"Cooped Up" in Pennsylvania

"Cooped Up," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015. On view at the Wayne Art Center in Wayne, PA thru June 26

Summing up this past week at Wayne Plein Air 2015 is going to occur over the next couple of days’ posts. I’m backtracking because when stuck in the middle of the event, I literally woke up, figured out where to paint, painted, ate, figured out where to paint, painted, ate, might have painted more or handed in work at the Wayne Art Center … and then went to sleep. Plus, I didn’t want to give away all my secret locations.

Looking back, all the days were good, full, productive  but I didn’t feel truly okay until I had a couple of paintings that were clearly successful under my belt. One of the really tough things about plein air competitions is that the odds of successful paintings vs. duds must lean unusually in your favor.  I don’t expect to love every painting that pops up on my easel under any circumstances. I REALLY don’t expect to when dealing not just with my own abilities that day – but also the whims of  Mother Nature, changing light, moving subjects. Yet, for these events there are only so many days to make something happen.

A further complication is not knowing the area. In a new location (away from home), I don’t know those favorite places – the ones that will offer just the right light at that time of day, where I’ll be comfortable and something special is bound to happen. The folks at Wayne provided us with a list of suggested locations and a short blurb on what we might find there. That helped.

For “Cooped Up” I returned to the farm where we had our opening dinner and canvas stamping on Monday night – to visit the chicken coop. I was in search of a familiar subject to improve my odds.

See more of my animal and wildlife paintings in that gallery of my web site: www.jillbanks.com under Works.

I am happy with the results but it wasn’t a simple trek to that end. Sure was peaceful there, though. Always worth the effort regardless of the outcome.

More to come tomorrow and to follow.

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Don't Say You'd Like to Paint Their House

"Hung Out To Dry," oil, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2015

Part of today (Friday)was spent clearing up a misconception. Wanting to paint his/her house didn't mean I was getting out the scaffolding. My inquiry wasn't helped by being preceded by a man from Honduras who DID want to get out the paint and rollers and brushes and go to town on the facade.

Painting "Hung Out to Dry" in Wayne Plein Air

I did get the okay. The house was a supporting actress (or actor) to the colorful laundry that caught my eye from the street. Added to that was a girl relaxing in a hammock. Another long, grueling, perfect day listening to rooster "music" while I painted away. Tomorrow am is the last official painting portion of Wayne Plein Air and then there's the Gala Reception Saturday night. By then, five paintings of mine will hang in the main gallery, three more were added today for the hallway galleries and one or two more will join them by early afternoon. My collection is an eclectic bunch -- a sign of being torn in many different directions. To repeat one of my own quotes, "I paint what I love. I just love a lot."

I sure appreciate all the folks who invited or allowed me to paint on their beautiful properties this week. A huge special thanks to my host family, Wendy and Larry Liss, who offered bedroom, bathroom, a house filled with art for inspiration, wonderful coffee, homemade granola, an easel and table to use for finishing touches and tons more! Thanks!!!!!

Again, more later. Time to wind down.

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Painting Like Crazy in Wayne, PA

"Red Barn" (Garrett Mill Farm), oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 -- poor photo, great day!

I'm about to embark on official day 4 of Wayne Plein Air ... having handed in five paintings last night with more to come tonight and during the in town paint tomorrow.

There's no time to do anything but paint and sleep but here's one view -- a poor photo of it yet still a favorite day and work of the week so far.

I did get accepted for the Alexandria King Street Art Festival being held September 20&21 in Alexandria, VA. Yay!!! It's quite a line-up of great events to HOPEFULLY see you at!

Much more to come ... I just don't know when.

Off to paint.

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

"Apple, Tea and Tulips" and Quite a Party!

"Apple, Tea and Tulips," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

"Apple, Tea and Tulips" is the first painting officially started in my new studio space at the Artists' Atelier newly located at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Looks pretty content, right?

Grand Opening Was Truly Grand
Thank you to so many of you who showed up last night to help us celebrate our move into the Village Centre. We loved seeing you!

The space looked gorgeous and it was so much fun to show it off. The studios and school/gallery space are connected by a hallway -- one flowing into another and both spill onto porches of their own. From all the comments received, guest loved it just as much as we do.

The biggest thrill is being right in the heart of Great Falls. There's an energy here that keeps each  day spent in the studio interesting! I love seeing picnics happening on the Green, the coming and goings right out the window. And, we get visitors -- regularly. Not just on opening night.

My studio space at the Atelier in Great Falls as seen through the window after guests had dwindled

Cars and Coffee

Grand Opening: blurry photo ... but you get the idea

This morning I headed back to the Village Centre to try to capture in paint Cars and Coffee, an amazing Great Falls Saturday a.m. ritual that brings antique cars, their owners and a huge appreciative audience to hang out for a few hours. Because of the complexity of the scene -- all the people and cars appearing and disappearing -- my sketch there will need to be worked on some more ... but it's a very cool start.

Today's outing was sparked in part because  Wayne Plein Air is just ahead. I need continuous practice to handle the challenge of painting in changing conditions. Cars and Coffee seemed sufficiently difficult -- and it was.

Randy fixing up crostinis on my window seat.  We're kitchen-less.

Join Us for Artfest: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, May 30 & 31
May 30 and 31: I'll be under a tent on the Village Green in the heart of Great Falls, Va (just use our new studio address: 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA for GPS directions) AND I'll be painting in Paint Great Falls and the Quick Draw on Sunday, May 31, 10am to Noon.  For the quick draw, all are invited to come draw or paint around the Village Centre. Registration is $10 that morning. There's a youth and adult category for prizes to be awarded by Armand Cabrera. At 10am you start. At noon, that's it. Artwork then should be brought to a viewing area for judging. Spectators are invited, too!

Mark your calendars. This is going to be a great weekend chock full of art!

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Continuing the Conversation and Grand Opening At the Atelier, May 8, 7 to 9pm

Part of my booth at setup time at the Rockville Arts Festival

Oh, I wish ... I'd said.

This past weekend was spent exhibiting at A-RTS, the Arts Festival at Rockville Town Square in Maryland. It was my first time there and, with the clear exception of one visitor/collector ... almost all my visitors were seeing my work, meeting me for the first time.

Conversations move all over the place, and lingually, on the spot ... I'm just not that good at going with the flow. Half my ideas happen 24 hours later. Heck, that's not good.

One couple enthusiastically made the comment that they would love to see me paint sometime. Stuck in my brain was ... " do so many public demos, why can't I tell them when they could do this."

Out there on the immediate horizon for seeing me paint is:

• May 31: the Quick Draw at Paint Great Falls, 10am to noon in the Village Centre in Great Falls.
• May 16 : Painting in the town of Wayne PA at the culmination of Wayne Plein Air
• June 7: I'm giving a demo on the Sunday of the Rittenhouse Square Show in Philadelphia at 1pm

But none of those responses pop into my brain when summoned.

Please let me know what your interests are and I will be in touch. All that's needed is an email (to jill@jillbanks.com). What you'd like to know. Subscribe to either my blog or email newsletter or both.

I WANT to connect you to the arts and me, if you'll let me.

You're Invited!

Grand Opening at the Artists' Atelier: Friday, May 8, 7 to 9pm
You're Invited! The Atelier has moved and we are really looking forward to introducing you to our new working studios, and beautiful new gallery and teaching space (the Great Falls School of Art is right across the hall) in the heart of Great Falls at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066. Join us Friday night, May 8, 7 to 9pm for the party. Refreshments while they last. Beautiful art you can take home if you'd like. Come alone or bring along some art-loving friends. Celebrate. Plenty of restaurants around, too to make it a full evening affair. The Old Brogue Irish Pub is two doors down.

I REALLY hope to see you!

"Green Pastures," oil on linen-lined panel, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 accepted to the Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, May 26 - June 5, 2015 at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue in NYC

New Invitations from Westport and the Salmagundi Club
I'll be returning to Westport Connecticut for the Westport Fine Arts Festival
and "Green Pastures" was just accepted for the non-member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition at the Salmagundi Arts Club in New York City opening later this month. Good news!

So Much Going on This Month
You are Invited!  Grand Opening at the Artists' Atelier in our new exciting location at 756 Walker Road in Great Falls, VA. Celebrate with us on Friday, May 8 from 7 to 9pm. I'll have on view fresh new paintings from Madrid and the West Coast of Monterey, CA and many favorites from the last year or two.

Wayne Plein Air lies ahead ... in days. I'll be painting in and around Wayne and Philadelphia, Pa.

End of the month ... May 30 and 31: I'll be under a tent on the Village Green in the heart of Great Falls, Va (just use our new studio address: 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA for GPS directions) AND I'll be painting in Paint Great Falls and the Quick Draw on Sunday, May 31.

I sure hope to see you soon!

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

May 8: Grand Opening at the Artists' Atelier and School of Art, 7 to 9pm at our new location in the Village Centre -- the heart of Great Falls -- at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square This Weekend, May 2 & 3

"The Colorful One," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 -- Painted plein air in Pacific Grove, CA

"The Colorful One," one of my most recent paintings will be hanging in my Booth #209 this weekend, May 2 & 3 at the A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square in Rockville, MD.  I hope you get a chance to come for a visit.

Saturday, May 2: 11am to 6pm
Sunday, May 3: 11am to 5pm

A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square in located on Maryland Avenue, Gibbs Street and Middle Streets. #209 is on E. Middle Street.

See more info on my web site's Events page about it and other upcoming art happenings. (LOTS!)

And for more paintings from my California trip to Monterey, go to the Places Gallery on my web site.  Please.

Mystic Seaport Outdoor Arts Festival: I'm In!
Speaking of events ... I just heard "Congratulations, you have been accepted..." from the Mystic Seaport Outdoor Arts Festival being held on August 8 & 9 in Mystic, CT. Yea!!!

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

May 2 & 3: A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD, booth #209. Saturday, 11am to 6pm. Sunday, 1oam to 5pm. Maryland Ave, Middle St, Gibbs St in Rockville, MD. 175 master artists in outdoor juried arts festival.

May 8: Grand Opening at the Artists' Atelier and School of Art, 7 to 9pm at our new location in the Village Centre -- the heart of Great Falls -- at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Artists' Atelier Grand Opening at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA on May 8, 7 to 9pm

Visit us May 8, 7 to 9pm for our Grand Opening for the Newly Relocated Artists' Atelier

You're Invited ...

Our new working studios are located in the Great Falls Village Centre (near the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. We're thrilled even though the moving out (of our Colvin Run/Walker Road) location and moving in has been a lot of work for all. The Great Falls School of Art (where students of all ages and levels are offered classes taught by fine art professional artists) is separated from the studios by a hallway ... and the whole space is surrounded by porches and the Green.

"Pacific Pier," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 was the last painting created during my Monterey CA trip

LOTS of art events are coming up and I hope to see you at one or more of them this month. I'll be under a tent at the A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD on Saturday, May 2, 11am to 6pm and on Sunday, May 3, 11am to 5pm.

Then the GRAND OPENING on Friday, May 8, 7 to 9pm at the Atelier at 756 Walker Road.

My studio at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA -- getting settled in. (Lousy photo -- Sorry!)

And, at the end of the month, join us for a whole weekend of art on the Village Green. More on that to come in another day's post ... or follow the links below. (May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA)

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

May 2 & 3: A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD
May 8, 7 to 9pm GRAND OPENING, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

17 Mile Drive and Painting at Pebble Beach

"Pebble Beach Promontory," oil, 5.75"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

We took a friend's suggestion and headed down 17 Mile Drive between Pacific Grove and Carmel, California. I thought my painting subjects might be some sea lions on a rock ... but they are sequestered on a beach until June. Actually, I'd been eyeing this one strip of land that reaches out to the sea and finally found my view, following a sign for coastal beach access adjacent or right in the middle of the Pebble Beach Golf Club.  Shared my view with dog walkers, fishermen, and some golfers.

The Start: Transparent Red Oxide and Ultramarine Blue drawing on Yellow Ochre ground

Take a look back at a week and a half of paintings at jillbanks.blogspot.com.

Stage 2: Color shapes

It was the perfect afternoon. I've loved every minute of these past 11 days.

Believe it or not, there have been many more paintings than shown on my blog. Some will be making appearances here soon, others later.

My Plein Air Landscape class starts this coming Thursday, April 23 in Northern Virginia. Are you registered yet? (I think there are two spots left. The Evening Paint class on Tuesdays is full.)

Stage 3: More color and smaller shapes.

Would You Want to Come to Monterey?
I am thinking about teaching a workshop here in Monterey.  Are any of you interested?

Showing Soon
Paintings created on these trips will be showcased soon on my next email newsletter that I hope to get out in the next couple of days ... and at A-RTS@Rockville Town Center, a fine art juried outdoor festival held May 2 & 3, where you'll find me at tent #209. And, I hope you can join us at the Artists' Atelier Grand Opening on Friday, May 8, 7 to 9:00pm in our new space at 759 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  I'll be moving in there as soon as I return to Virginia. Come see! Maybe you could snatch up a piece of Spain or Monterey...

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

May 2 & 3: A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Painting at Lover's Point Beach

"On the Rocks," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

When hordes of Plein Air Convention and Expo painters headed to Lover's Point as the official location for the afternoon, I went in a different direction deciding to wait until my easel would be a little lonelier there. As much as I enjoy being with other painters, it's a whole lot more difficult to find "my" perfect view when so many spots are already taken.

So, today was my chance to capture the beach. I thought about doing several small ones in a row, pretty much realizing as soon as that thought entered my head that it wasn't going to happen. For the first time, the light was pretty flat and spotty meaning that even if I was ready to just turn my easel for another view, clouds, sun, shadows were not in a cooperative mood.

This afternoon I painted in the beautiful garden of the Pacific House ... a spot that strongly suggested those magnificent sunwashed gardens depicted in Joaquin Sorolla's studio in Madrid. My efforts there weren't successful but carry with them three hours of really seeing it. I'll see what can be done in my own studio with that memory once home.

One of the fine pieces of advice that C.W. Mundy gave at the convention is that as ARTISTS (vs. Painters), we are DIRECTORS of our pieces. The flowers, arches, limbs of the tree, dappled shadows need to be bent to my will. And they will.

That's it for now. This particular adventure's close to ending. You'll see some continuing evidence here but I'll be homeward bound.  Matter of fact, my Plein Air Landscape class starts this coming Thursday, April 23 in Northern Virginia. Are you registered yet? (I think there are two spots left. The Evening Paint class on Tuesdays is full.)

Would You Want to Come to Monterey?
I am thinking about teaching a workshop here in Monterey.  Are any of you interested?

Showing Soon
Paintings created on these trips will be showcased soon on my next email newsletter that I hope to get out in the next couple of days ... and at A-RTS@Rockville Town Center, a fine art juried outdoor festival held May 2 & 3, where you'll find me at tent #209. And, I hope you can join us at the Artists' Atelier Grand Opening on Friday, May 8, 7 to 9:00pm in our new space at 759 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  I'll be moving in there as soon as I return to Virginia. Come see! Maybe you could snatch up a piece of Spain or Monterey...

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

May 2 & 3: A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Plein Air Painters Catching the Carmel Sunset at PACE

"Carmel by the Sea," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

While most of my outings at the Plein Air Convention and Expo have been close to solo, I did join the huge group at Carmel by the Sea to revel in the waves, stunning light and poetic trees.  In a moment, I'll head to Fisherman's Wharf to paint.

What a remarkable week it has been. I've listened to, been inspired by Quang Ho, Len Chmiel, George Carlson, C.W. Mundy, T. Allen Lawson and many more artist greats. Having this follow right on the heels of two weeks painting plein air and exploring masterpieces in Madrid, Spain has my head brimming with ideas and heart full of the courage needed to push myself.

Painting at Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tough job.

Paintings created on these trips will be showcased soon on my next email newsletter that I hope to get out in the next couple of days ... and at A-RTS@Rockville Town Center, a fine art juried outdoor festival held May 2 & 3, where you'll find me at tent #209. And, I hope you can join us at the Artists' Atelier Grand Opening on Friday, May 8, 7 to 9:00pm in our new space at 759 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  I'll be moving in there as soon as I return to Virginia. Come see! Maybe you could snatch up a piece of Spain or Monterey...

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

May 2 & 3: A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL