Collectors Party, Painting Key West and More
Sent: 12/19/2022 8:29:17 PM

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It's Unwinding Time ... and I picked doing so with paintbrush in hand in Key West last week.

"This Is Bliss," 16" x 20", just painted last week -- while standing in the surf. The title sums it up. Available. Click the image for more info.

"This Is Bliss," 16" x 20", just painted last week -- while standing in the surf. The title sums it up. Available. Click the image for more info.

There are times in our lives that stress reaches the boiling point -- and it was getting very bubbly for me this year -- and particularly the last couple of months. I was over-committed -- and away from my easel. Life tipped out of balance but now it is happily back in shape.

Finding Fun My Way Included:

Painting. Seeing two museum shows in two days - "Sargent and Spain" at the National Gallery (loved it!) and "An Italian Impressionist in Paris: Giuseppe De Nittis" at the Phillips Collection. Playing with granddaughters. Spending nine days in the sunshine in Key West - painting. That did it! Perfect cures.

How do you find your joy?

"Surf Time," 16" x 12", oil on linen-lined panel. Spent a third day with my toes in the water capturing this scene. Available.

"Surf Time," 16" x 12", oil on linen-lined panel. Spent a third day with my toes in the water capturing this scene. Available.

Hunting for Inspiration & Finding It

"Majorcan Fisherman" by John Singer Sargent - in a great exhibit at the National Gallery in DC. Sargent's one of my heroes -- but this reminded me of Joaquin Sorolla's work. So gorgeous! Exhibit on through January 2. Click image for more info.

"Majorcan Fisherman" by John Singer Sargent - in a great exhibit at the National Gallery in DC. Sargent's one of my heroes -- but this reminded me of Joaquin Sorolla's work. So gorgeous! Exhibit on through January 2. Click image for more info.

"In the Wheat Field" by Giuseppe De Nittis - part of the exhibit at the Phillips Collection through February 12

"In the Wheat Field" by Giuseppe De Nittis - part of the exhibit at the Phillips Collection through February 12

There were some more folks enjoying the Sargent & Spain show at the National Gallery. It really is great!

There were some more folks enjoying the Sargent & Spain show at the National Gallery. It really is great!

One of the three days spent painting while standing in the waves. That added to the fun. This was while capturing "Surf Time"

One of the three days spent painting while standing in the waves. That added to the fun. This was while capturing "Surf Time"

And here painting "This Is Bliss" on Higgs Beach. It's a rather strange way to unwind - while trying to capture all those neat subjects wandering around on the beach. Active destressing?

And here painting "This Is Bliss" on Higgs Beach. It's a rather strange way to unwind - while trying to capture all those neat subjects wandering around on the beach. Active destressing?

In addition to all that beach painting, I captured a number of nocturnes -- including slinging some paint inside and outside of Key West's numerous bars, restaurants and an ice cream food truck. Painted some of its unique architecture and finally at the pool of the motel where we stayed. Each night save one -- was spent floating in and doing gentle laps there under the stars. Most of the pieces from that trip still need a good bit of return time at my easel. They'll get there in due time.

And more is coming. I can't wait to try to capture Rhett and Scarlett - two flamingos from the Butterfly Conservancy -- in a large piece that is currently dancing around in my head. (Sure looks pretty in there.)

"Nine One Five," 20" x 16" -- one of those nocturnes I was telling you about. This was painted across Duval Street from the restaurant/bar. Available.

"Nine One Five," 20" x 16" -- one of those nocturnes I was telling you about. This was painted across Duval Street from the restaurant/bar. Available.

Paris and Key West

"Rue Vue," 24' x 12" - painted plein air from the airbnb window and finished right before the party. Available.

"Rue Vue," 24' x 12" - painted plein air from the airbnb window and finished right before the party. Available.

My Home Show/Collectors Party - Wow!

Before Randy and I did all that "gallavanting," our home was transformed as it is each year -- for a thank you Open House to the collectors and students who can come enjoy their time with us. For as short a span as we can manage, my studio space at the Artists' Atelier is raided and the three floors of our townhouse are hung with art -- top to bottom. I decorate. Send out invitations. (This list is definitely out of order.) Number all the art. Make a list going room by room. Neat friends and guests arrive and the fun begins.

While it is a thank you for all the support each of you have offered already, 21 paintings went off to new homes (or are heading there). Amazing!

Arthur and Robin were first timers to the Collectors Party this year. Arthur and I worked together in our past lives and reconnected ... so neat! And I got to meet Robin who I had heard so much about prior. They went home with "Bright 'Brellas" - a piece painted this summer in Telluride.

Arthur and Robin were first timers to the Collectors Party this year. Arthur and I worked together in our past lives and reconnected ... so neat! And I got to meet Robin who I had heard so much about prior. They went home with "Bright 'Brellas" - a piece painted this summer in Telluride.

Robin picked out "Until Next Year" -- a piece that could have found quite a few new homes that day. I'm super happy she picked it! I'd painted it at the garden at my Mom's retirement community.

Robin picked out "Until Next Year" -- a piece that could have found quite a few new homes that day. I'm super happy she picked it! I'd painted it at the garden at my Mom's retirement community.

Vicki and Brian went home with "The River Seine" -- a piece painted on the Alexander III Bridge in Paris this August that was finished up right before the Collectors Party. I marked the many still wet paintings on the list in blue. There were quite a few of those. Love the painting they chose -- but love them more.

Vicki and Brian went home with "The River Seine" -- a piece painted on the Alexander III Bridge in Paris this August that was finished up right before the Collectors Party. I marked the many still wet paintings on the list in blue. There were quite a few of those. Love the painting they chose -- but love them more.

Kathy went home with "Anything Goes" to add to her collection. Kathy's a friend, stellar student, collector and unpaid agent. She has encouraged so many others to become fans and collectors. I love her unique twist and outlook on life in general.

Kathy went home with "Anything Goes" to add to her collection. Kathy's a friend, stellar student, collector and unpaid agent. She has encouraged so many others to become fans and collectors. I love her unique twist and outlook on life in general.

Had to throw this photo in so you know there is more than one room in our house. "After Hours" was leaned over the fireplace. No one went home with that piece yet. Our family room became the regular photo with painting memory capturing spot ... but the whole house was filled with art.

Had to throw this photo in so you know there is more than one room in our house. "After Hours" was leaned over the fireplace. No one went home with that piece yet. Our family room became the regular photo with painting memory capturing spot ... but the whole house was filled with art.

The day is always filled with stories and good cheer. The day before party time -- I got a phone call from someone heading to the Atelier to look at my work -- to confirm it was open. It was -- but all of my work but a handful of pieces was hanging in my not quite party-ready yet art-fiilled house. We redirected her to the house -- and she tested out the list/map and found something she loved. Thank goodness she called! No pictures of her here yet ... her purchase is still under wraps. Shhhh.

Dining Room Post-Party with "Beauty Pageant" and "Guy Talk." Both can be found in my Still LIfe Collection. Click the image for more info.

Dining Room Post-Party with "Beauty Pageant" and "Guy Talk." Both can be found in my Still LIfe Collection. Click the image for more info.

Sally took home "Twilight Cruise." My favorite memories of these parties are of Sally wandering around in my multiple home versions with a list. Her home is filled with eclectic, gorgeous, inspiring art ... with lots of my paintings and drawings spotlighted throughout ... and she loves to spread the word about my work. Thank you, Sally!

Sally took home "Twilight Cruise." My favorite memories of these parties are of Sally wandering around in my multiple home versions with a list. Her home is filled with eclectic, gorgeous, inspiring art ... with lots of my paintings and drawings spotlighted throughout ... and she loves to spread the word about my work. Thank you, Sally!

Linda and her boyfriend Phil were newbies to the Collectors Party this year ... with Linda taking home "Lunch by the Caboose." After the holidays, Linda's nice face will be captured in two commissioned paintings to be -- with one set at the Old Brogue. "Lunch by the Caboose" was painted plein air in Vienna.

Linda and her boyfriend Phil were newbies to the Collectors Party this year ... with Linda taking home "Lunch by the Caboose." After the holidays, Linda's nice face will be captured in two commissioned paintings to be -- with one set at the Old Brogue. "Lunch by the Caboose" was painted plein air in Vienna.

Two Jills. One painted "Free Books" and one went home with it. It wouldn't be a party without either of us.

Two Jills. One painted "Free Books" and one went home with it. It wouldn't be a party without either of us.

Trish greeted all the guests with a huge smile and the nicest guidance on how to navigate the open house and NOT open any closed doors. Closets are not to be explored in this house Especially on that day. Here she is with "Blue Kimono" before it headed off to her house.

Trish greeted all the guests with a huge smile and the nicest guidance on how to navigate the open house and NOT open any closed doors. Closets are not to be explored in this house Especially on that day. Here she is with "Blue Kimono" before it headed off to her house.

"Season Tickets," 16" x 20", oil on linen-lined panel -- painted plein air plus studio of the last Concert on the Green (Great Falls VA) for 2022. Available.

"Season Tickets," 16" x 20", oil on linen-lined panel -- painted plein air plus studio of the last Concert on the Green (Great Falls VA) for 2022. Available.

McBride Gallery - Annapolis MD

Women Artists of the West 52nd National Exhibition Through January 7

"Sail with Me" is one of two of my paintings currently hanging in the WAOW National in Annapolis. I am one of two Show Chairs for this year's national exhibit. A huge thank you goes to all the show chairs who have headed the countless exhibits I've participated in. It's a crazy amount of work. Thus the need for a substantial rest this December. Click the image to find out more about the show.

"Sail with Me" is one of two of my paintings currently hanging in the WAOW National in Annapolis. I am one of two Show Chairs for this year's national exhibit. A huge thank you goes to all the show chairs who have headed the countless exhibits I've participated in. It's a crazy amount of work. Thus the need for a substantial rest this December. Click the image to find out more about the show.

View the WAOW National Show Catalog

"Head Chef," 20" x 20", oil on linen - my second piece in the WAOW exhibit. Click the image for more info. My two paintings are on p. 23 & 24 in the show catalog. Contact me if interested in purchasing.

"Head Chef," 20" x 20", oil on linen - my second piece in the WAOW exhibit. Click the image for more info. My two paintings are on p. 23 & 24 in the show catalog. Contact me if interested in purchasing.

McBride Gallery, 215 Main Street, Annapolis MD

Exhibit: November 6, 2022 - January 7, 2023

And now -- many of those home show paintings and a sprinkling of the completed Key West pieces can be found at the Artists' Atelier -- where I'll be on Wednesday, December 21 from noon to 4pm and probably beyond. I hope you'll visit me there if you are in the neighborhood. I'd also be happy to meet you there this week with a little notice. After this Wednesday, the Atelier is closed for regular open hours until January 4.

But more than that ... I wish you a very happy holiday season, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy every minute and spread some cheer. You sure have done that in my life!

Thank you for loving my work, kind words, caring hearts, visits, taking a class and passing on your enthusiasm to me and others. You are AMAZING!

With a VERY grateful heart and a ho ho ho,

Jill

Jill Banks

Signature Member, Women Artists of the West (WAOW), American Women Artists (AWA) and the Washington Society of Landscape Painters (WSLP).

Best in Show, Knoxville's Artist on Location 2022 juried plein air competition, Kathie Odom, judge

Best Symphony Painting, Gloucester Plein Air Invitational 2022, Nancy Tankersley, judge

Honorable Mention, American Impressionist Society Associate Online Exhibition 2022

Kensington Senior Living Prize, Falls Church "Scenes in the City" plein air competition 2022, Andrei Kushnir judge

Show Chair, WAOW National Exhibit 2022 at McBride Gallery

Please Tell a Friend About My Work ... Pass the Word ... It REALLY helps! Encouraging them to sign up for this newsletter via my website might just brighten up their mailboxes.

EXHIBITS

Nov. 6, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023 - 52nd National Women Artists of the West Juried Exhibition "East Meets West", McBride Gallery, Annapolis MD -- I am a Show Chair for this Exhibit and have two pieces juried into the show.

NOW - Brogue and Beyond, Old Brogue Irish Pub, Great Falls VA

Visit my Events page here.

Classes Start the end of January (taught through the Arts of Great Falls -- and are currently full but contact me and I'll see what I can do to squeeze you in to these wonderful small classes. I'd try! Or join the wait list. More info here.

Let me know if there's anything I can help you with. Just ask.

Phone: 703.403.7435 Email: jill@jillbanks.com

Regular Hours (non Holiday) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA - open Wednesdays noon to 4pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm or very happily by appointment. First Friday Art Walks, April-December, 6-8pm.

"Flowers In The Middle," 24" x 12" - painted plein air in Telluride CO this past July. Currently available through the Sheridan Opera House. Contact me if interested in purchasing. Very special sale offer until Christmas. Ask me about it.

"Flowers In The Middle," 24" x 12" - painted plein air in Telluride CO this past July. Currently available through the Sheridan Opera House. Contact me if interested in purchasing. Very special sale offer until Christmas. Ask me about it.

"New Guy In Town" is one of a handful of fresh 6" x 6" paintings created this December. Check out the collection by clicking on the image. There's an assortmet. I go a little crazy sometimes.

"New Guy In Town" is one of a handful of fresh 6" x 6" paintings created this December. Check out the collection by clicking on the image. There's an assortmet. I go a little crazy sometimes.

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