"Stepping Out" and "Hilton Head Happy Hour" Paintings Finished

"Stepping Out," oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Big day today. I finished two paintings. Although both were started earlier, it's still amazing that I could get "happy" with two in one day. That might be a first.

"Hilton Head Happy Hour," oil, 16"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Because that was a whole lot of painting, this is it for the typing.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

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Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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. 

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

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

Scenes from the Salmagundi Club

Music and art.

Since I was too busy painting to keep up with posting, here are a few photos from the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition reception (held March 23) at the Salmagundi Club in NYC.

Gloria Spevacek won a prize for her sculpture of a rabbit. The sculptures were terrific, and it was great to see them as an integral part of the exhibition. (For the Annual Open Exhibition, they are on one floor, and the paintings on another.)

Gloria Spevacek with her award-winning sculpture

Poster outside of the Salmagundi Club

Here's another look too at the poster outside of the Salmagundi Club. That's my painting of a portrait on the red background, lower row, second from left. I got a kick out of that!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 13, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Lunch in the Courtyard Café" Continued

"Lunch in the Courtyard Café" work in progress, 24"h x 18"w, oil, © Jill Banks 2012

Sometime ... I really want to catch up with a longer post. But not tonight. Today, work continued for awhile on "The Poker Club" ... but I switched about halfway through my painting session to pick back up on this one from our Hilton Head trip.

This is one of my parents favorite spots to eat and enjoy sitting in the courtyard.

Lots of changes were made today from this painting's start plein air in the courtyard. Take a look at the first post.

Still more to do. How many times do I say that. There's now a stockpile of paintings calling out for attention. Yikes!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 13, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Stepping Out" Painting of Horses, Almost Done

"Stepping Out" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Work (if you can call it that) continued today on a new favorite of mine. "Horses" got renamed as "Stepping Out."

They're beautiful, aren't they?

I'm planning on handling the surface ... so my horses are walking on something. But, it's really just about done.

Great emails have been arriving related to my NYC shower paintings. Those and my horses, in finished form ... I think ... will be part of my show at the Old Brogue in May. I've got some other plans for them, too ... Let's see if anyone else goes along with it.

All I can think of is the other people staying at the same hotel ... not knowing what's happening in the shower upstairs from them. Not your typical hotel activity.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 13, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Sunset in NYC" Work in Progress: Scene from the Shower

"Sunset in NYC" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

This was yesterday's project. As I've been doing the last few days, my painting time was spent at the easel set up in our hotel room shower, replete with floor to ceiling windows. From the beginning, my plan was to get ready for sunset, when I knew the shadows and light would be the most exciting. That meant hours of preparation and speedy color application when the time was right.

At 24"h x 36"w, it is the largest of my "shower" pieces. "Sunset in NYC," my easel and I were crowded in there. Randy would hand in those objects left outside the shower. Times outside the glass enclosure were limited.

There was no way to finish it on site. It's now back home where it will be worked on with photo references as a guide, but maintaining the color and shadow effects set here.

Three other paintings were started in the hotel. None are finished yet ... though I spent another morning today at sunrise to work on the painting shown last post.

It was an amazing stay. So much fun and more will come from inspiration gathered these three days.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

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. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

A New York Sort of Day

"Hudson River View," 14"h x 11"w, oil, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Originally, Randy and I planned on returning home today from New York. That changed when I opened the door to our hotel room. It's the perfect place to paint! I took the elevator back down to the lobby and booked an extra day. The balcony is amazing, but with a cool day, sunrise was spent painting in the view from the shower (all glass) looking out over the city. The easel was set up in the same spot all afternoon/early evening.

"Hudson River View" looks a bit crazy ... but it's my version of sunrise from the shower.

After a little painting this morning, I went to a sketching session (from 9 to noon) at the kind invitation of Janet Cook, the Best of Show 2D winner at Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibit. It was difficult to choose between the balcony view and drawing from the model in Janet's NYC studio. Difficult, because I was dying to do both.

Charcoal portrait sketches from this morning's life session

A group of three (plus me today) regularly get together to sketch from the model. Poses ranged from two minutes to twenty. I'd love to get a group together to do this back on home. (Any takers?)

I am so glad that we made it to the CLWAC reception. One of the draws was a chance to talk with and get to know other members -- something not possible in the jam-packed events related to the Annual Open Exhibition.

A real treat last night came just as we were walking up to the Salmagundi Club. My piece, "Hog Wild" is one of the poster images for the show that is on the sign right in front of the club.  Cool!

Poster for the CLWAC. My painting is the one with the red background.

Gloria Spevacek won an award for her sculpture of a rabbit, and we had a good time talking at the show. Her sculpture of a puma is a huge, beautiful piece. Randy's first comment about that was that he was glad not to be responsible for bringing that one in during receiving. It must weigh a ton. Photos of her with her pieces to come ... probably tomorrow.

I've painted additional pieces today ... but now it's time for a rest. Tomorrow may bring more.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

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. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

A Balcony in NYC

There's tons to tell. But I may be having too much fun to do so.

We drove to NYC for the reception of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibit. I wanted to enjoy the show, meet fellow members (which I did).

The real ... amazing treat came when I entered our hotel room in Soho ... while husband Randy went to park the car. It has an unbelievable balcony and a shower with floor to ceiling windows with the best views in the city. I have a place to paint right in the room. If it rains, I can paint in the shower. If it doesn't, I can paint on the balcony. The views are spectacular!!!!!!

Randy and I came back from dinner and the reception and sat in the shower looking out at NYC at night. I don't know how many guests in this hotel do that. But they should.

I only had about 45 minutes in the room to paint before heading off to the reception, but that's no reason not to start.

Lots more fun tomorrow!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

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. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

August 1-31, Visiting Resident S

Painting of Horses Start Today: How Do You Like IT?

"Untititled (So Far) Horses" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Today, despite a slow, dubious start ... turned out to be one of my favorite painting days ... ever. That's saying a whole lot. (I'm never short on fun.) I love this subject and the play of sunlight on their manes and legs. Note, too, this is a relatively large canvas. Freeing and fun. Can you tell?

Since visiting Savannah, Georgia this week ... I've been dying to paint these two horses in perfect light. It will be a few days before there will be a chance to return to them, and it will be difficult to wait.

I'm on the road again tomorrow, for a very short trip to the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Members' Exhibition reception and awards ceremony. No awards this year, but I'm looking forward to meeting fellow members (I was just juried in last year and this is my first members show). It's almost impossible to do so at their Open Annual Exhibition ... with receptions that are packed with members and non-members alike. The exhibit is being held at the Salmagundi Club in NYC. It should be fun ... and I'm hoping for a small part of the day to paint before heading back home. Maybe?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

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. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

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. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

August 1-31, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA

"Shelter Cove Harbor" Final Painting of the Trip

"Shelter Cove Harbor," oil, 14"h x 11"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Painted during Tuesday afternoon in Hilton Head, "Shelter Cove Harbor" came out just the way I wanted it to. With all the color and activity that came before, this one's my quiet, peaceful piece. It's a fitting testament to the day. How great it was to return to Shelter Cove. I went up past almost all of the shops, near the end of the walkway to find this scene, with thinning boats where they leave the harbor. It would be tough to simplify when seeing lots of lots of boats. Not as hard when there are just a handful.

It's been a great visit and fun chance to seek out new spots day after day. We've eaten well. Relaxed when I wasn't painting. Had a chance to walk the beach. Enjoyed a fantastic production of "Southern Nights" at the Savannah Theatre -- my first time watching a live performance in a very long time. (You've got to go see this enormously talented cast!!!! The house should be packed ... all the time. Go and get the word out!) I took a ton of fantastic photo references of scenes I can't wait to paint. Unusually, too, we're going home with a couple of fun purchases... two of which are art-related. (One a painting by Mary Grayson Segars and the other a future subject of a still life.)

Thanks Mom and Dad for being hostess and host ... finding spots to paint and keeping me company and armed with iced tea during all those working sessions. It's been a real treat!!!

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. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

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

"The Outfitters" Painting and Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012

"The Outfitters," oil, 10"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Today marked our last full day in Hilton Head before heading home. The condo we're staying in ... after the week ... looks like a mini gallery (before the show gets hung) with paintings lined up in a row around the dining room floor. It should be interesting getting all of them home, in their varying stages of wet & drier.

I'd been thinking about painting the Palmetto Dunes Outfitters building and surroundings since our first day here. We pass by it every day going in and out of the gate to the rest of the Island. All of Hilton Head is filled with people who whether or not they are active off vacation, take plenty of bike, canoe, and other rides while enjoying there time here. The Outfitters is a busy place.

My mom kept me company while (husband) Randy enjoyed his first, well-deserved golf practice of our stay. Mom, as unofficial but very active art agent, seemed a little disappointed that I'd set up in the median, out of foot and car traffic's way. It meant almost no visitors during painting time.

My goal this last day was to paint smaller ... and hopefully simpler. This one's smaller ... but still a bit complicated. The good news is that this afternoon's painting met the goal ... and we're leaving Hilton Head with a signed, finished painting. (Some of the rest of these, like "The Outfitters" might be finished. I'll have to set them aside and take a second look to decide.) You'll see the "success story" in tomorrow's post.

Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012

With all my activity in the last month or so applying to various competitions and art happenings, I was happy to recieve two congratulatory messages in the last 24 hours. One was yesterday with a yes to the Torpedo Factory Visiting Studio Artist application (where I'll be painting and exhibiting in a studio in August). The second was received today. I'll be one of 34 artists participating in the Wayne Plein Air Festival, painting around Wayne and Philadelphia from May 15-19 with a Gala Preview and Artists' Reception on May 19, 6-10pm. The related show will be open to the public at the Wayne Art Center on Sunday, May 20 through June 23.

I'm happy to be accepted ... and glad to have one more week of "practice" under my belt. It looks like there will be lots of great opportunities to paint in an interesting, urban setting.

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. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

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 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center.

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