learn ways to share their images on the web and in a slide show. For the intermediate or those who have attended “The Basics” Crash Course.
$50 + $15 DVD fee
Registration form.


Photoshop Elements 6 – Advance Techniques (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, March 14
Learn how to take an image from the ordinary to the extraordinary and turn memories into masterpieces. This crash course covers the most powerful and flexible features of Photoshop Elements including layer adjustments and styles, camera raw, photomerge and other tips and tricks to make your photos shine. Students will also learn how to create a slide show and a web gallery. “The Basics” and “Beyond The Basics” are prerequisites to this course.
$50 + $15 DVD fee
Registration form.


Digital SLR Photography (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, January 31
This class demystifies the technology so you can start taking better pictures right away. Learn the basics of file formats, menu and scene settings, exposure, ISO, shutter speed, bracketing composition and lighting. Find out how to transfer images to the computer and manage them. Plus students will discover options to edit, save and print their photos. Students are encouraged to bring their digital SLR cameras to class.
$50 + $10 workbook fee
Registration form.


Photos That Click – Visual Techniques to Supercharge Your Creative Potential (Crash Course)
Heidi Mraz
Saturday, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, March 21
Whether you are an amateur or pro, this class is designed to expand your vision, while providing you with lots of ideas and tips intended to strengthen your ability to capture and create images that are captivating, technically sound, and visually appealing. So if you are ready to supercharge your creative passion and potential, this is the class for you. Students are encouraged to bring their digital cameras to class.
$50 + $10 workbook fee
Registration form.


The Classic Figure: a Modern Approach
Alla Prima Figure Painting with Robert Liberace
Friday-Sunday, January 9, 10, 11, 2009
Held at the Great Falls Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, Virginia (demo January 9th from 6:30-9:30pm, and classes January 10th and 11th from 10am-4pm)

Join Rob for an exciting workshop that will unite the old and the new. Using the modern method of alla prima and a rich array of contemporary colors, students will follow a step-by-step method that will allow them to compose a figure painting with the look and finish of classic Renaissance paintings. Though alla prima (the direct manner of finishing a painting while it is wet) is often considered an impressionistic approach, it is also ideal for careful and thorough modeling which is a hallmark of classical painting. This approach will allow students to efficiently complete a painting without the laborious and time consuming classic approach of glazed layers. Methods of drawing, paint manipulation and color arrangement will be included and a general analysis of the anatomy will be stressed. But first, don't miss out on the demo Friday evening. And be sure to arrive early for wine and cheese! Students will need to provide their own easels and taborets or tables for palettes and supplies.

IMPORTANT: Registration for the Robert Liberace workshop is different than for other Great Falls School of Art courses and workshops. All are welcome. Hurry, space is limited. For the Robert Liberace workshop only, please contact Mary Orr at mary.orr@mac.com or cell 703-298-1176. Or mail check to Mary Orr at 198 Falcon Ridge Road, Great Falls, VA 22066. For more information about the instructor: see www.robertliberace.com.
$250 + model fees (to be divided among participants)