In the News

“Alan” Makes the Cover of Elan Magazine
As if being featured in Elan wasn’t exciting enough, Jill’s painting of “Alan” made the cover of the magazine’s May 2006 Fairfax Edition with a circulation of over 30,000 readers. Donna Cedar-Southworth wrote a glowing article that starts on page 92.
News of the grand opening of the Artists’ Atelier, Jill’s working studio and gallery that she shares with six other painters in Great Falls, Virginia, made it to the cover of the Fairfax Weekly section of the Washington Post. The article “Like an Office for Painters” drove visitors to the Atelier in a big way. Frequent articles and notices have appeared in the Connection, the Sun Gazette, the Great Falls Times, the McLean Times, and Java Town.
Another article will be appearing in Elan’s October 2006 edition, focusing on Great Falls Studios Annual Studio Tour that is slated for Saturday, October 14. Look for it soon.

776 Walker Road #D, Great Falls, Virginia 22066

The best step taken – so far – in 2006 was to move into a joint studio space with fellow artists Adrienne Kralick, Frances Vecchi, John Francis McCabe, Jennifer Duncan, Elaine Elinsky and Mollie Vardell. Mollie was the mastermind behind the group’s renting the space. Somehow she saw this dinky (now cozy) unoccupied space and envisioned a working studio and gallery. Jill loves going to paint here!

“This step of working side by side with my talented colleagues has made such a difference in my life as an artist. It’s different than being in class and then working on your own pieces in isolation,” notes Jill. “Not only am I inspired by what the rest of the group is creating, but we are sharing a ridiculous wealth of knowledge and ideas about techniques, solutions, and conducting the business of art on a daily basis. It’s absolutely fantastic! Plus, when we’re not talking about art, we’re just enjoying each other’s wonderful company.”

There are a couple of kinks, still, but the group will work those out in time. They still need better lighting and some regular hours for people to come and take a look. Regular hours are the toughest – as all of the painters attend classes and workshops, travel, paint in other locations, and work on flexible schedules. The studio is always open by appointment by contacting the resident artists. Jill can be reached by email at jillbanks1@aol.com, by cell at (703) 403-7435 or at home at (703) 448-3886.

The Atelier will be open for the Great Falls Annual Studio Tour on Saturday, October 14 from 10 am-4 pm. Go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com for a map and details on the event. The studio was held open every Sunday during the summer in conjunction with the free Concert series on the Village Green. There were tons of young visitors who came up to ooh and aah over the art, direct the mixing of oils on the artists’ palettes, and declare that their future occupations would be in art! They even made their parents climb the stairs to check out the excitement.

The Best Trip – Florence, Italy with Rob Liberace in April 2006

Jill went to Italy (with husband Randy) on an art historical workshop led by Robert Liberace this past April. The city was amazing, particularly for its appreciation of the importance of art throughout history. The contributions made by artists to every aspect of life there is all-encompassing and clearly inspiring. The tour included fantastic journeys through the Uffizi, the Accademia (to visit Michelangelo’s David – wow!), the Palazzo Vecchio, the Bargello, Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapel, and the Pitti Palace. Rob’s knowledge of art history is encyclopedic and enthusiasm impossible not to catch. Jill enjoyed having husband Randy (a non-artist home builder) there to witness firsthand why she chose Rob as a teacher.

After returning home, Jill has used inspiration acquired on this trip to paint “Friends in Florence,” “View from Boboli Gardens,” “View from San Minitao al Monte,” “Florentine Dolphin,” and “Through the Window.” And, there are many more to come!

In March, Jill was elected to the board of Great Falls Studios and heads up the Show & Exhibit Committee for the group of over 50 artists. This vibrant non-profit organization is only a few years old, but is committed to bringing art to the community of Great Falls through events, shows, local studio space, classes, talks and demos. A new group exhibit organized by Jill opens at the RE/MAX Gateway Office at 10135 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls, Virginia 22066 on Saturday, October 14 from 10am to 4pm. These group shows feature over 70 pieces of original art including paintings, photography, quilts, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, drawings and more. The show can be viewed during normal business hours through Spring 2007, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm.

Jill will be in the Atelier for the group’s Annual Studio Tour on Saturday, October 14 from 10am-4pm. See www.GreatFallsStudios.com for a map. This event is great fun for the whole family and a super way to find (and buy) original local art.

Great Falls Studios will be participating in a group show at the Great Falls Library on Georgetown Pike for the month of November. Jill will have work on display for the show as well as the Holiday Sale on Saturday, November 18 (10am-5pm) and Sunday, November 19 (11am-5pm). Jill will have additional paintings, drawings and note cards available on sale day. This is an excellent and unique way to accomplish your holiday shopping.

Tons! There aren’t enough hours in the day or days in the week – but Jill is working on a series of restaurant/café/event scenes that so far includes “Through the Window” (30”h x 40”w); “Friends in Florence” (11”h x 14”w) and “Chadwick’s” (16”h x 20”w). Two more are coming to life in the Atelier (another from Florence and one from her niece’s wedding in Santa Barbara) while this is being typed. These scenes combine the figurative and interior genres she loves to paint. A lot more are waiting to fill Jill’s canvases.

Jill just completed a portrait commission of six-year-old “Jason.” Mom and Dad love it!

The “Bellydancer” portrait is finished and ready to go to its new owner. This was the first piece sold at the Atelier and she’s a beauty!

Still life’s also seem to be calling. For new work, she’ll be developing much larger, looser work that includes flowers and fruits & vegetables. They WILL be amazing!

Jill paints every day – so there’s lots in progress and available for sale at all times. Since the Atelier is tiny, only a portion of her work is there at one time. Please contact her for an appointment or stop by when the Open flag’s flying.

To see Jill’s 2005 bio and awards, click here.