Now Only This Weekend Left to See "Warm Observations

"Ice Cold Lemonade," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014. Purchased Thursday.

First, if you were planning to make it to ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA 20170)  on Friday, February 20 for one of the final days of my solo exhibit "Warm Observations: People and Places," it is closed following Fairfax County Public School inclement weather policy. (Actually they were open for a few hours today -- but are closed for the rest of the afternoon.) Fingers crossed that the final TWO days -- Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22 it will be open. Saturday's hours are 10am to 5pm. Sunday's are 1 to 5pm. The phone number for ArtSpace Herndon is: 703-956-6590. So, there's still time ... but not much.

"Ice Cold Lemonade" Purchased Thursday
Another painting was purchased at ArtSpace Herndon today -- this one "Ice Cold Lemonade."  I like this idea of painting away in my studio and having someone see and be able to select a piece on view in the exhibit elsewhere. That's hardly a new concept -- it's what the gallery system is all about, but most other purchases of my art have been direct -- from an art fair, online, through the blog, from my studio.  Maybe some combination of direct sales and representation of some sort is the way to go in the future. My whole experience with the exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon has been fantastic.  Sorry to see it come to an end ... for now.

"Piazza di Michelangelo," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014. Purchased today.

"Piazza di Michelangelo" Going to a New Home, Too
And there it will have a couple of friends -- other purchases of my work made over the years. Yay!

So when Randy and I go to un-hang the show, we'll be packaging up "Ice Cold Lemonade" and "Piazza di Michelangelo" for their travels to new locations.

Events and Exhibits

• JUST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"After the Party II" in Progress

"After the Party II" in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

I'd better hurry up. The plum in the blue bowl is part of tomorrow's breakfast. The pepper needs to depart, too.

Having fun though.

Time's running out to see my "Warm Observations: People and Places" exhibit. See below. (Follows Fairfax County Public Schools inclement weather closings... which means ArtSpace was closed yesterday and today. Hopefully, tomorrow it will be open.)

Events and Exhibits

• LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"Augusta Fountain"

"Augusta Fountain," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014-15

During a quick trip last year to Georgia for the third annual Women Painters of the Southeast exhibit, I ventured out to get in a little plein air painting. This fountain in Augusta, GA became the subject as rain clouds brewed beyond.  While there, a wedding party posed for photos ... but not long enough to be painted in. Good idea, though.

I've been wanting to return to this piece as the rain did come.  So, finally.

It was a snow day today. Down in the studio, a large still life is just starting to take shape on my easel. Hopefully, I'll be able to offer a glimpse of it tomorrow. The food in it is planned for meals just ahead ... so I'd better get to some serious work.

Time's running out to see my "Warm Observations: People and Places" exhibit. See below.

Events and Exhibits

• LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"Payton in Purple" Finished

"Payton in Purple," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

I spent one more very full day at the studio on "Payton in Purple" -- the painting started during my January 31 demonstration at ArtSpace Herndon. 

Each moment at my easel brings me back to a place, or an experience. I relive all the fun. Decide where I'm "traveling" to for the day. Demo day at ArtSpace was fantastic -- with the treat of a wonderful model, happy audience, loads of fun.  That's what I thought about while making this painting just what I wanted it to be.

I'll be sending out a newsletter (subscribe here) today (Friday, February 13) -- one more urging to catch "Warm Observations: People and Places" before it closes on February 22.  But -- you can take the hint now.

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"Sewing Room" Continued

"Sewing Room" work in progress (almost done), oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Inspired by today's class full of hard-working Still Life students...  and some increasingly drooping tulips. Sometimes subject's dictate the day's work.

Lots of other paintings waiting to jump on the easel.

"Apple Singer," the predecessor of "Sewing Room."  Private collection.

This is a different model, but I've painted antique sewing machine before.  One inspiring model leads to another. My first painting of a sewing machine was "Apple Singer," a piece that now hangs along with a wonderful collection and many more of my works. Happy that it found it a good home!

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Weekend Painting

"Al Fresco," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

The last three days have been spent in Staunton, VA ... as a guest artist in Ron Boehmer's "Essentials I" workshop. I'll be wrapping my head around his philosophy and teachings ... as soon as it's had a little rest. Seems Ron is a believer in art bootcamp, as am I.

He's also an incredible landscape painter -- true as you get.

Today was spent painting a still life of a wild assortment of objects. See "Crayon Colors" below. Although I was treating my painting ... as a painting ... it was step one of an exercise to come.

From this painting ("Crayon Colors") should come ten more. Five up the value scale toward almost white on white, five down toward almost black on black. Almost is the key. The gist of the exercise is to  help deal with the landscape ... as air changes the saturation and contrast from close by to the mountain range. Or prepares the painter to pull out the scene in a nocturne.

"Crayon Colors," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Art of Romance Exhibit Reception: Friday, February 6, 6:30 to 9:00pm

"Sewing Room," in progress today, oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Opening Reception for the Art of Romance Exhibit: Friday, February 6, 6:30 to 9:00pm at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

You're Invited!

"Crossword and Quince," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Fresh chocolate cupcakes. Guest jewelry artist.

Fresh still life paintings and art.

Lots to see.

Hope to see you there!

Come to the Artists' Atelier, Friday, February 6, 6:30 to 9:00pm for the Opening Reception of "The Art of Romance"
Chocolates, jewelry, art, food, fun.
1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
Hope to see you there!

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Friday, February 6, 6:30 to 9:00 pm: Wine and Chocolate Reception with guest jewelry artist.  I'll be there! Hope you'll join me!
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"Payton in Purple" in Progress

"Payton in Purple" in Progress, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Discussing Art with Payton. She's almost done. I'm just getting started.

With my camera troubled over the last few days, I missed posting a photo of "Payton in Purple" in progress -- the painting created during Saturday's ridiculously fun and wonderful demo at ArtSpace Herndon.

So here it is ... adjusted a bit with some time spent yesterday.

"Baby, It's Cold Outside," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 in the Atelier this Month

Come to the Artists' Atelier, Friday, February 6, 6:30 to 9:00pm for the Opening Reception of "The Art of Romance"
Chocolates, jewelry, art, food, fun.
1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
Hope to see you there!

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31, 2 to 5pm. RSVP for painting demo.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Friday, February 6, 6:30 to 9:00 pm: Wine and Chocolate Reception with guest jewelry artist.  I'll be there! Hope you'll join me!
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Painting Payton

Payton with Me ... End of Demo at ArtSpace Herndon, January 31, 2015. She's the one in the tutu.

What a joy today!

Getting Started. I'm guessing this isn't the best view. I'm laying in the darks in brown and blue on an ochre ground

Thanks to Payton, her mom Lauren, grandmother Meg ... all who attended, Randy, Mom & Dad and Les at Herndon ArtSpace.

It was iPad entertainment needed toward the end for Payton

I'll do my best to post photos ... more to come, probably past when this might show up in your (subscribers) mailbox so check back at jillbanks.blogspot.com -- where they look better anyway.  Tomorrow will come my photo of the painting. My camera is indeed on the blitz. Fuzzy photos anyone? These are all from various iPhones.

Really, more to come! I don't want you to miss out on the day.

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. ArtSpace Gallery Hours are:
  Monday: Closed
  Tuesday thru Thursday: 10am to 2pm
  Friday through Saturday: 10am to 5pm
  Sunday: 1pm to 5pm
  ArtSpace Herndon is closed due to inclement weather whenever Fairfax County cancels school.
  

  

  Payton's view

  If in doubt, you can contact the gallery at http://www.artspaceherndon.com/  or call:
  703-956-6590.
  RSVP for painting demo.

• 

  About mid-point in the demo.   Good view of our super model!

  February: The Art of Romance, Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Friday, February 6, 6:30pm to 9:00pm.  Featuring a guest jewelry artist, chocolates, wine, hors d'oeuvres and a beautiful art party.  In the gallery and around my studio, still lifes with lots of flowers, an indoor picnic, cozy interiors.   See the show through the month of February, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm.
  June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Painting a Ballerina: Draw Along Saturday, January 31 at ArtSpace Herndon

"Mouse Tale," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

I'm betting that you'll have almost as much fun as I will on Saturday, January 31, 2 to 5pm in the gallery at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA -- where my solo exhibition, "Warm Observations: People and Places" of 48 original oils is on view through February 22.

What's in store? You're invited to sketch along (or just sit and enjoy the show) as I capture on canvas an unbelievably cute 9-year-old ballerina.

I've been trying to figure out who our subject would be for weeks now, and with Saturday right around the corner ... phew, serendipity helped out once again.

Yesterday, after still life class -- I went to deliver "New York Yellow and Blues" to the painting's new, happy owner. After approving the spot chosen for the painting, Meg and I were talking about the art "gene" -- and she asked me where I taught classes -- to assist her relatives who could create more than stick figures.  The "gene" had escaped Meg but her daughter, Lauren, had it.  Since my classes are full ... and the demo this Saturday is free and open to the public, I encouraged Meg to get Lauren to attend. Then, somehow it came up that Meg's 9-year-old granddaughter is a ballet dancer. That's just the kind of inspiration I was looking for ... and by last night, yes, the 9 year old ballerina would LOVE to pose for the demo.  Photos of her make me beam.  We are in for a special day!

So, join the fun. You'll be able to view the paintings in my solo exhibition "Warm Observations: People and Places" that surround us in the gallery. If you don't want to sketch, but want to watch -- that's great too.

"Mouse Tale" was painted today. Didn't have much to do with the theme of the post but couldn't leave you without a picture.

More Good News: Rittenhouse Square
The 2015 calendar is filling with another acceptance this week. First, being accepted to Telluride Plein Air for a week of painting in a juried competition in beautiful Telluride, CO from June 29 to July 5 ... and then today, the Rittenhouse Square Art Show sent notice that I've been accepted to exhibit in Philadelphia, PA for three days, June 5 to June 7. 

Come to the free painting demonstration in the gallery on Saturday, January 31, 2 to 5pm at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.   RSVP for painting demo.

ArtSpace Gallery Hours are:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday thru Thursday: 10am to 2pm
Friday through Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5pm

ArtSpace Herndon is closed due to inclement weather whenever Fairfax County cancels school.

If in doubt, you can contact the gallery at http://www.artspaceherndon.com/  or call:
703-956-6590.

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31, 2 to 5pm. RSVP for painting demo.
• February: The Art of Romance, Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Friday, February 6, 6:30pm to 9:00pm.  Featuring a guest jewelry artist, chocolates, wine, hors d'oeuvres and a beautiful art party.  In the gallery and around my studio, still lifes with lots of flowers, an indoor picnic, cozy interiors.   See the show through the month of February, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm.
  
  
  June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
  
  
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel