First Plein Air Painting of the Season

"Hot to Trot," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

At least it started en plein air. Yesterday I headed to Kidwell Farm (part of Frying Pan Park in Herndon VA) because the temps were suddenly warm enough to make painting outside a possibility. The quick thaw left the ground full of snow and mud and by the end of my excursion I had wet, frozen feet but had enjoyed the adventure nonetheless.

A young visitor told me "Hot to Trot" was the "most beautiful painting in the whole wide world." She'll make an outstanding art critic some day (I hope).

Sign Up ... Please
Spring Classes are up on my web site and registration is going on now. Sign up so we can have some plein air and other painting adventures together!
Plein Air Landscape Class Info 
Still Life Painting in Oils Info
and Paint with Me in Italy - July 27 to August 2

Events and Exhibits

See the Events page for more info/updates

Other Art Events:

February-March: The Art of Romance, Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  In the gallery and around my studio, still lifes with lots of flowers, an indoor picnic, cozy interiors.   See the show through the month of February, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm.

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.

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.

• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12 to 4pm
  

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

Keeping Warm with "Snow Lilies"

"Snow Lilies," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 ($650)

Another six or seven inches of snow made it gorgeous outside ... especially because I was viewing it through the window in my dining room.  It took me too long to get started but the easel is set up, ready for whatever scene I'd like to capture tomorrow.

Happy Emails
Soon after I heard of the acceptance to Wayne Plein Air (a top tier plein air competition held in Wayne, PA -- on the Mainline near Philadelphia, PA), another invitation landed in my inbox, this one to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show this summer.  That's a four-day, set up my "gallery under a tent" affair, right on the boardwalk with the backdrop of sand and ocean. Sounds pretty darn exciting. (I know some paintings will come from my time there.)

My booth at a 2014 art show ... looking forward to showing at VA Beach and Rockville and more!

Another email arrived inquiring about my willingness to be the juror for a major exhibition. I definitely would love to ... and will see if that happens. I've been a juror before and selected jurors as well. I take all of my "Jobs" seriously ... whether it is painting, being a good studiomate, applying to shows, putting up an exhibition, marketing, teaching, mentoring, and on and on. Being a conscientious, informed, open juror is SO important. I've been on the receiving end of those who cared a lot, and unfortunately, those who walked in with egos and biases out the wazoo. What a difference.

And One More ... Just In
I've been invited to participate in A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, an exciting outdoor juried fine arts show on Saturday and Sunday, May 2 & 3.  I said YES!  I was #1 on the wait list for painting.  Most of the shows I apply to get tons of applications and work to "build" a balanced show so there isn't a disproportionate number of painters vs. fiber artists (as an example). That means there are a limited number of spots for painters (a VERY popular entry category) and in order to be pulled from the wait list, a painter needs to NOT claim his/her spot.  While the balanced show goal equates to more wait listing or rejections, particularly in a competitive category, it also improves your odds of doing well at the show that offers an invitation. I would guess, too, that it makes for a much more enjoyable experience for visitors as well. Anyway, I'm thrilled to be accepted. This year holds plenty of excitement ahead. Heck, it's already been great! I hope you'll visit me there and on other 2015 art-filled adventures.

Want to Share in the Excitement?
Paint with Me in Italy this Summer!  Now's the time to sign up. Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015.

Events and Exhibits

See the Events page for more info/updates

Other Art Events:

February-March: The Art of Romance, Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  In the gallery and around my studio, still lifes with lots of flowers, an indoor picnic, cozy interiors.   See the show through the month of February, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm.

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.

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.

• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12 to 4pm
  

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

Reaping the Rewards of Perseverence

"Wickford Harbor," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014. One of those paintings I couldn't have done earlier.

"Deer Park Run," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012. Painted during Wayne Plein Air

Today I received a Congratulations email from the folks from the Wayne Plein Air Festival that I joined 29 other artists invited to participate in this very prestigious, exciting event.

Amazingly, this is my second time being accepted to this top 10 plein air festival. The first was in 2012. Although that was only three years ago, it seems like eons. I was shocked to be invited then. You could say I was in way over my head. My fellow artists had spent a whole lot more time, hours, days, years figuring out how to relate the world out there to something they created on canvas or paper. I hung in there, but vowed to really improve. Perhaps I share a common trait of not wanting to be the person about who they whisper "how they heck did SHE get in here?"

"Rainy Morning Breakfast," oil, 20"h x 16"w painted during Wayne Plein Air 2012

In 2012, I was a strong, capable, committed, experienced, award-winning painter -- but in the arena of the studio. I had worked at mastering portraiture, figure painting, street scenes, still lifes.  I'd painted tons from life ... just not outdoors.  I'd finished my 100 Faces in 100 Days project, conquering rapidly moving, animated subjects bringing their likenesses to the canvas.  Even though working in one subject area can inform another, it doesn't mean you can be at the top of your game, competitive with the best in something new.

Yet, no matter what I'm doing ... I work at the top of my ability at the time. There are paintings from five, ten years ago that still impress me today. A few from my first visit to Wayne were terrific. (I love "Rainy Morning Breakfast" (private collection) and others.)

While there are highlights along the learning path, improving one's odds of producing consistently high quality work (there are still good days and bad days) ... takes time. Practice. Reflection. Desire. Study. Openness to being, again, a novice. A student.

"Campo Santa Maria del Giglio," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014. Painted in Venice. Really great.

It took figuring out that I had something to say working in plein air. My love for the presence of company (humans and animals) in the landscape, enjoying urban or rural life, just not all nature resonates, too. I'm not a trees only person. Working in plein air has brought new vitality to all I do. It is well worth the learning curve.

Not like I have to remember too far back, but just a few years ago I felt a bit sorry for the souls who visited my plein air work too early. My scribbles didn't look like a thing. They couldn't figure out where it would go from there. I'd hand them a brochure filled with my studio work to show that yes, I had some talent. Perhaps they had the problem.

The Rewards of Perseverance so far have been collectors embracing my work, being stunned by 2014 paintings I've created that there's no way I could have painted earlier, being juried into Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO and Wayne Plein Air, quite a few awards, and the feeling of comfort and joy at my easel no matter where it sits.

My advice: Hang in there. Enjoy the heck out of the Journey.

Events and Exhibits

• February-March: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• May 12-16: Wayne Plein Air, Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide chosen to paint in Wayne and Philadelphia, PA.
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA.
  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.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

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

Winter Painting: "Pink Tulips Plus" Continued

"Pink Tulips Plus," oil, 36" x 36," ©Jill Banks 2015

The season of snow. This winter has plagued lots of our schedules and plans. It's disrupted many of my portrait and still life classes. There haven't been those sudden bursts of unexpected Spring like weather that offers the treat of days outside at my easel.

My subject material isn't waiting for me just outside. I have to shop for it or schedule visitors to my studio. In the winter, I plan vs. see what the day holds.

I wrote last of my favorite painter Sorolla and how he viewed the studio as a place to store paintings, but not to create them.  While I long for some warm sunshine and new adventures, there's enjoyment to be had indoors ... with an interior that contrasts the coziness of inside vs. out or a beautiful still life with fresh flowers from somewhere else. What other indoor visual treats do you think I should paint? Suggestions are welcome.

My protagonists in "Pink Tulips Plus" sputtered for their last day as subjects in today's still life class. Time to move on.

"Italian Vines," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 was painted in the Piemonte wine region

Events and Exhibits

• February-March: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  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.
   
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

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

Grand Scale Tulips

I couldn't finish the week ... after visiting Joaquin Sorolla's magnificent, expansive murals "Vision of Spain" at the Hispanic Society of America in NYC ... painting anything too dainty. So set up in my studio (which Sorolla says should just be a garage for storing painting vs. a place to paint) is a large scale still life that is tough to ignore.

"Pink Tulips Plus" work in progress, oil, 36"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

So here are the stages ... so far:

My favorite stage: scribbling!!! The darks are what I draw with, this time a mix of raw umber (new for me) and French ultramarine blue. I also didn't tone my canvas -- left it white for now mainly because those sunflowers and tulips will be goners in no time.

This isn't much different than what I finished the day with ... but did decide to add in a sense of light falling on a bookcase behind this scene. Once done, it will enhance the feeling of air and depth.

Since the last blog post I put up was about Wednesday's trip to the Hispanic Society of America to see the Sorolla's AND that post did not make it in full to your inboxes, here is a recap. Enjoy!

Sorolla's "Visions of Spain" at the Hispanic Society of America

Part of Joaquin Sorolla's "Vision of Spain" Mural Commission at the Hispanic Society of America in NYC

Yesterday was consumed merrily from pre-dawn to midnight with a visit to Joaquin Sorolla's (1863-1923) masterful mural commission "Visions of Spain" (a 14-mural project representing the Iberian Peninsula) at the Hispanic Society of America in New York City. The tour was led by Rob Liberace, coordinated through the Art League in Old Town Alexandria ... so Randy and I were with friends from previous art historical trips, Rob's drawing classes, and many new acquaintances.

The murals vary from 12 to 14 feet in height and total 227 feet in length (source: Wikipedia) and all but one of these immense paintings were created en plein air.  The physical, logistical, artistic challenges of composing and creating each of these masterpieces with the 1000s of unique characters dressed in local costumes ... is simply unimaginable.  Sorolla finished the first mural in 1913 and last in 1919 ... a commission contracted by his great patron, Archer Milton Huntington ... the founder of the Hispanic Society of America to be hung on permanent display in what is now the Sorolla room.

It's there for you to see, a well-kept secret, but free and open to the public.

Sorolla's grand room-filling mural that greets you on the far wall. He was the true painter of light.

The Hispanic Society of America holds amazing art treasures with a huge concentration of Joaquin Sorolla's work -- my favorite artist.

Sorolla's painting of his birth home of Valencia was my favorite ... although it isn't easy to choose

One of my thoughts on seeing Sorolla's 14 masterpieces circling the room was of all those instances that visitors, young and old would enter my tent at an art fair or studio or other exhibits and ask with amazement, "Are ALL of these yours?".

Imagine what they'd say standing in the midst of these works.

One of our additional treats was to witness the rehanging of Sorolla's portrait of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the upper gallery at the Hispanic Society. One in the crew who hung the work mentioned that the painting was created in Tiffany's garden in Cold Spring Harbor (the North Shore of Long Island).  I lived there and attended Cold Spring Harbor High Laurelton Hall, Tiffany's estate that had sweeping views of the harbor that I enjoyed from a different vantage point for many years.

Sorolla's portrait of Louis Comfort Tiffany being reinstalled at the Hispanic Society

School. A little research marked the spot as

What I love about Joaquin Sorolla's work is the sheer joy that emanates from his paintings. His heart and soul flowed through his paintbrush. He clearly loved to paint, loved the people around him, loved his homeland, adored his family.  He captured light, captured life, honestly and beautifully.

What a joy!!!!

The photos are my own ... and may be distorted since the paintings tower above me.  So, these will give you an idea of how gorgeous these works are, but not the perfect picture.

Thanks Rob and Margaret Cerutti ... and fellow travelers for one heck of a day!

Events and Exhibits

• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  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.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

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

Sorolla's "Visions of Spain" at the Hispanic Society of America

Part of Joaquin Sorolla's "Vision of Spain" Mural Commission at the Hispanic Society of America in NYC

Yesterday was consumed merrily from pre-dawn to midnight with a visit to Joaquin Sorolla's (1863-1923) masterful mural commission "Visions of Spain" (a 14-mural project representing the Iberian Peninsula) at the Hispanic Society of America in New York City. The tour was led by Rob Liberace, coordinated through the Art League in Old Town Alexandria ... so Randy and I were with friends from previous art historical trips, Rob's drawing classes, and many new acquaintances.

The murals vary from 12 to 14 feet in height and total 227 feet in length (source: Wikipedia) and all but one of these immense paintings were created en plein air.  The physical, logistical, artistic challenges of composing and creating each of these masterpieces with the 1000s of unique characters dressed in local costumes ... is simply unimaginable.  Sorolla finished the first mural in 1913 and last in 1919 ... a commission contracted by his great patron, Archer Milton Huntington ... the founder of the Hispanic Society of America to be hung on permanent display in what is now the Sorolla room.

It's there for you to see, a well-kept secret, but free and open to the public.

Sorolla's grand room-filling mural that greets you on the far wall. He was the true painter of light.

The Hispanic Society of America holds amazing art treasures with a huge concentration of Joaquin Sorolla's work -- my favorite artist.

Sorolla's painting of his birth home of Valencia was my favorite ... although it isn't easy to choose

One of my thoughts on seeing Sorolla's 14 masterpieces circling the room was of all those instances that visitors, young and old would enter my tent at an art fair or studio or other exhibits and ask with amazement, "Are ALL of these yours?".

Imagine what they'd say standing in the midst of these works.

One of our additional treats was to witness the rehanging of Sorolla's portrait of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the upper gallery at the Hispanic Society. One in the crew who hung the work mentioned that the painting was created in Tiffany's garden in Cold Spring Harbor (the North Shore of Long Island).  I lived there and attended Cold Spring Harbor High Laurelton Hall, Tiffany's estate that had sweeping views of the harbor that I enjoyed from a different vantage point for many years.

Sorolla's portrait of Louis Comfort Tiffany being reinstalled at the Hispanic Society

School. A little research marked the spot as

What I love about Joaquin Sorolla's work is the sheer joy that emanates from his paintings. His heart and soul flowed through his paintbrush. He clearly loved to paint, loved the people around him, loved his homeland, adored his family.  He captured light, captured life, honestly and beautifully.

What a joy!!!!

The photos are my own ... and may be distorted since the paintings tower above me.  So, these will give you an idea of how gorgeous these works are, but not the perfect picture.

Thanks Rob and Margaret Cerutti ... and fellow travelers for one heck of a day!

Events and Exhibits

• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  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.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

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

"Pairs of Parakeets" in Progress

"Pairs of Parakeets" in progress, oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Say that 10x quickly.  (A tongue twister?)

Being pet-less, an outing to the pet store with daughter Sarah and daughter-in-law Michelle gave me time to watch the birds while they shopped the aisles.

They came out with toys for their cats ... and I exited with a plan for a painting.

My first bird painting started with "Blue" -- a bluebird that was awarded Best in Show in the Bird Show for Great Falls Studios. Also part of that exhibit was my painting of a turkey (which won "Best Turkey"). These  were followed by "Pretty Girl Hen" that was chosen as one of artworks for the Richeson75 Animal, Birds and Wildlife competition (75 pieces of art are chosen worldwide by some very fine wildlife artists).

And, plenty of other bird paintings have followed. Lots of chickens!

This is my first showing of parakeets.

Another bird painting "Chicken Chat" is being picked up at ArtSpace Herndon tomorrow as Randy and take down my "Warm Observations: People and Places" solo exhibition. "Chicken Chat" has yet to be adopted ... and "Pair of Parakeets" will join it in the Animals gallery in my web site. Take a look.

I indicated prices will be going up in February for my art.  February 27 is the last date at 2014 prices.

"Chicken Chat," oil, 16"h x 20"w,©Jill Banks 2014

Events and Exhibits

• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  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.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

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

Now Only This Weekend Left to See "Warm Observations

"Ice Cold Lemonade," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014. Purchased Thursday.

First, if you were planning to make it to ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA 20170)  on Friday, February 20 for one of the final days of my solo exhibit "Warm Observations: People and Places," it is closed following Fairfax County Public School inclement weather policy. (Actually they were open for a few hours today -- but are closed for the rest of the afternoon.) Fingers crossed that the final TWO days -- Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22 it will be open. Saturday's hours are 10am to 5pm. Sunday's are 1 to 5pm. The phone number for ArtSpace Herndon is: 703-956-6590. So, there's still time ... but not much.

"Ice Cold Lemonade" Purchased Thursday
Another painting was purchased at ArtSpace Herndon today -- this one "Ice Cold Lemonade."  I like this idea of painting away in my studio and having someone see and be able to select a piece on view in the exhibit elsewhere. That's hardly a new concept -- it's what the gallery system is all about, but most other purchases of my art have been direct -- from an art fair, online, through the blog, from my studio.  Maybe some combination of direct sales and representation of some sort is the way to go in the future. My whole experience with the exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon has been fantastic.  Sorry to see it come to an end ... for now.

"Piazza di Michelangelo," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014. Purchased today.

"Piazza di Michelangelo" Going to a New Home, Too
And there it will have a couple of friends -- other purchases of my work made over the years. Yay!

So when Randy and I go to un-hang the show, we'll be packaging up "Ice Cold Lemonade" and "Piazza di Michelangelo" for their travels to new locations.

Events and Exhibits

• JUST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  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.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

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

"After the Party II" in Progress

"After the Party II" in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

I'd better hurry up. The plum in the blue bowl is part of tomorrow's breakfast. The pepper needs to depart, too.

Having fun though.

Time's running out to see my "Warm Observations: People and Places" exhibit. See below. (Follows Fairfax County Public Schools inclement weather closings... which means ArtSpace was closed yesterday and today. Hopefully, tomorrow it will be open.)

Events and Exhibits

• LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  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.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

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

"Augusta Fountain"

"Augusta Fountain," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014-15

During a quick trip last year to Georgia for the third annual Women Painters of the Southeast exhibit, I ventured out to get in a little plein air painting. This fountain in Augusta, GA became the subject as rain clouds brewed beyond.  While there, a wedding party posed for photos ... but not long enough to be painted in. Good idea, though.

I've been wanting to return to this piece as the rain did come.  So, finally.

It was a snow day today. Down in the studio, a large still life is just starting to take shape on my easel. Hopefully, I'll be able to offer a glimpse of it tomorrow. The food in it is planned for meals just ahead ... so I'd better get to some serious work.

Time's running out to see my "Warm Observations: People and Places" exhibit. See below.

Events and Exhibits

• LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  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.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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

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