Thursday, August 16, 2018

Plein Air Painting in Place Des Vosges - Paris - Pretty Cool!

Park Place, oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- created plein air at Place des Vosges with me trying to be inconspicuous. Hard to accomplish when you have an easel in front of you.

I painted in Place Des Vosges the last time in Paris in March 2013. That previous trip, I couldn't feel my fingers ... it was that cold. This time around, it was a bit too toasty and bright, so I found a spot on a bench with a canopy of leaves overhead where it might be possible to not draw excessive attention to my easel.  At least I received less.

Natalie Chan's Drawing from Place Des Vosges.  Thanks, Natalie! I love it!
A surprise well into my painting was having a young woman, Natalie Chan, offer a gift of her wonderful drawing of Randy and me on that bench in the park. Apparently I was getting more attention than realized.

While I was trying to paint a little bit out of the way to help my progress, one of the real joys of creating en plein air is the interaction of those you meet on those outings ... like Natalie and all the other artists of all ages and enthusiasts.  All encounters have been great ones ... minus one this trip ... but I'll save that story for another post.

We made one big boo-boo this trip and that is not bringing any easy way to transport or pack wet 18" x 24" canvases (the size of Park Place). That means you could have seen me precariously holding this canvas weaving through the full sidewalks of Central Paris.  That's one way to disperse a crowd.  That will be remedied before the next major outing!  We've ventured far, on foot, and it can be a complicated trip back to our home away from home here in Paris.

It's possible I'll add pigeons to this or other paintings.  They are everywhere and Place Des Vosges was no exception.  (Natalie definitely noticed them.) My reluctance may have come from pigeon droppings really getting husband Randy on my first morning out painting.  I don't want the birds to think they belong ON my art.

Greetings from Paris! Here I am painting in my new (still fresh but not for long) smock from Charvin - Paris. Plus I'm trying out a new squeegee tool with a clipped corner. Haven't figured it out yet (how/when to use), but I'm working on it.
This blog posts are going to be all out of chronological order.  Doubt it matters.  This place is too much fun and with walking, discovering, eating, painting, returning home, and then getting ready to post ... well, I might just be having some troubles fitting it all in.

See more of my paintings from here and elsewhere in the Places collection on my website: www.JillBanks.com

#pleinairpainting #paintinginParis #jillbanksart


Thanks for visiting! 
Jill
P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA



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Friday, August 10, 2018

Painting in Paris at Luxembourg Garden ... Wow!

The Regatta, oil, 12 x 24 inches, ©2018 Jill Banks
This is the third plein air painting of my Paris adventure, but the first photographed and ready to show.

After landing in Paris and checking into our home away from home, it was rest time and then we headed out for an 8-mile trek to various locations where I might want to paint.  Luxembourg Garden is ridiculously gorgeous ... and a spot I could paint for a year.  When I did head back there two days later it was even more spectacular with the addition of all these wonderful sailboats.  They go where they want and all their "sailors" can do is head them in another direction when they near the edges of the basin.

Lots more to come.  Follow the adventure through my Facebook page or website or here. 

And, I have a new smock from the Paris Charvin store.  That will show up in some future posts. Given that it's August, lots of shops are on vacation so it was very nice to find an art supply store that was open AND on the way back home.

Thanks for visiting! 

Jill

P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

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Thursday, August 2, 2018

Are You Ready for a Night Out on the Town?

"Memory Lane," oil, 36"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
It's time for the First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre -- Great Falls VA that is!

Sure hope you'll be there!
Start at the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066.

Friday, August 3, 6-8pm
Visit 3 joint studios.
1 Gallery
1 Petite Gallery
Eat at one of our Village Centre restaurants
Music at the Old Brogue starting at 9pm.

Refreshments while they last.

This is version three of "Memory Lane." I've been going nuts with this one.  Really think I have it.

But more importantly, what do YOU think?

See it in person -- version 3 -- tomorrow night.


"Memory Lane" isn't the only painting that's gone through a renovation... 
 
"Cat House" will be there, too. A favorite from Telluride. Find out how it got its name.
Come see "City Sparkle" at the studio.  This week I changed this favorite painting for a reason. That was daunting and a bit crazy but I now do love it more than ever.  Think you will too.

Check out most of the paintings from Telluride -- sold and available here.

My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

Jill


 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA
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Saturday, July 28, 2018

Days at the Atelier

"Geraniums," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- has plenty of company in my studio at the Artists' Atelier in Great Falls VA. Come see Sunday evening (7/29), Wednesday (8/1) or for the First Friday Art Walk (8/3)
My studio space at the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066 is overflowing with art ... and I hope you'll come check it out for yourself on one of the three days this week that I'll be there.

Sunday, July 29, 5 to 8:30pm.  Now there is supposed to be a Concert on the Green from 6-8pm each Sunday if the weather cooperates.  You can visit regardless as I will be at the Atelier but hopefully, there will be some musical entertainment that night, too.  Bring chairs and a picnic and check out the Celebrate Great Falls website for the concert schedule and for last minute info.

Wednesday, August 1, noon to 4pm

Friday, August 3, 6-8pm: First Friday Art Walk in the Village. Come enjoy a night out on the town.  More info here.

"Friday Night Lights," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks - won the President's Award in the Falls Church "Scenes of the City" Plein Air Competition

Come see "City Sparkle" at the studio.  This week I changed this favorite painting for a reason. That was daunting and a bit crazy but I now love it more than ever.  Think you will too.

Check out most of the paintings from Telluride -- sold and available here.



My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.


Short post ... but hope to see you!





Jill


 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com


Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)


 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA
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Saturday, July 14, 2018

More From Telluride - Open Studio on Sunday July 15, 5-8pm

"Ride 'Em," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- the last painting I created in Telluride
Top Seller Honors

"Lone Tree Cemetery," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks - private collection
Remarkably, in addition to winning the Quick Draw, I also was the top seller in this year's Telluride Plein Air with eight paintings purchased by eight different sets of collectors. That means I'm automatically invited back for Telluride Plein Air 2019 and I significantly helped the Sheridan Opera House in its fundraising efforts.  Connecting with all those neat people throughout the event was simply thrilling. (And fun.)

Husband Randy was a huge part of that success -- I'll talk about how in the next email newsletter sent out to subscribers of my website (you are receiving this in your email as a subscriber to my blog) so also subscribe at www.JillBanks.com.

Join Me on Sunday at the Artists' Atelier - 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066. Open Studio: 5-8:30pm

The Summer Concert Series is on from 6-8pm each Sunday and Randy and I will be at the Atelier with plenty of paintings from all these recent adventures for an hour before, through the concert and a little beyond.  I may even be tempted to paint at the concert ... so you could be "in a painting." Especially if you say ... hey ... paint me.

Thanks for reading!


Check out most of the paintings from Telluride -- sold and available here.

Jill

 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


EVENTS
July 6:
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA
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Monday, July 2, 2018

Quick Draw Winner at Telluride Plein Air

"Ghost Town," oil, 12"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- winner Telluride Plein Air Quick Draw
I'm thrilled that the panel of judges selected "Ghost Town" as the winner of the Telluride Plein Air Quick Draw.  All 23 of these outstanding artists suffered through having just one-and-a-half hours of panic pulling together these pieces.  At that pace, it's hard to know exactly what the painting looks like.

"Market Day Telluride," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
This time in Telluride has been the best ever.  My fellow artists are amazing, fun, funny and cool.  There is a neat group of fans and friends all around town. The weather is gorgeous. Views even more stupendous. Restaurants great.  So wonderful!

I'm about to hand in my Artist's Choice selection for the reception tonight (Monday, July 2) at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride Colorado.  Then, for the next three days we'll be set up in Elk's Park with our paintings from this week -- all for sale with 40% of the proceeds benefiting the Sheridan Opera House.  There's lots of excitement in the air!

"Market Day Telluride" is the piece I picked as my Artist's Choice.  That wasn't an easy decision -- and I've been driving husband Randy a little nuts for the last few days.  We are able to sell our paintings right off the easel ... except for the one we pick as our Artist's Choice.  "Market Day Telluride" has plenty of people wanting to own it.  So has "Parked on Colorado" -- the other piece I was seriously considering as my pick.  For the reception tonight (Monday), patrons of the Sheridan arrive earlier -- before opening to the public -- so they get the first chance at purchasing.  Patrons -- 5-6pm. Open to the public -- 6-7pm.

I have set up a temporary collection "Telluride Plein Air" on my website where you can view some of what will be on view in the park on July 3, 4 and 5.  Take a look ... and you can purchase and have a piece shipped to you even without being here.  Just contact me via the website or at jill@jillbanks.com.

There has been lots of nice news relative to awards -- with an honorable mention at Bucks County Plein Air's quick draw plus second place and the President's Award at the Falls Church (VA) "Scenes in the City" Plein Air Festival as well. Quite a month!  Perhaps that explains my regular absences from blogging.  Be sure to also subscribe to my email newsletter through my website at www.jillbanks.com.  I seem to be sharing the big news a little better there.

Thanks for reading!  I'll fill you in on more with lots more painting images to come ... whenever I get a little breathing room. For now, I'm off to paint.

Jill
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jill@jillbanks.com



Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)







Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


EVENTS
July 6:
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
June 28-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO (one of 23 lucky artists selected)
"Parked on Colorado," oil on linen-lined panel, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks - my other top contender

July 7&8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

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Friday, June 8, 2018

Bucks County Plein Air Wrapping Up ... Show and Sale Time plus Quick Draw to Come

"Sky Drama" - 24"h x 24"w, oil on linen, ©2018 Jill Banks - this one took me a LONG time, two afternoons to finish
"Cloudy Water," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
I know it's been forever since last posting ... but here's a quick one before heading off to the Tyler Tasting Party at Bucks County Community College's Newtown Campus (275 Swamp Road Newtown PA) for a reception.

Four fresh paintings made it off my easel since Monday for this morning's installation. One that I thought I finished last night a bit past midnight still needs work before seeing the light of day.  Nocturne's are risky business.  Anyway, here are those four...  Photos are really rough. I'll try again when the paintings aren't so sopping wet.

"Baa Baa Baa" -- three sheep found at Washington Crossing Park -- oil on linen-lined panel, 12"h x 16"w, ©2018 Jill Banks



"I See the Moon..." oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks

See these and more in the "Now Showing" collection of my website and hopefully in person in the Bucks County Plein Air events.

Hope to see you often!

Thanks for reading!
Jill Banks
 
EVENTS
June 4-9: Bucks County Plein Air, PA (one of thirty juried artists selected)
June 4-15: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Member Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, NYC
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
June 28-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO (one of 23 lucky artists selected)
July 7&8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
 
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com



Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)




Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 

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