Start of "Hudson River Morn" View from the Shower

"Hudson River Morn" work in progress, oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Back at the end of March, I spent three days in our Soho hotel shower with my easel set up, painting from before sunrise to sunset. In one direction from the floor-to-ceiling windowed shower offered this view overlooking the Hudson River and the traffic to the Holland Tunnel. I painted a smaller version of almost this view, multiple mornings while there. The Hudson River view was at its best at sunrise. The view looking at a 90 degree angle offered the Empire State Building, Trump Hotel and the low-rise buildings of Soho. At sunset it was incredible, and there/then, I painted "Sunset in NYC."

The original "Hudson River View" on the easel in the shower

I love the sketch done of this view, too ... but decided to work out the finished piece on a much larger scale ... more fitting of the scene in front of me each morning. It was fun to watch NYC stretch and wake up. Our stay was over a weekend, too, so quieter that the regular week. The snarl of traffic that accompanied the rest of the day/week went missing early morning those days.

Obviously, this needs lots more work but I can't wait to make the highrises across the river sparkle. Add in the lone cars. Paint the early morning sky.  It will take awhile.

The sketch done in the shower -- on which this is based -- is 14"h x 11"w, called "Hudson River View."

"Sunset in NYC" was part of my Out & About exhibit last month at the Old Brogue and is now on view in my studio at the Artists' Atelier. Come take a look at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066, open on Saturdays, noon to 4pm and by appointment.

"Sunset in NYC," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

New York City has been the inspiration of many of my paintings. As have been other urban views. Take a look at some of my other paintings of urban spots in the Gallery pages of my web site.

Exhibits and Events

May 20-June 23, Wayne Plein Air Exhibition 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA (May 15-19). 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.  Eight pieces for purchase/on exhibit.

August, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, Studio #333

August 1-10, "Quiet" in Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Exhibition held at Denise Bibro Fine Art, Chelsea, NYC.

Sunday, October 14, MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

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

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

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435