Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Pulling Together "The Gathering Spot" Solo Show

"Candy Stripe Café" oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©2019 Jill Banks - just completed.
 April 1-30, 2019

Although there are plenty of alternates waiting in the wings, you can now view online the nine pieces I'm planning to hang for the first of back-to-back solo shows.  "Candy Stripe Café" is one of those. 

Last summer, I painted plein air for two weeks in Paris ... and this view of the café was one spot that was calling my name.  It had to be nixed for painting then and there as my shade turned immediately to full blazing sun ... but I painted the same café there just from across the street.

The solo show "The Gathering Spot" will be exhibited at the Old Brogue Irish Pub's popular Snuggery dining room/Katie's Coffee (it's open almost all day with a short break in the late afternoon) at 760 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066.

View the exhibit online here.

"Ladies' Lunch," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2014-2019 Jill Banks
The challenge isn't pulling together nine paintings for the solo show, it's juggling all the different events, fine art festivals, studio openings that are happening simultaneously.  My approach has been to prepare for what's directly ahead and paint every moment that I can.

Today was spent working on "Ladies Lunch" - a painting that depicts the dining room where "The Gathering Spot" will be exhibited. I painted it originally many years ago, on the spot, when my Mom and friends were celebrating a birthday there.  It was significantly changed yesterday and today, accentuating light, color and place.

First Friday Art Walk in the Village - Friday, April 5, 6-8pm

Come visit my studio and others in the Great Falls Village Centre on Friday -- where there will be plenty of fresh art to see there ... at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls ... and head over to the Brogue to see my newly hung show just steps away.  Make a night of it. I'd love to see you!

Events Coming Up:
April 5 - First Friday Art Walk, the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA - 6-8pm (Art Walks run from April to December). Come attend this one and head over to enjoy dinner and see my solo exhibit at the Old Brogue right after. A neat night out on the town!

April 13 & 14 - Arlington Festival of the Arts - Clarendon District in Arlington VA - 10am to 5pm each day

April 22-27 - Artists on Location: a Plein Air Painting Event - Juried artist, plein air competition and sale, Knoxville TN

April 1-30 - "The Gathering Spot" Solo Exhibit, Katie's Coffee/The Snuggery in the Old Brogue Irish Pub, Great Falls VA

May 3 - First Friday Art Walk, the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA - 6-8pm (Art Walks run from April to December) - and  the Spring Artfest that weekend - May 4 & 5 - at the Atelier in Great Falls.

May 11 - Reception, Solo Exhibit, Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls VA - details to come

May 17-19 - Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston VA

June 7-9 - Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 28 - American Women Artists Museum Exhibition Reception - Steamboat Art Museum, Steamboat Springs CO (exhibit runs from May 24-September 2 - "On Top of the World" selected for this prestigious show)

June 29 - July 6 - Telluride Plein Air - Telluride CO

July 13 & 14 - Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford RI

Classes Start Soon - Get more info and register at my classes page. 

Do you live in the Washington DC/Northern Virginia area?  Registration for Winter 2019 classes is now open.  I hope you'll join me.  See the Classes page here.  Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teacher in the DC area - I made the list!
Still Life Plus is now full - waitlist only. Plein Air Landscape (Thursdays, starting April 11) and Evening Paint (Tuesday nights, starting April 9) 

Thanks for reading! I tried to keep this short to encourage more posts to come.  We'll see if it worked!

Jill

www.JillBanks.com
Jill@JillBanks.com
 703.403.7435

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/JillBanksStudio/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola.  
 
Read the Article: "Christmas Card Paintings: 46 Years and Counting"Here's a link to the article in Fine Art Today, published by Fine Art Connoisseur.  
 
Read the Article: "A Paris Plein Air Adventure" published by Outdoor Painter (from Plein Air Magazine)

 



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Friday, December 28, 2018

Where There Once Was A Goat

"On Top of the World," oil, 60"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
... Now there's a painting of granddaughter Emma and husband Randy. I guess there's some explaining to do.

I've Been AWOL
First, I apologize for my ridiculously extended absence from my blog here. I've been much more active with regular email newsletters from my website: www.JillBanks.com.   I've made some guest author "appearances" - most recently a really neat article about my 46-year tenure as Christmas card cover designer for my parents' annual mailing  -- published on Fine Art Today last week.  Then there's been events, holidays, Facebook and Instagram posts (follow me please).  So, I'm out there ... just not necessarily here.

For the last week, I've been working on a piece to make myself happy.  Painting -- pretty much anything -- makes me happy but this was a special project and a piece that can hang out with me ... in our home.

Fresh Off the Easel
The subjects for "On Top of the World" are granddaughter Emma and husband Randy out on a late Fall walk in a favorite spot.  Bet you can figure out why it was high on my priority list for paintings to be.

There are lots of other pieces waiting for attention. To be finished or started.  That can start happening tomorrow.

I knew that this had to become a painting ... and also knew precisely where it would reside.  There is a perfect spot atop our fireplace that is just right for this.  I can see "On Top of the World" leaning there as I'm typing this and it is visible from almost every spot on the main floor.  Before Emma and Randy were painted, this same spot held "Got Your Goat?" -- another favorite piece that has gone off to a great home.  Since it left here, though, I've been trying to figure out what can fill that spot in my heart and home. This is it.

Poor photo ... but this is where "On Top of the World" will be hanging out
Spend Some Time Browsing My Website to Catch Up ... Please

There's plenty there, including "On Top of the World" just added to the People and Portraits gallery on my website.

www.JillBanks.com

Thanks for reading,

Jill

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/JillBanksStudio/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola.  
 
Read the Article: "Christmas Card Paintings: 46 Years and Counting"Here's a link to the article in Fine Art Today, published by Fine Art Connoisseur.  
 
Read the Article: "A Paris Plein Air Adventure" published by Outdoor Painter (from Plein Air Magazine)

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Thursday, September 13, 2018

The Alexandria King Street Fine Art Festival Has Been Postponed ... See You September 22 & 23

Saturday, September 22, 10am to 7pm
Sunday, September 23, 10am to 5pm
Old Town Alexandria VA on King Street


My recent booth at Shadyside ... something similar full of artwork you just might want to take home will be in Alexandria VA for the King Street Art Festival on its new dates of September 22 and 23
I really want to see you in Old Town Alexandria for the King Street Art Festival ... but this fantastic outdoor fine art show isn't this weekend (September 15 & 16, 2018) as originally planned ... but is a GO for the following weekend on September 22 & 23. 

"Sky Drama," oil, 24"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks (painted plein air in New Hope PA)
Find out more about the festival here. And, get a sneak peek into what your may find in my booth here.  There are apt to be some fresh new paintings created between now (when I'm posting this) and the show.  I know I'll be meeting some goats and have paints ready to capture them ... the week leading up to the 22 & 23.  And if goats aren't your "thing," maybe urban streetscapes, markets, still lifes and people are.  (You'll find those in my booth too.)

And to find my booth, it really helps to have cross streets and landmarks ... but I will not find out my official booth number until September 20 so check my events page here before coming.  (My booth has been located right in front of the Alexandrian hotel in the past.  Hope to be there again.)

My booth won't look just like what's shown above. That middle cityscape on the the back wall was purchased last weekend and will go to its home far, far, far away as soon as the shipping logistics are worked out. Actually, many major pieces have found new homes lately. I will be working on a beautiful new showstopper. Wish me luck and good painting, please!!!!

There's lots of news to share ... so look for multiple blog posts today and tomorrow.  Also a newsletter coming to those subscribed via my website (it's not the same -- so if in doubt, go to www.JillBanks.com to subscribe). 

September 1-30: "Water Works" Solo Exhibit, The Old Brogue Great Falls VA. View the exhibit online here.
 
September 1-30: "Paint Great Falls Plein Air" Exhibit, The Arts of Great Falls Gallery, 756-C Walker Road, Great Falls VA. View the exhibit on Saturdays, 10am-Noon or by appointment.  My piece, "Station No. 12" was awarded 1st Place in the competition.

Station No. 12, oil, 12"x12", ©2018 Jill Banks - Won 1st Prize
September 22 & 23: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA (NOTE: these are NEW dates as the Alexandria King Street Festival was postponed from the previous week.  Help us spread the word please.)

September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)

September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
 
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA
 
October 19-21: Great Falls Annual Art Studio Tour, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Rd, Great Falls VA
 
CLASSES Start September 25 and September 27 including Still Life Plus,  Evening Paint and Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Get more info and Register at my Classes Page

Thanks for reading,

Jill 

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
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Sunday, August 19, 2018

Paris Outside the Window

Fifth Floor View, oil on linen-lined panel, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
If there was a way for me to talk with you that didn't involve technology, that would be exactly how I'd do it. 

Today, when it's almost time to say goodbye to Paris, I painted near the surface of the Seine, preparing for the sunset on Pont Neuf and capturing a quick view of Pont des Arts before making an about-face. It was my favorite evening among so many.  I did well painting Pont Neuf at sunset but what I saw and felt will be added to that image before appearing here. Same with Pont des Arts. Same with so many of the 15 canvases that will head back to the States. It isn't that I want them perfect, I want what I saw and felt to live in them so you can as well.

This is just one extraordinary city. Now that I've met hundreds of people, two rank in the trouble department. One who consumed many too many at Rue de Mouffetard and another on the grumpy side selling glace (ice cream/sorbet) outside Giverny. Actually, a few extra city crazy folks swear outside the window on occasion but I don't include them as acquaintances.

I always leave a place knowing what needs to be painted.  For me now, it's Rue de Mouffetard. I painted two canvases there but want to sew the scene together. That will one day make sense. Photos don't seem to be doing anything justice ... so see for yourself. Next chances are at Shadyside in Philadelphia, my solo show in Great Falls and other shows in September. Contact me if something in particular is of interest.

                                                                                                                                                                          
Le Soleil D'Or, oil on linen-lined panel, 16"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
See more of my paintings from here and elsewhere in the Places collection on my website: www.JillBanks.com
#pleinairpainting #paintinginParis #jillbanksart

Thanks for visiting! 
Jill
 
P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA
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Thursday, August 16, 2018

Plein Air Painting in Place Des Vosges - Paris - Pretty Cool!

Park Place, oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- created plein air at Place des Vosges with me trying to be inconspicuous. Hard to accomplish when you have an easel in front of you.

I painted in Place Des Vosges the last time in Paris in March 2013. That previous trip, I couldn't feel my fingers ... it was that cold. This time around, it was a bit too toasty and bright, so I found a spot on a bench with a canopy of leaves overhead where it might be possible to not draw excessive attention to my easel.  At least I received less.

Natalie Chan's Drawing from Place Des Vosges.  Thanks, Natalie! I love it!
A surprise well into my painting was having a young woman, Natalie Chan, offer a gift of her wonderful drawing of Randy and me on that bench in the park. Apparently I was getting more attention than realized.

While I was trying to paint a little bit out of the way to help my progress, one of the real joys of creating en plein air is the interaction of those you meet on those outings ... like Natalie and all the other artists of all ages and enthusiasts.  All encounters have been great ones ... minus one this trip ... but I'll save that story for another post.

We made one big boo-boo this trip and that is not bringing any easy way to transport or pack wet 18" x 24" canvases (the size of Park Place). That means you could have seen me precariously holding this canvas weaving through the full sidewalks of Central Paris.  That's one way to disperse a crowd.  That will be remedied before the next major outing!  We've ventured far, on foot, and it can be a complicated trip back to our home away from home here in Paris.

It's possible I'll add pigeons to this or other paintings.  They are everywhere and Place Des Vosges was no exception.  (Natalie definitely noticed them.) My reluctance may have come from pigeon droppings really getting husband Randy on my first morning out painting.  I don't want the birds to think they belong ON my art.

Greetings from Paris! Here I am painting in my new (still fresh but not for long) smock from Charvin - Paris. Plus I'm trying out a new squeegee tool with a clipped corner. Haven't figured it out yet (how/when to use), but I'm working on it.
This blog posts are going to be all out of chronological order.  Doubt it matters.  This place is too much fun and with walking, discovering, eating, painting, returning home, and then getting ready to post ... well, I might just be having some troubles fitting it all in.

See more of my paintings from here and elsewhere in the Places collection on my website: www.JillBanks.com

#pleinairpainting #paintinginParis #jillbanksart


Thanks for visiting! 
Jill
P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA



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Friday, August 10, 2018

Painting in Paris at Luxembourg Garden ... Wow!

The Regatta, oil, 12 x 24 inches, ©2018 Jill Banks
This is the third plein air painting of my Paris adventure, but the first photographed and ready to show.

After landing in Paris and checking into our home away from home, it was rest time and then we headed out for an 8-mile trek to various locations where I might want to paint.  Luxembourg Garden is ridiculously gorgeous ... and a spot I could paint for a year.  When I did head back there two days later it was even more spectacular with the addition of all these wonderful sailboats.  They go where they want and all their "sailors" can do is head them in another direction when they near the edges of the basin.

Lots more to come.  Follow the adventure through my Facebook page or website or here. 

And, I have a new smock from the Paris Charvin store.  That will show up in some future posts. Given that it's August, lots of shops are on vacation so it was very nice to find an art supply store that was open AND on the way back home.

Thanks for visiting! 

Jill

P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
 
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

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