Working on "The Spanish Steps"

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

Quick post ... because it's time to rest. Although this one was proclaimed finished, I wanted to return to "The Spanish Steps" -- a view of Rome -- before including this one in my upcoming solo show. Despite efforts, today was not tremendously productive, thus, among other things, I'll have to return to this to REALLY finish it. (But it is prettier tonight than it was this morning. That's good, right?)

The best laid plans...

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX.  “Contrapposto”

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Sunset in NYC" Continues: Scene from the Shower

"Sunset in NYC" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Last night we got back from a weekend trip to San Antonio to attend the Salon International awards dinner and opening reception. The show is absolutely fantastic. I had the chance to meet and get to know a little some outstanding artists from across the country. At the awards reception, my question of where the art hotspot is in Texas was met with a unanimous response: Fredericksburg. Armed with a hand-drawn map and a list of galleries that were must-sees, (husband) Randy and I headed to Fredericksburg on Saturday for a full day of gallery-hopping. What we saw were fantastic galleries filled with work by many of the top realist artists in the country. It was truly an inspiring trip ... seeing the Salon International exhibit, meeting many artists to possibly paint and show with, and visiting the galleries in Fredericksburg, TX.

These are busy days, but I'll try to share more of the highlights in a later post.

This afternoon, after class, I returned to the painting of a NYC skyline, "Sunset in NYC" that was started in the floor-to-ceiling-glassed shower at my hotel in Soho. Each time I've worked at in the studio, the sunlight streams in from the window falling across the canvas, lighting my rendition of sunset. It's pretty extraordinary. Obviously, there's more work to do.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX.  “Contrapposto”

See "Classical Painting Atelier" in the April Art League Exhibit

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Peacock Blue"

"Peacock Blue," oil, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

While Greg Staley was photographing my studiomates and other Great Falls artists' work yesterday, I was busy putting last hour touches (yes, not last minute) on "The Poker Club" and after that, "Peacock Blue." Good thing he had plenty of work to shoot.

I painted a different sketch of this peacock on site at Kidwell Farm (part of Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA). That sketch included the tail feathers but the bird was in constant motion and never seemed to offer the same view twice. Two separate attempts and that one's almost a painting.

In working on that sketch, what stood out was the peacock's feather on the top of his head as it emerged in the light. Since the tailfeathers demand so much attention, I'd never noticed the rest of the bird.

Today hasn't been a painting or sketching day.  Instead, I'm in San Antonio to attend the reception for Salon International at the Greenhouse Gallery.

So far, though, we enjoyed a very nice Mexican lunch, a walk along obstacle-course like sidewalks. If you spend too much time gazing at the scenery (gorgeous doors and unusual architecture), you're likely to be looking at it from the ground. Hopefully, I'll capture some sketches around town tomorrow.

See more work from my Feathered and Furry Friends Series on the Gallery page of my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

See "Classical Painting Atelier" in the April Art League Exhibit

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"The Poker Club"

"The Poker Club," oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Today was a scheduled, have Greg Staley photograph our art day at the Artist's Atelier (the studio I share with 12 other artists). Because this was on the calendar, and the fact my show "Out & About" is just around the corner, I've been painting like mad. Yesterday was marathon, elbows in paint day. My goal was to finish "The Poker Club."

It was interesting and productive to put in one long session to finish. I moved from face to face, and grew to be happy with my poker players, one by one, although I'd spent days on each before. In a shorter session, there wouldn't have been the opportunity to work on multiple subjects. This was the right way to pull it all together.

I'd started this painting last Fall when seven members of my dad's poker club agreed to two special poker sessions to let me paint them. Four of these seven members had sat for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project last year and part of the conversations we had revolved around the poker club. What was intriguing to me is how important these Wednesday night gatherings were to them.  It seemed to me that I could witness the dynamics of male friendships just by showing up.

This is a guys only poker club, and that also made me want to come paint and listen. Wearing a smock and holding a paintbrush gained me admittance. What I hoped for was a glimpse into a world that wasn't my own. My dad messed with that a little on me when he insisted on a few rules for my painting nights. The worst was "no swearing" which probably made them considerably quieter and definitely mindful that I was in the room. (I'm pretty sure I could have handled it.)

Thanks to Dad, Russ, Walt, Pepper, Wade, Stan and Frank for letting me paint you!

"The Poker Club" will be included in my solo show "Out & About" in May at Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. A reception is on Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

See "Classical Painting Atelier" in the April Art League Exhibit

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Hilton Head Happy Hour" Post-Finish

"Hilton Head Happy Hour," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

I guess one never knows when it's done. After the proclamation, it's finished ... this painting became my project of the day. (After teaching class.) Now it's done???...

(Sorry for the poor photo. I was in a hurry.)

Tonight, I have potential still lifes for tomorrow's class spread out all over the house. A brainstorm would be good. 

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

See "Classical Painting Atelier" in the April Art League Exhibit

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"The Poker Club" Continued

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

I've lost track of how many days have been spent on this painting ... and that's a pretty good sign that it's been many. The deadline for completion approaches, as it is one of those twelve canvases planned for my May solo show "Out & About." With so much time invested, the pressure builds to get it all right. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm hoping to finish it with two more days invested...

Today's work added a smile to one of the players in my dad's Poker Club. I generally try to avoid teeth at all costs ... but one of the reasons for tackling this painting was to capture the friendships/comraderie between the Club's members. My dad, whose back is to you, tends to make it difficult to keep a straight face. There are other factors weighing in on my approach overall. Let's see where it goes from here.

Tomorrow's the second day of my portrait class. Time to see my students paint. During breaks in last week's demo, I was warned by one of my students to keep an eye on him. So that's part of the plan.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

See "Classical Painting Atelier" in the April Art League Exhibit

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Out and About" Solo Show in May

You might think there was resting going on with two days of blog silence. But no.

With a solo show right around the corner (May 1-31 at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue Irish Pub), the agenda is filled with LOTS of painting, postcard design, minor press stuff, web site work, photography, getting frame orders together, touch-ups and some planning.

This is the least "ready" I've ever felt. Okay, maybe not. Getting ready for last year's "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit was clearly more monumental. This time around, there will only be twelve canvases to sign off on instead of one hundred. There are many of those twelve, though, that need a lot of hours dedicated before they are ready to be hung.

"Sunset in NYC" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Like "Sunset in NYC" that's still a work in progress. It was the main project of the day. This is the painting started in the Soho hotel shower. Pretty great view!

Time to post ... more on the upcoming solo show "Out and About" another time.

Happy Easter and Passover.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

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

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Honey Bunny" Finished...

"Honey Bunny," oil on linen, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

This has been a fun one to continue working on ... post yesterday's demo. My classes started earlier than the rest of the teaching schedule at the Great Falls School of Art. That afforded me the luxury of having the classroom to myself. Just a rabbit, egg, carrots, lilies and me.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

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

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Honey Bunny" Still Life Painting Demo and Art Around Town

"Honey Bunny" work in progress, oil on linen, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Still Life class started today for the Spring session. Since my subject choices sway with the wind (it seems), Easter and Spring are coming to the surface. Recently, right around Easter, Randy and I have been traveling. We've spent it in Florence, Venice, Rome and London, enjoying beautiful windows in bakeries, candy and toy shops decorated for the holidays. This year finds us at home. That's a big treat, too ... watching the leaves fill up the woods with Spring green. Cherry and dogwood trees are blossoming in the neighborhood. Actually, everything is.

For demo day for the first day of class, the bunny purchased recently in Savannah took the stage. After the class left (and after lunch), I worked more on this scene. I'll have to bring the egg back into shape and work on it a bit more tomorrow. (It looked great earlier. I promise to fix it.) The lily, leaves and carrots progressed.

"Lindt Gold Bunny," 8"h x 6"w, oil

And, this painting reminded me of another ... an Easter-timed inspiration. "Lindt Gold Bunny" is a little painting. Perfect for a table easel.


New: On Exhibit Today

"Classical Painting Atelier" on exhibit at the Art League this month

"Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 8630 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Alla Prima Portrait: "Garrett"

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

Today was the first day of my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class, and that meant it was demo time. It's a treat for me (because I get to paint a portrait from life... yea!) but it's an awfully effective learning tool.  Watching other painter's demos is always informative. The more you paint, the more you become ready to see/learn something new when someone else is wielding the paintbrush.

Garrett, boyfriend of my friend/studiomate's (Jennifer Duncan) daughter, was our model today. He did great! I think of the few times filling in for a model who was arriving late ... just how difficult sitting still can be. Garrett's invited back. That's a sign of success.

I'm looking for people to sit for multiple Mondays this term. Sitting still isn't easy, but it's pretty neat to see a number of your faces all around the room. Think about it and contact me if you're interested. Go to the Classes page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com for dates, times.

After class, Randy and I headed to the Art League (Alexandria, VA) to go shopping in the store before it closed (at 4pm) and to hang out around Old Town until receiving for the April Art League Exhibit. Those few hours gave me time to see the studio I'll be occupying in the Torpedo Factory in August (as a visiting resident studio artist). It's beautiful!!! It will be an exciting place to paint, display my work and invite visitors for the month.

We also saw the Art League's "Play" show in the Gallery ... on the last day of the show.

And, visited a couple of galleries. The real stand out in Alexandria is the Principle Gallery. There are pieces ready to be hung for the "Women Painting Women" exhibit that was reviewed in American Art Collector's April edition. I'd seen some of those pieces and work by the regular gallery artist in print and online. But, nothing compares to seeing it in person. Lots of (great) surprises on the wall. Take a look at Larry Preston's still lifes (donuts!), Geoffrey Johnson's moody cityscapes ... and just keep looking.

"Contrapposto" lower right, April edition "American Art Collector"

Fun and full day!

And, not like I'd forgotten ... but my painting "Contrapposto" is in American Art Collector Magazine's April edition since it is part of the Salon International 2012 exhibition at Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas this month. Pick up a copy!

You can view my piece and the other accepted works online on the Greenhouse Gallery's web site. For  a closer look at "Contrapposto," see it online.

See "Contrapposto" online

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).