Three Awards at Artful August

"Sunflowers II" won 3rd Place, oil, 30"h x 30"w

And the winners are:
"Great Falls Farmer's Market": Honorable Mention
"Chameleon": Honorable Mention
"Sunflowers II": Third Prize

See the exhibit: Wednesday, August 14 through Sunday, August 18 at 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg, VA.

More info on my events page: http://jillbanks.fineartstudioonline.com/event/47195/artful-august

http://www.villageatleesburg.com/info/artfulaugust

Yea! Pretty amazing to have won ... and more so to win three!

"Great Falls Farmer's Market" won Honorable Mention

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site. View the exhibit online.
 

"Chameleon" won Honorable Mention, 16"h x 12"w, oil

Coffee Break Solo Show at 

Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Back on the Horses and a Fun Delivery

"Cowgirls Up!" almost done, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

As much as I've enjoyed painting it, "Cowgirl Up!" has been a challenge. Horses with riders are a lot more difficult to capture than horses alone. Or people alone.  I still have some work to do on it, but I doubt those changes will be too noticeable in a post. Of course you never know what's going to possess me with the paintbrush in hand tomorrow.

"Cowgirl Up!" will be part of the "Menagerie" five-artist exhibit of animal art coming up in September at artSpace Herndon.  Maybe a couple more new ones to come...

Special Delivery
After Saturday's demonstration at the Great Falls Library, Randy and I took down two of the paintings ("Cafe Bords du Seine" and "Afternoon on Prince Street") to deliver the following day to their new owner.  The purchaser had driven up from Old Town Alexandria to see my "Serendipity" exhibit after seeing "Ballerinas I" in elan Magazine's July Calendar section. She's the one who convinced the library manager to mark the two as sold.

What a treat it was to bring the paintings to her and her husband's home and get a tour of the beautiful art collection she has acquired.  I would love to own any and all of them.  All the pieces were perfectly framed and hung -- placed everywhere they would catch your eye. It is a deeply personal collection. I know my work has found a great home.

Interestingly, and exceptionally good news  is that she collects artists in addition to paintings. She has many, many  pieces by the same artists. I'm happy to be one of those she plans to see again and again.

Whenever she collects another piece of art, her husband asks if she knows where she will hang it. With walls pretty full, you could understand where he's coming from.  If she runs out of wall room, she plans on rotating the art. Perfect solution. And, she doesn't have to pass on something she loves.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break Solo Show at 

Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

A Day to Remember

"At the Barre" work in progress, Demo pose #1, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I felt lucky as can be today.

Starting the painting "At the Barre" at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA)

For those of you who joined me this afternoon, enjoying the inspiration provided by our two beautiful tutu'd models, Sydney Parks and Dylan Murphy, I'd love to hear about the day from your perspective. (Send me an email and I'll post the responses.) During each break, I got to see the smile on your faces. Saw the drawings created while I painted. It seems you were equally enthused to capture the beauty before you. (Guests were invited to draw if they liked with their own or provided crayons/pencils/paper ... or sit back and just watch.  It was so encouraging to see how many were enjoying sketching along with me. Warning: Once you start, it's hard to stop.)

"At the Barre" on the Easel with Sydney and Dylan modeling, pose #1

Sydney and Dylan were recruited by their teacher and director of the School of Theatrical Dance, Theresa D'Allessandro, in Great Falls. The first pose, for "At the Barre" was pretty tortuous. They held it stoically but were glad when I decided to find a different pose for the second hour-and-a-half of today's demonstration.

The first painting was not done (maybe it's halfway there?) but I wanted to take advantage of this setting, my two models and the choreography of Theresa to start another. This time -- given sore feet and limbs -- we went with the "ballerinas on break" theme.  It was a group affair -- putting together the pose. A gray wing chair was found in the hall outside the meeting room by Christine -- and it was perfect. I loved this pose!!! My

"Ballerina Break" in progress, pose #2, oil, 16"h x 20"w.  I can't wait to see it finished.

guess was that it added to the fun of the demo to watch all the iterations attempted before deciding that this is what I needed to paint.

I'll give these two paintings a little break before returning to them. They will be finished -- maybe partially from memory and photo references -- but also with some more time spent with Sydney and Dylan.  Who wouldn't want to do that live?

Today I got to paint two beautiful people. I got to do that surrounded by all the

Looks like fun, doesn't it?

good cheer and enjoyment each of you brought through the door. Thank you ... All!

There are some great photos -- to be posted tomorrow maybe? But here are some to get you started.

I really didn't want the day to end. Wow.

My "Serendipity" exhibit at the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA) continues until August 31. It's open during normal library hours. (Closed Sundays.) For more information see my Events page on my website. Don't miss it ... if you can help it. You can also view it online.

The inspiration for the day came from two of the paintings in the show: "Ballerinas I" and "Ballerinas II" created in Franklin, TN of ballerinas from the Nashville Ballet Company. I'd never painted ballerinas before. Now I know what I was missing.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break Solo Show at 

Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Sketching Ballerinas and That Goat

Sketch #1: I was getting warmed up, too. Vine charcoal on mixed media paper.

Ballet Sketch #3 by Jill Banks

 Stretching and Sketching
In preparation for tomorrow afternoon's Painting Demonstration (at the Great Falls Library, 9830
Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA on August 10, 1-4pm), yesterday I met with the two ballerinas -- Sydney Parks and Dylan Murphy -- who have enthusiastically agreed to be our models. With the help of the School of Theatrical Dance's Director Theresa D'Allessandro, I think we have our pose selected. This morning, I brought my sketchbook to her class -- to get more accustomed to the rhythms and flow of ballet practice.

It was challenging to try to capture all that movement. Also amazing to me how well the girls followed instructions -- one after the other and got their limbs and bodies to cooperate.

Ballet Sketch #5 by Jill Banks

Vine charcoal is very messy business. It was all over my hands ... which was okay. But then it made it's way to my face ... nose in particular. Theresa offered me some wet towels for removal. It refused for awhile but lots of rubbing later and I looked human again.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. Seems like some others are as well.  The RSVP yeses -- that I've received add up to 50! I can't wait to see you.  If you haven't RSVP'ed yet, you are welcome to come and go, find a seat if there's one available.
It may be SRO -- but the ballerinas and I will be doing that, too. They have point shoes on. Imagine.

Ballet Sketch #7 by Jill Banks

"Got Your Goat?," oil, 60"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

"Got Your Goat?" Took an Interesting Turn
I've been contemplating the background and goat's surroundings and took out a palette knife, went through tons of paint and now it's complete. It's definitely different for me -- odd format, very tall, but I see joy in it. A little bit of fantasy doesn't hurt. So here she is.

The goat's real. This is Delilah -- a favorite of mine at Kidwell Farm in Herndon, VA (part of Frying Pan Park). She's posed for me often.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break Solo Show at 

Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Building the "Menagerie" One at a Time

"Got Your Goat?" work in progress, oil, 60"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Today I pulled out a canvas that's been sitting in our storage closet for years. At 60"h x 20"w, it's a dramatic shape and just right for the subject of the day ... "Got Your Goat?" It did create a couple of challenges that will be the source of perhaps some sore parts tomorrow.  Because the canvas is so tall, I had to sit on the ground to paint the bottom of the canvas to keep it at eye level.

I'm getting ready for a number of shows and submissions including "Menagerie" -- the five-artist show of animal art in September at artSpace Herndon.

"Got Your Goat?" will be getting some friends.

See the Animal Collection on my website for more.  There are some in the "Serendipity" Collection also.

Artful August
Four of my pieces (out of four submitted) were juried into Artful August being held at 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg, VA, August 14 to August 18 at the Village at Leesburg. For more info, go to: http://www.villageatleesburg.com/info/artfulaugust.

Painting Ballerinas Demonstration Fast Approaching
I'll be giving a free painting demonstration on Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm ... painting two ballerinas from the School of Theatrical Dance at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. RSVP for this event through my website. Seats are limited and truly filling quickly. Non-RSVPers are welcome to come see the "Serendipity" exhibit (my solo show of 26 original oils) -- stop in -- just might not get a seat. View the full exhibit online. Guests may draw along with me with their own supplies or crayons/pencils provided ... or just sit back and enjoy the show.  The "Serendipity" exhibit is open during normal library hours through August 31. Check my web site, Events page for more
information.

Do you know that you can subscribe to my email newsletter ... through my website: www.JillBanks.com? You can see archived editions on my website to see if it's something you would like to receive in your inbox. Look at the bottom of the right-hand column to sign up.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

Paintings and Pickles

View 1 of my farmer's market booth

Yesterday was spent at the Great Falls Farmer's Market under a tent, with rain coming and going, light traffic but very nice visits.  Back behind my "booth" was the pickle guy. Next to him, an accomplished baker with cookies that looked like hot dogs or hamburgers and beautiful petit fours. Next to me was a booth filled with beautiful embroidered shawls and jackets from Kashmir. Other booths held goat's milk products and soaps. Organic meats and dairy. The produce was gorgeous. Pretty zinnias. Farmer's market shopping accompanied by a harpist.

View 2

I thoroughly enjoyed the four hours spent there.  For a change, I didn't fuss over what to bring or hang too many pieces. There were 26 well-lit oil paintings arranged carefully in my solo show "Serendipity" right around the corner. The pieces I did bring, I was happy to show.

Today was spent enjoying the show at the annual 4-H Fair, mainly watching the horse games.  Met some pretty great rabbits, too. Fun ... and expect some animal appearances to come ... in paint.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

The "Kids" Are Everywhere

Or so it seems.

"To Paris," a still life created when I was just dreaming of going will be on view at the Great Falls Farmer's Market Saturday, August 3, 9am to 1pm. Come see it and then go see "Serendipity" right around the corner

"Garden Girl" in "Serendipity" exhibit

 "Serendipity" at the Great Falls Library
27 of my original oils are gracing the walls of the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through August 31. Demonstration: Free, Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. They include: "Desert Garden," "Two Tents," "French Horseman," "Chase Street," "Chrysler Museum Memorial Garden,""Charles and Lee," "Goatyard," "Hudson River Morn," "Cafe Bords du Seine," "Notre Dame," "Early Evening at the Town Center," "Grass Lunch," "Horsepower," "M&S Grill," "Afternoon on Prince Street," "Cafe Break," "Ballerinas I," "Tranquility," "Ballerinas II," "Seat By the Window: Montmartre," "Garden Girl," "Sunflowers in My Studio II," "Honey Bunny," "Fruit Tropics," "La Chien de Grange," "June Peonies" and "Chickens!" Phew.

"Coffee Break" at Greenberry's Coffee and Tea
Six are in my "Coffee Break" exhibit at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101 ... changing soon.  There you'll see: "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange," and "Primary Colors" (a painting of McLean Central Park's playground.

"Harborside Happy Hour" at the Farmer's Market

Great Falls Farmer's Market Under a Tent on August 3
Nine can be seen tomorrow (Saturday, August 3) at the Great Falls Farmer's Market in the Great Falls Village Centre, 9am to 1pm ... including "Harborside Happy Hour," "Persimmons in the Kitchen," "Great Falls Farmer's Market," "Deli Italiano" (a nocturne), "Cowgirls Up!" work in progress, "Grazing on Buttercups," "Chameleon" (a portrait), "To Paris" (a still life you haven't seen worked on prior to my March trip) and "Sunflowers II" (one of the large scale still lifes set up by my dad)

Lots in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm. My area needs some sprucing ... but just look up.

"Artemis" at the Art League ...just a few more days.

"Artemis" at the Art League
Two  in the July All-Media Membership Show at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through this coming Monday. They include "Artemis" which won an Honorable Mention from July's juror Jerry Coulter and "Rose and Peony."

More are headed out ... I'll update the Events section of my web site ... where you can get a better look at many of these pieces ... soon.

I'm in the process of putting together my July/August email newsletter. What I thought would be finished today ... now looks like a Sunday publication. If you want to receive it, make sure you subscribe online at www.JillBanks.com. Okay?

Take a look.

See you soon, I hope.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

Back to "Cowgirls Up!" and Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club

"Cowgirls Up!" work in progress day 3, oil, 30"h x 40"w,©Jill Banks 2013

Yesterday (Tuesday) it was back to work on "Cowgirls Up!" ... at least for a little bit. There have been major changes made to it from day one, needed it seems. The photo is lousy. Taken at night, no tripod, etc. I'll take more care when closer to the end result.

"Cowgirls Up!" work in progress day 4, oil, 30"h x 40"w,©Jill Banks 2013

 

 

And here it is on day 4, Wednesday, July 31. I painted all day in the now well air-conditioned Artists' Atelier. It's been awhile since I've worked there -- with travels, a broken air conditioner, hanging the show, portrait deliveries, etc. It was very nice to be back! Hopefully my studiomates will stop addressing me as a "stranger."

To the National Arts Club

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre," the painting done of husband Randy's and my favorite lunch during our March-April trip to France has been juried into the 117th Annual Catharine Lorilllard Wolfe Art Club's Open Exhibition being held at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 1 through October 25. Go to my Events page about the show for more info, view that show online. I was one of five jurors selecting 2D work, a privilege and new experience.

RSVP now for the August 10 painting demonstration -- when I'll be painting two ballerinas from the School of Theatrical Dance in Great Falls.  Get more info: click on Serendipity: Info about the Exhibit below. I've received a lot of yeses. Space is limited. Thanks!

Paris Reunion Dinner. See the macarons?

Paris Reunion
This past Saturday, Randy and I attended the Paris Reunion Dinner (for the art historical trip taken in March led by Rob Liberace) at Marie and Curtis' (fellow travelers) beautiful home. Everyone outdid themselves to put together a spectacular dinner made even better with great company and shared memories.  I brought large quantities of homemade French macarons. Since making them for my "Serendipity" reception in July, it wasn't until my eighth batch -- four done for the reception and four batches for Saturday's dessert -- that they resembled macarons on the outside. (They've tasted great the whole time.) I kept tweaking and testing different solutions -- much like I do with challenging paintings. 

Great Falls Farmer's Market
I'll be setting up artwork under a tent for this coming Saturday's (August 3) Farmer's Market in the lot at the Village Centre across from Safeway on Walker Road (Great Falls, VA). I don't know what you'll see displayed yet -- but the Market is right around the corner from the Great Falls Library where "Serendipity" is on display -- so swing by both if you can.  Hours: 9:00am-1:00pm for the Market. See you there?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Serendipity Exhibit Online
Serendipity: Info about the Exhibit, Location, Hours, Statement
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

Painting at the Town Center: "Uncle Julio's and Mighty Fine"

"Uncle Julio's and Mighty Fine" work in progress, oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

The afternoon was spent on a shady spot on the sidewalk of the Reston Town Center (Reston, VA) painting Uncle Julio's and the Jackson's sign and corner.  Lots of company ... even though this is a little quieter block than the rest of the area.  I guess not everyone agreed. Beautiful day.

Two of my previous Reston Town Center plein air paintings are part of my "Serendipity" solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA.  See them in Great Falls (during normal library hours) or online on my web site.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

Horses and Cowgirls

"Cowgirls Up" work in progress, 30"h x 40"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2013

Having spent almost a week around the 4th in Colorado -- Estes Park and Denver -- for a family reunion, Western themes and horses have been on my mind. Further inspiration is having enough work for the "Menagerie" five-person show of animal art coming up in September at ArtSpace Herndon. Especially in light of the recent purchase of "Grass Lunch" and "Horsepower" from my "Serendipity" solo show.

So, I had to tough it out and paint horses. (Just kidding. I love this subject.)

"Cowgirls Up" subjects were spotted on a scoping-out-sites mission for my Plein Air painting class. I went to Kidwell Farm/Frying Pan Park -- a favorite place in Herndon, VA. In and around the Equestrian Center were trailers, horses and riders. The warm-up rings were full. I didn't know it then -- but these pairs were getting ready for a barrel race in the indoor arena. Not for the faint of heart.  Real cowgirls in Virginia.

This is a large canvas with plenty left to do -- happily. It's been fun. More to do means more fun to come.

There is going to be a 4-H Fair at Frying Pan Park on August 2, 3, and 4.  I'm hoping to go out with my easel -- if possible -- and capture some more of the action in paint.


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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.