Today at the Torpedo Factory

"Tools of the Trade" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, Jill Banks 2012

Today brought lots of visitors ... all day long. Two very enthusiastic young girls loved looking at my paints and painting ... one said she just loved the way I paint ... as mom looked on from afar. I think they would have stayed there forever.

Two of my visitors were here for the 70th Reunion of the Guadalcanal Campaign -- here with their fathers.

My foreign visitors came from Ukraine, France, Australia and Holland.

U.S. visitors came from Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia, Colorado, California.

Two interesting portrait demo prospects came at the end of the day. They would be great subjects ... but aren't local and will be gone before the demos. The young woman looked very Bohemian with a guitar by her side. Maybe I'll approach some of the street musicians.

I'm not getting much painting in ... but some. That's my "Hudson River Morn" painting in progress behind "Tools of the Trade."  I may move on to working on the NYC painting tomorrow ... as a break.

Tomorrow's a long day. 10am-5pm at the Torpedo Factory, then receiving for the Art League's 'Scapes show tomorrow night. It's doubtful that I'll be in a typing mood at the end of that.

I'm enjoying my days at the Torpedo Factory. I'm not sure that's getting across. The commute squeezes time away from reflection on the many great parts of the day. But, they are there.

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 and August 26, 1 to 5pm.
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

"Cut Sunflowers" Painting On the Easel

"Cut Sunflowers" work in progress on my easel.

Trina brought in these sunflowers and vase to still life class today and I painted on this a little during class ... and then more after ... and this still needs some work (a little). Long intro, but here it is. I planned on photographing it in stages as a lesson but my card for my camera was at home. I'll do that with the next painting I start.

I've got to go and get some dinner. Check back. There might be some typing left in me.

"Cut Sunflowers" work in progress, 20"h x 16"w, oil on linen, ©Jill Banks 2011.

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

"Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" Painting Start Today

"Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" wip, 24"h x 18"w, oil, Jill Banks 2011

This afternoon, after teaching my Portrait class and having a late lunch with husband Randy, I embarked on my first non-demo painting after my 100 Faces project. Over the weekend of receptions, I was asked, often, what was next. Big question. I was, and continue to be, immersed in the power of the last project. It makes it more difficult to move on. I'm going to continue my quest (forever) to become the best painter/artist I can be. I want to take paintings to their "proper" conclusions. Work on them until I'm fully satisfied. I'm working on what to paint.

For today, I struggled with what this first painting would be. I decided to follow with tradition. I painted the beautiful sunflowers that my dad arranged for my reception on Saturday. This weekend, by far, was the most memorable, rewarding, wonderful, ... you  name it... art event for me. I cannot imagine ever feeling better about what I've done. Painting the flowers bring to mind all the great moments enjoyed.

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" is on view at the Great Falls Library in May

So "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" is it. This is a slowly developing series. Paintings of flowers from art openings. You can see the painting from my "On the Bright Side" show opening flower arrangement ("Sunflowers and Gladioli") on view with my 100 Faces at the Great Falls Library this month. Do you know that I'm giving a demo/artist's talk there, at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Va on Saturday, May 21 from 2-5pm? That's a pretty funny combination ... but I hope to give you a bit more of an understanding of my project while painting another "face." What a test.

I'm not done with "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" yet. But I like it. I love the idea of the subject in shadow surrounded by strong light. This one will benefit from an additional painting day. It's definitely different. Inspiration took awhile to strike. Perhaps that's another offshoot of my project. Rediscovering the chance to poke around for inspiration. Not going directly to work.

My portrait class is filled with still life students who approached a living, breathing model for the first time around me today. They were really, truly rocking and rolling. Amazing! They realized, and appreciated, the "rush" that comes from painting a subject that's just there for a short period of time. Just for you.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer.  Come see!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Painting Like the Wind Today

Great day today. Taught class in the morning to my great portrait class gang. Had a bit of a chance to return to painting our model, Lilia. The result is shown here.

Then my dad brought in these beautiful sunflowers -- perhaps as a setup for my still life class tomorrow. He set them on the floor in my studio right in front of my painting of Lilia. He said they just looked like they needed to be painted. I agreed.

"Costumed (Lilia)", 24"h x 18"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2010.
"Sunflowers in My Studio", 24"h x 18"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

Back to "Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle"

I was back in the studio today for open studio hours ... finding plenty of my studiomates keeping me company. We all seem to be suffering from the same malady: cabin fever. It was nice to be back in there (at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA).

I only had a few hours, or at least that's what I thought. My plan was to go to the open life session at the McLean Community Center from 4-7:30pm. I made it there, along with other artists ready to paint and draw. Unfortunately, apparently, the open life session had been canceled. No monitor, no model. I think we kept eyeing each other to see who could be roped in to sit. That didn't work. I asked a nice young guy at the desk if he'd be interested in sitting for us. He had other plans. Imagine that on a Saturday night.

Oh well. So I was hoping for a new portrait or figure painting to post today.  Maybe next week.

Here's the latest rendition of my "Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" that I worked on today. Even though the time was short, I was really pleased with my progress. I love these lemons!!!

This one's been resting for awhile, awaiting final tweaks. I have final, final tweaks ... itsy-bitsy ones ... and then I'll call it a wrap.

This is happiness on linen.

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle", oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010.

See other posts on this painting's development:
"Painting Lemons Today: "Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" Continues"
"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" Painting and the Holiday Show
My Latest Lemon Painting

And some more posts on lemon paintings:
Another Lemon Painting
Lemons, Limoni Painting Finished

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!

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

Painting Lemons Today ... "Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" Continues

Holiday celebrations continue ... but that didn't keep me from diving into paint today. I've worked on "Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" for a few additional days since last peek.

A few ideas have been running through my head while I've been painting it. Such as, why haven't I been painting the snow that's been piled up outside? Instead, I enjoyed a few snow days -- a reprieve from any thoughts of mall-shopping to get large, focused blocks of time to paint on two ongoing projects -- "Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" and a portrait commission.

My paintings have undergone a transformation lately. I see it in this, soon to be finished painting, and in "Tranquility" which I will also be finishing up shortly. There's a sense of calm, peacefulness, air about them. Funny how these canvases describe exactly my mindset while painting them. It affects the way I see what's right in front of me ... and all the choices that direct my brush.

Right in the midst of a bustling holiday season, I find some cherished quiet time. I hope you did, too.

Happy Holidays!

Jill

"Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" work in progress, oil on 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

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" Painting and the Holiday Show

 Ho! Ho! Ho!

A Quick Post ... before I pack up paintings/drawings et al for this weekend's Great Falls Studios Annual Holiday Sale being held at the Colvin Run Historic Schoolhouse, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA 22066, 10am-5pm both Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13. I'm joining 19 other artists in this quaint, time-capsule-like space for what has become a true Great Falls VA tradition. Come visit. It's where I do the majority of my Christmas shopping. I have clients, too, that have bought paintings, their major gifts for close family members from me... at this show.

I'm making some good progress on my "Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" painting. I have five paintings I'd like to finish, put final touches on before a major art event next week. I do realize that's totally unrealistic. Priorities, priorities.

I'm in the Christmas spirit ... probably because I'm planning on doing my shopping this weekend at the schoolhouse. It's low-key, low-stress, merry, fun.

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" work in progress, 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

My Latest Lemon Painting

 Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Yesterday, the Thanksgiving feast was at our house but cooking the turkey and sweet potatoes  and anticipating guests didn't stop me from continuing work on the latest of paintings of lemons. My Dad stopped by earlier in the day to drop off flower arrangements and I think he was surprised to find the kitchen still a mess ... with an easel blocking the walkway ... and me happily painting away. Dinner was ready on time and the "hostess" (me) was much cheerier since the day wasn't all about cooking.

I did think about writing the blog yesterday with a photo of my kitchen setup and a title of "What's Cooking in My Kitchen" -- but I didn't really have time to spare.

This is a work in progress. It will be a challenge to tackle the granite countertops. Hmmm.

I'd like to do a series of interiors inside my house (first) and then other interesting places where I can setup and paint onsite. This still life was going to be my first interior but the flowers and lemons just didn't seem comfortable playing second fiddle to a room.

I've created plenty of paintings of lemons and sunflowers. (See my web site gallery pages: still life section for more examples.) Not sure they've ever appeared together before. Now the sunflower season has truly ended.

Registration for my January workshop (Mastering the Business of Art) and classes (Portrait and Figure Painting in Oils, Still Life Painting in Oils) at the Great Falls School of Art is going on now. See my earlier blog post about classes or go to my web site www.jillbanks.com and click on classes for more information.

Be sure to see my solo exhibit at Maison du Vin in Great Falls, VA and Market Cellars in Reston, VA. The Maison du Vin show comes down December 14.

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" work in progress, 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

Good News! Two Paintings, Two NYC Shows in November

Yesterday, I heard word that my painting of an Italian market, "Arance, Oranges", was accepted into the Allied Artists of America 96th Annual Exhibition that will be held at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, NYC. Yippee! The exhibit runs November 13 to December 2 with a reception on November 29. This is very exciting. I love the National Arts Club ... and this is my first time being accepted by Allied Artists of America into their exhibit. I also think that "Arance, Oranges" is a powerful painting, so I'll be happy standing next to it at the reception. See more of my market paintings on my web site in the places and still life galleries (I'm not sure where they belong -- so check out both).

Two of my paintings will be in exhibits in New York City in the month of November. "Sunflowers II" was accepted into the American Artists Professional League's 81st Grand National Exhibition 2009 held November 3 to November 13 at the Salmagundi Club with a reception on November 8.

So, on November 13 you could see both in case you want to spend a Jill Banks' Art in NYC day.

I'm busy getting ready for Sunday's MPA Artfest, the juried outdoor arts festival held in McLean Central Park on the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison  Blvd. (Route 123) in McLean, VA. (Actually, I suppose I'm writing my blog post.) I set up some of the screens with artwork in the gallery at the Artists' Atelier last night. It was impossible. There are too many pieces that I really want to include ... that I'm proud of and that someone might want to buy. I probably also needed to take off my "exhibit" hat and put on a "show" hat. Perhaps it's not important how perfectly each piece complements its neighbor ... since people are unlikely to buy the whole display and place it just as I have on their walls. But, I was determined to fret anyway.

Yesterday, too, I selected frames from FrameMasters for 13 new drawings that husband Randy will be framing for Sunday's event. I'll probably give a sneak peek at some of those later today or tomorrow. They're having a sale this weekend (just in time) and we got there about 10 am yesterday to find the lights were out. So the beginning of my massive frame search began with a flashlight. Happily, lights were restored a little later.

Tonight is First Friday at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Come visit us 7-9pm and see the new show in the Gallery.

"Arance, Oranges", 24"h x 36"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009.
"Sunflowers II", 30"h x 30"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2008.

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

Two New Exhibits: "Still Life Poetry" and "Food"

I'm losing track of days here ... probably for good reason. On Friday, I helped Walt Lawrence and Cindy Grisdela (and Linda Rosen) hang a new Great Falls Studios exhibit "Food" at Katie's Coffee, part of the Old Brogue Irish Pub. My contribution was "Lemon Yellow" (see my July 28 post). The exhibit contains 23 pieces, all less than 154 square inches and fitting the broad theme of "Food." Lemons work. The show hangs for the month of August.


On Saturday, I worked more on "Reflections". I'll return to that piece later on today while I scheme about the new still life setups for class tomorrow. Hmmm.

Yesterday, I took four pieces to ArtSpace Herndon for the "Still Life Poetry" invitational exhibit. I can't wait to see that show hung. I think it will be phenomenal -- nice space, great art, great group of artists. What you'll see there of mine:





"Peonies"
20"h x 16"w
oil on linen
$1500





















"Sunday Morning"
12"h x 12"w
oil
$1050
This painting was juried into Salon International 2009, a project of the International Museum of Contemporary Masters, held at Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, Texas. Also appeared in the April 2009 issue of "American Art Collector".








And, the littlest:
"Peppermint Stick and Pencil"
6"h x 4"w
oil
$195
This one's fun and a good painting to boot.










Details on that exhibit:
What: "Still Life Poetry" Exhibit
An extraordinary group show by award winning still life artists:
* Trisha Adams * Jill Banks * Vicki Blum *
* Petra Gerber * Robert Johnson *
* Virginia Johnson * Tricia Ratliff *
* Patty Rice * Kurt Schwartz *
* Henry Wingate * Jordan Xu *

When: August 4-30. Gala Opening and Artists' Talk: Saturday, August 8, 7-9pm. Regular Gallery Hours: Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm; Wednesday 10am - 2pm; Thursday 10am - 2pm; Friday 10am - 8pm; Saturday 10am - 2pm; Sunday 1pm - 3pm (Or by appointment). Closed Mondays

Where: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA

After dropping off my paintings, Randy and I headed to Rehoboth Beach to see the opening of two of my studiomates, Adrienne Kralick and Mollie Vardell's "Coastal Colors" show held at the Aerie Art Gallery. Great show, beautiful gallery, and a really fun evening.

This coming Friday is First Friday at the Artists' Atelier, 7-9pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. You're Invited! I hope to see you there.

Also, my "On the Bright Side" solo show of 22 paintings and drawings continues at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls until the end of August. Don't miss it!!! If you are interested in purchasing a painting, contact me by email: jillbanks1@aol.com or call 703.403.7435. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Friends of the Great Falls Library.


Now, I'm off to paint!

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

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" Painting in Progress

My Dad created two beautiful flower arrangements for my painting demo day this past Saturday (as part of my "On the Bright Side" show) ... and this one of sunflowers and gladioli might just be my all-time favorite. I hated to see its beauty go to waste, i.e., remain unpainted. So, I went to work today getting as far as I could while there still was daylight. I have it set up in my downstairs studio at the Atelier, and will work on it again after my Still Life class tomorrow.

My plan for this week is to finish this and work a bit more on the two Michelles from my demo. Saturday's my reception, July 18, 3-6pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. I hope to see you there.

I didn't really tell you that much about my demo. I felt so good about that day that I don't think I've come down from the clouds since. What I loved about it is how wonderfully people react to my art. The room was overflowing with enthusiasm and good cheer. The "On the Bright Side" exhibit seems aptly named. I'm thankful to have so many enthusiastic supporters -- my parents, students, collectors, fellow artists, family and friends. I love creating art, and my enjoyment increases exponentially through the joy it brings to others, too.

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"h, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"Sunflowers II" Still Life -- All Done!

My latest still life is complete and awaiting its frame (from Frame Masters -- my favorite framer). Photo by Greg Staley.

I love this painting! Bob from Frame Masters asked me, after seeing this, whether it sometimes is too hard to give a painting up. Some are definitely hard to let go of, but I still want to spread around all the happiness owning a painting like this has to offer.

This painting will be in the Atelier for next weekend's Annual Great Falls Art Studio Tour. I'm in Studio #10, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066.

"Sunflowers II," 30"h x 30"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2008.