"Garden Girl" and I: Day 3

"Garden Girl" work in progress - Day 3, oil, 42"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

I'm making progress.  Here "Garden Girl" -- the star of the still life setup designed by my Dad -- is on the third day we "spent together."

The canvas is big.  The set-up is complicated (it's very easy to get lost).  Yet, it's coming together. Good thing.  The hydrangeas are beginning to droop and strawberries are turning. I'm doing everything I can to outpace the "fading" factor.

Randy has been catching up on my art inventory for a good part of the day -- with a ways to go.  With lots of paintings going to their new homes over the past couple of months, that's quite a challenge. It also meant he came into the studio multiple times today -- while I was painting away -- and he didn't even glance at the canvas until the last visit.  I was expecting some sort of reaction.  When he did look at it, the comment was that I really might finish it someday.

Last night I sent out the December "News from the Easel" email newsletter.  The gist of it was to urge folks to sign up for January classes and to share a look back at 2012 through the paintings created on various art trips.  If you didn't get the newsletter, you can look at the archive on my web site: www.JillBanks.com and I'd love it if you would subscribe.  The frequency is about one every two months or so. 

"White Dove of the Desert," oil, 12"h x 16"w, Jill Banks 2012 (sold)

And, today, one more painting was claimed by a collector.  "White Dove of the Desert" -- of the San Xavier Mission in Tucson, Arizona -- will be heading away come 2013. Following along with this year's trend -- "White Dove's" new owner is exactly who I'd want to enjoy it. It means the most to her!

Registration is going on now at the Great Falls School of Art for classes that start mid-January.  Make 2013 an artful one! Sign up now. Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, classes page for more information on my offerings. If anyone would like a weekly calendar of class offerings (there are sixteen in all for the Winter term), email me -- and I'll send you a pdf.

Jill

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

Events and Exhibits
Register now for Winter classes.  See my web site: www.JillBanks.com, Classes page for Still Life Painting in Oils and Draw, Paint, Sculpt the Portrait -- offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.

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