Plein Air Painting in the Great Falls Village Centre: Part One

Great Falls Village Centre work in progress, oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

First of all, Mother Nature delivered one beautiful day here today. So, while I wasn't sure exactly where to paint this morning, I knew my easel would be outside. With holding open hours in the Artists' Atelier from Wednesdays through Saturdays this month, and painting in Alexandria on the waterfront on most Sundays, only Mondays and Tuesdays are available for exploring other spots. I want to pick good ones.

And, today I did. This is my view of the Old Brogue and Deli Italiano from up on a hill in the Great Falls Village Centre (in Great Falls, VA). I'd climbed to this spot sometime last week -- when I couldn't paint it and it came back to mind this morning. I consider this Part One of the painting, to be resumed, hopefully, this weekend when this portion is dry and I can try something I think will be really great. (A secret, sort of, for now.)

My guess is I looked a little unusual up on the hill. The Brogue is a popular spot (the parking lot was loaded with cars all day long) and patrons waved, pointed, posed, joked and a few visited and checked out my progress.

Setting back up after lunch. See the shirt?

I took a break for lunch with (husband) Randy ... and we both wore matching Reston Century t-shirt that sport my winning artwork "W&OD BBQ" on the back. Randy and I don't usually match. Thankfully. So, I felt conspicuous multiple times today.

I'm really happy with this painting in progress. I took a longer view than normal. Thought about what would really capture the place. I studied clouds -- an unusual subject for me. Tackled a couple of cars (I know they're rough right now). A good day.

Each of these outdoor days wear me out though, so much more than days in the studio. There's a good bit to lug around, I'm usually too hot and challenges abound. Even the wind takes its toll. But, I love how the paintings are tied to the experience of the day. The waves and jokes. Shade and sun on the move. Two young girls letting me know how much they appreciated my art. Pretty wonderful.

For those of you who are still hoping to see my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA), the remaining opportunities are few. The show comes down August 31, a week from Wednesday. Open hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 to 6:00pm for this month. (I might be late opening this Wednesday, August 24 ... more like 1pm.) I hope to see you soon!

"A New York State of Mind," 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks, 'Scapes Exhibit

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Sunflowers In My Studio" in January 2011 Art League Show

"Sunflowers In My Studio," 24"h x 18"w, oil on linen, Jill Banks

I've not just been consumed with painting faces lately. My short post yesterday (Face #3, son Sam) was due to the need to race out of here to submit paintings for the January All-Media Membership Show at the Art League (105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA in the Torpedo Factory). "Sunflowers In My Studio" was juried into the show.

"Sunflowers In My Studio" is the painting result of my dad calling me on the phone because he had just arranged "the prettiest sunflowers he'd ever seen in his life. Would I like to paint them?" How in the world could I say no to THAT?!?

So, guess what my answer was?

Pretty sharp.

You can view more of my paintings of sunflowers on my web site. Go to the gallery, still life gallery. These happen to be my favorite flowers. One could say I have "sunfloweritis."

The exhibit will be on view at the Art League throughout the month. Check out the Art League's web site for more specifics.

See my post from earlier today for Face 4 of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. This post is post #2 for today.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Fresh Paint

I just finished painting the "twin" of Erica Fortwengler, the communications director for the Art League. I painted the first during my demo at the Art League way back in January. Erica gets that one. The second one -- painted from the first one (so sort of from life) -- is finally complete and will be one of my submissions for the Art League monthly show for September.

The seven month gap between "Erica I" and "Erica II "doesn't mean I'm slow. Lots of other canvases have crossed my path in the meantime.

This one is called "The Writer", 24"h x 20"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2008.

Venice Scene in the Art League Show

I've recently been working on a series of paintings inspired by a March visit to Venice. The latest completed, "Bridge in Venice," is hanging in the July show at the Art League in the Bin Gallery. I was in there last Friday, and the word is it's getting plenty of attention. Go in, check it out, and consider becoming its new owner. The canvas size is 11"h x 14"w. For more info, contact the gallery. Oil on linen. Copyright Jill Banks 2008.
For more information, contact the Art League gallery at (703) 683-1780. The Art League is located at 100 North Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.