Ink Washes and Pen&Ink from Lake Anne

"Fountain at Lake Anne," ink wash and pen&ink, ©Jill Banks 2011

"Homes on Lake Anne," ink wash and pen&ink, ©Jill Banks 2011
 

I went out with my class today to Lake Anne in Reston -- a frequent hangout of mine that I find incredibly peaceful. We walked way out to the end of the public walkway to get a better view of the houses along the lake. There we got to draw alongside a fisherman (no catch today), meet up with a watercolorist from California who had been painting right around the corner, and talk to some of Lake Anne's regulars.


Today was a pretty great day. I'll share Oscar Haynes motto ... MY attitude is gratitude.

I was painting this afternoon ... in oils ... but while I'm making progress, that painting isn't ready for primetime.

Happy Birthday, Trina!

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

"Gone Wild Turkey" Painting In the Paper This Week

Yep. That's my turkey.

The June 8 edition of the Great Falls Connection reports on the three Great Falls Studios bird exhibits currently on view.

My wild turkey (that won an honorable mention for best depiction of a wild turkey) and Eastern bluebird painting ("Blue" that won Best in Show) are on exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA until the end of June.

I sure had fun taking a look. It's a wildly imaginative show. Not at all what you would expect. There are portraits of woodpeckers in oil and ceramic. There's a wood sculpture of a bevy of bluebirds. A photo of bluebird cookies.

I'm off to paint now and will also be posting photos of my ink wash drawings from Lake Anne in Reston later on today.



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

Oscar Haynes (Face #13) and Bob Simon (Face #100) Share Their Wisdom Today

"Reston Founder Robert (Bob) Simon: Face #100," 12"h x 12"w, oil

Two of my favorite models ... for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project ... spoke today to share their 190 years + of collective wisdom. These two, Oscar Haynes (Face #13), age 95 and Reston founder Robert (Bob) Simon (Face #100), age 97 provided great inspiration to the packed standing-room only crowd at the Reston Museum. Oscar's great  godson, Eli, introduced the pair (great introduction!) and emceed the question and answer section of the program. I'm glad I didn't have to come up with answers to those questions on the spot.

Oscar's "my attitude is gratitude" motto sure puts life into perspective. When asked whether he would like to undo or redo anything about his life ... he wouldn't want to undo or redo a thing. He treats others well, courteously and feels good about the way he's acted and what's been accomplished. Eli mentioned that to meet Oscar is to become his friend. So true. What a great way to live for  95 years.

It was interesting to me how much I learned about Oscar through this talk. While I painted him, we talked for three to four hours and I'd learned so much. What I realize is that when someone is highly productive, visionary and living life fully in gear for 95 years, getting to know all about that person takes many, many, many, many four hour discussions. He's amazing!!!

"Oscar Haynes: Face #13," 12"h x 12"w, oil on panel

Bob Simon received a lot of questions and praise about Reston. Obviously, and for good reason, people feel passionate about this unique community and place that Bob made a reality. One of his comments that interested me was about density. Some people who already live here fear change and development. He clearly doesn't -- giving the example of Manhattan. With people comes a greater community. You need people to fill the plazas, support businesses, build amenities, make our lives more vibrant. I agree!

Today was about listening ... to wise advice ...  from two passionate, good men. They've set great examples by which to live.


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

"Zeki" Painting from Open Life Today

"Zeki," oil on linen, 12"h x 9"w, © Jill Banks 2011

Very quick post because we head off to dinner in a few minutes.

Today was the last day of Saturday open life sessions at McLean Community Center ... until the Fall ... so I squeezed in a little under two hours for this one.

And here's a funny, little painting I did this afternoon during open hours at the Atelier. Terri Parent had her opening reception of "Under the Influence" -- her solo show of photography and digital images from this past year of adventures. She set up this table with iced tea and Perrier ... and this was my distant view of it from my easel.

Funny that I was looking back at the previous post about being more deliberate in finishing each painting. I should have added -- if time allows. I didn't have as long as I would have liked or needed on either of these. They are my quick, not studied impressions.

"The Reception," oil, 5"x5", copyright 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

"Lots of Peppers" Finished and "Cut Sunflowers" Is Getting a New Home

It's been a busy day without a whole lot of painting. Consider this my managing myself day. I was photographing my 100 Faces for an upcoming article (which I'll soon be taking a look at to see what I have to fix/work on tomorrow), helped a fellow artist with her marketing package, took a good look at the wonderful Great Falls Studios show "Birds in Great Falls" now on exhibit at the Great Falls Library, and finished up with "Lots of Peppers" so I could photograph it and apply to the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 115th Annual Exhibition (due tomorrow postmark date). Oh, and I just put all my recent drawings from London and Reston in protective plastic sleeves and paired some up with mats ... to keep them safe. I'm getting smarter about that. Still, my house is a mess and Randy's best friend is here for the Member/Guest golf tournament. How does that happen? I do get closer and closer to really needing a regular assistant/helper. There's just lots to do.

"Lots of Peppers"

"Lots of Peppers," oil on linen, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

So I decided that "Lots of Peppers" is my entry to the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 115th Annual. This is my first time applying as a full (juried) member -- and with that honor, every other year, full members do not have to have their work juried in. So, I won't be making an announcement that "Lots of Peppers" was accepted into the show ... because I have been instead. Funny feeling.

In finishing this painting, I changed the "writing" from "Asst. Peppers" to "Assorted Peppers." That's really what I meant in the first place, just was trying to abbreviate it. Wrong idea.

I'm more careful and deliberate in finishing each painting. I'm patient. I'm completely happy with this one. I can't wait to see it framed. You'll be able to see it ... mainly in my studio at the Artists' Atelier/sometimes at my house ... until I need to send it out in late September. It will not be in my studio during Studio Tour ... at least not this year.

The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's (CLWAC) 115th Annual Open Juried Exhibition will be held October 4-28, 2-11 at the the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003. Catharine Lorillard Wolfe was one of the founding board of directors for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the only woman in the group. CLWAC is a club for women artists and they put on the most beautiful receptions and awards ceremonies of all. They know how to celebrate! One of my proudest moments was winning the Casey Memorial Award for a Human Family Theme from CWLAC in 2008 for "Tea with Anne." The National Arts Club is a great setting as well. I figure "Lots of Peppers" will look pretty great there.

"Cut Sunflowers" Heading for a New Home

Well, that was quick. I know its new owner will be smiling at this one forever. I'd be happy to greet it every day myself.

"Birds in Great Falls" Exhibit

Visiting the Great Falls Studios exhibit (where my painting "Blue" won Best of Show) reminded me of how far we've come ... the artists in this dynamic group. Great Falls Studios just passed the 100th member mark ... incredible! And, we've learned from each other ... challenged each other ... and there's some really great art in Great Falls, Virginia. I'm not usually that fond of themes for exhibits because I don't believe in changing gears or directions for a particular show. I made an exception for this one ... as did many other Great Falls Studios artists ... and we made something special. It highlights our different media, different points of views. Go see it. At the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. Through June 30. My photos from today ... really aren't so great ... so that leaves seeing it up to you.

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

Painting Sunflowers ... And Decisions

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

Yesterday's "Cut Sunflowers" continued today ... with  a full day of painting. So much for doing just a little bit. I can't tell you how many times I take three major paintings into the studio ... requiring hours (or days) of work each ... all the time thinking I will get to them all. That "anything is possible" artist mentality ... does not translate to everything is possible in a single day.

I did enjoy every minute, though. The flowers are droopier today and I let them droop. After many hours of painting, I finally got rid of the clippers. They were actually disruptive and didn't add anything to the composition. Everything made more sense after they took a hike.

I've painted a lot of sunflowers in my time. "Sunflowers," a still life my dad set up for me is part of my permanent collection -- and brightens my day -- every day. That's perhaps why I return to them again and again. We've got the same attitude. Sunflowers are my buds.

Something is interesting about this painting. The sunflowers here remind me of my first painting of sunflowers. More than any other. They are soft and happy and droopy and atmospheric ... just like the "Sunflowers" that hang in my house. Hmmmm. See "Sunflowers" at the bottom of this post and tell me what you think.

"Sunflowers and Gladioli," 30"h x 24"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2009

To Leap or Not... Revised June 9
Okay, never mind.

I decided against taking a particular "leap" that was tempting but not tempting enough.

I was considering going on a painting trip to the Adirondacks where I'd be staying in a dorm room and going off to beautiful spots to paint in plein air with  some outstanding painters from around the country ... who I don't know personally. It sounded intriguing, and difficult, .. and not exactly up my alley ... but challenging. It is billed as a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is probably that.

I'm going to commit to carving my own adventure out ... exactly right for me ... closer to home. I got an offer from my mom ... that my Dad would like to accompany me to the zoo so I could paint or draw ... and I'll take them up on that. When it cools off. And paint them playing cards at Iceberry's in Reston before it does. Stuff like that. Schedule it and do it. So get out around town. This town.

No bears, fewer bugs, great views, new and old friends closer to home. And a nice bed to snuggle into, my own bathroom, a husband to share dinners with and plenty of privacy. 

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

See more of my sunflower and other still life paintings on my web site, gallery section, still life page.

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

"Sunflowers" the First, oil on linen, 30"h x 30"w, collection of the artist

"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

"Open Life" Painting and Lots More...

Do you get nervous when I say "lots more"?

Today was a jam-packed day. I worked on "Weekend Edition" this am before heading the Atelier for open hours. There, I worked on the "Piazza di Michelangelo" that sat unfinished during my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. (You'll see it sometime soon.)

"Open Life," oil on linen, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Open Life
From 4 to 7pm, I went to Open Life held at the McLean Community Center (download the PDF on open life sessions near the bottom of the page). I hadn't gotten a chance to do that this year until today. And, next Saturday is the last one of those (long pose) until the Fall. So, good thing I made it!

When I walked in, two painters were there, set up at their easels with large canvases. Actually, one was huge. I had a little 9"x12" canvas in my bag ... that looked ridiculous on the easel. I like little paintings, but, those large canvases looked like way more fun. I trekked out to my car ... and chose a 20"x16" ... not huge, but better.

Open life sessions are fantastic. Such a treat. Easygoing, comfortable ... and I just love every minute of it.

I really like this painting. Everything works, the colors are beautiful and I captured the day. Love those legs, too. Maybe my best legs.

I keep reaping the rewards of my 100 Faces project (read about it on my web site: www.jillbanks.com, go to the 100 Faces project pages). I paint so much more rapidly now at the beginning of a session, which allows me to concentrate on exactly what I want to accomplish with each painting. "Open Life" came together naturally and I spent two of the three hours refining the painting, pushing it in different directions. Being quick means I can take my time even in a relatively short session. A weird idea, perhaps.

"Weekend Edition" work in progress, 20"x20", oil on linen, ©Jill Banks 2011

My only difficulty was the horrible state of my paintbrushes. I promise (myself) that I will clean them tonight as soon as I post this. I didn't have a single small brush to use for her mouth or details. And, most of the larger ones I pulled out were stiff or hard as rocks. Not ideal.

"Weekend Edition" is still a work in progress. It might be my undertaking for tomorrow. I'm trying to get a number of pieces ready for the many juried shows and exhibits that are all right around the corner.

Thinking About Photography
I've been working on pulling together the knowledge and set up for photographing my own work in anticipation of an upcoming article on my "100 Faces in 100 Days" project and publishing a book. I spent a lot of the day Friday working on it ... and there are apt to be plenty more next week. I'll figure it all out, though, with the help of some friends. And guess what that will do? Make my photos on blog posts better and more consistent. Yea!
 

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
 

"Lots of Peppers" Today

"Lots of Peppers," oil on linen, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

It's finished ... but needs a signature.

For this entire painting, I've been covered in paint. I squeezed out huge piles of paint ... my entire palette and then submersed myself. Paint in hair. Red paint on my face. You get the picture.

I had fun with this one ... minus maybe the tedium of painting a checkered tablecloth. (I love the result.) The colors and textures of peppers are right up my alley. I believe that the first oil painting I ever sold was of peppers. And, plenty of them have popped into many of my still life paintings over the years. Loved them then, too. The colors are irresistable.

See more of my market series paintings on my web site. 

I met with Terri Parent today ... to discuss if (and what) I would want to teach this Summer. (I was thinking of taking the Summer off.) But, I'd love to hear from any Washington DC local folks what you might be interested in learning and when.

I'll come up with some possibilities and ask you to weigh in. Or suggest your own.

Time to rest.

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

"Blue" Wins Best in Show

"Blue" wins Best in Show at Great Falls Studios Exhibit

"Blue" was awarded a Best in Show in Great Falls Studios "Birds of Great Falls" June Exhibit at the Great Falls Library. The juror was Joanne Bauer, Exhibitions Director, Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE). Joanne is also an active birder and leads bird walks in Reston. She monitors bluebirds in Reston for the Reston Association. 


When I took my entries in this afternoon, the library was filled with birds in a wide range of media. They were terrific. Seems the artists in Great Falls wholeheartedly embraced all things birds. Stop by and see the show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. 


Other awards included:

Best of Eastern Bluebird (GF Town Bird): "Bluebirds" by Bill Garrett

Best Pileated Woodpecker: "Pileated Woodpeckers" by Walt Lawrence--Honorable Mention

Best Red-Shouldered Hawk: "Red-Shouldered Hawk" by Ben Cheshire--Honorable Mention

Best Great Blue Heron: "Heron" by Laura Nichols--Honorable Mention

Best American Goldfinch: "American Goldfinch" by Dean Souleles--Honorable Mention

Best Ruby-Throated Hummingbird: "Hummingbird with Passion Flowers" by Brenda Drake--Honorable Mention

Best Wild Turkey: "Turkey Gone Wild" by Jill Banks (me)--Honorable Mention

Special Award for Originality: "Bird Food" by Jan Bender--Honorable Mention

"Blue" was also included in an article last week in the Great Falls Connection ... in news about the election of the town bird.


I was painting today on "Pick-a-Peck Peppers," but my camera was in Randy's car. Alas, no photos today.  But, I bet I finish it tomorrow and I can't wait to hear what you think. I loved painting it ... and love ... it. So, come back tomorrow night and check it out. I'm excited to have a new market painting. 

Randy asked me tonight what I would paint from London. My answer ... to him ... was the markets. Harrod's and Portabello Road and more. Maybe some interiors from the beautiful Chesterfield Mayfair hotel or other stops. These are the visions in my head.


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