Good Business, Great People, Portrait Unveiling

The Brown Portrait: Unveiled

35 years ago, at the age of 50, Lou Brown broached the subject of opening up a new business with his wife, Carolyn. Taking on this new venture included his taking early retirement, negotiating to convert those funds to a lump sum, cashing in their life insurance policy, selling the cars, selling their house and putting all that on the line for this dream.  Oh, and at that point they had two kids in college and two more to go.  Home would be a small, sounds like not too nice, apartment.  And, Carolyn said yes. Talk about a leap of faith and an American dream.

Nothing good comes easily. API Plastics -- Lou and Carolyn's venture would require countless sacrifices, lots of work, lots and lots of perseverence, lots of talented and committed employees, suppliers, and loyal customers to survive, and even more of all of those to succeed.

Lou Brown, Dad (Ken Johnson), Oscar Haynes next to the portrait after the unveiling at API Plastics

I've founded a company myself. Actually at this point, I should say two -- since art is my second career, second business. Both of my businesses have been difficult (is there one that isn't?) and it makes me appreciate even more what these two have achieved -- humbly, honestly, fairly, thankfully. Survival in business is an almost insurmountable goal.  API Plastics has succeeded in providing opportunities for the Brown family, employees, suppliers while helping clients, community and giving back in so many ways. 

This past Saturday, April 27, the company celebrated its 35th anniversary, honored Lou and Carolyn Brown and all the people who have helped shape its success with a great party on the plant floor in Huntsville, Alabama.  We also pulled the white sheet off my portrait of Lou and Carolyn to unveil it to a very friendly crowd.  Sometime soon, that painting will be hanging in the lobby of the business they envisioned so many years ago.

Getting to know Lou and Carolyn -- and now the rest of their family and many friends -- has been such an honor. To know them truly is to love (and admire) them.  Somehow, too, they manage to make you feel like you're kin.

Oscar Haynes -- wife of my parents' pastor Joan Bell-Haynes, model for my portrait class, family friend and one of my 100 Faces -- is who introduced this pair to me.  He was part of the Virginia contingent (including me, Randy, my parents) that flew to Huntsville for the weekend.  That same group -- plus Joan -- enjoyed lots of fun together last summer when Lou and Carolyn came up to spend eight days sitting on my living room couch while their portrait was painted.

Today the company is led by Lou and Carolyn's son, Steve Brown.  He (Steve) mentioned that his dad and he are tremendously alike. I could tell. He's thankful for all that he's been given. Works to pay it forward. Appreciates and acknowledges the work of good people.

In one of Lou's conversations with me, he talked about speaking with Steve on setting up a foundation. Again, the two were on the same page. They wanted to provide well for the family, employees, customers, suppliers, and charities they believed in. Enough was enough for themselves.

It was funny to be singled out -- to stand up and speak at the unveiling.  Lou introduced me, Randy, my parents and Oscar as special guests. Everyone there was special.

Thank you, all!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."

Spring Blooms and Ballerinas

"Wisteria Way," oil, 14"h x 11"W, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Quick post because my current to do list looks a lot like it did this morning. Oh well.

I worked for a bit on "Ballerinas I" -- the painting created last Saturday afternoon at Imagine Gallery in Franklin, Tennessee.

And, I revived a very strange looking 30-minute demo painting from yesterday's Landscape class.  We were invited to come paint at another beautiful property in Great Falls, VA -- this one with wisteria in bloom.  While these classes are exhausting, just being in these special spots is so peaceful. So inspiring.

Happy Spring!

"Ballerinas I," oil, 16"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."

Back to "La Chien de Grange" and Visit to Leiper's Fork

"La Chien de Grange" continued, oil, 30"h x 40"w, copyright Jill Banks f2013

Before departing Nashville, Randy and I spent a relaxing afternoon in Historic Leiper's Fork, touted as the top art destination in Nashville. It reminded me of a miniature Fredericksburg, TX with wonderful furnishings, clothing boutiques, cool places to eat, and three outstanding galleries.  The David Arms Gallery is in a worn, gorgeous barn with a front porch, fun places to sit and interesting art inside.  It is just the sort of place I'd like to work and show my art. So neat. With strands of lights crisscrossing out front attaching it to the Copper Fox next door, I bet it's even prettier once the sun goes down.  The Copper Fox was filled with outstanding arts and artful crafts -- jewelry, metalwork, sculpture, pottery, etc.  The last of the three we visited was Leiper's Creek Gallery filled with paintings by Roger Dale Brown, Dawn Whitelaw, Anne Blair Brown and more. As much as I loved the work, the welcoming setting and interesting architecture made the visit even more special.  Great day!

In case you're in that area, go visit during the upcoming opening of 3x3 :three shows, three galleries, one magical evening on Saturday, April 27th, 6-9pm. See leipersforkart.com for address and more info.

Now that I'm back home, "La Chien de Grange" was my subject of choice.  I'll finish up once today's wet paint has had a chance to dry.  There probably won't be any changes too visible online from here as the next day of painting will be focused on texture and finishing touches.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."

Day with the Ballerinas

"Ballerinas I," oil on Raymar panel, 16"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Quick post because in a minute or two Randy and I are heading off to Reception #2 for the Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition at the Imagine Gallery in Franklin, TN. This morning I

"Ballerinas II," oil on Raymar panel, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

attended a demo given by Lori Putnam, who is gracious, humble and extremely talented. Her demo was fantastic. I learned a lot and am anxious to use some of what Lori taught in teaching my landscape class last week.  Again, super!

This afternoon, many of us painted two beautiful ballerinas from the Nashville Ballet Company in the gallery.  An, even bigger treat. So here they are, times two and that's it for today.

Maybe I'll post some photos of the receptions tomorrow.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.
Receptions: Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20, 6:00pm to 8:30pm.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."

"La Chien de Grange": Painting of Giverny Farm Dog in Progress

"La Chien de Grange" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2013. Painting of Rough Collie at Giverny.

Since walking down the streets of Giverny, France: home to Claude Monet's studio and gardens, I've been aching to paint the dog we saw there keeping an eye over her flock.

"La Chien de Grange" will be resting until we return from a quick trip to Tennessee for the Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition that opens this weekend at the Imagine Gallery.

Often I find myself wanting to be a bunch of different places at one time.  I'd love to just keep painting this beautiful dog. And, I'm really looking forward to this trip.  Today I took a look at a video of Imagine Gallery -- and now can't wait to see it in person.  The gallery sits on a mezzanine above The Factory, a spot that -- from what I gather  -- houses studios for three resident artists and teaching spaces.  Take a look at the video if you get a chance. What you'll find: beautiful art, inspiring artists, gorgeous space. My "Sunflowers in the Studio II" will be in good company. There's a reception both Friday and Saturday nights, plus I'll have a chance to take in a demo by Lori Putnam and paint from a model Saturday afternoon. Sounds like fun!

"La Chien de Grange" -- once finished -- will probably join the flock of hens and roosters she looked over in the group show of animal art coming up in September at Herndon ArtSpace.

My guess at the breed of the painting's subject is a Rough Collie.  She was perched a little distance away from me in the "window" of a stone barn -- but from my spot she looked Collie-sized (vs. Sheltie). Anyone know?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.
Receptions: Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20, 6:00pm to 8:30pm.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."

Plein Air on the Farm

"Arborside," oil on Centurion linen, 6"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Day two of my landscape class was pretty darn glorious.

I squeezed in a teeny-tiny painting of one of the outbuildings on Laura's farm ... in between making the rounds over the field.

Scene from the day

Highlights of the day included Francie saying this is one of her favorite days painting ever and seeing some lightbulbs go on in tackling this very trying task of painting outdoors. Francie set herself up close to the ingenious portable chicken coup all day ... enjoying all the shenanigans.  Finally ... at the end of the class session I went down to join her and then she took a walk around the back only to see the absolute most perfect painting to be.

I think the title's a little funny. Perhaps that's the Eliza Doolittle in me.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Travels

Granddaddy's Trip Home
Last night we returned from an emotional and very special three days of Granddaddy's (my father-in-law's) journey back home to Burnsville, North Carolina. He passed away on March 22 but was watching over us as the Banks family gathered to share memories, shed tears, and bury his ashes right next to the love of his life on a mountain about as close to heaven as you could get.

French Bistro

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre" work in progress day 2, oil, 24"h x 36"w, Jill Banks 2013

Art is therapy. I should know why, but there's nothing as calming or life-affirming than creating something with your own hands.

Today I happily went back to work at "Seat By the Window: Montmartre." It may be my favorite painting at the moment, even if not yet done.

Laura's Farm

"Farm Doors" sketch, oil on Centurion linen, 16"h x 12"w,©Jill Banks 2013

Wednesday's Landscape class met at Laura Nichols' farm ... enjoying one of the most special places I know.  I was determined to give students the chance to set up and paint themselves, so started with a short plein air demo.  While giving an intro and talking about sketching the general shadow shapes in the sketchbook to form your plan, Laura's husband drove up and parked his station wagon in front of my main subject: this building and doors.  Good lesson. He did move and I painted for a bit.

Mountain Maryland Plein Air
Good news. I'll be one of 30 artists juried to paint Western Maryland for Mountain Maryland Plein Air from May 29 to June 1. This will be my first time participating in this event.  Can't wait!!!

Today, I was also asked to be one of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's selection jurors for their Annual Exhibit that takes place each year at the National Art Club in NYC.  I've been a juror for a few shows, but never a National one ... and look forward to understanding this process from the other side of the table. You can bet that I'll take this responsibility seriously.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Grey Poupon, Please" Still Life Demo Today

"Grey Poupon, Please," oil on Centurion linen, 12"h x 15"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

This is the second demo worked on today ... honoring a request to show the class how to start a painting twice. It benefited from my being fully warmed up and more enthusiastic over the subject material (always a help!). This one was fun! I loved painting the Grey Poupon mustard jar. The bag on the left contains Herbs de Provence -- one of very few purchases made during our Paris trip. We ate oranges just like this.  Okay, so I'm a bit obsessed at the moment.

Time to stop painting and start relaxing. Tomorrow's my first day teaching a Plein Air Landscape Painting class.  Something new, different, challenging. We're not meeting in the classroom -- but instead going to different spots fairly close to Great Falls, VA to paint.  One of these Wednesdays you may see us around town.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
 
Events and Exhibits
This coming Thursday, April 12, there's a coffee at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA)  at 9:30am sponsored by Celebrate Great Falls, the group that brings together five big community events throughout the year. Come get to know that group and enjoy our Windows and Doors show in the gallery. Nice treats, too!

"Seat by the Window: Montmartre" Painting In Progress

"Seat by the Window: Montmartre" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Less than a week ago, I was occupying a seat next to Randy at the window of our newly favorite restaurant in Paris. When picking what to paint -- I went for the memory of that fantastic meal, day, trip, place to guide me. It was a great spot, too, to people watch with interesting characters inside and lining the tables right outside the window.  It was tough to stop painting today -- too much fun and it was a great way to relive the afternoon.

It really doesn't get any better than that ... or this.

Tomorrow's the first day of my Spring Still Life class. There's still room if you'd like to register on the spot. Go to my web site (www.JillBanks.com), classes page for more info.  Then, on Wednesday, my Landscape class starts. We'll be painting in different locations all over town.

This coming Thursday, April 12, there's a coffee at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA)  at 9:30am sponsored by Celebrate Great Falls, the group that brings together five big community events throughout the year. Come get to know that group and enjoy our Windows and Doors show in the gallery. Nice treats, too!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

Spring Day: Cowgirls and Flowers

"Daffodils," oil on Centurion linen, 8"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I'm easily side-tracked.  That could be re-interpreted as being open to "go with the flow."

Today was site-scouting time for some good spots to bring my Wednesday landscape class students. Site two of the day was Kidwell Farm which was bursting at the seams with lots of kids and parents, newly reopened carousel and wagon rides, newborn and young piglets, baby goats,  plus a barrel-racing competition in the equestrian arena.  I'd never been there when the horse facility was in full swing -- so this was a real treat. Not exactly what I'd come to do/see -- but how could I pass up exploring something this fun to watch?

Riders were warming up in the two outdoor rings with the competition taking place in the indoor arena.  All the activity was mesmerizing ... and beautiful. 

The barrel races were a little shocking.  I watched one rider -- whose horse was acting up in the warm-up ring -- have a rough time heading to the arena when her name/number was called.  The announcer told her to walk the horse to the gate -- which she did. Once through the gate, horse and rider galloped off at top speed, rounded barrels, galloped back to the gate, coming to a stop in a split second right at the closed gate (which was right in front of me).  I'm glad the horse had good brakes. 

So, I know today's painting doesn't have much to do with the horse races -- but it's what followed my trek out.  Everything felt like Spring today. These daffodils, planted by my Dad to line our front walk are the first visible signs of the season close by -- and they filled the bill to get out there to paint en plein air. 

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!