"Chickens!" Painting Finished

"Chickens!," oil on Raymar panel, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

I figured the title of my post would make husband Randy happy. With so many unfinished paintings, those with the stamp of approval as finished are a relief to both of us.

The subjects of "Chickens!" are one of the roosters and many of the hens from Kidwell Farm in Herndon, VA. Group dynamics is the hen house are really fun to watch. All the characters are moving -- constantly -- and they pay attention to each other while pretending not to notice. My goal was to capture their movement and relationships.

The earlier version of "Chickens!"

The changes aren't that drastic from the last time I showed this to you -- but it did take me another eight hours of work to get to this spot.

See more of my Feathered and Furry Friends Series on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

So, this is what I was up to yesterday.

Today, I was drawing the main compositional sketch for a portrait commission. Time to show it to the client.

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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Out for a Walk

"Dining Alfresco," 24"h x 20"w, oil

After working on sketches for a portrait commission all morning today ... and lots of work yesterday ... I needed a break. Unless I'm painting, I go a bit nuts.

So, Randy and I went for a good long walk. It helped. Different muscles employed. Different view.

And, since I wasn't painting to create anything new for you to see ... Why not put up some of my paintings depicting people out for a walk? Here are a few of my "strollers."

Momentarily, we're going out to the movies ... to see "The Artist." Doing something different twice in one day.

"London Times," 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

"A New York State of Mind," 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2011, private collection

"Caffe Bar," 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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"The Poker Club" Continued

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

I have no idea how many days of painting on this one ... today is. But, it was fun. There's such a difference between the first hour or two in a painting session and the rest of them. Perhaps I'll never figure out why. Too bad I can't "start" with those two hours behind me.

I was working on the left third of the painting today. Sorry to those on the right. Soon.

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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Late for Class and Last Night's Portrait Sketch

Happy Valentine's Day!

Oops

At least THEY were on time

This morning, I was snoozing away at fifteen minutes until the start of class. That's not good since I really needed some time to get ready, ten minutes travel and an hour to set up the room. I arrived at 10:04 (for a 10am class). Fortunately, I've got an understanding, helpful, super group of students. No one made me pay for the blunder. Or at least, not too much.

Today was a step back from painting whole, complicated set-ups ... with a set of exercises painting single objects in a simplified manner on a piece of unstretched canvas. When the canvas isn't so precious (that big white surface that cost $x) and you consider something an exercise vs. your next masterpiece, pressure eases and ... there's a better chance that you'll paint boldly. (Bold is better.) The class divided up their 12"h x 12"w scrap of canvas into four 6"x6"s and created a colored sketch in each quadrant. (Okay, I should have a picture for this.) They practiced with each mini sketch ... simplifying the form, color mixing, values, paint handling ... and I could talk to them about each of those parts -- all important pieces of the puzzle of painting. These were good exercises to focus them ... and to focus me. I hope they paint hundreds more. There's a lesson in every one.

Why I Was Late

"Color Study" #1

Last night I was painting the first of three studies for a family portrait commission -- after teaching Monday's class. Despite the lack of posts, I've been going full steam ahead for the last two weeks. So I was tired before getting started. But, not as tired as I apparently was this morning.

This was meant to be a color study so that I'd know the true skin colors of my subject for a finished oil portrait that would be painted from charcoal sketches and photo references. Once that paintbrush got into my hand, though, I couldn't stop and it turned into much more than a color study ... and more of a ... portrait.

Sometimes, It All Works

My husband Randy was as impressed as I was with last night's unintended color-study-turned-into-portrait result. I may not be as "lucky" with color studies of the next two members of the family but that's not the point. (Remind me.) The color studies are a reference for me. (I want to know what the face, hair and clothing colors are in the light and shadows -- information that photos will not convey.) The real work and pressure -- comes later when I am painting the whole family portrait as a finished piece.

Just getting started. That's me in the smock.

Doing these charcoal and oil sketches on site is a good way of involving my clients in the process of developing their portrait. We share in the fun of watching it develop and I get to spend more time capturing life with it right in front of me. Once I move to a large canvas, I'll take those pieces -- the color studies/oil sketches and charcoal compositional sketches along with some photos and  objects -- and work rather endlessly on painting alone in my studio. Hopefully, these beginning stages -- spent together -- will play over and over again in my head once facing that big, white stretched canvas in the studio. That's the plan.

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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Reprisal: "A Dozen Roses"

"A Dozen Roses."oil on linen, 12"h x 9"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

In just a few minutes I'll be dashing off to start work on a new commission ... but since I haven't posted for two days I had to write something. This morning/afternoon I was volunteering at the Art League, hanging umpteen paintings for their Patron's Show Fundraiser on February 19. I wasn't great with the hammer, but I did it anyway ... and I was good at finding the right painting to fit a space. It was fun to be down there, but hard work (I'll be sore tomorrow) and I didn't have time to look around much.

Got to go ... but here is a painting in honor of Valentine's Day ahead. "A Dozen Roses" is available ...

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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Rome Days: "Trevi Fountain" Work In Progress

"Trevi Fountain: work in progress, oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

It seems that my heart and head have been traveling back to Rome in the last few days. (Except I'm in Virginia.) The Trevi Fountain is one of the first spots Randy and I visited during our 2010 trip to Rome ... and it was difficult to get much of a view ... with its pile-up of people who obviously wanted to do the same thing there. I sketched (not too well) sitting around the fountain. It always takes me a few tries to warm up to sketching during travel days since I paint almost all the time I spend at home. (The switch between mediums is difficult.) It doesn't matter, though. It's not about the results as much as taking the time to get to know a place. To experience it.

Patrons' Show at the Art League

"Open Life," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

The Patrons' Show, the Art League's major fundraiser for the year is coming up ... and I donated "Open Life" for the Luck of the Draw event. On Thursday, I'll (hopefully) help hang some of the show. I say hopefully because I can't just point and say where I'd like a piece to hang. I think they expect their volunteers to possess some measuring and hammering skills. Check the Art League's web site for more information about this blockbuster event.

On Exhibit:

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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"Chickens!" Painting

"Chickens!", oil, 16"h x 20"w , ©Jill Banks 2012

I started this one yesterday and worked on it more this morning. Many of these characters will look familiar from "Barn Dance" -- one of my favorite paintings of 2011. This is from another visit to Kidwell Farm, part of Frying Pan Park. During this weekend's workshop we were working from photos ... and while I'd prefer to do anything but ... when painting something familiar, the photos blur and subjects come to life.

The real challenge for this painting will be how to frame it ... since it frames itself somewhat.

I'm waiting to decide whether I want to add the chicken wire to the front of the chicken coop. I kind of like a clear view into life as a chicken. Hmmm.

Tomorrow I turn up for the fourth day in a row at the classroom in Great Falls at 10am ... this time as the teacher. On Tuesday, it will be the fifth day in a row. Why not put in a cot?

On Exhibit:

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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"Spanish Steps" Painting In Progress

"Spanish Steps" work in progress, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

There were a lot of "highlight" days in Rome ... lots of favorites ... but one of them was when Randy and I made the trek to the Spanish Steps. Perhaps I should watch more movies because the trip there and the sight was brand new to me. There should have been a musical score as we walked down the avenue lined with shops catering to a group of people I've never encountered. We went into a gallery with astounding art, a fantastic figure painter. It seemed as if everyone was heading in one direction. Toward the Spanish Steps. A one-way street for pedestrians?

Once there, it was teeming with people. We walked to the top and went in a humble church to see one more Caravaggio. That's part of what I love about Italy. Works of art are everywhere. They envelop you ... no matter who you are.

I'm working here ... about a year and a half later from a photograph and a memory. I remember the glow and my joy at being there. Another reason why I love Italy is that people gather there. Public spaces overflow with life. The more the merrier.

I've been in Armand Cabrera's three-day workshop today and yesterday. Tomorrow's day three. I'm enjoying not being the teacher (although I like that, too). I've taken very few workshops in the last few years ... just because eventually you have a good base of knowledge and what you do need to learn can be gleaned in different ways. Today, Armand gave his second demo and it was great to see a beautiful landscape painting develop. In working plein air, this new adventure I embarked on this past year, I find I proceed in too rushed a manner. The paint gets crazy and I lose control over the cleanliness of my colors, edges, etc. Here we are in a studio/classroom setting with photos that aren't changing every second or two ... and it's less fun but a good base to build on for future outdoor endeavors.

You'll see more tomorrow.


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 through February 6. Take a look!

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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"Contrapposto" Juried Into Salon International 2012 and Wet Paint!

"Contrapposto," oil on linen, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks

Today I found out that my painting "Contrapposto" was juried into Salon International, an exhibit sponsored by Greenhouse Gallery (San Antonio, Texas) and the International Museum of Contemporary Masters. The jurying is done from online entries by the gallery owners and staff. This is my third year having work accepted into the show. Work will then be juried for award by Edward Minoff after the show has been hung. Last year, "Tranquility" won an Honorable Mention of Artistic Excellence in Salon International 2011.  We'll see what happens this year.

"Contrapposto" is an Italian term for the Greek sculpture scheme of having the model stand with the weight on one leg which causes the hips, shoulder and head to tilt ... suggesting a more relaxed, natural posture.

It's always interesting selecting work to submit for such shows. Since this is my third time in -- I've gotten a pretty good sense for what is appealing to the Greenhouse Gallery selection jurors. For some shows the selection jurors change from year to year. In those cases, it's just the luck of the draw. For others, like Salon International, the selection jurors stay the same and the awards jurors change. If they liked my work one year, they will probably like it the next. Of course, I don't know what the other work submitted is from year to year. There were many of my 100 Faces in 100 Days that I believe they would have loved ... and "Miriam in Her Gray Beret" but work needed to be for sale ... and none of those are ... so, no.

"Classical Painting Atelier," oil, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Wet Paint! New Exhibit at the Artists' Atelier
There's a new show hanging in the Artists' Atelier Gallery (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) -- "Wet Paint!" of Atelier artists latest work. My two entries definitely qualify. I painted on both of them just three days ago. The studio is open tomorrow (Saturday, February 4) from noon-4pm. Come take a look! I'm participating in a three-day workshop in the school one floor down so it's unlikely you'll see me. But, that shouldn't stop you.

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

My two pieces in the exhibit are "Classical Painting Atelier" and "Drama Queens" -- my two latest still life paintings. Remember I told you I was really inspired to paint all sorts of things? I am interested in trying some new still life ideas and Tuesday, after teaching class -- I went fabric shopping for a backdrop and bought another sculpture stand to change around my home studio still life setup. None of these activities has resulted in any new paintings -- yet. But the stage is getting set. The fabrics I bought are gorgeous. I can't wait!

That's exactly the way I want to feel before embarking on any new art adventure. It bodes well.

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 through February 6. Take a look!

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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
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Upper 60s and More Fun on the Farm

"Peacock Sketch," 12"h x 16"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2012

February 1 and the temps were 66 or 67℉ in Virginia. Time to head back to the farm (Kidwell Farm, Herndon, VA -- part of Frying Pan Park) for LOTS of fun painting.

Kidwell Farm, on all the sunny days I've visited, is filled with tots and parents and some neighbors out for a stroll. It's a place where you can't help but enjoy yourself. Each time I go, before unloading my easel and considerable gear, I walk around to see what wants to be painted. Today, some ancient horses were out of the barn -- muddy and long-haired. I thought about painting them.

The roosters and hens were hooting and hollering. More contenders.

A big pig was out but I thought I might faint if I set up too close there.

"Kidwell Farm Sketch," oil, 11"h x 14"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

My first set-up was to return to painting a peacock. I started this sketch about a month ago ... but found Mr. Peacock particularly difficult to paint. He spends a lot of time cleaning his considerable feathers. Most of today he was turned the opposite direction of the way he appeared on my painting. I was trying to pretend I was a mirror. Interesting computations going on. This is still a sketch. I may start a studio painting based on this -- for color -- and some photo references. Maybe.

I painted the milk cow. You may see her later.

And, I painted the path back to the parking lot. From the same spot where I was attempting the milk cow.

Tomorrow, we're hanging a new exhibit at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA), "Wet Paint." So, I spent the day -- today -- appropriately.

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
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