"Classical Painting Atelier" Still Life in Progress

"Classical Painting Atelier" wip, oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

The name might change ... and there's more work to do ... but this started as today's demo for the first day of Still Life class. I definitely didn't get this far with an audience. It's a case of biting off more than you can chew. Or something like that. Too large. Too many elements. Too much fun and other stuff to cover to get it in respectable shape during class.

When my students realized that there wasn't any way they were going to see it come together, they asked me to finish (or more fully develop) one part. I chose concentrating on the book in the scene, "Classical Painting Atelier" by Juliette Aristedes. As they watched me paint the portrait on the book cover, I wasn't hearing overwhelming praise. I won't repeat any of the comments.

I think it's just fine ... and I like the introduction of a dark and portrait elements with the book. If I developed it more it would jump forward in the scene. Not what I'd want.

In addition to liking it as an object, the book tells a story about the painting. It's pulled from the classroom library. It places all those gourds and brussel sprouts at the scene.

That's enough for this post. It's been a long day.

Oscar Haynes as my Face #13 for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Tomorrow is Oscar Haynes birthday. Happy Birthday, Oscar!

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

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

Alla Prima Portrait of "Miriam in Her Gray Beret"

"Miriam in Her Gray Beret," oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

For the first day of my portrait class -- demo day -- I had the great opportunity to paint almost-nine-year-old Miriam. Miriam was excited to get her first real job, but I think I was even more excited to get the chance to have her sit for me. Or maybe it was a toss up.

This is an alla prima, painted all in one sitting, portrait -- worked wet into wet. Painting in this method offers spontaneity, or freshness to the work. Perfect for capturing an almost nine-year-old.

Miriam sat super still and I imagine that there were some awfully long stretches between breaks ... because it was too much fun painting her to also keep track of the time. Her snacks came in a cute pink lunch bag. One snack was a waffle -- and her mom remarked  ...  "Well, she was born in Belgium."

There are always a lot of funny comments, good stories and laughter in the class ... it's just a great group. I imagine that Miriam had some tales to tell tonight at the dinner table. One of the extra treats for being our model.

Thanks, Miriam, for making our day!

And, as always after the first day of class, I'm a little beat. Time to take it easy. The first day of still life class is tomorrow. 

Close-Up of "Miriam in Her Gray Beret"

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

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

Back to the "The Poker Club"

"The Poker Club" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

My agenda for the day ... including putting together two new additional easels for classes that start this Monday and attending fellow studiomate Terri Parent's reception for her "Multiples" exhibit ... was to spend some enjoyable hours continuing painting on "The Poker Club." When I do get done with this (I still have a good way to go), I'm going to miss it. In some strange way, I find I build a relationship, or just enjoy, the opportunity to work on some paintings. When I've finished a piece, I don't get to go back to it any more. I'm no longer figuring out what to do next.

There's an excitement joy in watching it develop and satisfaction when it's complete. Two different things.

Tomorrow's a funny day ... with a meeting, hopefully a date lunch/brunch with my husband, and a reception for the "Quilts" show at Herndon ArtSpace. And... getting ready for the first week of classes. Lately, I've been spending lots of time toting my paints and gear from place to place (like my parents' condo, my studio in Great Falls, my home studio, and Kidwell Farm). My painting "luggage" has fallen to an all-time low. Most of it is now in a slippery, huge, black, heavy-duty trash bag. I'm going to need to pull a fast switcheroo before the first days of classes (this Monday and Tuesday) ... or I fear that my students will be less than impressed. Time to look serious.

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

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

"Drama Queens" Still Life Painting Today

"Drama Queens," oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

This is a continuation of a painting I started early last year while I was in the throes of my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. I'd been given tulips as a peace offering from one of my reluctant sitters. Somebody in the house ate the bananas. The tulips died waiting for me to have enough extra energy to finish. But, I loved the reflection of the tulips in the kitchen window. So, here it is ... scene recreated ... painted at night with some very close cousins of the original subjects.

It was great fun. And, like an Alfred Hitchcock movie, I've let my own personal imprint somewhere. Did you find me?

Earlier today, I did a little bit of updating to my web site ... adding two of my recent animal paintings to the Animal, Birds and Wildlife Gallery.

This is my second post of the day. Be sure to check out the "Student Exhibit Makes the Cover of the Connection" post, too.

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

Student Exhibit Makes the Cover of the Connection

Great Falls Connection, January 11, 2012 edition

 I'm posting this on Friday ... but wrote it yesterday. Believe it or not ... I cooked a great dinner last night and totally forgot about hitting the button to publish. I hope that's not a sign of things to come.

So, from Thursday (Yesterday):

The Great Falls Connection celebrated last Saturday's Awards Reception of the Great Falls School of Art with a cover article written and photographed by reporter Alex McVeigh. Very cool! For a short time (one week), you can download a PDF version of this issue to read the full article and enjoy the nice view of this month's exhibit at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA). (Under print editions online, click on Great Falls to download the PDF)

There were over 50 entries for the exhibit which was juried for awards by award-winning Great Falls lithographer, Will Tuthill -- who took one-and-a-half hours to select the winning work. The cover of the Great Falls Connection shows Begoña Morton accepting her second place award in the adult category for her painting "Nautilus." I still need to take photos of each selected work ... but I've not been able to find the time yet. Funny. That keeps happening.

Next Monday and Tuesday, my Winter classes begin. I can tell it's going to be a wonderful term -- with returning star students and new stars to be. My classes are full but I do have a wait list for the Still Life class. Who knows, something might happen with that...
Take a look at the roster of classes and workshops at www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org and download a Winter bulletin. There are January photography/photoshop workshops by Sarah and Jeff Burton and a "Honing Your Craft" painting workshop coming up taught by Armand Cabrera on February 3, 4 and 5.

Yesterday, I spent my last day painting "The Gin Game" on site in my parent's condo. I'll still be tweaking it in the studio ... but it's time for my easel to exit their kitchen. It was great fun to paint the two of them and hang out for so many days. They never want to stop playing ... which makes them awfully patient models.

You'll see the final results in the next week or so. At least, so I think.

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

 

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

Paint a "Peacock Blue" Today

"Peacock Blue," oil on Raymar panel, 24"h x 18"w, © Jill Banks 2012

Quick, late post. I was having troubles ... for the last three days with a painting I was trying to bring to completion. My solution for today was to paint something completely different ... a peacock I tried to paint from life last week. So, I had the urge to paint him. I'd tried it from life and observed the guy. I tackled it again from a photo and those memory cells. This is one cool dude. Thinks he's handsome, too.

I may show you the sketch from life sometime soon. Or ... I may head back to the farm, when this has dried and see how I should adjust it. The peacock has the answers, I bet.

"Peacock Blue" is part of my Feathered and Furry Friends series. Some favorites. See my web site for others and this blog for my "Here's Looking at You, Kid" -- of a goat from the same farm -- Kidwell Farm, part of Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA.

Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

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

And the Awards Go To...

Last night was the Awards and Opening Reception for the Great Falls School of Art Exhibit ... and ever since hanging the show, I've been very glad that I wasn't the one to choose the winners. The exhibit is terrific ... and each piece is award-worthy. 2011 was a year of accomplishment and the evidence is hanging in the gallery. Come see it during Open Hours, Saturdays, noon to 4pm at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

I'll add more photos of the winning entries later today ... after I get some painting time in the studio.

Adult Category

Jill (me, left) and Lori Wiseman (right) next to her First Prize winning portrait "Green Scarf"

1st)  Lori Wiseman, "Green Scarf"

2nd)  Begoña Morton, "Nautilus"

3rd)  Mary Beth Gaiarin, "Persimmons and Copper Pot"

Honorable Mention

Begoña Morton, "Portrait of Livia"

Begoña Morton under "Nautilus" (top)

Begoña Morton, "Message Bottles"

Nancy Keane, "Ahmed's Pitcher"

Youth Category

1st)  Delaney Jones, "High Tech Girl"

2nd)  Victoria Wang, "Human Eye Profile"

3rd)  Katie Ledford, "Carly"

Honorable Mention

Cormac Goodwin, "Hen"

Amrita Sahu, "Cat Mask"

Congratulations to All of You!

Nancy Keane (right)  with Me (left) under "Ahmed's Pitcher" (top right)

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

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

Great Falls School of Art Exhibit at the Artists' Atelier Gallery and More...

Part of the Great Falls School of Art Student Show

Yesterday was receiving day for the Great Falls School of Art Student Show. Paintings and drawings kept pouring in ... and it was great to see them all together. Especially since I'd seen so many of the pieces develop in class. There's a big change, too, between last year and this. The work keeps getting better and better. I guess that's what is supposed to happen. Yet it's fun and rewarding to see all the students' hard work paying off.

Come join us for the Opening and Awards Reception this Saturday, January 7, 5 to 8pm in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. The show is being juried for awards by Great Falls master lithographer Will Tuthill. Awards in both youth and adult categories will be presented around 6pm on Saturday.

Another view of the Student Exhibit

"The Gin Game" Continued
Today I worked more on "The Gin Game" -- a portrait of my Mom and Dad. It's almost there! One more day, I think, to increase contrast and put together some finishing touches.

Oh, I did find out that the 2011 year of gin games ended with my Dad ... very slightly ahead.

"The Gin Game" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!



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

"The Poker Club" Continued

"The Poker Club" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011-2012

Today, I just relished having the opportunity to PAINT.

I returned to "The Poker Club" painting. Specifically, the right side of it. So, if it seems like two paintings at the moment ... split about down the middle ... there's a reason. The canvas is too large to address all of it at once. And, the right side of the subject of the painting was the most difficult to view while I was painting it live. I peer around the left side of my canvas ... and to look at the poker players on the right and then walk over to the right side to aim my paintbrush was hard work.

Anyway, here it is so far.

"Dining Alfresco," oil, 24"h x 20"w by Jill Banks at the  Art League

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

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

"Arf" Beanie Baby #10 Painting Today ... And a Delay

Quick post because I'm running ... yet again to the Art League to put in two pieces for jurying for the January show.

So, "Arf" is my first painting of 2012. My resolutions, et al, will have to wait for yet another day. By the way, the photo is pretty sad. A function of very wet paint and night light.

"Arf" Beanie Baby #10, oil on Raymar panel, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2012