Life as an Artist- Jill Banks

Friday, January 9, 2015

"Piemonte Lunch" on the Cover of élan Magazine

A close-up of "Piemonte Lunch" is on the cover of élan Magazine's January 2015 edition

"Piemonte Lunch," the painting that captures husband Randy enjoying the rest of our lunch in the hill town of Nieve, Italy is the cover image for élan Magazine's January 2015 edition.

Inside, too, on p. 23 of the calendar section is "Market Day" -- the postcard image for my rapidly approaching solo show "Warm Observations: People and Places" on view at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA from January 13 to February 22, 2015.

Reception and Demo
Two main events during the show at ArtSpace Herndon I hope you can attend are:

Reception: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 7-9pm
Painting Demonstration: Saturday, January 31, 2-5pm
both events are free and open to the public ... and are being held at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. RSVP for the painting demonstration helpful ... so I can save you a seat or two.

For viewing the exhibit during its run aside from those dates: ArtSpace Herndon's hours are:

Gallery Hours
Monday: closed
Tues - Thurs: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

ArtSpace Herndon is closed due to inclement weather whenever Fairfax County cancels school.

If in doubt, you can contact the gallery at http://www.artspaceherndon.com/ or call:
703-956-6590

My studio at the Artists' Atelier today

Open Hours at the Artists' Atelier
On Saturday, January 10 from noon to 4pm, you can find me in my studio at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. While most of the paintings going into the show at ArtSpace Herndon are in my home studio getting ready to go ... my space in the Atelier is filled with still life paintings, some chickens, horses, and portraits. And me.

Events and Exhibits

Scene from my 2014 Paint with Me in Italy workshop. Join us this Summer!

January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
January 14 - 28: Great Falls School of Art Annual Student Exhibition, Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Friday, January 16, 7-9pm
Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
See the Events page for more info/updates
Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!
Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

From Gift to Painting: "Serenade"

"Serenade," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

For Christmas, my parents gave each family member something that they have loved owning -- but that isn't going with them to their new home. Each object starts a new chapter with us. My gift was the Lladro clown and since Christmas, I've wanted to paint him. It's special to me that the objects already have a history. He's serenading a beautiful, shiny ornament, another gift from my parents.

This was a joy to paint. Simple, glowing, quiet, peaceful.

Events and Exhibits

Scene from my 2014 Paint with Me in Italy workshop. Join us this Summer!

January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
January 14 - 28: Great Falls School of Art Annual Student Exhibition, Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Friday, January 16, 7-9pm
Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open.
See the Events page for more info/updates
Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!
Jill

Classes page at www.JillBanks.com. Portrait class full with wait list ... but add your name anyway if interested. Spots do open up. Thanks! Still life is also full. How about Paint(ing) with Me in Italy this Summer?

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Countdown to "Warm Observations"

In less than a week, "Warm Observations: People and Places" will have been hung with care at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA) and I'll have prepared for ... and taught my first Still Life class of the Winter 2015 term. Today, postcards went out in the mail and images were put up on my web site so you can see a preview of what's in the exhibition.

I KNOW that these decisions are not final. I'll tweak and move paintings in and out of the show, rearrange my display plan, juggle. But, click on the preview link above and at least you'll know what my plan is for today.

Once you're on my web site, you can click on any of the thumbnails to enlarge and get more info.

So many times, the art I want to see and create is what's needed right now. As beautiful as the snow was outside this morning, a dreary gray surrounded it. And, my toes were cold. Look at the saturated color of what I've selected for my January show. Can't you feel the warmth in each as well?

Now, although it's strange timing ... I'm heading down to the studio. My antidote to a day of computer work. Very different ... and I can't wait.

If you're able, come to the exhibit that runs from January 13 to February 22 at ArtSpace Herndon.
Two main events:
Reception: Saturday, January 17, 7 to 9 pm
Painting Demonstration: Saturday, January 31, 2 to 5pm
Both are free and open to the public. I'd love to see you!

Events and Exhibits

Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
January 14 - 28: Great Falls School of Art Annual Student Exhibition, Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Friday, January 16, 7-9pm
See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading!
Jill

Sunday, January 4, 2015

"Early Evening at the Town Center" Revisited ... Again


"Early Evening at the Town Center," oil, 22"h x 28"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Finally rehung my studio space at the Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

I returned to this painting that was started as a plein air piece created at the Reston Town Center (Reston, VA) last year. I think that it is just about "there" ... as in finished. On location, I'd painted five to six hours straight -- from late afternoon into dusk -- way too long to be practical. Think how different the light was on the subjects. And, of course I liked the light best toward the end of the painting session when the street lamps came on and a pretty glow settled in. Coming back to it so much later helps me evaluate it as a painting -- creating the scene in general vs. the particulars.

I also got around to sprucing up my space at the Artists' Atelier. I'd robbed all but a few paintings for my Home Studio Collectors Show in December ... so it was very barren. In just a week, I'll be hanging my "Warm Observations: People and Places" exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon. Then, guess what our house will look like. Lots of hooks missing art.

Events and Exhibits

Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
January 14 - 28: Great Falls School of Art Annual Student Exhibition, Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Friday, January 16, 7-9pm
See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading!
Jill

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Happy New Year ... First Painting of 2015

"Twinkle, Twinkle," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Husband Randy was reading a book on the Kindle early evening at just the right time to be recruited to become the subject of a painting.

I'm just recovering from the flu which stole at least five days of painting time. My "to do" list to get ready to hang my "Warm Observations: People and Places" show (on January 12 at ArtSpace Herndon) is getting longer and longer. Fortunately, time in the studio is on that list!

Since it's time to post ... I guess this is it. Expect another from me tomorrow with info on the Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, what's hanging in my studio at the Atelier, maybe another painting ... and more.

My upcoming classes are both full. You may still join the wait list ... just in case.

Events and Exhibits

Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year!
Jill

Saturday, December 27, 2014

"Reverence" Revisited

"Reverence," oil, 36"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

...for some very fine hours today. This is the church in La Morra, Italy that even though I'd painted right outside and witnessed gatherings there while eating dinner in the restaurant right across the cobblestoned road from it -- I almost missed entering. What beauty.

"Laundry Day," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

A little painting from a different trip to Italy -- this one in the Spring -- was painted yesterday. I loved this alleyway in Venice with its painting perfect light.

I'm treasuring looking around the house with paintings hung with care that remain from my Home Studio Open House. Soon the walls will be considerably barer as paintings get gathered for my "Warm Observations: People and Places" and I get back into my Great Falls studio at the Artists' Atelier -- making it pretty, too, once again. I'll miss them.

Events and Exhibits

Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading! Merry Christmas!

Jill

Sign Up for Winter Classes
I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions. Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com. Portrait class full with wait list ... but add your name anyway if interested. Spots do open up. Thanks!

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Thursday, December 25, 2014

"Bunny Business" in Progress, Merry Christmas

"Bunny Business" work in progress, oil, 20"h x 16"h, ©Jill Banks 2014

Merry Christmas! I hope that's just what it was (Merry).

In between opening presents, nice visiting and some great meals, I did get into the studio for awhile ... that time a Christmas gift for myself.

While son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle napped (a Christmas tradition in Michelle's family) and husband Randy cleaned up the mess from gift opening, I spent a few hours on "Bunny Business." Tomorrow will be time to return to readying paintings for my upcoming solo exhibit: "Warm Observations: People and Places." No matter how much I stretch the theme, a still life with a rabbit just shouldn't be in the line-up.

I'm thankful for this day. Missed being with our daughter who is sick with the flu. Loved sharing it with Sam, Michelle, Randy and my Mom and Dad.

Events and Exhibits

Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading! Merry Christmas!

Jill

Monday, December 22, 2014

"Venezia Market II" in Progress

Among the many great days spent in Venice this past Spring, one of my favorites was a trek we took to a part of the city that seemed much more like home to Venetians (rather than mobbed with tourists). The seller at the produce stand knew his customers and I loved seeing this duo select what might have become that night's dinner.

Nice lesson, too, on making choices this Mom was teaching. No hurries in selecting strawberries.

I wish all of you a Wonderful Holiday and Happy, Healthy New Year (you will hear from me again before 2015 -- but extra wishes are good).

Thank you to all of you who have made all of 2014 great and allowed me to help you out in putting packages under the tree this December.

Events and Exhibits

Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading! Merry Christmas!

Jill

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

"Garden Party" Hydrangeas and a Rabbit

Plan B

After struggling a bit in the studio, it was time for a change. New inspiration, different kind of subject hit the spot.

Most of the paintings I've created lately fall into the genre of people and places. With a solo show at ArtSpace Herndon titled "Warm Observations: People and Places" coming up mid-January, that choice of subject seems appropriate. But after realizing that I could easily hang the gallery twice with paintings fitting the theme ... that I'd like to show you ... a break's okay.

So here is "Garden Party."An animal studio visit and a breath of fresh air for the painter (me).

Hints on keeping hydrangeas from drooping: Cut ends on diagonal with sharp knife. Dip ends in alcohol (I used vermouth). Immerse immediately in very warm/hot water. Much better! Repeat as needed. (Hint is from Debbe who watched many of the hydrangeas I'd brought to my Still Life class "bite the dust" before anyone had a chance to paint them.)

By the way, changing subject matter is just one of the ways I keep energized and excited about painting. For the first few years taking classes and painting full time, I was in a hurry to catch up. Any time away from what I was supposed to be painting/working on ... brought about a guilt complex. Eventually, I turned a corner and became a bit wiser. This chosen path of mine was a long one. Now I enjoy the journey. I schedule or just allow myself time to soak up life, art, inspiration when needed and that seeps into my painting. If what's on my easel isn't working, I change my location, subject matter, head to a gallery or garden, pick up an inspirational book, seek to learn something.

Events and Exhibits

Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Christmas Ahead and Treating Yourself

The image for today's post is a bit arbitrary. Two works in progress are not ready for prime time. Perhaps, tomorrow?

This piece, "Popsicle Toes" is another uncovered/discovered work found preparing for my Home Studio Open House. (Sort of like an archaelogical dig. Layers and layers of personal art history.) He navigated his way to the shelf between the curtains in my studio. A prime spot, just for me.

I can't remember the day, or the year he was painted. But, I do know that there is no other painting that shows my love of color better than this one.

A sign of my particular age and times that he's called "Popsicle Toes."

"Popsicle Toes" was placed there because this painting brings me joy. Even though I was preparing Randy and my home for visitors to view the art -- pieces were placed where they would be seen by us. A painting to look at when putting up a blog post ("Chicken Chat"). Or what Randy would see while shaving ("Empress, Reading.") A painting of horses set next to my sink ("Green Pastures'). The many works that I'd wake up to ... including "Crosswalk" that suddenly transports our bedroom to a spot in New York City.

My version of art on the walls is to show a bit of you to those who visit, share your home ... but its greatest role is to influence your day ... every day. Greet you. Meet you. Intrigue and enrich your life.

Can I help you with your last week of holiday shopping? Take a look at my web site: www.JillBanks.com, schedule a personal home studio visit (Northern Virginia) or your own home visit or delivery.

Events and Exhibits

Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Sign Up for Winter Classes
I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions. Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com. Classes are filling rapidly ... REALLY rapidly.

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Pages

Friday, January 9, 2015

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Monday, December 22, 2014

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Tuesday, December 16, 2014