"Tranquility" Accepted to Salon International; Joan Devine is Face #34 and More

Good day today!

Joan Devine is Face #34

"Joan Devine: Face #34", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Joan volunteered her face after hearing about my project in a roundabout sort of way. Joan saw art quilter Cindy Grisdela's solo exhibit at Maison du Vin, a beautiful wine store that features Great Falls artists' work in its tasting room. When Joan then went to Cindy's web site ... and read about Cindy Grisdela (Face #4) sitting for me ... on her blog, Joan decided this might be an interesting thing to do. Okay, long intro and hopefully fairly accurate. (I listen at about an 85-90% level while painting. I miss a few facts.)

So, Joan and I didn't know each other. After settling in a little bit, I point to the chair that's my sitter's "throne" for awhile. No one knows exactly what to do, how to sit, what's expected of them. I don't direct ... I just want to get at what's natural and comfortable for each person. I imagine it seems a little strange. Photographers give specific instructions ... like "say cheese", angling our shoulders, chin down, look here, etc. They are looking for your most photogenic posture and expression. I want my sitters to relax and show me glimpses of themselves. (Showing me lots of themselves is even better.) I watched Joan become herself.

Joan's independent and capable ... and daring, too. She makes herself try new things or reach for new challenges. (Like sitting for me.) She and her husband are outdoorsy -- enjoying kayaking and skiing. She expects to keep up. (I can't imagine being able to keep up physically in such active sports. Actually, I didn't need to add the adjective "active.") She talked about a trip to Alaska (we talked travels) ... and being on a boat with a school of orcas coming near ... with a sole otter swimming among them. Joan's up for adventure.

A recurring theme is that none of us feels "older" as we age. We're the same people inside and our vision of ourselves includes us at all ages. I remember a story my dad told of going to one of his high school reunions ... entering the room ... and thinking that he'd come to the wrong place. There were a whole bunch of old people in there. Probably there were a bunch of young people in there with older people's faces.

When I was done with the painting and Joan came to look, she told me that it was the only picture of herself she can remember liking. She clearly saw herself in it ... but for each "reveal" my sitters are seeing a different side of themselves. One they're not accustomed to seeing. It's not a couple-of-seconds' view, trying to find your "good side." But, somehow it does.


Salon International 2011

"Tranquility" Accepted into Salon International 2011

Today, I found out that "Tranquility" was accepted into the very competitive Salon International 2011 (see a list of accepted entries/artists here) exhibit that's being held at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, Texas in April. Yea! I was hoping for that one. Greenhouse is a beautiful gallery that represents the "cream of the crop" and entries are juried for acceptance by the gallery owners and staff. So, nice to be accepted! Awards jurying is done once the paintings have been shipped and hung in the gallery. (Daniel Greene is the awards juror.) This is my second year having work accepted into this beautiful exhibition.

Great Falls Connection Article

An article on my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project, written by Alex McVeigh (Face #26), is in this week's edition of the Great Falls Connection. You can download a PDF file here (click on Great Falls to download, see "Capturing 100 Likenesses" on page 5) or see the online version here.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Frank Gugino Becomes Face #33: One-Third of the Way!

"Frank Gugino: Face #33", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

My eye is on the journey for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project -- not on getting through. Still, in the last 33 days, I painted 33 faces and got to know 33 people better. So, a special occasion today. Another milestone.

Frank Gugino (Face #33) is Patti Chisholm's (Face #17) husband. Frank is now officially added to the list of people who commented that time flew by.  We talked about a whole bunch of things ... family, cooking, background, work, art (Patti is a professional artist), interests, travel, and a little bit of history (one of Frank's passions). Plus, I got a recap of Frank and Patti's adventures in Italy when Frank was able to get acquainted to some relatives in the town his grandparents had emigrated from to the U.S. I'm listening and talking while I paint -- but I miss parts of the discussion, and repetition helps.

Photo time.

We talked about artists going off in all sorts of new directions ... constantly. Always trying new things. Spouses often encourage a continuation in one direction ... creating more of those pieces that appeal most strongly to them ... or others. That makes an awful lot of sense to all non-artists. If we stuck to one thing (a subject matter, media, process), we are apt to get better at it. (I'm improving through my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project.) But, we need to be thrilled by what we're doing. There needs to be variety and change, too.

The last time that I really stuck closely to one theme (subject matter or idea) was in preparing for my solo show at the Art League, "Place Settings" in January 2008 of people (friends, family, strangers) enjoying each others' company over a meal (restaurant and cafe scenes). If I hadn't had to present a proposal, get juried in and be held "accountable" by the Art League gallery staff, I wouldn't have pursued such a defined focus. The paintings in that show still remain as some of my favorites. My best. So the discipline paid off for me -- but it was difficult and I was dying to pursue other genres in the end.

We're tough to herd. We can learn by sticking to something. We thrive on variety, challenge and change.

My 100 Faces in 100 Days is "herding" me  (I'm accountable to you by resolving to do this and these daily posts). I am learning by painting one face after another. And, I'm challenged everyday with a brand new face and person to get to know.

Adam's Art Class Tunes into the Blog

When Adam's (Face #32) mom offered to show Adam the blog post starring him earlier today, he told her he'd already seen it. Adam told his Art class teacher about sitting for my Faces Project and she pulled up my blog. It was a hit ... and fun for him.

The Bird Show

"Wild Turkey", oil on linen, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Today, Randy and I hung the rest of the Bird Show at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Atelier artists painted/photographed/created artwork that spotlights seven bird candidates for the official town bird. Candidates include the pileated woodpecker, Great Blue Heron, Eastern bluebird, wild turkey, red-shouldered hawk, American goldfinch and a ruby-throated hummingbird. Studiomate Jennifer Duncan created a piece with all seven of the birds hanging out together ... in a way. Got to see it. An opening reception is this coming Friday, February 4, 7-9pm. The Atelier is also open Saturdays, noon-4pm. Stop in and see the birds ... and my wall of, now, 33 faces.

"Eastern Bluebird", oil on linen, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I put two paintings into the show ... so far. My thought is that we would keep adding to it. Great Falls Studios and the National Audobon Society are behind this search and vote for an official town bird. There are many art-related activities up Great Falls Studios' sleeves. Check out their web site: www.GreatFallsStudios.com for more info on the Wings Over Great Falls project.

See you tomorrow with a fresh Face!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Adam, Age 8, is Face #32

"Adam: Face #32", oil , 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Adam, age 8, came over this afternoon to sit to become Face #32 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. Adam's sister, Rachel (age 10) was Face #2 and Adam felt like it was worth giving this sitting for an alla prima portrait sketch business a shot himself. (Alla prima means all at once, in one sitting.) He did great!

He sat for me in my home studio and discovered a slot machine we have in the next room... so that was a draw during breaks. He hit a triple crown result -- the best. (No payout though.)

Adam's favorite class is robotics ... but he also likes karate and art. Sounds like an interesting combination to me. He's personable and smart with an incredible memory. It's been a long while since I've spent much time around an eight year old, but wow! He recalled where he was when he played a slot machine before (the name of the hotel) and all sorts of details that I'd be chasing all through my brain. Ah, youth. He just seemed to have an awful lot together. One of his jobs at home is to find "things" that have gone missing. (I could use one of those sorts of helpers here.)

Anyway, it was a very enjoyable visit. I wasn't completely satisfied that I'd captured Adam when he left ... and did work on this afterward looking at some photographs taken during our session. Now, I think I've got it.

My still life class today was great. It seemed like everyone was rocking and rolling. Great progress. Yea!

Just Updated My Web Site's 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. I'll add Adam to the group in a few minutes ... but you can see all my faces so far and click on each painting to link to their blog post. Check it out!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Sue Bennett is Face #31: A Whole Month of Faces

"Sue Bennett: Face #31", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Sue Bennett offered to sit for my portrait class today ... occasionally taking a chance to draw us ... painting and drawing her. She has a wonderful face (and spirit). Her skin glows. (See it?)

We had fun discussions, too ... and I'll return to teaching/helping lots more next week. This was the only time I could get Sue to sit to be part of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project ... so I had to make the most of it.

Perhaps this is time for a short post. I have a full day ahead with a day of teaching in the am tomorrow and painting Rachel's (Face #2's) eight-year-old brother Adam in the afternoon. Weather permitting.

Read more about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project on earlier posts (the project started January 1) ... and on my web site, see the link to the project page from my home page.

Just Updated My Web Site's 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. All 31 faces are there with a link back to the blog post about each of my sitters. Check it out!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Pamela Grim is Face #30 and Sisters

"Pamela Grim: Face #30", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Pamela Grim, sister of Marlene Grim (Face #29), came to sit for me today to become Face #30 (in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project)... and Marlene came to keep her and me company. Funny, fun day.

Pamela's single.

Pamela works in the lingerie department at Lord & Taylor in Tysons. Since I don't spend a lot of time in the lingerie department ... I'd never met her but I would bet that should you be in need of some help in that department (no pun intended), that Pamela's who you should go see. She's FULL of personality, with a  great sense of humor (needed while shopping for bras and undies). Warm and calming. (Also helpful.)

When Pamela first came over, she met my husband Randy ... and he looked really familiar to her. "Had he shopped at the store?" Uh-oh.  He hadn't shopped there for me. (I'm kidding about the uh-oh ... Randy's the greatest husband on earth. He's not shopping for anyone else.) We decided he was a celebrity look-a-like. But Randy might suffer from my overly imaginative dream mechanisms.

We share a love of pickles. I used to get them as birthday presents from my friends. Still, when I go to lunch with others, I collect all the unwanted or not-wanted-as-much-as-I-want-them pickles from everyone's plate.

Pamela and Marlene are two of five sisters in their family ... and they get a huge kick out of each other. Actually, Pamela comes up with the funny stories and one-liners and Marlene encourages by being quick to laugh. The fun is contagious.

Pamela Grim (l) and Marlene Grim (r) hamming it up

Their mom passed away recently, and Marlene mentioned that her mom was the glue that held them all together. I really felt that their mom was there today, so clearly appreciating them and vice versa. I think the glue's going to stick just fine.

Pamela did try to have a discussion with me about what I ought to paint in and out ... lightheartedly, I think. I told her, kindly, that I wasn't taking any instructions today ... that I wanted to paint her the way I saw her. I want people who sit to see themselves through other eyes ... and I try to convey that as best I can in paint. I see people as a whole ... not bit by bit ... and my heart's almost always in gear focused on your personality and story.

That said, painting-wise, I had a little trouble with the panel I was painting on today. Paint was streaky and picking up more than I wanted it to. I NEED to get to the art supply store this week for brushes, paints, stuff. I'm flying through paint and wearing out my brushes. Important tools.

Tomorrow, I'm cheating a bit and painting Sue Bennett, one of my portrait class students ... who agreed to be one of my faces if I could paint her during class. So she'll be painting us while we're painting her. (I teach Portrait Painting and Drawing on Mondays through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts)

Randy and I did spend the whole afternoon together ... buying a suit for him for Sam & Michelle's rapidly approaching wedding. (Which reminds me of another thing I gained from today's painting session. I showed Pamela and Marlene my dress and Pamela recommended that I get some pretty patent leather shoes ... dressy enough for such a special occasion.) We also did some shopping but the day wasn't completely crammed full.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Marlene Grim is Face #29 Today: 100 Faces in 100 Days, Day 29

"Marlene Grim: Face #29", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Marlene Grim is one of my parents' neighbors ... and my mom suggested to Marlene that she'd be a great sitter for my project. Marlene did do great. I think she was surprised that I could hold a conversation and paint. I've been well trained for that, by attending classes for years, giving public demos, and working with other artists in joint studio space. Sometimes I need to concentrate (quietly), but conversations are part of the rhythm of painting for me.

The conversations also serve a purpose here. To let me get to know my sitters better. Let them relax and enjoy themselves. Keep them engaged with me. I love listening to other viewpoints and perspectives on life.

Many of my sitters see themselves as non-artists. They can't draw and admire others' artistic talents. The ability to draw and paint has almost nothing to do with talent. It can be learned. Just as you don't know how to drive a car or ride a bike or swim or do a calculus problem through natural abilities, you must also study, practice, learn, be taught to paint or draw well.  You can master it ... a bit at a time. Or learn a little, and have fun just sketching what's around you.

This painting progressed well throughout the afternoon. Before and after Marlene's sitting, I worked on Randy's (my husband's) face. Poor guy. But I think it's better. I can see the kindness and good cheer in him. I need to step back. I did leave his painting in the studio to keep myself away from it. Tomorrow I paint at home ... Marlene's sister, Pamela Grim.

I do see myself improving. That doesn't mean I'm only going to have good days. But, I'm solidifying the process, understanding when the drawing (darks/lights) leave me ready to proceed, and make any helpful adjustments (process, setup, lighting, distance from subject) more fluidly. I'm just more at ease.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Stephen Klagholz is Face #28 Today

"Stephen Klagholz: Face #28", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Stephen Klagholz, a friend of my son Sam's, came and sat for one of my 100 Faces in 100 Days ... faces. He's great company and we had a great time! Plus, the painting pleased us both. Yea!

He left, and I said I'd post this tonight. Sam's already called and checked on my progress. Sam sent a text message to Stephen while he (Stephen) was sitting for me asking how painting was going ... so I guess I better get my act in gear and post this. I will add other photos ... and text later, perhaps but I don't want anticipation to harm anyone.

What I really appreciated was the opportunity to get to know a terrific person better ... and the chance to get to know a friend of Sam's better. With so many friendships formed away at college, we know what his friends look like, but not who they are. I can see why the two of them are friends.

Stephen's got a great outlook and I feel like he'll always heed priorities in life, with family, friends, work, enjoying life in a good balance. I talked about "quitting" a company I founded ten years ago to get reacquainted with my family (and my life) and how happy I was that I took that much dreaded step. And, how lucky I feel that my family was willing to take me back. Stephen gets the balance message. (Even though I set some challenging goals for myself, I am living a terrific, full life enjoying painting, family and friends.)

We had a great time together ... and he's been booked to sit for the Portrait class I teach on Mondays. Now, that's a good day!

More photos and thoughts later.

Oh, and I worked on Randy (Face #27) tonight, too ...  I may edit yesterday's post with a new photo today or tomorrow.

I'll be painting Face #29 at the Artist's Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA tomorrow (Saturday, January 29) starting at 2pm.

Here's a note from Stephen ... added tonight from an email he sent me.

"Mrs. Banks!

Honestly, thank YOU so much for today. I have written up a little blip about the session from my perspective that I hope thoroughly expresses my appreciation and that you can feel free to post it on your blog, in your book, and whatever you deem fit.

If you want to learn about art, take a session with Mrs. Banks. I had such a wonderful time talking with her, hearing all about her experiences, and learning about the true meaning of art. It is not about detail, perfection, or making art your life. It is about seeing the beauty in people and things, as they are, and illustrating them in such a way that captures that beauty, that sparkle in someone's eye, and that essence of life. Mrs. Banks is a master at such depictions and sheds a glimmer of her own radiance on every work she produces. During my session, our discussions ranged from the development of me and Sam's friendship to the philosophical conjecture that moderation is the key to a happy and successful life, which we both agreed upon. My painting is stunning and - not that she needs my approval - I am flattered to have such a magnificent portrayal of myself, one that has truly shown me an angle of myself that I've never seen before. No video, photograph, or description of me has captured the way that she has and it's so special to see it. This experience has given me a newfound appreciation for art and rekindled my personal interest in it. Mrs. Banks' talents blow my mind and it will be an honor to be a subject again.

Thanks again!

OH! P.S. Meredyth and my Mom LOVED the portrait and both asked when their session is :)

Sincerely,

Stephen Klagholz"

I'm going to have to turn into Jill Banks ... as opposed to Mrs. Banks ... since I probably won't show up on a google search for "Mrs. Banks artist". Thank you's go in both directions in all of these painting sessions. I love spending time with each of my sitters, and they really enjoy spending time experiencing something different and seeing themselves through someone else's (my) eyes. The ultimate good win-win thing. My favorite line from today was Stephen telling me that he thinks he has a twin! (The painting.)


Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Husband Randy Banks is Face #27 Today, Snow

"Randy Banks (husband): Face #27" Round Three. From 1/29/11

So we got whopped by some snow and ice ... so instead of painting Bailey's mom, Christine ... I painted my husband Randy who was sort of stranded with me.

Before I forget, I will not be speaking at the McLean Art Society meeting tomorrow am (due to weather and roads and school closings, I suspect). Another time. I'll keep you posted.

My painting of Face #27 is quite a conglomeration. Not sure how well I like it. I love him. (I may like this - again, don't know.) But this painting and our "sittings" haven't gone smoothly. It's not as easy to engage my own family as it is friends, acquaintances and strangers. I guess I've talked them out.

I had started this as practice before I began my faces project. I think on December 30 or 31 and it was absolutely awful. I had set up my easel way too close to Randy ... and it was that old "I can't see the forest for the trees" problem. Yuck. It didn't help a bit that I was about to launch 100 of these and hadn't figured out the problem. You need some sort of confidence when jumping off the high dive.

My painting of Randy on 1/27/11. Not so good.

Anyway, I left it until now because I figured I'd fix it and it would fill in when one of my faces couldn't show up ... or I couldn't paint. So I was working over a bad drawing (good drawing's depend on some distance from your subject or super skills) and my subject was yawning, diverted, falling asleep. (He's been working very hard on a renovation project and was out late last night retrieving our stranded daughter and shoveling the driveway this am -- so, reasonable to be falling asleep.) But it didn't help the painter and I relied on some photos to get the drawing in better shape.

So, there you have it. Husband Randy. Face #27. This is more detailed than all the rest -- so he'll stand out in the crowd. I prefer the more expressionistic, alla prima style -- but it was easy to apply the paint and get it to stick because the board had already had a layer of paint on it. A friend of our son Sam's is the subject for tomorrow.

Note: the painting at the top was my touched-up version on January 29 (two days later). The painting at the bottom is what I created on January 27 that pertains to this post. I know it's confusing.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Today's Sitter (Face #26) Writes About Today's Session

Today's post is by a guest writer, Alex McVeigh, community reporter with the Connection Newspapers, who sat for me as Face #26. So here's his perspective on the day.

Today I was the 26th face in Jill Banks' 100 Faces in 100 Days project. I wrote a story about the project for the Great Falls Connection (link: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=347779&paper=88&cat=104), and so I had seen faces 1-13 on the wall a few weeks ago. It's pretty cool to see new faces added to the wall. 

"Alex McVeigh: Face #26", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I greatly enjoyed having my portrait painted, other than a caricature when I was younger, I'd never been drawn before. And while as a kid the 10 minutes it took for the caricature seemed to take forever, this morning flew by. 

I met Jill at her studio in Great Falls. She mentioned that in her home studio, the subjects can see her painting the portrait in a mirror placed directly behind her. I wasn't able to see the entire making of the portrait, but we took several breaks, and I saw a few different steps on the process, which was very interesting. 

Stage 1 - Just the darks

The first time I saw it, she had only done the darks, so the right half of my face was in shadow and barely visible, while the left side was roughly drawn in. I'm glad I got to see the preliminary part, because as I observed the painting further down the line, it was fascinating to see how Jill added different features in, and what she chose to emphasize from that basic sketch. 

Stage 2 - Starting to add the lights

Jill mentioned several times that she wasn't sure if she would give me two eyes, as the shadow was obscuring my side of the face. That was in interesting concept to me, because when you see yourself in photographs, it's generally with a flash so there aren't many shadows across your face. It was a glimpse of what other people see in darker spaces, and it was neat to see what the light picked up and what the shadows blocked. 

It was also interesting watching Jill work, as she constantly moved her eyes back and forth between me and the canvas, making strokes every time her eyes hit the canvas. Sometimes after a few strokes she would look pleased, puzzled, or amused, so it was interesting to watch her react to how the painting came together. 

Alex with the finished painting

Overall, it was extremely fascinating to watch the painting come together, and I enjoyed talking to Jill during the process. I didn't have to freeze in one place, or with one expression on my face, so it wasn't difficult in the least. 

Seeking some outside input on the portrait, I sent a photo to my girlfriend, and she said she really liked the portrait, but that she thinks I'm "more handsome in person." I respectfully disagree with her, but I'm glad she liked it, because I like it too. 

Alex McVeigh
Community Reporter
Connection Newspapers

Back to me ... it was a pleasure talking to Alex today. There are many similarities between us, with the primary one being we're interested in other people's stories and getting to know them. He's an incredibly likable person. Great to be around. Interested and interesting. I had fun!

My 100 Faces in 100 Days Project will be exhibited at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA) in May. I'll be keeping in touch with all the volunteers for the project on that exhibit and other events/news about the project as it unfolds.

Thanks Alex for sitting ... and writing about it.

Jill Banks

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

John McCabe is Face #25, One-Quarter Through My Project

"John McCabe: Face #25", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

25 Faces!!!

John McCabe, fellow studiomate, painter and artist sat for me today ... as #25 of my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. John's also a portraitist ... so we had plenty of discussions on the subject. He just received a fantastic commission to paint the portrait of Professor Constantine Katsoris, Fordham Law School (John's alma mater), for installation in the Moot Court Room. Can't wait to see that one underway at the Artists' Atelier, the studio John and I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA.

The portrait turned out much better than this photo depicts. I had changed the settings to better photograph in one room ... and took this in another. I'll replace it on here tomorrow when I get a chance.

The wall in my studio on day 25 ... so 25 faces

I'm patting myself on the back today. (That's okay, right?) At 25, I'm a quarter of the way through my project and I survived two days in a row of teaching in the am and painting in the afternoon without too much trouble. Now, if I can remember to bring in a pad to cushion my feet -- I paint standing up and the floor's brutal -- life will be even better.

Randy and I redid my wall of faces in my studio this evening and extended the shelving. So more faces can fit ... so here's a photo of it on day 25. Pretty cool!

John ... near today's painting.

Last night, I attended the annual meeting of Great Falls Studios, a group of 90 artists who live or work in Great Falls. I had put out an email right after I dreamed up this project looking for people to volunteer. Well, a lot did and last night's meeting was full of many of my faces... and many more I'll be painting soon.

Okay, time for rest. Tomorrow morning is Face #26, which I'll be painting in the Great Falls School of Art room, 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls. Feel free to pop in, take a look at the wall and see how I'm doing on the face of the day.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435