Drawing in the Reston Town Center

"Reston Town Center," ink wash and pen&ink on Zecchi's paper, 4-3/4"h x 13"w, © Jill Banks 2011

"Reston Town Center Fountain," ink wash & pen&ink, 13"h x 9"h, ©Jill Banks 2011

Today was all about trying something new. Usually, my "Portrait Painting and Drawing" class involves a model for the day and painting at the school ... but this term, all my portrait painting students were taking a break for a session and my class was filled with my still life students looking for an extra painting day in class. (They are taking both still life and portrait.) So, the class is morphing into ... all those other things they'd like to learn to paint/do. (We did spend half of the classes working with a model ... the second half is the doing something different half.)

This morning we met at the Reston Town Center to work on ink washes and pen & ink. In the shade. The major lesson is in just suggesting the form versus drawing a contour and filling in the blanks. This was the first time the class tackled this new medium... one I love to use while traveling.

"Lamp Post," pen&ink and wash on Fabriano Artistico paper, 10" x 6", ©Jill Banks 2011

Drawing quieted my usually rowdy group. It's so different from painting ... which is fast-paced and social. Drawing is slow and introspective. It requires careful observation and continual decisions about what to include and what to leave out. A great idea to carry over into painting.

It was wonderful to sit there ... with this nice group ... listening and watching the fountain and the area fill with people and constantly change. A singer entertained the stroller set under the pavilion across the street. Not a bad place to be ... at all.

What I would like to do ... soon ... is to set up to paint, in oils, in Reston Town Center and all around the area and beyond. I want to paint urban spaces, concerts on the green, ballgames, farmers' markets and life in my neighborhood. The pools have opened and everyone seems to have spilled outside. Time for me, and my paints, to join life in the open air.

I have a ton of deadlines coming up ... rapidly ... shows to apply to, paintings to pull together. I think that's up next for today.

Tomorrow evening, after still life class, Randy and I take down my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The library opens at 1pm tomorrow so there might be a few hours to catch it if you haven't. Go to my web site: www.jillbanks.com and the 100 Faces in 100 Days project pages to find out more.

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

"Rainy Early Evening in London" Painting in Progress

"Rainy Early Evening in London" work in progress, 18"h x 24"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2011

In April, Randy and I spent about two weeks in London ... with just two days with a little rain. On the second to last night, we ate out under the awning at Covent Gardens with this brief shower in the early evening. I loved the red reflections and the couple under the umbrella on the left. Perfect light and night.

I was having some difficulty painting today. Actually started working on another piece that was started in plein air, but couldn't make myself happy with it. Switched gears and started this one. This start was done primarily with a palette knife -- concentrating on large shapes and simplification. There's already a LOT of paint on there. Today was the day to make a mess and I was wearing a good amount of reds, bluish grays and white. Quite patriotic.

Today was also the first day in a while that I wasn't running at top speed to try to get "too much" accomplished. That was very nice, for a change.

Today is also the birthday of my top artist agent -- my mom. Happy Birthday, Mom!

My 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA is about to close. Tomorrow, Saturday, May 28 would be a good day to see it as the library will be closed Sunday and Monday. I hope you have a chance to take a look.

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

"Little Miss Muffet's" Painting Today

"Little Miss Muffet's," 10"h x 8"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Another quick post ... because tonight's day two of my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop.

"Little Miss Muffet's" is the painting of the day. Actually, I had so little time to paint today ... I went back to this painting I had left incomplete about a year ago. (Maybe?) This spider and cup typically sits on the countertop in my kitchen. Seems to amuse me. So, I absconded with it ... and took it off to my studio. I made plenty of changes ... like substituting the pear (something I have) in place of a nectarine (something I didn't have). The "100 Faces in 100 Days" project taught me to rethink backgrounds and elements and just do what I think works. Reality doesn't always rule.

So, off to class.


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

"Cubanelle and Roses" Painting Today

"Cubanelle and Roses," 10"h x 8"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I've got to run ... it's Randy and my anniversary today so it's date time.

But here's today's painting, very fresh off the easel. It was tough to figure out what to paint because today was Still Life class day so lots of options. A case of over-inspiration.

See more still life paintings in the Still Life section, gallery pages on my web site : www.jillbanks.com.


See you later!






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

"Weekend Edition" Painting in Progress and Portrait Class

"Weekend Edition" work in progress stage 2, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Pretty quick post ... because there's still lots to do today.

I continued to work on "Weekend Edition" after class today. The newspaper article taking shape is the photo, text about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit that was in the Washington Post's Weekend Section on Friday, May 6. I couldn't resist.

For my portrait class today, my students were doing all sorts of quick gesture studies in oil, Studio Incamminati style. Our model, Shalonda, treated them to beautiful and fun poses. What impressed me was how much better they became, quickly, at proportions as they moved away from contours into large shapes. This photo is toward the end of class once we'd moved to a little longer pose.

Tomorrow's my still life class. Should be fun!

All the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit Events

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. Please come!

 

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Closed Sundays.

 

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Now There Are 101 Faces...

"David Reynolds: Face #101," oil on linen, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Today I gave an artist's talk/demo at the Great Falls Library for my "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit. David Reynolds, the founder and publisher of élan Magazine, kindly let me rope him in as volunteer Face #101. Great choice!

Because I was combining a talk about the project with the demo, and I had a three-hour time limit (a little shorter than what's comfortable for me), I wanted a face I knew I could capture quickly and relatively easily. So my selection criteria for sitter #101 was ... to find a man with a beard and an interesting, good-looking face. Sort of like a scavenger hunt.

David's office is right next to the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach) and the Artists' Atelier (where I share studio space with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA). I saw him pull out of the parking lot in his convertible. Voila! I found my face.

élan Magazine's focus is on the arts and local artists. David has gotten to know a LOT of artists over the past 11 years as publisher... and his immersion in that world gave an added dimension to this afternoon's discussion.

I talked about the magazine's influence on my life as an artist. In 2003, I read an article (in élan) about Robert Liberace and knew that "this" was what I wanted to do and that Rob was someone I had to study with. (I did ... taking classes year round with him at the Art League for years.) A dream of mine was to someday be featured in élan ... a sign for me of official artistdom. I was thrilled in May 2006 to be featured on the cover with a great article inside. Last month, April 2011, my painting "Dining Alfresco" made it to the cover as well. David's brainchild has offered a huge boost for all of us working to gain recognition and exposure for our art.

Think he likes it?

David is a humble, kind, funny, easygoing guy. During my "100 Faces in 100 Days" adventure, I regretted a bit the times when I painted my sitters with other people around ... because I wanted that one-on-one time that let me get to know him/her. David was comfortable, open and conversant with me and the audience so we all had a chance to see the real "him."

The painting went well from beginning to end ... but my husband Randy told me later that it took me about 10 minutes to put down the first stroke. (I was thinking ... and talking.) I called it a wrap at about the two-and-a-half hour mark very happy with the painting. So was my sitter!

It was fun to share the demo and some of this project's story ... to let others in on what these 100 days were like. It was really fun.

Highlights, too, from the day were my visitors. It was an interconnected day. Everyone had ties or common interests or wonderful help/advice for someone else. Elaine Sheetz, who modeled for my portrait class said that I bring people together. Well, I hope so. They all need to meet.

A great treat was that Rob and Lina Liberace came, walking through the door right as I was putting my last brushstroke on the painting. These two lead unbelievably jam-packed lives and it meant a whole lot to me that they came. Thank you! Both Lina and Rob have been featured in élan ... talked with David and again, there were all these connections.

Thanks, David. Thanks all for showing up. Great day.

All the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit Events

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. Please come!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

"Weekend Edition" Painting In Progress and Demo/Talk Tomorrow

"Weekend Edition" work in progress, oil on linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

This post is longer since I've been AWOL lately.

I started "Weekend Edition" as a demo during Great Falls Foundation for the Arts Art Night Out fundraiser. I visited a lot and painted a little. Last night, I put the paintbrush down when I was talking. Tomorrow, I'll have to be better at combining the two activities.

Demo/Artist's Talk, Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

I'll be painting a very nice face tomorrow afternoon at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. I hope you can join me for an interesting afternoon. We'll be surrounded by the 100 paintings from my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit. I'm committed to talking about the project while painting. If I go, "uh" or "hmmm," you'll know I needed to concentrate on my painting for a minute.

The best way I can let you in on all the wonderful elements of this project is to talk to you, while doing what I did for 100 days,  surrounded by all these faces. I also hope that you'll get to hear about the project from my volunteer sitters' perspectives. (Hint.)

I'm not sure how the painting will turn out tomorrow. I have three hours ... that's it ... and divided attention. Occasionally, life reminds me of a magic trick. I did choose my sitter for his beard. I had to simplify something.

The exhibit continues through May 31. 

More on "Weekend Edition"
"Weekend Edition" will include the page of the Washington Post's Weekend Section from May 6 that lists my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit as the Gallery Opening of the Week. That's it undefined in the upper left corner. At one point last night, I asked Randy to fill up my mug (that's my lucky cup) with coffee. It came back steaming ... now I know that I'll also include those wisps of steam. Should be fun and a new challenge. This one's a work in progress ... hopefully I can squeeze in some more painting time during a very crazy week. Hmmmm.

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

Eastern Bluebird Chosen as Official Great Falls Bird

Well, that was lucky! Out of the seven bird candidates on the ballot for official bird, I had painted two for bird-related art exhibits spread throughout the year. I painted the Eastern Bluebird (the winner, #1) and the Wild Turkey (last place finisher, #7). So, "Blue" will be a candidate for a future art competition featuring the winning bird. Both "Blue" and "Turkey Gone Wild" will be part of a Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library in June.

Register Now for My "Mastering the Business of Art" Workshop

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

Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art.  This two-part workshop covers the fundamentals of planning and establishing a career as a professional artist.  Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing supplies, pricing your work, exhibiting and selling, grants, marketing, social media and more!  I began art classes in 2003 and have successfully built a rewarding art career  through sales, commissions, awards, grants, lots of good ideas and hard work, and teaching.  This popular class is held once a year.  Do not miss this opportunity!  For more information on me visit: www.jillbanks.com.

Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, 6:30-9:30pm

$100 plus $20 booklet fee (booklet fee paid directly to instructor)

Please register by May 22. Late registrations are tough to manage. Thanks!

Registration Form

Lots more to tell you ... but you probably had enough. I hope to see you tomorrow! Wish me luck.

All the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit Events

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. Please come!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Painting "Francie's Peonies" and Still Life Class

"Francie's Peonies," oil on Raymar panel, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I'm easily influenced. Today I taught my Still Life class and there were flowers everywhere. Nancy Keane and Francie Johnson both brought in peonies ... and we had hydrangeas to boot. After class (and lunch), I worked at finishing up the painting I'd started three weeks ago as a demo. I believe this one's done and it's of the first batch of peonies that Francie had brought in... thus, the name.

While I was painting this, the vase of peonies that Francie was painting today was in the floor of my studio ... saying "Paint me. Paint me!" I'm hoping that they are saying the same thing tomorrow.

Francie Johnson with her painting of today's flowers ... and her palette knife

Class was terrific today. Lots of happy painters in there. Nancy and Mary Beth learned how to tackle a blue & white porcelain vase with great results. A challenge, conquered.

Francie Johnson was having a blast wielding her palette knife and painting the new vase of flowers she'd brought in. That's the same vase that I hope to be painting tomorrow.

Demo and Artist's Talk This Saturday
I'm giving a demo and artist's talk (that should be interesting!) this Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA in conjunction with my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit. I hope you can come. Come anytime between 2 and 5pm and stay as long as you like. I'll have armed my sitter with some questions about the project ... in case you don't have any. That way, I have a better chance of telling you a bunch of the amazing stories that surround my 100 Faces.
 
Also, my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop is coming up soon (May 25 & 26). If you're interested, please sign up now. Take a look at my web site: www.JillBanks.com, Classes page.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. These will be WONDERFUL, not to be missed exhibits. Come see everyone!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

"Dante Ristorante" Plein Air Painting Today

"Dante Ristorante, Leigh House", oil on Raymar by Jill Banks

Today I returned to this painting of the restaurant that's right next to the Artists' Atelier. The Colvin Run Historic Street Fair was on from noon-4pm and I had lots of visitors stop by while I painted to clue me in on the history of the building. Dante Ristorante is housed in the original Leigh House, home to generations of doctors. One of my visitors, who has lived in the area for 42 years, had frequented the home many times. To write this post, I researched further on the Dante Ristorante web site and found it has a rich history as the headquarters for a large dairy farm and the area's only "lying in" hospital. Now I'll look at my neighbor a bit differently!

As I said, I had a lot of visitors stop and talk. A favorite group were four young guys riding all over Great Falls on their bikes. They stopped to look and raved. That was nice! Two are into art ... enjoying it at school.

This coming Thursday, May 19 is Art Night Out!, a fundraiser for the Great Falls School of Art held at the Riverbend Country Club, 7 to 10pm with art auctions (I have four pieces in the auction), demos (I'll be painting), and entertainment. Cost is $75. Go to the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site for more info and to download a reply card.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer.  Come see!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Expanded Studio and Colvin Run Historical Street Fair This Sunday

My newly expanded, spiffed up space at the Artists' Atelier in Great Falls, VA

The Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists, will be open tomorrow, Sunday, May 15, noon to 4pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066. The Colvin Run Historic Street Fair celebrates the Colvin Run Neighborhood's 200th anniversary. Lots going on in the School House, at the Atelier and Great Falls School of Art, and at the Colvin Run Mill. Please stop by to see some art and enjoy refreshments.

Expanded Studio Space

The new wall

On May 1, I took out additional space upstairs in the Atelier, widening and deepening the space for more walls to hang art and more foot space ... so I have room to set up a still life or have someone sit for me and I can still stand back. Today, Randy and I hung more work, put down some more gray rubber tile (easier on the feet) and settled in. I haven't utilized the extra foot room but ... I can't wait!

My house currently has a lot of hooks missing their paintings. With the Artists' Atelier show (with "Dining Al Fresco," "Through the Window," "Elizabeth" and "Summer Reading") at the Candy Factory in Manassas, my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit at the Great Falls Library (with my 100 Faces plus five more favorite paintings) and all the additional paintings in my studio, it's never been clearer that I have lots of  painting to do. Well, great!

Register Now for My "Mastering the Business of Art" Workshop

Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art.  This two-part workshop covers the fundamentals of planning and establishing a career as a professional artist.  Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing supplies, pricing your work, exhibiting and selling, grants, marketing, social media and more!  Jill began art classes in 2003 and has successfully built a rewarding art career  through sales, commissions, awards, grants, gallery representation and teaching.  This popular class is held once a year.  Do not miss this opportunity!  For more information on me visit: www.jillbanks.com.

Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, 6:30-9:30pm

$100 plus $20 booklet fee (booklet fee paid directly to instructor)

Please register by May 19. Late registrations are tough to manage. Thanks!

Registration Form

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer.  Come see!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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