Blog

Only a few blog entries make it to my web site's blog. To keep up with work in progress, art happenings, adventures from my Life as an Artist, go to jillbanks.blogspot.com. (Over 1000 entries dating back from 2008 can be found there.)

In a previous entry, I said all this ("Rise and Shine") needed was a signature.  Two days later, I disagreed.  While wanting the rooster to remain loosely painted, fairly abstract, he needed some more distinguishable parts to shout "Rooster."  As in -- his comb, beak, feathers.

I've been happily painting in between hanging and celebrating the openings of two exhibitions. Life as an artist is ALWAYS busy -- applying for shows, hanging exhibits, publicizing events, attending receptions, packing up/traveling/setting up for festivals and shows. Despite all that other fun stuff to balance, I set as my top priority ensuring that LOTS of time is spent in the studio (or painting wherever) -- to keep happy, growing as an artist, with a constant flow of fresh, beautiful work ready for the next exhibit, show, visit from a gallery owner or collector. What's an exhibit without art?

On Friday, January 16 -- the Awards and Opening Reception of the Great Falls School of Art Annual Exhibition was held at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 13 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  The whole studio filled with happy students, youth and adults, proud parents, grandparents, friends, aunts and uncles.  I posted photos of some of the award-winning work. It is stunning. I LOVE passing on this gift of art through teaching. Obviously, I'm not alone in that as the award-winners were under the tutelage of five different, enthusiastic and talented teachers. Neat night.

Last night was the opening reception for my "Warm Observations: People and Places" solo exhibition at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA ... that continues on exhibit through February 22. The exhibit looks amazing in this beautiful gallery space ... and visitors who had seen some of the work there previously in different venues developed new favorites. Amazing what the ability to stand back from the work, great lighting and context will do to show a piece off to best advantage. 

It was an outstanding turnout with lots of enthusiastic folks. Keep on coming!  I will be giving a painting demonstration in the same space on Saturday, January 31, 2 to 5pm, inviting guests to draw along with me ... or just enjoy the show.  Want to come? RSVP to me at [email protected].

In addition to the warm hospitality, help, introductions and great job passing along my thoughts to visitors in my absence, ArtSpace Herndon put up a BIG sign in the heart of Herndon, VA -- advertising my exhibition. How cool is that?

Gallery Hours for ArtSpace Herndon are:

Monday: closed
Tues - Thurs: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

ArtSpace Herndon is closed due to inclement weather whenever Fairfax County cancels school.

I really hope you go for a visit!

Remember, too, to go to jillbanks.blogspot.com -- my regular blog for frequent posts. Don't miss a thing. Subscribe (there) and new posts will arrive in your email inbox.

And here's the BIG sign. Yea!