The Hastening Tree by Jill Saur

I'm bringing in the New Year with this painting that remains in my own collection, and hangs in my studio.  It's called, "The Hastening Tree" and is 30"x40".  It serves as a reminder to me that life passes quickly and I need to live each day to the fullest.  This is my favorite place down at the Chattahoochee River.  The base of this tree has been completely hollowed out by disease (you can literally see the river through this tree).  A handful of roots keep it alive.  

This intrepid tree has weathered floods, severe storms, intense drought, and lightening.  Yet, it flourishes, perhaps feebly, but it takes each new day and provides beauty for those who sit under its mighty branches.  Some may think it's silly to be so moved by such a thing, but I am.  God has used this tree to inspire me, move me, and make me want to finish this life with a fierce tenacity that just doesn't give up!

My website:  CLICK HERE

©2009 Tree by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Poison Dart Frog Painting by Jill Saur

The African poison dart frog is mesmerizing,  and beautiful.  In its native habitat, one frog carries enough poison to kill up to thirty or more people!  I saw an exhibit of these frogs at The Atlanta Botanical Gardens, where I was able to take photos.  Interestingly, these frogs don't produce poison on their own.  They become poisonous after eating mites and ants that have dined on poisonous plants.  Take away the frogs toxic food source, and you take away the poison.  These little creatures are only two inches long!

This 12"x9" acrylic painting, "Little Blue Frog" is sold, but it is available in a hand-embellished limited edition giclee.  It makes a beautiful reproduction!  To email me  CLICK HERE

To visit my website  CLICK HERE

©1990-2012 Frog Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Birch Tree Painting By Jill Saur

Winter is upon us.  Daylight is a more precious commodity, causing me to treasure the sunlight outside my studio window.  I've been busy building a brand new website from scratch.  This endeavor, born out of necessity, has consumed my time.  However, as with the cold winter, there is light at the end of the tunnel! 

This acrylic birch tree painting, "Enchanted Journey" is 40"x30".  As with all my work, the image is painted on the wide bordered side.  There is no need for a frame.  This painting is rather mysterious.  It begs one to wonder, "What is down that path"?  What lies beyond the known?  Whatever unfolds in our life, it's comforting to know that God can meet all of our needs without draining any of His resources!

To see more of my artwork, please visit my website.  CLICK HERE

©1990-2012 Birch Tree Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Pear Still Life Painting

This pear still life painting is anything but still!  These pears sing, dance and even tell a story of  about the choices we make in this life.  Can you tell what the story might be?  The title of this piece is "Choice Encounter".  If there is just a hint of light in the evening, it has a beautiful glow that warms the room.

This is a big painting.  It measures 60"x36".  I just delivered, "Choice Encounter",  to a gallery that eagerly awaited its arrival.  Hopefully, these pears will find a loving family who will be brightened by their presence!  It's temporary home is Galerie Matilda, in Historic Roswell, GA.

My website:  CLICK HERE

©2011 Pear Still Life Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Tree Art

Colorado inspired the aura of this 36"x36" acrylic aspen tree painting.  This original, "Resilience", is sold.  However, I offer this painting as a limited edition, hand embellished, reproduction on canvas.  I have the best reproduction company in the United States.  By the time I am finished with the hand-embellishing, it looks like an original!

You can read about the reproduction process on my website, where you will also find more of my work. Thank you for viewing!  - Jill Saur     Psalm 118:24 "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it".

My website:  CLICK HERE

©1990-2011 Tree Art by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Buy American Art

America is the birthplace of artists such as Andrew Wyeth and Georgia O'Keeffe.  They've left a rich heritage of powerful work that impacts us to this day. 

This Holiday season, and this year, I encourage you to re-discover and support the rich talent and original art that is created in our country.  Those who render with brush and paint, pastel and charcoal, often spend many long hours alone in the studio.  As artists, we contemplate and listen to that still small voice within. We express ourselves in an art form that has the ability to transform the lives of those who are enriched by our work. We hope that our patrons will continue to value our talent, dedication, and vision.

Please remember, when you buy art from local and national artists who have spent years developing their style, technique, creativity and expertise, you become the impetus that keeps the renaissance of talented contemporary artists alive. - Jill Saur 

©2011 Buy American Art by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

©2011 Flower Painting byJill Saur, all rights reserved

Pear Painting by Jill Saur

"Infatuation", is the title of my new 36"x36" acrylic painting with a wide border.  If there is just a tiny amount of light in the room, it simply glows.  It's a fun piece and would look great in a kitchen, dining room, or even a den.  This artwork is for sale in Gallery Matilda, located in Historic Roswell, GA.  

Please visit my website to see more of my work, including my aspen tree paintings.  

CLICK HERE

©2011 Pear Painting byJill Saur, all rights reserved

Aspen Tree Artwork Canvas Print

Although I make reproductions available through my website, all of the reproductions I sell are hand-embellished giclee's.  However,  I have made a selective number of paintings available for reproductions, on Fine Art America.

Fine Art America has a very good reputation for making a good quality giclee.  The link that I provide below is to the canvas reproduction, "Aspen Desire".  If you order one of these on canvas,  I would love to hear from you.  Please let me know what you think.  Fine Art America stands behind their work and there is a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.  They come with a wide border just like you see below.  If you are interested in an original painting, please visit MY WEBSITE: CLICK HERE

Link to FINE ART AMERICA:  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present - Aspen On Canvas by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Birch Tree Painting By Jill Saur

Birch Trees and Aspen Trees are one of my favorite subject matters to paint.  They represent giving, being interconnected, and life.  This 12"x12" acrylic painting on canvas is titled, "Iridium".

Collecting orignal artwork is both, fun and rewarding.  I invite you to become a collector and experience the joy of owning artwork that uplifts and inspires!

My website:  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present, birch tree painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Birch Tree Painting by Jill Saur

I've gone through my entire blog and deleted old posts that contained images that were too large and did not have a strong enough watermark.  Unfortunately, several third party websites have captured several of my posts, and I don't want them to have my artwork.  From now on, the images on my blog will be smaller, and will contain a strong watermark.  Please visit my website to get a clear presentation of my artwork.  

I love to paint aspen trees and birch trees!  I find them to be mesmerizing and uplifting to the human spirit.  My clients tell me that my artwork brings them great joy, and this pleases me.  This painting, "Symphonic Delight", is 18"x18" and hangs in the home of a wonderful client!

To see more of my work please visit my website.  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present, aspen tree painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Jill Saur and Aspen Tree Painting

Today, I sold and delivered this newly finished aspen tree painting.  It now hangs in a gorgeous home, over an exquisite fireplace.  The owner couldn't be any nicer and it was so rewarding to see her so happy with my work. I'm not one for having my photo taken.  I did this to show the scale of a larger painting.  Funny thing, I'm working on an even larger painting right now, and I caught myself thinking, "This canvas just isn't big enough"! This acrylic painting is titled, "Rhapsody For You".  Thanks for looking!  

If you are looking for a painting for that special place in your home or business, I paint commissions.  Please read about it on my website.  

My website:  CLICK HERE

©2011 Aspen Tree by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

"Golgotha" by Jill Saur

My daughter went to graduate school in Mobile, Alabama. When I visited her, we went during the week to have a look at a very old (180 years) magnificent cathedral in town. The most amazing discovery for me was a two hundred year old statue of Jesus that was brought over from Italy (sculptor unknown). I was able to take photos. I knew that I would have to render this statue in paint. I took artistic license putting flesh and blood on this statue. 

I named this 24"x18" acrylic painting, "Golgotha". "But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed". ISAIAH 53:5 (written 600 years prior to the event).

This painting is only available as a reproduction.  The original remains in my collection.

My website:  CLICK HERE

Angel Painting by Jill Saur

“You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them.  You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6 (Old Testament)

This is actually a very complicated mixed media work of art that I did about two years ago.  After sanding and preparing a wood panel, I used masons preparation to inlay tiles, imprints and other various items.  It required many layers of paint and drying time in between varnishes.  The outcome was quite rewarding.  It hangs in a home in Hawaii.

Please visit my website to learn about collecting my artwork:  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present Angel Art by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Giclee Information by Jill Saur

The word “giclee” is a French term meaning to “spray or squirt”.  In giclee printing, no other screen or mechanical devices are used.  Therefore, there is no visible dot screen pattern.  The image has all the tonalities and hues of the original painting!  The word, giclee, as a fine art term, has come to be associated with prints using fade-resistant, archival inks.  I believe the giclee printing process provides the best accuracy of color reproduction today.

Hand-embellishing is a term used for taking a giclee and hand painting key areas of the artwork with fresh paint.  Giclees are a great way to start collecting the work of an artist whom you admire, especially if the original is sold and you love that painting.  My giclee’s  are luminous, brilliant in color, and one of a kind because no two giclee’s are embellished exactly the same.  I hand-embellish each one with the same paint that I used on the original.  When my clients receives their painting, they can’t believe it’s not an original!  Each series is limited and I keep my edition numbers low. Please read  what what of my clients wrote regarding her hand-embellished giclee (painting below) - Jill Saur

When we found “Autumn Gold” on Jill’s website, we were delighted.  We fell in love with Aspen trees while visiting Colorado and we wanted a painting that would help us capture the special moments we shared there.  At first, we were a bit skeptical about purchasing a painting online, but after talking to Jill, we were totally at ease.  We loved the fact that she was always available by phone and continuously kept us updated by email.  The painting was delivered in a perfectly sealed package and it was a joy to receive it.  We ordered a giclee and you would never know it wasn’t the original!  Jill added so many embellishments to the painting!  We also appreciated the finished edges, eliminating the need for a frame.  The painting has a perfect combination of colors, yellow and red with hints of green and even blue.  We are so proud that it is part of our home.   Thank you, Jill.   We will be in touch, Zeb and Claudine. - Boca Raton, Fla.  

Please see more about hand-embellished giclees on my website:  CLICK HERE

Notice the texture from the hand-embellishing

©1990-2011 Aspen Tree Painting Giclee by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

                                                                   More Texture

©1990-2011 Aspen Tree Painting Giclee by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

©1990 till present, aspen tree painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Birch Tree Painting by JIll Saur

This is a little 8"x10" palette knife oil painting that I just varnished yesterday. In its simplicity, it has just enough texture to evoke a dreamy feeling. I call it, "Summer Nuance".  

This is a great time to collect original art!  My website: CLICK HERE

© 1990 till present Birch Tree Painting by Jill Saur , all rights reserved

Pear Painting by Jill Saur

I just varnished this 8"x8" oil painting today. I call it, "Pear Amore". This is a palette knife painting that is loaded with texture. Painting with a palette knife is actually very relaxing and leaves a lot of room for creativity.

I particularly enjoy not having to clean my brushes in chemicals.  I just wipe my knife with paper towels.

My website:  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present Pear Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Smoky Mountain National Park

I just returned from a four day photo shoot to gather ideas for paintings. I don't think I was ready to come home! Anyone living within driving distance should consider this moment for an amazing photo shoot. The leaves are changing and are brilliant. This was the first day at 8:30 in the morning. By the fourth day, the leaves were bright yellow, and the reds were making their stellar appearance!

With brush, paint, and canvas, I will begin my journey expressing my time in one of Gods most secluded and beautiful places in the United States. www.JillSaurFineArt.com

©2011 Photo by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

I went down to the river this morning to work on my photography to prepare for an upcoming trip to the Smoky Mountain National Park. I'll be gathering photos for subject matter to paint. 

Meanwhile, my tree remains steadfast. This tree has weathered many storms, including some of mine. It's very old, living off of one or two roots, is hollow in the middle, and it's my favorite tree ever! I hope you have a place to go that has meaning in your life, a place where you can be refreshed and inspired! This is my place.

My website:  CLICK HERE

©2011 Photo by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Bear Lake, Estes Park Aspen Tree Painting by Jill Saur

Bear Lake is magnificent in the fall!  My husband and I spent nine days there on a photography trip last year.  I came away with some wonderful subject matter for my aspen and birch tree paintings!

I just put the finishing touches on this 11"x14" acrylic painting.  It's entitled, "Reaching Upward", and is available on my website.  This work is vibrant and emanates joy!

My website:  CLICK HERE                                   My email:  CLICK HERE

© 2011 Aspen Tree Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Pear Painting

This is my latest creation. This acrylic on canvas is 10"x10" and is titled, "Reunion". The two pears in the middle represent the matriarchs of a family. I just can't seem to render pears without giving them a personality, I think it helps me to paint in a more expressive way!  This painting has wide borders and the image is painted on the side. There is no need for a frame.  

This pear painting is available on my website:  CLICK HERE.  Or, if you would like you can email me:  CLICK HERE.

©1990 till present, pear painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Fall Landscape Painting by Jill Saur

I just put the finishing touches on this 10"x8"x1.5" acrylic landscape painting.   I've named it "Autumn Allure", for the beckoning jeweled tones that emanate from the distant trees.

The inspiration is from a photo I took up near Cades Cove in Tennessee. There is a dirt road leading off the main road on the way to Cades Cove. The best kept secret is down that dirt road. It leads to an amazing waterfall and a stream that never seems to end. The rocks are huge and just gorgeous!

My email:  CLICK HERE                             My website:  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present, fall landscape by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Golden Open Acrylics

Golden Open Acrylics

Although I primarily use Golden Heavy Body acrylics for my acrylic paintings, I also enjoy Golden Open Acrylics. The open acrylic drying time is longer than regular acrylics, allowing a generous amount of time to blend. The difference in using this paint rather than the regular acrylics, is that once you apply it, and have finished blending, you need to let it completely dry before going back into it, if you want to change anything. As it begins to 'set up', it gets tacky and further blending at this stage does not work. I am actually working on a painting right now and I'm using this paint. I'll post the results in a day or so. - Jill

"GOLDEN OPEN Acrylics are a slow-drying formulation with a slightly softer consistency than GOLDEN Heavy Body paints. The increased working time of these colors expands their range to include more traditional techniques that was once only possible with oils." 

Read more: http://www.goldenpaints.com/products/color/open/index.php

My website:  www.JillSaurFineArt.com

Pear Painting by Jill Saur

I love to paint pears because they remind me of the human figure.  I give them personalities when I paint them.  I like to have fun imagining what they are up to. These characters below are standing around the water cooler, telling the latest stories about their friends in the office.  It is appropriately named, "Gossip".

This watercolor painting was rendered on a 16"x20" sheet of archival watercolor paper.  

Please visit my website to see more of my work.  I ship anywhere in the United States and abroad.  I invite you to become a collector and discover the joy of owning artwork that uplifts and inspires!

My website:  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present, pear painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

"Today" by Jill Saur

I don't normally do this, but I'm going to get a bit more personal here today.  I've been thinking about a post that a friend of mine shared on Facebook yesterday.  His name is Chuck.  You see, Chuck has Lou Gehrig's disease, otherwise known as A.L.S.  He's been battling this for a number of years now, and he is an inspiration to all who know him.  

Tree Branch by Jill Saur

The following quote is from Chucks post yesterday:   

"Thank God It's Today". We can never say, thank God it's tomorrow, or thank God it's yesterday. We cannot experience God's grace for tomorrow, today; but we don't need to. We don't know what a day may bring forth. Live in today and seek God's best (Matthew 6:33-34).

This is normally a difficult time of the year for me.  It marks the anniversary of my mother passing away.  Her death was very painful for me to watch, leaving scars that I thought would never heal.  When I read what Chuck wrote yesterday, it changed the way I am choosing to see September.  This doesn't mean I will forget my mother or her passing.  It means I will not live there in my mind and emotions, when I have today to fully embrace.  Today is a gift.  It's what I have now.  It feels so wonderful to simply say, "Thank God it's today"!   

The tree branch (above) doesn't live in yesterdays storms.  It  doesn't live in tomorrows blue skies or rainy days.  It lives in todays fresh breezes that rustle its leaves, providing a melody for those who will listen.  I'm listening......

Art Commission

This art commission is hanging in the home of wonderful clients who found me through my website.  I invited both the husband and wife to my studio to see my work in person, and to discuss their vision for a commission.  They were looking for an original aspen tree painting to be the centerpiece of the beautiful custom home they were building in Atlanta.

After they decided to move forward, they emailed me a color chart reflecting the colors they wanted their special piece to have.  After I made my own chart with my acrylic paints, I invited them to my studio to see the colors in person.  They also brought me a pottery piece with the colors they wanted in the painting.  You can read more about this process on my website and see my preliminary drawing, and the stages of painting while it was in process.

You might be wondering why an artist would take the time to be so thorough with a client.  All I can say is that I will go the distance with any client, in order to be completely sure they are one- hundred percent satisfied.  I believe the client has the right to be as involved as they choose, especially if they haven't purchased a painting from me in the past.

If you've been looking for a unique painting to fit a specified place, but haven't found both the right painting and the right size.  Please consider commissioning me to paint an original work of art just for you!  See more of my work here:  CLICK HERE

You can contact me here:  EMAIL ME      

Please enclose your phone number in the email so  I can give you a call.  Thanks, Jill

©2011 Aspen Tree Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

©2011 Aspen Tree Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Why Buy Original Art? By Jill Saur

I wrote this article for my website back in 2006.  Since it is still fresh and relevant for today, I'm sharing it again for those who haven't read it. 

WHY BUY ORIGINAL ART? By Jill Saur

You walk into a gallery or browse through an artists website, and all of a sudden, amid the host of paintings, your attention is turned to just one.  As if you were the main character in a romance novel, your heart begins to race, and you find yourself swept away.  Then, in the quietness of your observation, this image that has no literal voice, begins to speak to you, uplift your spirit, move your heart and make you smile.

Do you get my point?  Of course you do.  The number one reason to buy an original work of art is because of how much you love it and how it makes you feel.  People who buy original art have a lot to smile about!

A great painting inspirits the right hemisphere of our brains, stimulating ideas, and ideas are the root of creativity.  If you surround yourself with art that inspires, you will be inspired!

Studies in work environments have shown that the productivity of an employee is elevated by as much as 25% when they are exposed to original art in their everyday jobs. This doesn’t surprise me.  Art that makes us feel good can uplift our moods and give us a greater sense of well-being.  My patrons tell me that my art inspires them and the more they look at my work, the more they see.  The greatest two compliments I get are that my paintings exude ‘joy’ and that they're displayed in a prominent place for all to enjoy.

When you buy an original painting from me you will have a one-of-a-kind creation that no one else in the world has. With the longevity of the premium quality acrylic and oil paints I use, your painting will become a family heirloom and be able to be passed down to subsequent generations. 

Original art also has aesthetic value.  It can either blend in with the natural décor of a room, or as many collectors prefer, it can stand out from everything else and be the focal point.  Because my art is vibrant, full of life, and luminous,  most of my clients purchase my art to become the focal point of a room or office.

When you buy art from local and national artists who have spent years developing their style, technique, creativity and expertise, you become the impetus that keeps the renaissance of talented contemporary artists alive. - Jill Saur - www.JillSaur.com

My Website:  CLICK HERE

© 2006 Art River Studio, LLC,/Jill Saur Fine Art, “Why Buy Original Art”, all rights reserved. 

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci (Upside Down)

When I was in art school, I learned an invaluable trick from one of my professors.  When I was working on a painting and wanted to really tell how it was coming along, I would turn it upside down, walk away, and study it.  My professor would say, "If it looks good upside down, then you know it will look good right side up".  If something just looked off when it was upside down, it would usually be the key area that I needed to work on when it was right-side up.

Here is one of the most recognized and beautiful paintings of all time.  Just look how exquisite Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, "The Mona Lisa", looks when she is turned upside-down!  Whether you are an artist, or a photographer, if you have not tried this when critiquing your work, I guarantee that it will help!

My website:  CLICK HERE

Flower Painting by Jill Saur "Inside Beauty"

I finished this 20"x20" acrylic painting this week. I've named it, "Inside Beauty", to remind myself to slow down and reflect on the hidden treasure that lies within our souls.  This painting is vibrant, full of color, and has a beautiful glow any time of day.

To purchase this piece, please visit my website and click on 'Contact Information'.  I accept all major credit cards, and I ship anywhere in the United States and abroad.

Website:  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present, Flower Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

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Landscape River Painting by Jill Saur

Fresh off the easel!  I am calling this 11"x14" acrylic on wide border canvas, "Radiant Destination". It was inspired by one of my haunts down at the Chattahoochee River, here in Roswell, GA.  The warm undertones shine through and this painting just glows in any light.

I guarantee customer satisfaction with all my paintings.  My website:  CLICK HERE

©1990 till present, landscape painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Van Gogh "Landscape At Twilight"

The artwork of Vincent Van Gogh moves me to contemplation and great emotion.  His paintings were on display at the High Museum several years ago.  I remember walking around the corner and seeing one of his paintings in person for the first time.  As my eyes welled up with tears,  I realized that his troubled spirit found solace in expressing his feelings through his painting.  This was later confirmed when I read one of the letters that he wrote to his sister.

Below, I am providing a link to a video from the Van Gogh Museum.  Van Gogh's studio practice is evaluated with his painting, "Landscape At Twilight".  I think this painting is beautiful and probably was painted during one of Vincent's better times.  This is worth watching!

CLICK HERE

Van Gogh "Landscape At Twilight"

Find; Buy Art, aspen tree paintings; tree painting; tree art; tree paintings; abstract art; Canvas Art;  aspen art; aspen art, Atlanta Artist, Atlanta local artists; Artist Atlanta, Georgia Art; Colorado Art, New Mexico Art, Taos Art, snow scene, Landscape paintings, Aspen arts, Jill Saur,  Utah art, Wyoming Art, Minnesota Art,  National Parks Art, American Art,  joyful art, vibrant art, Chattahoochee River, Colorado Scenes, New Mexico scenes, art commission, commission art,  Vincent Van Gogh