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Call For Artists: Why I Want You to Sign Up for Paint Great Falls

9/5/2016 2:19:25 PM

"Egret and Crane," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. I painted "Egret and Crane" over two separate visits to Long Beach Island, New Jersey this summer -- in the inaugural Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus competition that results in the "Island Life" exhibition there September 9-October 24. The site where I was painting "Egret and Crane" changed drastically daily -- a challenge but also interesting as heck. My greatest fun in the process was when the crane spun around and the yellow do-hickey hung in front of the white building. That totally changed my composition for the better. At the end of the day, the crane operator came over to check on what I was painting. He couldn't believed I'd made the crane one of the "stars." I asked him why he turned the crane around and then didn't pick anything up ... and he said to catch the breeze. It was a very hot, sticky day. Nice that this position worked out to both of our benefits.

This post is a Call for Artists in the Washington DC area and surroundings for the September 7-10 Paint Great Falls competition.

(I only put a few of my regular blog posts on my web site. To see and possibly subscribe to my blog "Life As An Artist: Jill Banks" go to: http://jillbanks.blogspot.com/)

"Moonvine Alley," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2016 Jill Banks

So WHY do I want you to SIGN UP for PAINT GREAT FALLS?
Because:

• Even and maybe especially if Plein Air (creating work in the "open air" from direct observation without the aid of photography) painting is outside of your artistic repertoire, you are going to learn something and be influenced by something you see. What always surprises me while working away in one location is how thrilling and interesting your surroundings are if you pay attention and remain open to taking it all in.
• Creating artwork in public is daunting but becomes easier when someone else is with you doing the same. Consider partnering up with another registrant and have some fun.
• I'd love to see how you apply your artistic style and talents to capturing Great Falls.  You don't need to create a realistic or impressionistic landscape -- you can concentrate on any subject you find interesting as long as you are outdoors (can be on a porch or under a gazebo, etc.) and somewhere in Great Falls, Virginia. Be as different as you like.
• We want to see your art! Create and then submit your visions of Great Falls to be spotlighted in the Arts of Great Falls Gallery for the Friday, September 9 Art Walk in the Village from 6-9pm and on Saturday, September 10 for the Awards Reception, 6:30-8:30pm. (I'm this year's judge and am really looking forward to seeing what you've created!

Find out more and register here with the Arts of Great Falls (http://www.greatfallsart.org/paint-great-falls/)

There's still time to sign up to participate in Paint Great Falls: September 7-10, 2016. (You do not need to participate all four days. Just paint one day if that's what fits your schedule.)

First come basis. No jurying. Just a $30 registration fee and then show up for canvas stamping.

Paint anywhere in Great Falls, Virginia any or all days between September 7 and September 10. (Registrants are given a list of suggestions -- but go where you want to go.)

Prizes for First, Second, Third and People's Choice. First Prize is $500!

I really hope to see you there! Drop me an email to tell if you signed up. (Of course, that's optional!)

Free Plein Air Painting Demonstration -- Saturday, September 10, Noon-3pm
And, I'll be giving a free plein air painting demonstration on Saturday, September 10, noon to 3pm. RSVP to [email protected] if you think you'll be able to make that event. Weather permitting, that demo will take place outside near the school at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.

Register for Classes taught through the Arts of Great Falls in Virginia Get more info on classes with a link to register for each class below.
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm -- starts September 20, 2016
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm -- starts September 20, 2016 
Painting the Plein Air Landscape -- Thursdays, 9:30am to 2:00pm, starts September 22, 2016. Classes are held in various locations throughout Northern Virginia
NEW! Portrait Painting Three Day Workshop -- November 4-6, 2016.
   

Thanks for reading!