Travels

Granddaddy's Trip Home
Last night we returned from an emotional and very special three days of Granddaddy's (my father-in-law's) journey back home to Burnsville, North Carolina. He passed away on March 22 but was watching over us as the Banks family gathered to share memories, shed tears, and bury his ashes right next to the love of his life on a mountain about as close to heaven as you could get.

French Bistro

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre" work in progress day 2, oil, 24"h x 36"w, Jill Banks 2013

Art is therapy. I should know why, but there's nothing as calming or life-affirming than creating something with your own hands.

Today I happily went back to work at "Seat By the Window: Montmartre." It may be my favorite painting at the moment, even if not yet done.

Laura's Farm

"Farm Doors" sketch, oil on Centurion linen, 16"h x 12"w,©Jill Banks 2013

Wednesday's Landscape class met at Laura Nichols' farm ... enjoying one of the most special places I know.  I was determined to give students the chance to set up and paint themselves, so started with a short plein air demo.  While giving an intro and talking about sketching the general shadow shapes in the sketchbook to form your plan, Laura's husband drove up and parked his station wagon in front of my main subject: this building and doors.  Good lesson. He did move and I painted for a bit.

Mountain Maryland Plein Air
Good news. I'll be one of 30 artists juried to paint Western Maryland for Mountain Maryland Plein Air from May 29 to June 1. This will be my first time participating in this event.  Can't wait!!!

Today, I was also asked to be one of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's selection jurors for their Annual Exhibit that takes place each year at the National Art Club in NYC.  I've been a juror for a few shows, but never a National one ... and look forward to understanding this process from the other side of the table. You can bet that I'll take this responsibility seriously.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Grey Poupon, Please" Still Life Demo Today

"Grey Poupon, Please," oil on Centurion linen, 12"h x 15"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

This is the second demo worked on today ... honoring a request to show the class how to start a painting twice. It benefited from my being fully warmed up and more enthusiastic over the subject material (always a help!). This one was fun! I loved painting the Grey Poupon mustard jar. The bag on the left contains Herbs de Provence -- one of very few purchases made during our Paris trip. We ate oranges just like this.  Okay, so I'm a bit obsessed at the moment.

Time to stop painting and start relaxing. Tomorrow's my first day teaching a Plein Air Landscape Painting class.  Something new, different, challenging. We're not meeting in the classroom -- but instead going to different spots fairly close to Great Falls, VA to paint.  One of these Wednesdays you may see us around town.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
 
Events and Exhibits
This coming Thursday, April 12, there's a coffee at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA)  at 9:30am sponsored by Celebrate Great Falls, the group that brings together five big community events throughout the year. Come get to know that group and enjoy our Windows and Doors show in the gallery. Nice treats, too!

"Seat by the Window: Montmartre" Painting In Progress

"Seat by the Window: Montmartre" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Less than a week ago, I was occupying a seat next to Randy at the window of our newly favorite restaurant in Paris. When picking what to paint -- I went for the memory of that fantastic meal, day, trip, place to guide me. It was a great spot, too, to people watch with interesting characters inside and lining the tables right outside the window.  It was tough to stop painting today -- too much fun and it was a great way to relive the afternoon.

It really doesn't get any better than that ... or this.

Tomorrow's the first day of my Spring Still Life class. There's still room if you'd like to register on the spot. Go to my web site (www.JillBanks.com), classes page for more info.  Then, on Wednesday, my Landscape class starts. We'll be painting in different locations all over town.

This coming Thursday, April 12, there's a coffee at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA)  at 9:30am sponsored by Celebrate Great Falls, the group that brings together five big community events throughout the year. Come get to know that group and enjoy our Windows and Doors show in the gallery. Nice treats, too!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

Spring Day: Cowgirls and Flowers

"Daffodils," oil on Centurion linen, 8"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I'm easily side-tracked.  That could be re-interpreted as being open to "go with the flow."

Today was site-scouting time for some good spots to bring my Wednesday landscape class students. Site two of the day was Kidwell Farm which was bursting at the seams with lots of kids and parents, newly reopened carousel and wagon rides, newborn and young piglets, baby goats,  plus a barrel-racing competition in the equestrian arena.  I'd never been there when the horse facility was in full swing -- so this was a real treat. Not exactly what I'd come to do/see -- but how could I pass up exploring something this fun to watch?

Riders were warming up in the two outdoor rings with the competition taking place in the indoor arena.  All the activity was mesmerizing ... and beautiful. 

The barrel races were a little shocking.  I watched one rider -- whose horse was acting up in the warm-up ring -- have a rough time heading to the arena when her name/number was called.  The announcer told her to walk the horse to the gate -- which she did. Once through the gate, horse and rider galloped off at top speed, rounded barrels, galloped back to the gate, coming to a stop in a split second right at the closed gate (which was right in front of me).  I'm glad the horse had good brakes. 

So, I know today's painting doesn't have much to do with the horse races -- but it's what followed my trek out.  Everything felt like Spring today. These daffodils, planted by my Dad to line our front walk are the first visible signs of the season close by -- and they filled the bill to get out there to paint en plein air. 

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

Back to Open Life and "Bunnies"

"Cascading Nude," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Today I returned to Open Life -- held at the McLean Community Center (in McLean, VA: go to www.mpaart.org/learning.php to download a PDF for a schedule) on Saturdays for a single long pose.  I was glad to be there, but it was a bit of rough going.  Some poses are more difficult than others and slight changes make big differences in proportions. 

If you've ever seen me paint, you'd know it's a pretty athletic process. I rock, pace, stand back ... a lot.  Each time I've gone to Open Life, I'm a little bit late. (Open hours at the Artists' Atelier are on Saturdays from noon to 4pm and open life starts at 4pm -- a little distance away.) Starting late means not getting a spot up front -- and generally setting up close to the where the easels are stored so that I can disturb the rest of the group as little as possible.  But ... when I stand back ... again often, I run into the easels making a racket.  Plus, it seems impossible for me to learn from that "mistake."

During open hours at the Atelier, I did start a painting from the Paris trip -- of the hamlet house and grounds built on the property of Versailles for Marie Antoinette.  I'd sketched there -- one of the outbuildings next to the lake and just loved the place.  Marie Antoinette was a smart one.  She wanted cozy and Versailles doesn't exactly qualify.

"Bunnies" are off to their new home.

"Bunnies" did go home with their new owner today.  She was so excited with her purchase -- which always makes me happy.  "Bunnies" new owner purchased "Stepping Out" -- my painting of two Belgian workhorses -- during last year's Studio Tour, so there is a growing menagerie from my Feathered and Furry Friends series happening at her house.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site.  

Well, Fluent I'm Not...

A screen shot from the latest email newsletter ... oops and all.

I just pressed "send newsletter" when the thought struck to check the spelling on the headline. It seems apropos to have typed "Je T'Aime Paris" vs. "J'Aime Paris." In any case, I love the place.

If you're not currently a subscriber to News From the Easel, I hope you'll become one. To go to the subscription page, click here. To see previous editions, visit the newsletter archive.

Randy and I arrived back home yesterday afternoon from our ten-day trip to Paris.  Right now I can't wait to start to put all that inspiration to use in paint.

As wonderful as the trip was, it is good to get home.  We ate dinner with my parents -- who we haven't seen for months -- as they returned from Hilton Head while we were away. I missed them!!!

Today, I did get  to paint a little of Paris ... capturing one of the statues near the Louvre's glass pyramid -- replete with a seagull on top. This is painted on a brand new purchase: Centurion's Deluxe oil-primed linen canvas pads that sell 10 sheets to a pad.  (Work will need to be mounted onto a surface to be frameable. You can purchase the same linen already mounted on panels or as stretched canvas.) It's a fantastic surface. I highly recommend it. (To purchase through Jerrys Artarama, go to: http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/canvas-and-boards/canvas-pads/centurion-deluxe-oil-primed-linen-pads.htm.)

"French Horseman," oil on Centurion linen, 8"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site. 

Montmartre and a Sunny, Warmish Parisian Day

"Cafe Bords du Seine," oil, 12"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

The Sun Shines!!!
Hallelujah! It was Randy and my first day on our own in Paris (after the group left this morning), the sun shone, and we were actually comfortable.

Trip to Montmartre
Top on the agenda was to visit Montmartre, where I knew artists sat up their easels on the square, and a more Bohemian version of Paris awaited. 

It was a simply wonderful day. We took the Metro to the Abbesses stop.  Believe it or not, you get to the stop only to face 90 steps upward to daylight. Whoa. They wouldn't do that in the U.S.  (Sunday, Randy and I climbed 240-ish steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and yesterday, we trekked all over Giverny -- Monet's Garden -- so we're trying to work off all this great food.)

Montmartre is so beautiful. It's like San Francisco plus some.  There was a piece of art -- just recently handed down to (son) Sam and (daughter-in-law) Michelle from my parents that must have been created here.  The streets are up and down while curving, buildings vary in heights and it makes the whole area seem magical and kind of crazy at the same time.  It just seems like that straight verticals and horizontals have no place here.

We visited the square populated by artists at their easels ... with paintings around central cafes ... and then rows of and strolling portrait painters. The light was incredible ... and we'd climbed after those 90 steps way up to the top of the hill where La Basilica du Sacre Coeur du Montrmartre reigns.  We thought about ascending another 300 steps ... and paying the 6 euros each for the privilege of another great view of Paris ... but decided to not do so. I'm not as fond of the high views as right in the thick of things versions. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

"Notre Dame Afternoon," 12"h x 8"w, oil, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Zebra Lunch
Lunch was the best meal of our entire trip (and that's saying something.) We ate at Un Zebre a Montmartre -- a very neat bar/restaurant/cafe, wonderfully decorated, so much fun and an absolutely incredible steak/potatoes/green beans/caramelized onions.  Randy and I keep sharing meals ... (I'm sure that's not too popular but it's all we want to eat) ... but we were ooh-ing and aah-ing over every bite. YUM.

Plein Air in Paris
The day was so beautiful we HAD to head back to the hotel so I could get some painting in while there was a chance.  Back we went. And I found THE best spot to paint. I was on the main street beside the Seine -- on the right bank -- but in a corner away from the crowd's and wind's way. It was perfect.  Two paintings resulted from the afternoon.  The first, a view into the Cafe Bords du Seine -- a really pretty restaurant where we've dined a couple of times.  The second, a view across the water to Notre Dame, where we attended Easter Mass.

Funny thing was -- people did really assume I was a regular with my easel set up on the streets of Paris.  Everyone spoke French to me, at a quick pace.  If they had anything negative to say, at least I didn't understand it.  And, if they did, they found me smiling widely, saying "Merci."

At the same time that they figured I was a fixture ... it seemed like it wasn't everyday that someone set up there easel about town. 

Both "Cafe Bords du Seine" and "Notre Dame Afternoon" were painted on two halves of the same oil-primed, linen-lined board -- to be separated when we get home.  As visitors came to look at my easel, I hoped they "got" that I was painting two separate views -- although they were side by side. Amazing how much you can actually worry about.

All I can say is that we've had SO much fun here.  I've been treasuring every moment and just want to come back. Our stay isn't over ... but it's getting close.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site. 

Close Encounters of the Gypsy Kind: Paris Day #6

Each time we've entered a museum here in Paris, there are signs going in to Beware of Pickpockets.  That became up close and personal on the Metro this morning ... on our way to Le Petit Palais museum.  Into the Metro went our group, and right as the doors were closing ... in shoved, with gusto two young girls, soon to be swarmed with more -- way too close to all of us to be warranted.  I've been carrying around a satchel full only of art supplies. They pulled a bag of those from mine and then pointed to my dropped objects.  Meanwhile, Randy felt something strange ... reached into his pocket only to find another hand and his wallet halfway out.  Nothing was lost. (Or so we thought.) The girls ran when the doors opened seconds later.  Randy and I didn't lose anything -- but another in our group had mega dollars and euros stolen from that same troop of girls. 

"Le Nouveau-Ne," oil on cavas, Andre Gill 1881

By about lunchtime here I'm having difficulty just remembering what we did that day.  Pretty bad, right? Today, we toured the museum at Le Petit Palais which might just have been the highlight of our trip for me so far.  What a wonderful place ... and a quiet, uncrowded spot to enjoy the art, gardens and architecture.  The artwork on permanent exhibit includes some extraordinary pieces including, tied for my favorite: Le Nouveau-Ne (1881) by Andre Gill (Paris, 1840 to Paris, 1885).

That painting was tied for favorite with Portrait de Leon Ohnet (1841) by Thomas Couture (Senlis, 1815 -- Villiers-le-Bel (Val-d'Oise), 1879).  This was just ridiculously well painted and the subject, stunning.

Thomas Couture's Portrait de Leon Ohnet (1841)

But best of all for me was the temporary exhibit at the museum of Felix Ziem's (Beaune, 1821 - Paris, 1911) work.  I'd never heard of him -- as is the case with many of the artists whose work we're seeing.  A son of a Polish tailor who migrated to France, Felix took up architecture studies at the Ecole des Beaux-arts in Dijon but soon had a change of heart, beginning painting in the 1840s when in fell in love with the Mediterranean and later, Paris.  The exhibit was filled with his sketchbooks rife with ink washes of familiar scenes in Venice as well as small plein air sketches and larger studio paintings. This so made me want to get out there -- everywhere -- to paint.  Those little sketches were mainly unframed, tilted in glass display cases alongside those sketchbooks.  I

One of Felix Ziem's oils shown above. Crédit : Crédit : © ZIEM Petit Palais / Roger-Viollet

wonder if Randy would want to build some of those for me?   Somehow those displays made each of those works shine like the gems they are. 

"Eiffel Tower from Montparnasse," sketch & wash pencils, Jill Banks 2013

After visiting Le Petit Palais, we went to Orangerie Museum. Not as exciting for me or our group. But right outside those doors were the Tuileries Gardens. Walking around there felt like walking through time.  Don't know why ... but it was romantic and wonderful.

The trouble with Paris is knowing when you're enjoying yourself most.

We headed next to Montparnasse for a tour to take place later in the afternoon outside of famous artist studios (like John Singer Sargent, Whistler, William Bougereau, Paul Cezanne, Gerome, Lauren. But, before that we had drinks on the top floor of an office building in Montparnasse that at the 56th floor is the the second highest spot in Paris.  The Eiffel Tower and the parts of the city yet to be seen were laid before us ... in the mist.  Reminded me of the time my Dad took me to the top of the John Hancock Building in Chicago to celebrate my birthday. Lots of planning and expense to sit among the clouds. Except this time we could see and that mist and those clouds made the city all that more magical.

Tonight is a special dinner. Tomorrow's Easter ... maybe to be celebrated at Notre Dame.

Happy Easter.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
LAST DAY For Voting: Easter Sunday, March 31: "Rainy Day in NYC" was chosen as one of 15 finalists in the "You Be the Judge" Online Art Contest #3.  You can vote for it: #13 at: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... until March 31, 11:59pm EST. It's easy and free. Enough votes cast and it will be part of the Grand Prize round eligible for over $10,000 in prizes. Judging closes SOON -- vote now!

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site. 

Paris Day 5: Painting in the Park

"Fountain at Place Des Vosges" plein air study, oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

The sun shined today ... but it is still REALLY cold.  Despite that, and not believing it will get any better, this afternoon we (Randy and I) headed over to Place Des Vosges, a place where many famous artists have lived -- including Victor Hugo. The neighborhood leading to this spot is beautiful, with fun, interesting, elegant shops (like a silver store, clothing boutiques, great shoes, flower shops, produce grocers) lining our path.  The park was filled with kids and families playing everywhere.

I had to call it quits due to frozen fingers and fading light.  But, hey, at least I made it out there.  The park was a nice spot, too, because it felt less conspicuous. The afternoons here -- the time I'm more free to paint or do something on my own -- are the most crowded times on the streets where I might choose to set up. That just feels a little too crazy to me at the moment.

This morning we were at the Louvre ... admiring the Italian Masters including da Vinci, Veronese, Tintoretto and Titian.  We caught glimpses of the Mona Lisa from the back of the crowd.  We may return at night to have a chance to see it without quite as much competition.

It's off to a late dinner -- by U.S., not Paris standards. Matter of fact, next time I'm eating on a nutty schedule (regularly), I'll just say I'm on Paris Time.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
"Rainy Day in NYC" was chosen as one of 15 finalists in the "You Be the Judge" Online Art Contest #3.  You can vote for it: #13 at: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... until March 31, 11:59pm EST. It's easy and free. Enough votes cast and it will be part of the Grand Prize round eligible for over $10,000 in prizes. Judging closes SOON -- vote now!

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site.   

Paris: Day 3

"Paris Cafe Conversation," graphite & ink, copyright Jill Banks 2013

It doesn't seem like it could be our third day in Paris ... but it is.  The city is enchanted, but we have just scratched the surface. Day one we arrived, bedraggled and tired, but were treated to a private tour of the Sorbonne. Saw the auditiorium where statues of the greats slyly looked at students to keep them in line. That same spot is where Nobel Prizes have been announced and awarded.  Pretty cool.  Our very dapper guide must have thought we were a sorry lot, though. I sketched a little that afternoon, in a park behind Notre Dame ... a place I'd love to paint.  The benches were full of couples, friends, family on a base of white sand. The trees were so pretty.

Actually, every spot around me is what I'd like to paint.  I love life carved out everywhere in the city.  There are endless fashionable people and fascinating faces. Sculpture is all around. Buildings are spectacularly ornate.  Shops are pretty.

It's cold out.  So far there haven't been any temperatures out of the 40s.  Not particularly plein air friendly weather.

Day two was spent at the Musee D'Orsay -- a museum that was once a train station. The space was glorious, especially the backlit, monster-sized clock that filled one end of the space to be seen again and again as we toured the museum.  We're on an art historical trip led by Robert Liberace ... and our D'Orsay tour focused on the factional duel between the Ecole des Belle Artes crowd (whose sweetheart was Ingres) and the more energetic/pre-Impressionistic style of Delacroix (and Manet).

Hope I have that right.

Close-Up of Ingres' graphite drawing of Madame Bertrand

Today -- easier to remember since it was just hours away -- was fantastic! We had a private appointment in the Louvre's Print and Drawing Room, where Rob had selected drawings for us to see. This is a ridiculous treat.  We started with four Ingres graphite drawings: a self-portrait, portrait study of Messieur Bertrand, study of Madame Bertrand and portrait of violinist Niccolo Paganini. Rob's favorite of that group was Paganini. I loved Madame Bertrand. She's not pretty -- but what a drawing!!! They were followed by three Rembrandt's: a red and black chalk drawing of a woman, a self portrait (of course), and a drawing of a lion. Then two Ghirlandaio drawings (early Renaissance) including a stunning portrait on a vibrant reddish background.

Next up were two  Jacopo Pontormo (Florence, 1494 - 1557) drawings. Pontormo is a favorite of Rob's -- who is inspired  by the artist's pentimenti (mistakes -- though glorious) lines that show his first guesses to hone in on his drawing.  Those extra first lines lend an aura of movement to the figure.

And, then we were treated to Rubens drawings -- the first great colorist and master of three-color chalk. His women weren't concerned about diets or personal trainers. To say the least.

Fortuny's architectural drawing, my photo distorts it a little.

Last up was Fortuny with a watercolor copy of a Van Dyck painting, a tiny watercolor study of poppies, an academic nude drawing and then an architectural drawing/watercolor that could seemed taken right off of one of these Paris streets.  That was most inspiring to me. It's what I'll be seeking these days here.

My drawing "Paris Cafe Conversation" was drawn today at lunch in a spot close to the Louvre and the afternoon's tour of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.  Randy and I have managed to pick two very locally-populated spots (last night's dinner and today's lunch). Both meals were great but mainly I loved being crammed in there with the regulars.  It sure afforded a good view of close tablemates.

There were a lot more adventures in the day ... but no more time to share them.

Tomorrow holds a visit to Versailles.

And probably some quiche or chocolate mousse.

Events and Exhibits
"Rainy Day in NYC" was chosen as one of 15 finalists in the "You Be the Judge" Online Art Contest #3.  You can vote for it: #13 at: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... until March 31, 11:59pm EST. It's easy and free. Enough votes cast and it will be part of the Grand Prize round eligible for over $10,000 in prizes.

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site.