Three Drawings Accepted into Salmagundi Club's Annual Non-Member Exhibition

Good news!

"Elgin Marble," graphite, ©Jill Banks 2011

Three of my drawings -- including two ink washes and one graphite -- were accepted into the Salmagundi Club's Annual Juried Photography and Graphics Exhibition for Non-Members. The exhibition will be held in the lower gallery of this wonderful art club from August 9 through August 19. The exhibition will be open to the public Monday-Friday, 1-6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 1-5pm. Check first, though, before visiting ... as they also schedule special events in the space.

The Salmagundi Club is located at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003. The club has been a center for American art since 1871.

This is my third time being juried into the photography and graphics exhibition ... but the first time getting all three of my entries accepted. Two of my accepted entries were from the April trip to London. Each trip I've gone on so far, I put down my oil paintbrushes and pick up pencils and pen ... giving myself a chance to really take in my surroundings. It's a welcome, enjoyable change.

"Elgin Marble" was drawn in the British Museum of one of the marble statues that used to decorate the Parthenon in Greece. I drew it next to my friends from Rob Liberace's art historical tour group... and I had, with the help of husband Randy, the very best and perhaps only comfortable seat in the place. The rest of the group were sitting on the hard, marble floor and straining to see over the plentiful museum-goers.

"Kensington Gardens," ink wash and pen&ink, ©Jill Banks 2011

"Kensington Gardens" was drawn on the second to last day in London sitting on a bench next to a woman and her two daughters. I loved taking in their conversation while concentrating on my drawing. It was almost lyrical ... with their easy laughter and enjoyment of each other. Most of the fountains were not yet turned on ... throughout London during our stay. Still beautiful, though.

"Market Street Bar & Grill," ink wash and pen&ink, ©Jill Banks 2011

"Market Street Bar & Grill" is the result of drawing with my portrait-turned-drawing-around-town class that concluded this week. My class travels pretty consistently and wanted to learn this ink wash and pen&ink technique to adapt when they, too, leave their oil paints at home. The setting is the Reston Town Center in Reston, VA. So, close to home this time.

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 

"Kensington Gardens" Drawing from London ... And 100 Faces

"Kensington Gardens," ink wash/pen&ink/pencil, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Last Day in London Revisited
I've got to be quick ... since there's still loads to do tonight. But here is the drawing I did the last day in London (on Sunday) after spending a great time exploring the Wallace House collection. I wish the fountains had been on ... but it was an awfully beautiful place nonetheless.

I sat next to three women (a mom and her two grown daughters) and they were fun folks to share a bench with. I was drawing the scenery, but I wanted to concentrate on them. I did get permission to photograph them to create a painting of them sooner or later. They were a bit reluctant at first, but warmed to the idea. When I do get around to it, I'll look at the photos but think about hearing their voices and laughter right next to me.

Me with 27 of the 100 Faces. Imagine being surrounded by all of them!

Lots and Lots of Faces
I've been working on getting my act together for hanging the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit next week. This is one complicated undertaking. This 100 business makes each task take SOOO much longer. On the plate today was working on painting edges I'd neglected, practicing my talk for tomorrow at the McLean Community Center, and pulling together info and photos for the press. Photos of individual paintings (faces) from my project don't really convey the scope of it. So here's an attempt of giving a clearer picture of what it's about. Sort of. I'm using different photos for my press releases but here's one ... just for you. You can read all about the project ... one face/person at a time on this blog ... posts from January 1 to April 10.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. These will be WONDERFUL, not to be missed exhibits. Come see everyone!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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