Last Day of the Winter Portrait Class: Many Faces of Christine

Margaret and Begona painting Christine

 Christine was our model for a single-day pose to mark the last day of class this session. She did a fantastic job ... and was enthusiastic about the whole experience.

When I started to put masking tape to mark the position of her feet, she wondered why I was doing that ... since she wasn't going anywhere. Christine thought she had to sit there for three hours with no breaks. (That's not the case.)

Having had experience as one of the volunteers for my 100 Faces project, Christine also remembered that I struggled with painting her because the two of us were constantly laughing. So, this morning ... before she took the hot seat, she attempted to get all her laughter out. My students' comments proved that there was still some left over inside.

In addition to great comraderie and fun, each canvas in the class (meaning each student) showed a ton of improvement during this term. They made me proud.

Tomorrow's the last day of Still Life class, then I'm off on some visiting and painting adventures for the following week. Hopefully, there are some interesting posts ahead.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Trevi Fountain" Finished

"Trevi Fountain," oil on Raymar panel, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

"Trevi Fountain" was the painting of choice to be worked on today. There was plenty of competition, and with seemingly little to do to finish, it took the entire day to accomplish this result. The water was particularly fun. I played with it ... and imagined it jumping in front of me with the mist rising over the fountain's most active splashes. All done. This is a piece that needs to be seen in person to be appreciated. Okay, so when isn't that true?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Heirlooms" Painting ... All Day

"Heirlooms," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Today I was excited to have a day to just paint, paint, paint ... although I did take the time to update the Classes page on my Web site (for Portrait class starting April 2 and Still Life starting April 3). If you're interested, take a look and sign up soon.

I've been thinking about hierlooms, creating and appreciating them lately. While these aren't officially named heirloom tomatoes, the food we eat ... and grow ... were passed down. As this tarnished pitcher and horse with rider were to me. As the art of painting has passed from artist to artist ... for centuries.

Tomorrow I'll be at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066) for open hours, Saturdays, noon to 4pm. Come stop in to enjoy the art and the "Black & White" exhibit. 

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

Register Now for Spring Portrait and Still Life Painting Classes

 Pull Out Those Paintbrushes With Me ...

 It took me awhile to pull together the schedule for this Spring's classes ... but they are now up on my web site on the Classes page. Sign Up Now ... Classes Fill Quickly and they start in a little over three weeks. Email me with questions or to tell me you're signing up. Thanks!!!

SPRING 2012 CLASSES

Great Falls School of Art

School Address: 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066

To register, Print and complete the registration form and mail with full payment (check or credit card) to: Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, Inc., P.O. Box 1223, Great Falls, VA 22066. Questions? Contact school director Ben Cheshire, at cheshireart@gmail.com. Class size is limited. Register now.

Portrait Painting & Drawing – Jill Banks

"Miriam in Her Grey Beret," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

This course covers the basic elements of painting and drawing the portrait: composition, mood, gesture, form, structure and features. Emphasis is placed on creating sound and compelling paintings (or drawings) as well as achieving a likeness. Beginning students will work in grisaille or charcoal – concentrating on accurate values and form. Intermediate and more advanced students will learn how to paint beautiful skin tones through color studies and to place the figure in space. Supply list for drawing.  Supply list for painting. If you’re planning on painting and drawing, look at both. Model fees are extra and are to be paid directly to the instructor the first day of class.  For real beginners (new to oil painting or with limited drawing experience), consider taking Jill’s still life painting class for a few sessions before taking this class. For information on the instructor, see my blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com or web site: www.jillbanks.com.  First day of class is a demo. Continuing students can watch/listen or set up to paint.

Mondays, Apr. 2 – June 4 (no class May 14 and May 28) 10:00am - 1:00pm, 8 sessions

$270 plus model and materials fee (to be determined and paid directly to the instructor)

Registration Form

Still Life Painting in Oils – Jill Banks

"Drama Queens," oil, 20"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Still life provides a great tool to hone skills. Students of all levels welcome.  Beginners will learn the fundamentals including laying in lights/darks (grisaille), color, materials and form.  More advanced students will apply skills to increasingly complex subject matter (metals, textures, water, flowers), refine color and produce finished paintings, learn to see as artists, simplify forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compelling compositions. Some classes will concentrate on drills/exercises to get at the essence of single objects and loosen brushstrokes and style. Want to learn something in specific? Email me at jillbanks1@aol.com and we’ll work that into the instruction. Information about me can be found on my web site: www.jillbanks.com and on my blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. See my supply list. First day of class is a demo. Continuing students can watch/listen or set up to paint.

Tuesdays, Apr. 3 – June 5 (no class May 15 and May 29) 10:00am-1:00pm, 8 sessions

$270 plus materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)

Registration Form

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

Just a Start at "Tomatoes and the ..."

"Tomatoes and the ..." work in progress, oil on Raymar panel, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

You'll have to see what's to come tomorrow. There was sooo little time to paint today and I'm off to an evening appointment. (But I do get to paint at it.)

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

Painting on "The Gin Game" of Mom and Dad

"The Gin Game" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

All around the Christmas/New Year holidays I was painting in my parents' condo while they played countless games of gin rummy. It was fun to just hang out ... with the purpose of painting. Mom and Dad had to don the same outfits over and over, including Mom's necklace spelling "JOY," twice.

Both "The Gin Game" and "The Poker Club" have required a lot of painting time beyond the sittings. If there's a person in front of me ... it's tough for me to move on to the colors of one's sweater or paint the stacks of chips (and cards). I'm going to keep concentrating on my sitters' faces -- the parts of greatest interest.

So, today, for a few hours after class, I worked on the color of my mom's sweater, and her hands, and reassessing the color of the green placemats. Even those tasks aren't complete. But it was fun to get back to this ... and make a bit of progress.

See an earlier post for "The Gin Game," day 4.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

Web Updates

A portion of the revised portrait gallery page

Today after class, I worked some more on the Poker Club. It's coming along. Still a lot to do, but that's the nature of the beast for a larger painting and complex subject matter. It just takes time. Funny, though, I get more enamored with some paintings the closer they get to the finish line. In a way, I'll be sorry to be done.

I still have quite a bit to do tonight and then have a busy morning ahead ... so this post needs to be shorter than normal.

On Sunday, I worked on my web site, mainly updating the portrait gallery. Since there are so many faces in my recent past and present (lots of portraits), it seemed like a good place to put in some effort. Take a look: www.JillBanks.com, click on gallery and then portraits.

Spring classes are right around the corner ... starting April 2 (Portrait) and April 3 (Still Life). Look for more info on those in the next two days. (More web updates.)

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

The "Black and White" Exhibit and "The Poker Club" Continues

"The Poker Club" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Part of the March Black & White Exhibit at the Artists' Atelier

It's been a long while (or at least it feels like it) since I worked on "The Poker Club," the painting of seven members of my dad's card-playing club. You never pick up where you left off. All those brilliant conclusions about where you were going to go from here ... need to be replaced with today's assessment and plans. I spent the first four hours in just one little spot. Then, I started to see the whole, how it will all work together. Although I didn't get too far (I'm still hovering around the left side of the painting), it was a good painting day. There's a light at the end of that tunnel even though it may take lots of days to reach it.

View of my charcoal portrait, one of four entries for the show

The "Black and White" exhibit at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) is stunning. Group shows often seem like a haphazard assortment, with pieces vying for attention versus enhancing one another. The cohesion of the "black and white" theme lets each piece shine. Many of my studiomates created work specifically for this show, enjoying the stretch outside of their comfort zones of color.

Since we don't want to be the only ones to enjoy it, there's talk of a St. Patrick's Day opening. I'll let you know more details once someone tells me. Green beer, anyone? (not me.)

I've got more show photos around here somewhere, but it appears my desktop felt like having them as a snack. (Can't find 'em.)

On Exhibit:
"Black and White" is on exhibit at the  Artists' Atelier March 3-31, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

March 17-30: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition. "Hog Wild" and "Dining Alfresco" at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Awards Reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

"Black and White" Exhibit in the Gallery

"Market Street Bar and Grill," ink wash & pen and ink, ©Jill Banks 2011

Today we hung the "Black and White" exhibit in the gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Studiomate Roberta (Bobbie) Beasley (the instructor of last weekend's printmaking workshop) just took over the responsibility of managing the gallery ... and its calendar. She's the wise woman who thought up the "Black and White" theme, and although almost all of us are painting in full color, the gallery was brimming with black and white entries to be hung.

I may write more in a minute ... but ... it's time to get this up. "Market Street Bar & Grill" and "Oscar" are two of the four pieces I have in the "Black & White" exhibit. Both of them were juried into the Salmagundi Club's Annual Open Exhibition ... just different years. Come take a look!

"Carpeaux's Fisherboy," charcoal, ©Jill Banks 2006?

Okay, more ... I've also included "Carpeaux's Fisherboy," a drawing I did sitting on the marble floor at the National Gallery of Art staring up at Carpeaux's sculpture, next to a friend, Susan O'Neill. It was one of those days when I reveled in how magical life can be as an artist. Who gets to sit, in good company, in a place full of wonders, seeing what you can make of the inspiration in front of you? How ridiculously wonderful is that? We happened upon a young companion that day, a girl who had come with her mom to the museum. She wanted to draw with us and Susan lent her some paper and a pencil. The three of us were happy as clams.

There's one more drawing of mine in the show. No photo, though.

"Oscar," charcoal, ©Jill Banks 2009

On Exhibit:
"Black and White" is on exhibit at the  Artists' Atelier March 3-31, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

March 17-30: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition. "Hog Wild" and "Dining Alfresco" at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Awards Reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Exhibit ... And Some Days

"Hog Wild," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2006

I've been painting. I swear. It's just that the results aren't what I'd like them to be. At least I'm having a conversation with myself about why.

Today, I tried to find a spot around my house ... on this rainy day ... that I wanted to paint as one of those small plein air exercises. After trying yesterday and today, with no paintings ready for view ... I realized that this is a forced exercise. Small studies are good. But. You have to paint what you're dying to paint. And a wet, wintery landscape of my back or front yard with non-spectacular light just isn't going to cut it. So, instead of reaching for numbers (as in 100 studies), I'm going to concentrate on just painting what I want to paint. If a still life is far more exciting than regular plein air surroundings, guess what will get attention?

"Dining Alfresco," oil, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

Despite a slight bit of angst over the last few painting attempts, I was productive today. Tons of show submissions are due in this one to two week span ... and an envelope went out with my selections for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's member exhibit taking place this month. As a juried member, my two pieces "Hog Wild" and "Dining Alfresco" are assured a spot in the Members Exhibit held at the Salmagundi Club (47 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, March 18th through March 30th with an Awards Reception
Friday, March 23rd 6-8pm) in NYC later this month. We'll be going there to enjoy the show and get to know some of the other Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club members.

It was tough to figure out what to submit, especially with deadlines popping up left and right. Using a dart board and darts is probably just as effective as agonizing over the choices. Right? Too bad I don't have a dartboard.

On Exhibit:
"Black and White" is on exhibit at the  Artists' Atelier March 3-31, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

March 17-30: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition. "Hog Wild" and "Dining Alfresco" at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Awards Reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email