"Morning Rooftops in NYC"

"Morning Rooftops in NYC," oil, 18"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

"Morning Rooftops in NYC" was started at daybreak last month from my hotel room in Chelsea. Only one morning to work on it ... since a busy October meant no extended stays.

It did become part of that pile of paintings I've been working to finish these last two weeks.  I loved the idea of this one and really wanted to work on the water towers in the morning light.  Pretty stunning.

Just started in my kitchen: "Thanksgiving," oil, 24"h x 30"w

What's Cooking In My Kitchen Tonight
For some reason, the closer turkey dinner approaches, the greater the urge to set up my easel in the kitchen. Of course it's in the way.

Yet, I've got a really interesting still life perched on the kitchen island. I was playing with the setup all afternoon -- trying to find the right view and have room to step back from the easel and see.  I liked this from so many different angles. It could be painted from at least four different views ... creating strikingly unique works.  I chose this view ... but had to move all the objects multiple times to accommodate both the view and my working space.

Wish me luck ... progress ... so that the counters are cleared come Thanksgiving Day.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 20.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

"Blue Cats:" The Porcelain Kittens Return

"Blue Cats," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

That pile of unfinished paintings are gradually turning into a framed and hung collection of new works ... in time for a Thanksgiving full of family and a collectors home studio show to follow soon after.  All that painting plus infrequent blogging means that I had plenty to choose from for today's post. I picked the one that photographed the best.

Those blue cats appeared before in a much larger painting, "Two Kittens," 30"h x 40"w

Yet, you could have seen another NYC painting started from my hotel room window at sunrise (not in the shower this time -- just a window), or a successful return to the painting started in Paris on a super cold day of "Fountain at Place des Vosges." Or a new street scene started in Warrenton, VA.  Some of those will be appearing here soon. Others will wait to be Collectors Open House surprises.

"Blue Cats" was started as a demo for my Still Life class ... a good while ago. Nice to bring it to fruition.

Come visit me during open hours at the Artists' Atelier,  noon to 4pm, tomorrow (Saturday, November 16) at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  Hope to see you then!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 20.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

"Jardin de Montmartre" Finished

"Jardin de Montmartre," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I've had the sneaking suspicion that my pile of unfinished canvases has grown larger than ever. To check out the premise, I lined the walls of our downstairs foyer with pieces to complete.  I wasn't even doing any heavy digging -- just collecting those pieces relatively recently begun that held promise.  Guess how many lined the walls?

20.

Yikes.

"Jardin de Montmartre" wasn't in the hallway -- but it was the first piece to be finished (two days ago).  Many more await. Another was finished today.

Young Fan
Last week, I was in the classroom getting ready to teach my Portrait Painting Workshop. A young student walked in -- there for her class (taught by another instructor) that had been canceled that day.  While sorting out whether or not class really was canceled -- and contacting her parents for pick-up, we shared a fun conversation. She offered to help me set up.

We went upstairs to the Atelier to get a vase for the roses I brought in ... and while there, she picked up some brochures from the gallery. One of them was mine.

She asked my name. She LOVES my work!!! She's a huge fan. That was about as nice a surprise as possible. 

Sign Up Now
I'm offering two classes and a workshop come January. The holidays turn us into messes.  Before they take over all your energies, take a look at my classes page. Follow the links to sign up.

Choose from "Portrait Painting" taught on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm (I'm looking for models, too), "Still Life Painting in Oils" taught on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm and a special workshop "Mastering the Business of Art" on January 4 & 5 (Saturday and Sunday), 2 to 5pm both days.

Young Super Star
There's nothing like getting an email notification from Ben Gaiarin -- cool young guy (16) whose a culinary superstar -- to remind me that I got to my life's passion a bit later.  Ben (who sat for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project) just launched BenGusto Dining -- a catering company founded and run by the under 18 set. His blog is amazing. Incredible recipes, writing, photography. Food Network? Catch him NOW if you can.

Big congrats to Ben!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 20.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

"Autumn at the Marina": Wet, Cold Paint

"Autumn at the Marina," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

A search for water to paint brought me to the Washington Sailing Marina along the George Washington Parkway today ... to fight the breeze, cool weather, new location (for me).  I can't believe how calm this painting looks.

It belies the fact I was holding it in place on the easel. Juggling gloves. Watching the water ripple.

Sooner or later I did start enjoying the sounds of the marina. Gentle clacking? Can clacking be gentle.  Right after I picked my spot there was a sign that this was the right decision. My alternative view included a boat that went off for a ride ... as far as I could tell -- the only one to be taken out on this cool Thursday afternoon.

Tomorrow I plan to be at the Artists' Atelier for open hours (noon to 4pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA). Randy and I unwrapped and rehung my studio area. (Work was under wraps to avoid drywall dust.) Please stop in!

Then it's off to catch two opening receptions: one for the Classical Realism Exhibit at the Great Falls Library and the other for the Artists of Montorno at ArtSpace Herndon.  I'm looking forward to both!

See www.GreatFallsAtelier.com for updated info for the Atelier and Library exhibits. Just updated!

Oh ... and yesterday Randy and I delivered "Seat by the Window: Montmartre" to its new owner in the Richmond, VA area.  While this is the third painting of mine purchased by this collector, I hadn't met him. It was nice to get the chance and to get a glimpse of an amazing collection.  Always interesting!!!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 20.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

Woven Thoughts

"Camelias and Gourd," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

But quick.

Today was the last day of still life class for the Winter term.  It was also my sixth day teaching in the last eight days. Tomorrow marks seven in nine. Not the norm. Phew.

For my Portrait Painting Workshop (which was REALLY great!), I purchased some Amazon coupons for G Street Fabrics -- $25 for $50 of fabrics. The result of that shopping trip -- lots of fabrics helped complement our fantastic models and made the scene in front of my hard-working class exciting indeed.

One of those fabrics was this pretty turquoise cloth that wove its way into one of the still life setups today.

Thus, a new painting was born.

"French Horseman" Accepted into the Art League's Small Works Exhibit
That was good news. And, unusually, Randy and I only took one piece down to the Art League for receiving. So -- no picking up the second piece. (Only one can get into the monthly show.) Yea!!!!

"French Horseman," oil, 8"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com

Portrait Painting Workshop Day 1

Today was the first day of three for my portrait painting workshop. I've got to rest up for the next full days ... but here is the demo I painted this morning. The class rocked and rolled this afternoon, but had to be reminded to breathe. This is tough work ... but totally enjoyable as well.

Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!

Saturday, November 2 (tomorrow), noon to 4pm are open hours at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. After that we'll be taking down the extra screens full of art that have decorated the studio since Studio Tour setup for the October 19 and 20th weekend. Stop in.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon 750 Center Street

Herndon, VA  

"Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist. On exhibit through November 2

 

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 3.

Farm Day Warm-Up

"Out Standing In the Field," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Perfect Fall weather somehow steered my car to Kidwell Farm (part of Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA) after finishing teaching Still Life class today.  Some of the still life setups were calling ... but they lost out to cows and sheep. (Sheep are in progress -- shown below.)

This is a really neat little painting hidden pretty well by a shaky camera operator.

Tomorrow I'll be returning to Kidwell with my Plein Air class. Bet they'll have fun.

This sheep is getting a friend. Just imagine that sepia blob turning sheeplike.

I've been preparing for my Portrait Painting Workshop taking place this Friday through Sunday, November 1 to 3 at the Great Falls School of Art.  If you're interested in joining what promises to be a great three days, email me. More information is available on my web site, www.JillBanks.com classes page.

This Wednesday, October 30 and Saturday, November 2 are the last two open days at the Atelier to see the Studio Tour exhibit.  With some repairs coming up, we will be taking a lot of the work out on Sunday.  So, stop in this Wednesday and/or Saturday, the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA from noon to 4pm.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA "Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist. On exhibit through November 2

 

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through October 31.

"Green Tractor" Revisited

"Green Tractor," oil on Centurion linen-lined panel, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Today I returned to a painting created en plein air in Easton.  Even though it was one of my most successful pieces painted outdoors to date, there were still a few things I wanted to do to "improve" it.  Knowing full well that it's almost impossible to make a piece better without losing the freshness captured on site -- I braved the attempt -- figuring if it didn't work out, I'd erase the day's efforts with Gamsol. (The tractor anatomy needed tweaking.)

Odds were defied. It turned out just as I hoped. No Gamsol needed.

"Green Tractor" has been tugging on my attention for a couple of months.  With so many different shows all in a row to prepare for -- it had to wait. 

Coming up a week from Friday, I'll be teaching a three-day portrait painting workshop through the Great Falls School of Art.  There's still a spot left for the November 1-3 workshop, held 9:30am to 4:30pm each day. See more info on the classes page of my website ... with a link to register online. Tell me if you do.  Thanks!

Tomorrow night is the Awards dinner and reception at the National Arts Club in New York City for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 117th Open Exhibition. "Seat by the Window: Montmartre" was awarded the Winnie Borne Sherman Memorial Award ... so I'll be there to happily accept it. 

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA "Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist. On exhibit through November 2

 

Friday, October 25, 6 to 9pm

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Awards Reception Dinner

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC. 117th Annual Open Exhibition of CLWAC.   Exhibit October 1-25.  Advance reservations required for the awards dinner.

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through October 31.

"Apple and Persimmons" Started at Studio Tour

"Apple and Persimmons," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

And finished tonight.

Thanks so much to all who helped make this year's Great Falls Studios Art Tour a great success! We enjoyed enthusiastic crowds and all went home to rest our tired feet and voices.

The Artists' Atelier -- the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA -- is still filled with wonderful art.  Visit us during open hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm -- if you missed the tour or want to take another good look.

Thanks again!

Jill

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA "Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist. On exhibit through November 2

 

Friday, October 25, 6 to 9pm

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Awards Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC. 117th Annual Open Exhibition of CLWAC.   Exhibit October 1-25.  Advance reservations required for the awards dinner.

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through October 31.

Bleary-Eyed View of Studio Tour

Part of my studio set up for Studio Tour

Perhaps today hits a new high in tired painter land.  But also a new high.

Great day at the Great Falls Studio Tour. If you missed it today, join us tomorrow. I'm one of over 50 artists participating in 33 venues in a free, self-guided tour of artists' workspaces throughout Great Falls, VA. This is truly a not-to-be-missed event -- held once a year -- and always better than ever.

Today, three new collectors headed home with my works ... smiling, for sure.

Others ... inspired to paint.

New Collector: Happily going home with "Corner Seat" -- a favorite

Visit Sunday, October 20, 10am to 5pm. I'm at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA with lots of my artist buddies.

It doesn't get better than this.

Lots of fun. Don't miss it.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
Lots -- see the events page on my website.  Thanks!

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA "Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist

Friday, October 25, 6 to 9pm

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Awards Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC. 117th Annual Open Exhibition of CLWAC.   Exhibit October 1-25.  Advance reservations required for the awards dinner.

Saturday and Sunday, October 19&20, 10am-5pm

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour -- Celebrating 10 Years!

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. We join the 60 artists opening up our studios for the weekend, talking about our processes, tools, and hoping to inspire the artist in you in this FREE, self-guided tour throughout the streets of Great Falls.