"Torpedo Factory Dock" Plein Air Painting and Ice Cream Stories

"Torpedo Factory Dock," 8"h x 10"w, oil on Raymar panel, ©Jill Banks 2011

Painting on the Waterfront
Well, today I took a nap. But, that was after a morning painting session with the Art League Plein Air Painters at the Waterfront in Alexandria, VA. I imagine I was the first one there as I walked all around and didn't see a "painter-like" soul. I set up under the gazebo/pavilion near Chart House, figuring that would keep me dry and shaded ... hopefully.

As you might know, there's been a lot going on in my painting life lately, and today those busy days took a bit of a toll. My worst mistake was making the trek to Alexandria minus the piece that attaches my EasyL palette/easel to the tripod. What that meant is that I had to sit on the ground to paint with my panel below eye level... versus stand and have the panel just where I want it. That meant creaky bones, a bit of discomfort, but I was still happy to be painting in a beautiful spot.

Some of the youngsters at the Social

Going back to the same locale over and over is eye-opening. I'm not going to paint the same subject from the same vantage point ... so it forces me to reach a little. Think. Find something hidden.

I started a second painting today, but only got about half way there. The view changed dramatically all morning with moody clouds to sun trying to peek through. It was fun to witness and follow with my brush.

I had a few visitors. Not nearly as many as last week, but I talked to one woman from Sweden who had just moved here. She loves to paint and wanted to find out more about who we are and how she can join us. (Anyone can join who is a member of the Art League.)

What's not to love?

Another woman told me that as soon as she got home (to California) she was going to do what I was doing. Her husband had bought her an oil set as a present ... as painting was something she always thought she would enjoy. We talked about brushes, how to start the painting, and I encouraged her to just give it a try.

The Ice Cream Social

Yesterday's event for my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit was my favorite. Period. My dad was fixing sundaes to order ... and what the day meant is that no one had to apologize to or drag their kids to an art event. Everyone wanted to be there! It was truly a celebration. My pretty educated guess is about 80 people attended the two-hour social. We know we went through 60+ spoons.

Loading up on extras

It seemed fitting that my very social, community-based project should have a fun, casual, cool open house. Whole families came. Everybody enjoyed themselves. It would have been hard not to. Sundaes were started by my dad, but sundae eaters could add their own helpings of gummy bears, m&m's and nuts.

My dad's made plenty of those ice cream sundaes for me growing up. We had maraschino cherries and whipped cream in the fridge, sprinkles in the pantry. Always prepared to celebrate an "ordinary" day.

Charlie, Andrea and Christina Loulakis and my "kid," Sarah Banks

I took photos of many of the kids and one wanted me to take a photo of me. I'm always camera shy. I wished I'd had my picture taken with him, though... because he wanted it. I've got my flaws.

I do wish everyone could have been there!

I talked to one of my very fine faces about the project in general and my book. She offered to write about her experience as a sitter, her own perspective of the project. Of course, I gladly accepted. I think this is part of the magic of the project. I have the benefit of emails and a journal entry and my own recollection of the sittings of my 100 faces. Would anyone else like to contribute to the story?

Mom and Dad (who were the hostess and host of the Ice Cream Social) -- Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You brought a lot of smiles yesterday. It was a truly amazing, wonderful day!

For everyone who came -- thank you for celebrating with me! Yea!

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

"W&OD BBQ" won 1st Place in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition that will be worn by 1200 riders in the race this day.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Fantastic Reception and Ice Cream Social

Last night's reception and today's ice cream social were absolutely fantastic. I am going to need to report on today's Ice Cream Social another day -- but that may have been my favorite event, ever. I loved it ... just need to gather more photos and thoughts for it. What I loved about it is that adults love ice cream, too ... but it's a whole lot easier to get kids to (another) art event if it features ice cream sundaes. Still, you'll have to wait for that report.

The Reception for my "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit

Getting Ready. Photo: Al Reitan

It was fantastic! The studio and gallery looked amazing  ... but more importantly, a lot of great people showed up and, I believe, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 

Ray and Chris Rollins: Faces #22 and #23. Photo: Al Reitan

The events mimic the success of the project. I am proud of myself for completing a highly challenging goal of painting 100 Faces in 100 Days. What's exciting is how tangible it is. It's hanging on the walls and replaying in my head. I see the march of days. The challenges. The rewards. I wanted to involve others in what I do -- my passion for art. They are! That happened. There's a new community ... and many of them came to Friday and Saturday's events.

I love to talk about the project, because it was a personal journey and 100 days of other people's stories. It's infinitely interesting.

These wonderful photos are courtesy of ace photographer Al Reitan. I didn't take a single shot all night! Hence, no blog post last night. Thanks, Al!

Painting in Alexandria Tomorrow

I may be a bit bleary-eyed, but I will be painting somewhere near the waterfront in Alexandria, VA tomorrow with the Art League Plein Air Painters. You will see a new painting tomorrow night.

Photo: Al Reitan

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

 

Photo: Al Reitan

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Photo: Al Reitan

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Some Russian talk in my studio area. Photo: Al Reitan

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

You're Invited!

I'm still getting ready for Friday's reception and Saturday's Ice Cream Social for my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit ... so no new paintings to show for the last two days. Sorry about that ... but consider this your big invite.

100 Faces in 100 Days by Jill Banks

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful, especially if you want some ice cream... Email me.
1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

The gallery will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 to 6:00pm throughout August. (Closed Thursday, August 11.)

I hope to see you there!

- Jill Banks

P.S. I also have about 25 other pieces on view in my studio with many of the latest to come off the easel. Lots to see!

More on the Calendar:

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

Come see the 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00pm: Reception/Awards for 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League.

Friday, August 12, 6:00-9:00pm: Reception, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm: Ice Cream Social, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Morning At Starbucks" Painting in Alexandria Today

"Morning At Starbucks," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

This was a wonderful, long day ... that reminded me just how much I love the Art League and being in Alexandria, VA. (And how much I dislike the drive to and from.)

Painting in Old Town Alexandria
I was committed to painting this morning with the Art League Plein Air Painters group ... which grew from my last outing. Today was not our official Painting on the Waterfront day (that's next Sunday) so we could pick our spots in and around the area. First criteria to be met for a spot is plenty of shade. I set up in the arcade, across from Starbucks -- and chose the only town view vs. boat view in the group. Back when I was taking classes there regularly, that was my spot for a snack or discussions after class. It's part of the ritual of being there.

The people in the scene streamed in and out. I tried painting a few dogs, puppies actually. You can imagine how that went. I sketched in two of these ladies while they were there. I'd been concentrating on the brick and mortar stuff for awhile ... figuring I'd add in people after I had a base for the rest of the painting.

I still may touch this one up here and there. So not quite done.

Company
I had plenty of company and lots of people enthusiastic that I was there ... enjoying watching a bit ... and admiring the painting. I'd hear all the conversations behind me, like a young girl prodding her parents and brothers to ask me what I was painting. The rest of her clan pointed to the different parts, but I still think she wanted to hear it from me.

An art collector and his wife wanted to have their pictures taken with me. I'm sure their camera people (there were several) have now surmised that being photogenic is not my strong suit.

Old Friends
In addition to my painting group, I ran into Jin Chung, a friend of mine from Danni Dawson and Rob Liberace's classes -- who now teaches at the Art League.

The most exciting part of my day came at the end. I went into the Art League to pick up my painting that didn't make it into the 'Scapes show (you can submit two, but only one can be accepted). I took the opportunity to look around and ran into a couple looking at work in the gallery where my painting was hanging. I realized it was Susan O'Neill (and her husband)-- one of my favorite people and great friend from Rob and Danni's class. She's one of those people who just make you happy the second you see her. Susan was the person who I parked my easel behind so I could figure out how to paint.

She moved to Naples, Italy a year after I met her and the last time I saw Susan was in Florence, Italy when her now six-year-old son was six months' old.

Calendar:

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merritt Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.
Open hours for August, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 - 6:00pm, perhaps with some exceptions. Check my web site for the latest info.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00pm: Reception/Awards for 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League.

Friday, August 12, 6:00-9:00pm: Reception, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm: Ice Cream Social, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

NEW! Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Studio Clean-Up and Contemplation

Working on the Studio

My main studio wall with new and old favorites. My plein air pieces are to the right.

Today I forwent painting for odds and ends. I spent a good part of my day up on a ladder adding names and numbers to each of my 100 ... and as you can see quite a few of my faces are way up high. More ladder time to touch up paint so you see my faces instead of the smudge on the wall. More ladder time to put up the very nifty vinyl lettering for the show (that I order from www.mrletter.com). I sorted through pieces to come home for awhile. And I mulled -- way too much -- about my studio wall. There's another wall to sort out. Randy and I have a plan ... but I forgot to order a frame. Oops.

"Sweet Temptation Cupcakes" and "Impossibly Pink Peonies"

So, one big wall and a mini wall look good. I promise to straighten the pieces up before next week. And, I'll be concentrating on how to best present the stories that accompany each sitting. It's tricky.

Tomorrow I head to Alexandria in the morning to paint with some members of the Art League Plein Air Painters. I can't wait!!!!! This isn't the official "Waterfront Activation" weekend so we will spread out a bit more. I want more practice so I can eventually hold my head up high when out there painting with nature in control. And, tomorrow I'll be donning a new hat that my mom bought for me for the occasion.

I've heard some wonderful comments, too, about my painting that's in the Art League show, "A New York State Of Mind." I appreciate it! If you have a chance to get to the gallery this month, please take a look. A picture doesn't even come close to what it's like to see the piece in person.

The "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
If you want me to have enough ice cream for you, an RSVP is helpful. Email me.
The exhibit runs through August 31. Open hours are Wednesday through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm throughout the month.
1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066.

This whole project has been social to say the least. Come just find out about it. If you've already seen the exhibit, come again anyway.  Stay as long as you want. Come as you are. I just want to see your smiling faces.

Calendar:

Sunday, August 7: Painting around Old Town Alexandria with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, somewhere shady near the Torpedo Factory, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.
Open hours for August, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 - 6:00pm, perhaps with some exceptions. Check my web site for the latest info.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00pm: Reception/Awards for 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League.

Friday, August 12, 6:00-9:00pm: Reception, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm: Ice Cream Social, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

NEW! Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

So Whose Idea Were These Polka Dots?

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," oil on Raymar panel, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

It seems the more I have to do, the less I do. The pile is piling. I'm sure I'll have my act together in a week, for the 100 Faces in 100 Days reception on Friday, August 12, 6-9pm  and Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm (at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA)... but it would be nice to have it together right now.

My two big issues (at the moment) are signage for the show and making my studio space look great. I'm sure I'm overcomplicating both tasks. Maybe I should look at the problem abstractly ... as I tell my students to do when they are faced with a complex subject. I stress simplify, simplify, simplify. So all I have to do is take my own advice.

For my studio space, I have many new pieces that I want on view. My 100 Faces show spilled out to part of my studio wall so there's less wall space for displaying additional work. Okay. More than you want to know.

Today I worked on painting my fifth (of nine) Beanie baby. The choice for the day was an ostrich, in honor of my niece's birthday (yesterday). In the morning, I watched a video that my brother Scott put together for Megan's birthday with photos of her growing up and as a mom today. Megan's favorite creature as a young girl was an ostrich. (At least, that's what I recall.) She even had a run-in with an ostrich-ish sort of bird on a round-the-world adventure as a young woman. So, Happy Belated Birthday Megan with an Ostrich in your honor.

I do plan to have the Beanie Baby paintings on view this month at the Atelier. That's one decision down.

Coming Up and Current:

Sunday, August 7: Painting around Old Town Alexandria with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, somewhere shady near the Torpedo Factory, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.
Open hours for August, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 - 6:00pm, perhaps with some exceptions. Check my web site for the latest info.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00pm: Reception/Awards for 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League.

Friday, August 12, 6:00-9:00pm: Reception, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm: Ice Cream Social, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

NEW! Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Back To "London Times" Rainy Street Scene

"London Times," 24"h x 36"w, oil on linen, ©Jill Banks 2011

I really enjoyed coming back to this painting ... of the rainy street in Covent Garden from Randy and my April trip to London. This was "the moment" from the evening with incredible reflections of the lights on pavement. While painting it, I've been thinking about a very nice meal we ate outside under the awning at Spaghetti House near the end of our journey.  For almost our whole trip, there was sunshine. I figured that I could rely on London to provide some wet streets. Perhaps the sunny weather was meant to make us go back another time.

Go to my web site gallery page and click on the Places Gallery to see more of my street and restaurant scenes from Italy, New York, Maryland, California and Virginia.

I'm still using a really limited palette, a la Kevin MacPherson's landscape sketch colors. I see it unifying the grays of the street, helping me to simplify the scene.

I put up two posts today. The first was "In the News" that has a listing of upcoming/current events for August. I hope to see you at some of those!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

In the News

I'm going to be painting today. That's a promise. So you will see something new here later today.

I sent off a "test run" of a book on my "100 Faces in 100 Days" to the printer. This is really a check for image quality ... without much of the text I want to include ... but even that much has been testing my endurance on the computer. I so much wanted to be in front of an easel instead.

In the News

On page 10 of the Great Falls Connection, August 3 edition, there's news of my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit, with the Reception on Friday, August 12, 6-9pm  and Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G (upstairs) in Great Falls, VA.

And in the Herndon Connection, July 3 edition, page 7, there's news of my "W&OD BBQ" winning First Place in the 2011 Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition.

  

Open hours for the "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit at the Atelier are Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12:30pm to 6:00pm and other times by appointment. Come, stop in, enjoy the show. I'll be there today.

Coming Up and Current:

Sunday, August 7: Painting around Old Town Alexandria with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, somewhere shady near the Torpedo Factory, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.
Open hours for August, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 - 6:00pm, perhaps with some exceptions. Check my web site for the latest info.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00pm: Reception/Awards for 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League.

Friday, August 12, 6:00-9:00pm: Reception, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm: Ice Cream Social, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

NEW! Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"A New York State of Mind" Wins Honorable Mention and Show's Up!

Phew!

Hanging my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit was rough. More so for Randy ... but the two of us were a sorry lot last night leaving the Atelier to head home. I didn't end up with photos of Randy taking a nap because he was actively working for six hours straight. He's a very precise kind of guy. That comes in handy in his profession (he's a home builder) and hanging exhibits. Each face is carefully placed on its panel and each panel lines up its neighbors.

I need to tackle signage and other stuff -- I guess tonight -- and I'll have a show. And, I (desperately) need to spiff up my studio space with new work. It means a trip to the framer to get mats/frames for drawings and odd-sized work and matching work to frames for a delivery coming tomorrow for others.

I will be holding regular, extended open hours at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, in Great Falls. Stop by Wednesday through Saturday, 12:30 to 6:00pm or by appointment. Note: I may not make it in on Wednesday, August 3. My computer is holding me captive. (Email me.)

Photos coming. I'm still not ready.

"A New York State of Mind," 40"h x 30"w, oil on linen, ©Jill Banks 2011

"A New York State of Mind" Wins Honorable Mention

So Randy's braving entering my work in the Annual 'Scapes Show at the Art League was worth it. He said that yesterday was a zoo. "A New York State of Mind" is large - 40" x 30" plus frame ... and he had to carry it and another rather large, also heavy piece, two blocks for receiving.

The 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League is its most popular -- with visitors and Art League members. It runs from August 3 to September 5 in the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria (in the Torpedo Factory). "A New York State of Mind" won an Honorable Mention from juror, Sarah Tanguy, independent curator and critic, as well as a curator for Art in Embassies (AIE), US Department of State, based in Washington, DC. An opening/awards reception is on Thursday, August 11, 6:30 to 8:00pm with awards presented at 7:30pm.

Coming Up and Current:

Sunday, August 7: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.


August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.


Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00pm: Reception/Awards for 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League.

Friday, August 12, 6:00-9:00pm: Reception, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!


Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm: Ice Cream Social, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

NEW! Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

August 26-August 29: Four-day intensive, still life workshop: "A Painting A Day" offered through the Great Falls School of Art. Space is limited. Details coming soon on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Rainy Day in NYC" on the Washington Post's Arts Post

August is the month for the Art League's most popular exhibit ... the 'Scapes show. Randy's en route this morning to put in my entries for the 2011 'Scapes exhibit. (So I get more time to sit at the computer.)

Last year, my "Rainy Day in NYC" won Best in Show ... and because of that honor, the painting is reappearing in the local art news promoting this year's exhibit. It appears in the Art League's July and August newsletters and Erica Fortwengler, Communications Director of the Art League sent me an email that it was published in the Washington Post's online ArtsPost.

Read the full ArtsPost

This afternoon, Randy and I hang my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, in Great Falls. It will be interesting to see how they fit in the gallery. I strongly suspect that Face #27 (husband Randy) will be seen taking a nap -- out of frustration/exhaustion -- from my almost guaranteed indecisiveness. See? I can't even fully decide if I'm going to be indecisive.

Wish us both luck.

Painting on the waterfront. Photo by Megan Fox.

I'll be back with photos.

Coming up:

Sunday, August 7: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

NEW! Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

August 26-August 29: Four-day intensive, still life workshop: "A Painting A Day" offered through the Great Falls School of Art. Space is limited. Details coming soon on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435