"Along the Way" Is Up ... Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

A portion of my "Along the Way" solo exhibit hung today ... www.JillBanks.com

There's more to talk about than time.

Tuesday was show-hanging day for a lot of us.  At at least one minute before the 10:30am deadline I arrived at the Atelier with my painting for the USGS show of works by Great Falls Studios Artists with my accepted work "Seaside Sunset" so it could be whisked off and hung.

Then, it was time to hang my solo exhibit "Along the Way" at the Great Falls Library. This is something like the sixth time I've presented my work there ... a la "just ME" and it's always been a terrific venue -- drawing a very appreciative audience.

This year, I was worried. A previous trip to the library made me less than excited to plan the exhibit. It's the meeting room in a town without a community center. There are lots and lots of chairs and benches and tables and stuff.  It's not a gallery ... but I like that. Still, I wanted visitors to be able to approach my paintings, really see and enjoy them.

I'm not usually the squeaky wheel. But years of well-appreciated, successful exhibits in this venue encouraged me to call on the kind hearts in the Great Falls Library family to transform a room

This is my studio. And, I was worried about "clutter" in the Great Falls Library. Better get to work.

that was really cluttered and art-unfriendly into a venue where I'm extremely happy to be displaying my art. The room looks beautiful, inviting and I couldn't be happier with the way the exhibit looks in this multi-purpose, welcoming facility.

I didn't hang precisely to plan and my Online Version of "Along the Way" has been updated to reflect reality. Check it out on my web site: www.JillBanks.com. (If you'd taken a look before, check back now.)

"Baa" was purchased by a Weaver. How cool is that?

Shadyside Update

Shadyside was great! Three paintings went to good homes. We caught up with my husband Randy's college roommate and wife who we'd last seen at our wedding ... a LOT of years ago. I'm still full of all the conversations, people met. This is an intensely personal journey.

Mom and Dad

Priorities don't always follow written order. On Monday, August 31, my Dad had his second back surgery within a two-month span ... to hopefully cure tremendous pain.  It's wait and see ... tough ... but he was awfully quick with jokes and made us laugh a LOT post-surgery.

September 3 -- marks my parents' 65th wedding anniversary.  This probably isn't exactly what they might have planned for as a way to celebrate -- with Dad in recovery for surgery, on pain meds -- but they show me every day what those wedding vows and true love are all about.  After a month and a half and two surgeries and lots of difficulties with all time spent in rehab or the hospital, my Dad was very worried that he hadn't gotten flowers to celebrate the day. This was tops on his mind. Randy and I nervously picked out the flowers for him (my parents were florists when first married) and they will be in whatever room they are in tomorrow on their big day.

I am constantly reminded that if I mess up in life, marriage, parenting, happiness, love, friendship ... you name it, there's only one person to blame. I have certainly been blessed with the most beautiful of role models. I try like heck to do justice to this wonderful gift.


Back to School Time
Register for  Fall Classes. See my Classes page for info.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

"Down By the Seashore" was snatched up at Shadyside. I LOVE this painting!

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

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA. Reception: September 12

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Pink Flamingo, Shadyside

"Pink Flamingo," oil, 5"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

Okay, these have nothing to do with one another.

I hope to see you at Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street this weekend: August 29 & 30 in Pittsburgh PA.
Saturday: 10am to 7pm
Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Booth number and location as soon as I get it.

Register for  Fall Classes. See my Classes page for info.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

"Mountain Time" (Telluride) and Fall Painting Classes

"Mountain Time," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

I started "Mountain Time" while painting in Telluride Plein Air, but it just wasn't finish-able there without endangering having many to show at the end of the week. Sometimes, doing a painting justice means stepping away, saving additional hard work, thought, fun for another day. So, while a myriad of folks took a look while it was on my easel there in Colorado during two afternoons there -- YOU are getting the first look at "Mountain Time" the way it was meant to be.

FALL PAINTING CLASSES
While all adult classes are not up and online for registration at the Great Falls School of Art (Great Falls, VA) -- my offering of three weekly classes are listed on my web site with a link to register for each. Please take a look and I hope to see you come September!

My Classes Page: http://jillbanks.com/workshops

"Spanish Garden," (Madrid, Spain), oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

The Plein Air Landscape in Oils, Thursdays, 10am to 2pm starting September 10
Still Life Plus (Personal Painting Projects Okay Too), Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting September 15
Evening Paint, Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 9:30pm starting September 15

Class size is limited. Register now.

Coming Up: Lots! See events listed below.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

October 19-25:  Brandywine Valley Plein Air

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Working Small

...Isn't easy. I re-proved that point in the last couple of days -- reworking a little painting started in Mystic, CT of the statue of the Blessed Mary -- this one purchased by a couple who showed up at the festival after having visited my booth months ago in Virginia Beach. It was difficult to create on the spot -- I kept doing and redoing. Then, I posted it. Then, reworked it again.  By contrast, the much larger painting created the day prior in Mystic was decidedly easier.

"Our Lady at St. Patrick's," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. Private collection.

The problem is -- me. I wasn't cut out to be a watch repair person or handle something requiring pinpoint precision. One little misstep and a nose is in the wrong place. Compounding that -- a delicate beautiful subject and a nice couple already anticipating for her to arrive at their home -- made for challenging work.

"Our Lady at St. Patrick's" is now resting, drying, waiting to be shipped to her purchasers. Phew.

At the same time, I think small paintings can be completely mesmerizing -- charming and pull you into their Lilliputian beings.

"Rabbit Food," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2015 Jill Banks.

I promised a new photo of yesterday's painting "Rabbit Food." Here it is. Decidedly better. The light of day helps. I've added it, too, to my web site -- where you'll find it in the Still Life gallery.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

October 19-25:  Brandywine Valley Plein Air

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Still Life with Cabbages, "Rabbit Food"

"Rabbit Food," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

This is a decidedly poor photo -- I'll try again tomorrow ... but wanted to show you what was on my easel today at the Artists' Atelier. Loved painting those cabbages. Had to be speedy with the rapidly deteriorating beet leaves.  Challenges are always welcomed.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

October 19-25:  Brandywine Valley Plein Air

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

A New York City Street

"Street Lights," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

I figure that someone could map my brain cells to determine what will be next on my easel. This is the path I think those thoughts took.

• We've been passing back and forth through New York City for multiple shows -- Wickford, Westport, Mystic -- so its calling my name. 
• A favorite painting "Crosswalk" of another NYC street recently went to its new digs and I miss it.  
• There's a John Singer Sargent exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (in NYC) that's also on my mind (as in, why didn't I stop there on the last six times passing through?).

That means I've got to paint a New York City street scene, right?

So here's the result.

What do you think?

See more like it in the Places Gallery under Works on my web site.

I'm finalizing plans for September art classes. Think Tuesdays (day and evening) and Thursdays (day). More news soon.

And, postcards arrived today for my September solo show ("Along the Way") in Great Falls, VA. I love them! Hope you do, too.  Since 2005, whenever I'm the one in charge of ordering postcards, my vendor of choice has been Modern Postcard. I know they aren't the least expensive option but the result is well worth it.

And, one more bit of really good news.  Randy and I had the happy good fortune to have lunch with my Mom and Dad -- en route home from "staple removal" at the doctor's office after Dad's back surgery. This was his first meal out since surgery.  Quite an occasion!

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

More Little Ones ... From Mystic and a Beanie Baby

Quick post ... since I only have a few minutes.

"Our Lady of St. Patrick's," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. Purchased by a great couple we'd met in Virginia Beach. It was a surprise to see them at Mystic!

"Gazing at Mystic," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. Second piece (of three) painted and purchased in Mystic. The third one was never photographed ... but depicted Seaport Marine and was painted from this same spot.

"BB Giraffe," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. That trip to the zoo with my daughter, Sarah, inspired me to paint some Beanie Baby animals today.  That, and the fact that yesterday's trip to Kidwell Farm -- where I often find great subjects to paint -- greeted me with an awful lot of empty or near empty fields. Where did everyone go?

 

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

"Mary" at Mystic

"Mary" (St. Patrick's Church, Mystic, CT), oil, 16"h x 12"w,©2015 Jill Banks

After a 6am tent setup this morning at the Mystic Seaport Outdoor Fine Art Festival, posting my painting from this afternoon is the extent of my blogging efforts. For those of you in the area this weekend (August 8 &9), I hope to see you at Booth #442 on East Main sometime between 10am and 5pm.

That's it.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

"Wayne Feed" in the 'Scapes Exhibit, Brandywine Valley Plein Air

"Wayne Feed," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

"Wayne Feed" was accepted into this month's popular 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League (105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA). It was created plein air (in the open air, from life) during Wayne Plein Air 2015. Painting at night is tricky ... but was sure helped in this case by an enthusiastic and resourceful homeowner. You'll have to ask me how he "lit" the way for me.

See more like it in my web site's Places Gallery.

Speaking of Plein Air events, I was just accepted to compete in another -- Brandywine Valley Plein Air that will take place mid-October.  I'll do a little more research and calendar-finagling with that one before accepting my place -- but look forward to the chance to participate in the event.

 The Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival is this weekend, August 8 & 9 ... and I hope to see you there. Follow the link below for more info.
August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT 

 

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 1-30: Along the Way, Solo Show, Great Falls, VA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 50-60 Great Falls artists.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

"Heart of Telluride" Revisited

"Heart of Telluride," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

A scene painted in Telluride ... but while there I couldn't capture all the interesting visitors who utilized the benches and stairs and sidewalks. So, here it is, take two.

Since last post, I visited the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore with my daughter. Expect elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, camels, flamingos, penguins to come.  No painting took place on site, but my sketchbook got a workout. What a great place!!!!! All the residents seemed well tended and content, pretty oblivious to us all.

The Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival is this weekend, August 8 & 9 ... and I hope to see you there. Follow the link below for more info.
August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA

October 4: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean, VA

October 16-18: Great Falls Studio Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA)

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL