Thursday, September 29, 2016

MPA McLean Artfest On Sunday, October 2, 10am to 5pm

"Rock Climber," oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright 2016 Jill Banks accepted into "Cityscape"
50+ artist galleries at the MPA McLean Artfest -- mine included -- will line McLean Central Park at the corner of Route 123 and Old Dominion Drive in McLean VA this Sunday, October 2. You're Invited!  I hope to see you at this annual juried outdoor art festival.

Free, family friendly, music, food, art. Let's hope for a beautiful day!

"Water Under the Bridge," oil, 16"h x 12"w, copyright 2016 Jill Banks
Two Pieces Accepted for "Cityscape" -- Exhibition in Baltimore
"Water Under the Bridge" and "Rock Climber" were selected for exhibit by juror Bryan Mark Taylor in the "Cityscape" show of plein air contemporary takes on the urban landscape.  Glad to be a part of it!

Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.

September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.
Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

"Hare's Apples" Still Life Demo

"Hare's Apples," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Yesterday's Still Life Plus class started with a demo ... and offered another case of a rabbit appearance. See more of my still life paintings on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

The photo isn't great. After a very full day of teaching or getting ready for yesterday's class, I'm moving at a tortoise's pace at the moment. (Kind of like being stuck in a fairy tale?) But ... I'll be ready for the start of plein air class tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to a Fall full of adventure.

This weekend I'll be at the Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show in Armonk, NY.  I hope to see you there.  Any encouragement you could give to others to attend would be GREATLY appreciated. It's a wonderful show I had the privilege of being a part of two years ago and in each new venue, it takes awhile to build up a fan base. You can help!  Armonk is near Greenwich CT -- pulling collectors from Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON! 


Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.
Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)

Monday, September 19, 2016

Painting "Water Under the Bridge" in the Rain

"Water Under the Bridge," oil, 16"h x 12"w, copyright 2016 Jill Banks
See "Water Under the Bridge" and more works on my website at www.JillBanks.com.

Quick post as there's plenty left to do getting ready for the first day of my Fall term classes tomorrow.

Found a place to paint this afternoon amid pretty solid showers all day.  So in this case, there was water under the bridge ... and over it. A view of the Potomac. 

Thanks to all we visited my booth this weekend at the Alexandria King Street Art Festival.  It was a great weekend. And, I'm glad today's showers didn't visit earlier.  Phew.

REGISTER FOR CLASSES -- START THIS WEEK
Alexandria may be one of the spots I lead my "Painting the Plein Air Landscape" class this term (first class starts September 22 and there's still room for you).  Get more info on it and other classes that resume this week on my web site here.

Get more info on classes with a link to register for each class below.
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm -- starts September 20
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm
-- starts September 20 
Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Thursdays, 9:30am to 2:00pm, starts September 22. Classes are held in various locations throughout Northern Virginia
NEW! Portrait Painting Three Day Workshop -- November 4-6, 2016.


HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON! 

Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.
Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA
October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)
 

Thursday, September 15, 2016

New Urban Street Painting and Sneak Peek at the King Street Art Show

Wet Paint! "Tucked Away Cafe," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Where will YOU be September 17 & 18?

Jill Banks

Capturing Life in Oils
Hopefully you'll be seeing a sign with the text shown above at my Booth #90 in Old Town Alexandria, VA.

www.JillBanks.com. Subscribe for my email newsletter here.

What: ALEXANDRIA KING STREET  FINE ART FESTIVAL

When: SATURDAY, September 17, 10am-7pm; SUNDAY, September 18, 10am to 5pm

Where: Booth #90, front of Monaco Hotel at 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA (220+ artists exhibiting on King Street from Union to Washington Streets)

Why: Original art, great place to be!


REGISTER FOR CLASSES -- START NEXT WEEK
Alexandria may be one of the spots I lead my "Painting the Plein Air Landscape" class this term (first class starts September 22 and there's still room for you).  Get more info on it and other classes that resume this coming week on my web site here.

Get more info on classes with a link to register for each class below.
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm -- starts September 20
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm
-- starts September 20 
Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Thursdays, 9:30am to 2:00pm, starts September 22. Classes are held in various locations throughout Northern Virginia
NEW! Portrait Painting Three Day Workshop -- November 4-6, 2016.


Sneak Peek at My Booth This Weekend
Alexandria King Street Art Festival Booth Layout -- "Hudson River Morn" in the center
"Tea Reader" "Tucked Away Cafe" "Seven Swans" "Italian Time" and "After the Party II" ... plus more
 
Wall Two featuring "Spanish Dancer" and the still life set up by my Dad "Two Kittens"

Plus one more wall you'll have to see for yourself. What's your favorite?

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON! 



Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.
Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Jill Banks at King Street Art Festival This Weekend September 17 & 18 in Alexandria

Where you'll see two very fresh new paintings created in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia that will hanging out in my booth ... hopefully not for too long.

"Sundown Downtown," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Jill Banks
Capturing Life in Oils
I got down to Alexandria twice this past week, and "Sundown Downtown" plus "Riverside View" are the results. See more like those on my website: www.JillBanks.com. Subscribe for my email newsletter.

What: ALEXANDRIA KING STREET  FINE ART FESTIVAL

When: SATURDAY, September 17, 10am-7pm; SUNDAY, September 18, 10am to 5pm

Where: Booth #90, front of Monaco Hotel at 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA (220+ artists exhibiting on King Street from Union to Washington Streets)

Why: Original art, great place to be!



So now you know two pieces that will be there. What else? Special requests generally honored as long as you're quick AND you plan to be there. 

REGISTER FOR CLASSES -- START NEXT WEEK
Alexandria may be one of the spots I lead my "Painting the Plein Air Landscape" class this term (first class starts September 22 and there's still room for you).  Get more info on it and other classes that resume this coming week on my web site here.

Get more info on classes with a link to register for each class below.
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm -- starts September 20
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm
-- starts September 20 
Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Thursdays, 9:30am to 2:00pm, starts September 22. Classes are held in various locations throughout Northern Virginia
NEW! Portrait Painting Three Day Workshop -- November 4-6, 2016.


HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON! 


Jill Banks
www.JillBanks.com

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.
Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Paint Great Falls 2016 Results

Four of the five award recipients at Paint Great Falls 2016. Left to right: Lissa Abrams holding "Kayaks Get Set," Michael McSorley with "Old Forestville School," Marjorie Sharer with "Colvin Run Mill" and Lori Goll with "Serene Riverbank." Congratulations to the award winners and all who participated.
 
First Place - "Colvin Run Mill" oil on canvas by Marjorie Sharer

Please excuse my weird angle on this one. The art is mounted under glass and I was trying to avoid glare. This is gorgeous! Second Place - "Serene Riverbank" pastel by Lori Goll

Third Place - "Old Forestville School"  oil on canvas by Michael McSorley

Honorable Mention - "Kayaks Get Set" oil on canvas by Lissa Abrams

People's Choice - "Great Falls Thunder" oil on canvas by Robert Gilbert

First Place - "Colvin Run Mill" oil on canvas by Marjorie Sharer
Second Place - "Serene Riverbank" pastel by Lori Goll
Third Place - "Old Forestville School"  oil on canvas by Michael McSorley
Honorable Mention - "Kayaks Get Set" oil on canvas by Lissa Abrams
People's Choice - "Great Falls Thunder" oil on canvas by Robert Gilbert

More photos from the exhibit, reception plus my Saturday demo to come in another post. The turnout was fantastic and guests were stunned (so was I!) at the quality of all the submissions. My name might have been taken in vain while artists I'd encouraged to participate were sweating it out in high temps but they managed to do great work anyway.

I encourage you to come see for yourself. All of the pieces are for sale and they capture the town of Great Falls beautifully. Best time to come would be on Saturdays, noon to 2pm through September or on Wednesday, September 14, noon to 4pm.  Classes start soon in the gallery space at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

It was an EXTREMELY tough choice to select the winning pieces but I knew ... and explained ... what drew me to each painting chosen for an award.

Register for Classes taught through the Arts of Great Falls in Virginia Get more info on classes with a link to register for each class below.
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm -- starts September 20
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm
-- starts September 20 
Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Thursdays, 9:30am to 2:00pm, starts September 22. Classes are held in various locations throughout Northern Virginia
NEW! Portrait Painting Three Day Workshop -- November 4-6, 2016.




Thanks for reading!

Jill

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

CALL FOR ARTISTS: September 7-10, 2016: Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition, Great Falls, VA. Spread the word!

September 9: Friday Art Walk in the Village, 6-9pm at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA
September 10: Free Plein Air Painting Demo, noon-3pm near 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. RSVP to jill@jillbanks.com if you think you'll be able to make that event.
September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.
Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)

Monday, September 5, 2016

Call for Artists: Why I Want You to Sign Up for Paint Great Falls (Virginia)

"Egret and Crane," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. I painted "Egret and Crane" over two separate visits to Long Beach Island, New Jersey this summer -- in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus competition that results in the "Island Life" exhibition there September 9-October 24. The site where I was painting "Egret and Crane" changed drastically daily -- a challenge but also interesting as heck. My greatest fun in the process was when the crane spun around and the yellow do-hickey hung in front of the white building. That totally changed my composition for the better. At the end of the day, the crane operator came over to check on what I was painting. He couldn't believed I'd made the crane one of the "stars." I asked him why he turned the crane around and then didn't pick anything up ... and he said to catch the breeze. It was a very hot, sticky day. Nice that this position worked out to both of our benefits.

 This post is a Call for Artists in the Washington DC area and surroundings for the September 7-10 Paint Great Falls competition.

"Moonvine Alley," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
So WHY do I want you to SIGN UP for PAINT GREAT FALLS?
Because:
  • Even and maybe especially if Plein Air (creating work in the "open air" from direct observation without the aid of photography) painting is outside of your artistic repertoire, you are going to learn something and be influenced by something you see. What always surprises me while working away in one location is how thrilling and interesting your surroundings are if you pay attention and remain open to taking it all in.
  • Creating artwork in public is daunting but becomes easier when someone else is with you doing the same. Consider partnering up with another registrant and have some fun.
  • I'd love to see how you apply your artistic style and talents to capturing Great Falls.  You don't need to create a realistic or impressionistic landscape -- you can concentrate on any subject you find interesting as long as you are outdoors (can be on a porch or under a gazebo, etc.) and somewhere in Great Falls, Virginia. Be as different as you like.
  • We want to see your art! Create and then submit your visions of Great Falls to be spotlighted in the Arts of Great Falls Gallery for the Friday, September 9 Art Walk in the Village from 6-9pm and on Saturday, September 10 for the Awards Reception, 6:30-8:30pm. (I'm this year's judge and am really looking forward to seeing what you've created!

Find out more and register here with the Arts of Great Falls (http://www.greatfallsart.org/paint-great-falls/)

There's still time to sign up to participate in Paint Great Falls: September 7-10, 2016.

First come basis. No jurying. Just a $30 registration fee and then show up for canvas stamping.

Paint anywhere in Great Falls, Virginia any or all days between September 7 and September 10. (Registrants are given a list of suggestions -- but go where you want to go.)

Prizes for First, Second, Third and People's Choice. First Prize is $500!

I really hope to see you there! Drop me an email to tell if you signed up. (Of course, that's optional!)

Free Plein Air Painting Demonstration -- Saturday, September 10, Noon-3pm
And, I'll be giving a free plein air painting demonstration on Saturday, September 10, noon to 3pm. RSVP to jill@jillbanks.com if you think you'll be able to make that event. Weather permitting, that demo will take place outside near the school at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.

Register for Classes taught through the Arts of Great Falls in Virginia Get more info on classes with a link to register for each class below.
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm -- starts September 20
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm
-- starts September 20 
Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Thursdays, 9:30am to 2:00pm, starts September 22. Classes are held in various locations throughout Northern Virginia
NEW! Portrait Painting Three Day Workshop -- November 4-6, 2016.




Thanks for reading!

Jill

Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

CALL FOR ARTISTS: September 7-10, 2016: Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition, Great Falls, VA. Spread the word!

September 9: Friday Art Walk in the Village, 6-9pm at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA
September 10: Free Plein Air Painting Demo, noon-3pm near 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. RSVP to jill@jillbanks.com if you think you'll be able to make that event.
September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.
Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA
 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)

Sunday, September 4, 2016

"Lunch With Emma at Five Months" Plus Paint Great Falls, Friday Art Walk, Free Demo

What I really need to do is get a newsletter out ... too much news for a post.  If you are a subscriber, look for it tomorrow.

"Lunch with Emma at Five Months," oil, 8"h x 8"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
After running behind on my portrait a month of granddaughter Emma schedule by a few days, guess who popped up on my easel today. Two weeks ago, my parents, Randy and I made a quick partial day visit to have "lunch" with wonderful Emma and her mom and dad -- son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle. Our timing was such that Emma had just barely fallen asleep for a nap upon our arrival so we waited to see her. She's so worth the wait. What a treat for us all!

And last night Randy and I went out to dinner with my parents to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary. The year prior my Dad was being released from the hospital after his second back surgery and a whole string of trials, difficulties, complications were to follow. What a joy to see the two of them full of blessings to count today. Me, too!

"Beach Flowers," oil, 11"h x 14"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Another plein air painting from Long Beach Island, NJ
William Merritt Chase Exhibit at the Phillips Collection
Go see it! The exhibit of Chase's work closes in Washington DC on September 11, 2016. I left the museum today incredibly inspired.

IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL TIME...
Register for Classes taught through the Arts of Great Falls in Virginia Get more info on classes with a link to register for each class below.
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm -- starts September 20
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm
-- starts September 20 

Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Thursdays, 9:30am to 2:00pm, starts September 22. Classes are held in various locations throughout Northern Virginia
NEW! Portrait Painting Three Day Workshop -- November 4-6, 2016.

CALL FOR ARTISTS -- There's Still Time to JOIN in the Fun!

Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition -- September 7-10
The Arts of Great Falls is also sponsoring Paint Great Falls -- a Plein Air Painting Competition -- September 7-10 with two receptions: Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm on September 9 and the Awards Reception on Saturday, September 10, 6:30-8:30pm.  Participants need to register  ($30).  I'm the judge this year and am looking forward to seeing all the entries. First place is $500 plus awards will be given for 2nd, 3rd and People's Choice. Get more info on the event here.  Calling all collectors, too. The gallery will be filled with works fresh off the easel depicting Great Falls on September 9 and September 10.
 

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Free Plein Air Painting Demonstration -- Saturday, September 10, Noon-3pm
And, I'll be giving a free plein air painting demonstration on Saturday, September 10, noon to 3pm. RSVP to jill@jillbanks.com if you think you'll be able to make that event. Weather permitting, that demo will take place outside near the school at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.



Lots of Art Events and News
Right around the bend...

CALL FOR ARTISTS: September 7-10, 2016: Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition, Great Falls, VA. Spread the word!

September 9: Friday Art Walk in the Village, 6-9pm at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA
September 10: Free Plein Air Painting Demo, noon-3pm near 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. RSVP to jill@jillbanks.com if you think you'll be able to make that event.
September 9-October 24: "Island Life" Exhibition of work by artists juried to paint in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air competition, Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies, NJ.
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
September 30-October 29: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Castle Gallery of Fine Art, Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Janssen's Market" selected for this prestigious show.
Sunday, October 2: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

October 14-16: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA

Thanks for reading!


Jill

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
(Please like that page if you like it...)