"Cindy Hargroves: Face #21", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011 |
I'm going to say that 2011 seems to be the year that a lot of people are committing to trying something new, moving outside their comfort zone, or giving something a shot that they have always wanted to do. Lots of my faces subjects have volunteered because it's something they had never done before (and they wanted to do something outside their comfort zone). It's one of the top three reasons I hear. (The other two are volunteering to help me improve my skills as an artist while letting me do what I really want to do ... and the curiosity/learning aspects of the experience.)
This is an open grisaille (one color painting) of Cindy. How I start. |
I keep getting to each person's mouth last ... since we're having conversations from beginning to end and I can't paint it mid-sentence. I did ask Cindy to keep her mouth still -- no talking -- for a little bit. But, I complicate things because I'm always having such a good time, I'm always smiling and it's difficult not to smile back. (You can try it when you come sit for me.) Plus, inevitably, I'll ask someone to hold his/her mouth still so I can paint it, then immediately ask them a question. Duh. This time I was about to ask a question, then stopped myself and by the time we started talking again, I'd forgotten what I wanted to know.
The painting a little further along ... on my easel. |
I love the wall. You will, too. It's amazing how powerful all these people all together. Like a room jam-packed with friends.
Cindy Hargroves taking a photo of the finished painting. |
Okay, enough typing. I've got a show application to do ... and have to really map out a talk I'm giving next Friday to the McLean Art Club. Got to go.
Thanks, Cindy Hargroves, for sitting for me. Thanks, Cindy Grisdela, for your help in convincing her.
P.S. I forgot to mention that my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project will be exhibited in May at the Great Falls Library in Great Falls, VA. At least that's one of the places you will be able to see it. I will also be doing a solo show there in February 2012. (Something other than faces that I'll spend the following 256 days on, I guess.)
Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435
2 comments:
Jill - I had a wonderful afternoon.
Here are some of the comments I've received so far
from my cousin: What a beautiful portrait of you!
from a lifelong friend whose dad went to Parsons with my dad: Very cool! She really captured you.
from my sister: Love it! Mom would've had a million questions for the artist + said it's so 'neat.'
from a friend who is a GF artist:
Wow, Cindy, you are really getting out there and doing some fun things! That is soooo cool and exciting!. Jill is one of my favorite Great Falls painters.
facebook comments:
- I love it!!!!! (another cousin)
- Really neat!
- Lovely sweet and fun! (my college roommate who majored in art)
- NICE!
- Amazing!
- That is awesome!
- Yes -it is you! (cousin in Sweden)
A friend will email you because she wants her daughter to meet an artist who loves what she does (while sitting for you!)
Cindy,
What terrific comments. I loved spending time with you ... and so, you are no longer a stranger!!!
100 Faces seems like a lot, but I'm getting LOTS of volunteers ... so hopefully your friend contacts me soon.
You're cool. Fun. Awesome.
Jill
Post a Comment