Face #7: Will Tuthill

Excerpt from my blog (jillbanks.blogspot.com)

100 Faces in 100 Days: Day Seven

1/7/11

Today's "Face" (in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project -- read more about this in earlier posts and on my web site) isWill Tuthill, an incredibly talented lithographer who also happens to be a fascinating person. Both of us are probably hoarse today (I know I am), because we're not used to talking this much.

Will actually has two eyes. Nice ones. But this shadowed side lends a bit of mystery (there is that about Will) and I like the lack of detail in the shadows. Just one interesting shape and every time I added a detail there ... it felt wrong and I took it out.

Sometimes I don't want to finish too soon, because I'm enjoying the process, the conversation, just painting. That was true today but I also had to get ready (sort of) for our First Friday Student Exhibit and Awards Ceremony that took place tonight. It was GREAT!!!

My New Faces Wall in My Studio

My New Faces Wall

Yesterday, Randy constructed some shallow shelves in my downstairs studio at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA) as a perch for my 100 Faces Project. Having just completed my seventh face in time for our studio's First Friday opening, it was I nice premiere of sorts. I can only fit 21 faces at one time ... so three weeks' worth but they are so much more powerful in person, and keeping each other company.

Recognize Dorry (Face #1)?

Two of my "faces" came to the party tonight: Dorry (Face #1) and Tina (Face #5 and fellow studiomate). How neat!

Great Email from Face #7 (Will Tuthill) on the Joys of Sitting

I got this note yesterday from Will and can't resist sharing it. (With his permission.)

Hello Jill,

Just got a chance to take a look at "my" post on your blog. You definitely captured something of my likeness, my spirit. I'll never forget that moment when I looked at your painting of me on Friday after you said something to the effect of, "You should come take a look. Something interesting is happening." When I looked, there was a moment of surprise bordering on shock. There on the canvas was ME, not just a picture of me, but some essence of me captured there. You are gifted.

Thank you for your kind comments about me on your blog. And I like the part about the shadowed side and the bit of mystery.  :-)  We certainly covered much fascinating ground in our conversation! It's always a pleasure to feel at ease enough to share thoughts and stories at the level we did on Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed your company as well and appreciated the opportunity to see you at work, to understand a bit about how you perform your magic.

After I left on Friday I realized I forgot to give you my card. I'll try to remember to hand you one next time I see you.

Great project! I'll be following this one on your blog. Nice post on your mom. Keep up the inspiring work.

-Will