Those Are My Blue Paper Towels

"Pomegranates," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Today was the second to last Still Life class of the term, and with many students gone missing, I had a chance to paint between visits to other easels. Trina had brought in a big wooden basket full of pomegranates for sharing (as in eating) ... and as potential painting subjects. They are set up on top of the blue Shop Towels that are indispensable painting companions of mine.

Colors
While painting this, we were discussing last week's workshop with Lea Colie Wight from Studio Incamminati. One of my takeaways from the week is a renewed appreciation of some of the colors that had worked their way off of my palette. (Studio Incamminati's full supply list is missing some of my standard colors ... but adds about 50% more to the line-up.) Actually, it was pretty funny to have gone from painting with seven tubes of oils the weekend before in Tucson/Tubac, Arizona ... and then controlling an eye-popping array just a few days later.

Three color additions have caught my attention: Dioxazine Purple, Pthalo Turquoise and Indian Yellow. All three were booted off before for "bad" behavior, but now all of a sudden, I'm finding them incredibly useful. They are highly staining, saturated, crazy colors that can be added to other "saner" oils to darken (or brighten) them while still retaining a punch. Look at the bottom of the front pomegranate. I'm not sure of the exact mixture ... and I paint right on top of the oils underneath ... but that's probably Permanent Rose and Dioxazine. It's tough to get a deep red without muddying it. Voila! A perfect solution, too, for many mouths (on portraits, the line where the upper and lower lips meet is a dark, bright, saturated red).

And those blue paper towels. The Pthalo Turquoise mixed with white and Cobalt or French Ultramarine helped engineer my Shop Towels (the surface of the still life) in the light.  In our color discussion, Carol added that Indian Yellow and French Ultramarine make a great green. She was right and I added that into the shadow on the towels as a top layer.

The workshop was a reminder to play with your paints. Push for new discoveries. Experiment with color.

Please excuse my recent absence from posting. I've either been too tired (during the workshop), on a different time zone (Arizona trip) or painting into the night (finishing portrait commissions). I can't wait to walk in my still-to-be-tidied-up (it's a MESS) studio and go a little nuts. There's so much I want to paint!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
"Large Squares, Small Squares," Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, November 14-December 31. Opening Reception: Friday, November 16, 6:30-8:30pm. Open Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food. 

 

American Women Artists 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, November 2-25, K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Tubac, Arizona. "Honey Bunny" is one of 60 artworks chosen from around the country. 

Allied Artists of America 99th Annual Exhibition, November 9-18, National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC

More events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

"Sunflowers in My Studio II" Wins Honorable Mention

"Sunflowers in My Studio II," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

In the Art League's "Large Works" exhibit, "Sunflowers in My Studio II" earned an honorable mention. I was happy to hear it and plan to attend Thursday night's (tomorrow's) opening and awards reception to see both the "Large Works" and "Small Works" show. (The reception is at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, on Thursday, November 8, 6:30 to 8:00pm.)

Today was day three of Studio Incamminati instructor Lea Wight's workshop being taught at the Great Falls School of Art. After a series of very short gestural poses, we moved on today to a long pose -- with a new model -- which will continue for the rest of the workshop.  Everything slowed down ... and I cheated a little with this post be cropping out the model's right hand -- one that had been plaguing me the entire afternoon. Right before leaving for home, I erased it. Tomorrow's another day.

"Figure Study: Day One": Closed grisaille

We've been working on 16" x 20" canvases and all poses/paintings are meant to cover the canvas as fully as possible while including the figure from head to toe. This is a great way to quickly learn proportions. At the same time, with a slender model and standing pose shown head to toe, she doesn't fill up too much of the width. (A 12" x 24" canvas would have been a better choice.) But, another part of the teaching is that this is about learning, not producing a great painting.

Because I've been through several of the Studio Incamminati programs in the past ... and spent the last nine years painting, learning is more incremental rather than done in huge leaps. At the same time, I'm constantly struggling with one thing or another. I'm going to spend the next two days trying to answer as many of those issues as possible -- by tapping the expertise of an exceptional painter and instructor.  I've actually been a lazy student -- not going into the workshop with a clear agenda. Time to change that!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Atelier Open Hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food. 

American Women Artists 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, November 2-25, K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Tubac, Arizona. "Honey Bunny" is one of 60 artworks chosen from around the country. 

Allied Artists of America 99th Annual Exhibition, November 9-18, National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC

More events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

Out of the Frying Pan ...

"Figure Study 1" from today, 40 minutes, closed grisaille

And into the fire. The plane landed (from Tuscon, Arizona) and a workshop with Lea Colie Wight, a super instructor from Nelson Shanks' Studio Incamminati Atelier program started at the Great Falls School of Art. So far, it's been two days (of five) of painting bootcamp for the lucky participants in Great Falls, VA. I'm enjoying being a participant (vs. teacher) and painting gesture after gesture ... and settling into some longer poses with a great model under the gentle and effective instruction supplied by Lea.

The five-day workshop is offered through Studio Incamminati as part of their "In Your Town" program. Having taken a couple of intensive workshops up in Philadelphia many years ago, I sure appreciate the ability to be at home and still get the benefits of the program's offerings.

"Figure Study 2" from today, 50 minutes

Tomorrow there is a new model ... with increasingly longer poses. Should be fun. Can't tell you how pooped I am ... however ... by the end of the day.

Figure Study 2 wasn't quite as strong as the one done right before, despite an extra 10 or so minutes. Blame a full day of painting.

Two Pieces In at the Art League
There are dual exhibits going on this month at the Art League in Alexandria, VA: "Small Works" and "Large Works" shows juried by two different judges. One piece of mine made it into each, so this month you can see "Sunflowers in My Studio II" (large works) and "Monkeying Around" (small works) there throughout November. 

"Sunflowers In My Studio II" in the "Large Works" exhibit

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Atelier Open Hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food. 

 

American Women Artists 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, November 2-25, K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Tubac, Arizona. "Honey Bunny" is one of 60 artworks chosen from around the country. 

Allied Artists of America 99th Annual Exhibition, November 9-18, National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC

More events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

American Women Artists, Tucson Time

"Desert Garden," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

These few days in Arizona -- enjoying activities related to the American Women Artists Juried Exhibition -- have been fantastic. Randy is probably tired of hearing me rave about this group of highly accomplished artists. After painting at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum yesterday morning, the two of us took a look at the show in the gallery by the Signature and Master Signature members -- "Visions of the Southwest" (on exhibit November 3 to January 6) -- and it is phenomenal. Comparable to the best I've seen anywhere. I'm still raving about the juried exhibition as well. As impressive as all the artwork is, the people I've met are even more so. Open, happy to share, surprisingly non-competitive, comfortable with what they've accomplished and working to help others with a leg up.

Late afternoon was spent plein air painting at the San Xavier Mission. Two very different locations with lunch and a spectacular drive through the mountains inbetween. The Mission was challenging to paint. The Arizonan sun turned the facade into an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors that I tried to chase with a very limited palette. In addition we walked around a big circle looking for a good view that also provided scarce shade. I found it, but the search stole a half an hour.

There are so many favorite times of this trip. One (sort of) non-art-related highlight was dinner at Elvira's in Tubac. Such a romantic, beautifully lit, soft, whimsical place. A duo performed all of us lucky enough to be there that evening. A funny note is that when we walked to our table, the couple next to us asked how the painting turned out. They had passed by while I was painting "Purple Mountain Majesty."

Now we're back home. Time to get ready for the week ahead.

"Sunflowers and Gladioli"

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" Off to Their New Home
While I was away, collectors took home "Sunflowers and Gladioli" -- a still life packed with meaning for me and for them. It's always interesting (and heart-warming) to hear why/how people feel connected to a piece.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Atelier Open Hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food. 

 

American Women Artists 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, November 2-25, K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Tubac, Arizona. "Honey Bunny" is one of 60 artworks chosen from around the country. 

Allied Artists of America 99th Annual Exhibition, November 9-18, National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC

More events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

Mountain Time

"Purple Mountain Majesty," oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Hi from Tubac, Arizona ... where Randy and I attended the awards brunch and reception of the American Women Artists (AWA) National Juried Exhibition at the K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden. I love it here! This is our first visit to Arizona and it felt like entering a whole other world just exiting the Tucson airport. Cacti are everywhere ... real and via artistic interpretation. The Santa Rita mountains greet us on streets around and in/out of town. Somehow ... while I think they are right there ... they mysteriously manage to recede into the distance.

From the AWA Show: "Honey Bunny" -- my still life with bunny and lilies is right in the middle

The show at the gallery is outstanding, as is the gallery itself. We spent hours looking at the art, meeting artists, enjoying this welcoming group. It is a real honor to be included in the show. Amazing!

The AWA brunch was for members and afternoon reception for the general public. In between we wandered through the galleries and shops in Tubac. It's an art haven.

Tomorrow I'll be participating in a paint out at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in the morning, then may figure out other spots to both visit and paint.

This afternoon, I took the opportunity to paint those purple mountains ... and managed to find some shade under which to enjoy those hours. The hardest part of the day was figuring out which direction to face. Every spot is gorgeous!

My lack of posts have been due to work on my two major portrait commissions. One may be done and the other is so close! I have the distinct impression that they may indeed be done well before managing to come to that conclusion myself. Perhaps it's just difficult to let go.

Walls Full of Art
The Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) will be full of screens of extra work and the gallery is still hung from Studio Tour if you'd like to take a look during open hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through November 14.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Atelier Open Hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food. 

 

American Women Artists 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, November 2-25, K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Tubac, Arizona. "Honey Bunny" is one of 60 artworks chosen from around the country. 

Allied Artists of America 99th Annual Exhibition, November 9-18, National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC

More events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

Article in VivaTysons Magazine

Article in VivaTysons Magazine, November/December 2012 Issue

Since I'm immersed in portrait commission painting (it's going well -- but I needed a break), it's time for news instead of a photo. While we were heading up to NYC for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club reception being held at the National Arts Club (where "The Poker Club" is still on view), I received a call from the publisher of VivaTysons Magazine. He'd seen my work on the web site and was interested in running an article on me -- if I could get together photos and forward some information to the Magazine.

Luck was and wasn't on my side.  
How it wasn't: I was in the car and my laptop was locking me out of what few paintings that were stored on it. (I keep photos of my artwork on the home desktop computer as command central). I managed to get around whatever sentries were holding those files hostage. It was tricky getting files uploaded ... and some went after paying the Waldorf Astoria's $19 wifi/day charge. Fortunately my bio is on the web site and that gave a starting point for the writer who also called me en route. How it was: Some scurrying but I'm glad to be included in the November/December issue of the very successful VivaTysons Magazine in an article that starts on page 20. You can also go to the archives section at www.vivatysons.com and take a look yourself.

Look for this issue

Greenberry's Coffee and Tea
Seven of my pieces are on view at Greenberry's Coffee and Tea (6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA, phone: (703) 821-9500) through November 30. I've received so many positive comments -- lots of people enjoying spending time with the paintings in one of their favorite spots. I hope you can come take a look.

Walls Full of Art
The Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) will be full of screens of extra work and the gallery is still hung from Studio Tour if you'd like to take a look during open hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through November 14.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Atelier Open Hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food. 

 

American Women Artists 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, November 2-25, K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Tubac, Arizona. "Honey Bunny" is one of 60 artworks chosen from around the country. 

Allied Artists of America 99th Annual Exhibition, November 9-18, National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC

More events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

Studio Tour: Day Two

"Rainy Morning Breakfast," oil, 20"h x 16"w -- under new ownership

Sunday's crowd at the Artists' Atelier was bigger and it was busier than ever. The studio looks beautiful ... still ... so if you missed the big weekend, please come by during our open hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm to see our most extensive exhibit of the year (at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA). There won't be the same crowds and treats ... and some of the artwork has gone to new homes, but there is still plenty to see.

During the weekend, four of my paintings found new owners. For those of you following the blog, there's been a lot of that lately. Funny thing: If you're selling something that you don't "manufacture," there's no worry about replacing your inventory. This year, much of my time has been dedicated to  portrait commissions -- that means I'm not creating as many new works. What I do create is more likely to find a home more quickly.

"Rainy Morning Breakfast" is one of the paintings purchased on Sunday by returning collectors. Like the others chosen this weekend, it's a favorite. I painted it as part of Wayne Plein Air this Spring during the first day of the competition. That's husband Randy as my breakfast-eating at the Wayne Train Station model. I love the feel of rain upon the paned glass and light pouring in through the window.

The next days are dedicated to completing two major projects. Beautiful new still life objects from Randy's mom and dad's condos are waiting to be woven into paintings to be. There is a big glass bottle with dust inside, a vibrant pink cloth, tarnished silver goblet, compass, metal scale, African sculptures, pretty pots ... all filling our kitchen table.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Atelier Open Hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Studio Tour Day One

"Stepping Out," oil, 30"h x 24"w off to their new home.

The first day of the Great Falls Studio Tour was filled with great conversations and good cheer. People at Studio Tour are regularly smiling from ear to ear -- enjoying all the art, talking art, peering at palettes, asking questions, hunting for pieces to take home.

At 10:00am (opening time), the first purchase was made -- "Stepping Out" -- my painting of Belgian workhorses that has been a universal favorite since I created it earlier this year. Nancy, its purchaser, had seen "Stepping Out" last week at MPA Artfest ... and wanted it then. Her goal was to snatch it up before anyone else could come for it.

I'll really miss this one, but could tell it was going to a good home. I helped load it into Nancy's SUV which was all ready to accept it with one seat down and a cushion to lay it on.

This pair of horses will be treated with great care.

The Delayed Proposal
I didn't ask this often enough but for some of the unfamiliar -- or less familiar -- faces, I'd inquire whether this was their first Studio Tour. One young couple told me it was their second but that they'd skipped a few years. It turns out that they'd visited four years ago when the now-husband had planned an outing to Great Falls Park to propose marriage. With our Studio Tour signs paving the path to their destination, the now-wife took the detour -- studio to studio. That plan was foiled and it took him another two weeks to plot another proposal opportunity which happened at the top of a mountain. They just celebrated their third wedding anniversary.

"Cherries and Green Figs," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Purchase Two
"Cherries and Green Figs" also will be heading off to a nice, new home -- an artist's home -- but it's still hung in my space with big (well, maybe medium-sized) red dot on it. This painting was one metamorphized from a demo given to the Great Falls Seniors Association -- and its purchaser loved it from the first time I posted it (here on my blog).

Last Weekend's Purchase
At Artfest, "Sunset in NYC" -- my painting from the hotel room shower -- was purchased, and Randy and I installed it over the mantel in its new home. I swear the mantel was made for it.

"Sunset in NYC" purchased at Artfest last weekend

A lot of my favorite paintings have been flying from the coop all year. Funny how that is.


Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Get more info on the Tour at www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour This Weekend!!!

Sneak Peek at part of my space at the Artists' Atelier. I think this will be the arrangement...

Almost 50 artists are preparing their studios and work to welcome all this weekend: Saturday and Sunday, October 20 & 21, 2012 from 10am-5pm both days.

We've been hard at work at the Artists' Atelier ... hanging it from floor to ceiling, filling screens, throughout our spaces and the gallery. We're located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA ... and you can pick up a map here to guide you throughout the rest of the weekend filled with art.

Funny view and I am painting in the day time but ...

I've also been working on portrait commissions -- bringing them along through the final phase. The previous two mornings found me at my easel in the living room where Lou and Carolyn Brown sat for eight days in July. Today I was working on background elements that were difficult to concentrate on when the two of them were here. (I was, appropriately, keeping my eye on them.) 

I bought and arranged new sunflowers for the table ... so the scene is complete except for my two subjects.

Come to Studio Tour. Bring friends and family. It's SOOO much fun!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Get more info on the Tour at www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

"'Berry On Top' Cupcake"

"'Berry On Top' Cupcake," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Tomorrow starts a full day of painting ... yea!!!  Today there was no time to tackle anything big ... but a little time to paint something small. So "'Berry On Top' Cupcake was the result.

Studio Incamminati's Lea Colie Wight Coming to Town
If you're in the Washington DC area, and a portrait/figure painter, I highly recommend enrolling in a great workshop being taught by Lea Colie Wight, an award-winning artist and teaching fellow from Philadelphia's Studio Incamminati. The workshop will be held at the Great Falls School of Art, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA from November 5-9. Get more info on the workshop on the Studio Incamminati web site -- where you can also register. Hurry!

I learned so much from Studio Incamminati's workshops as a beginning and intermediate painter -- and Lea was one of my favorite instructors -- for her kind and smart coaching.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Register to win $50 Art Bucks to use on the Tour at www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!