Jill Saur

Jill Saur in Colorado

The first time I came across this magnificent aspen forest in Kebler Pass, Colorado, I was with Tom, my husband. It was toward the end of the day and we were both hungry and tired. When I saw these trees and the amount of land to wander through them, I was exhilarated. We explored captured some great photos for subject matter to paint. I was determined that one day I would return to further explore this mesmerizing forest and linger amongst the aspens.

It took two and half years, but I made it back to the exact place in my forest of trees. My sister and I took a trip together and I was able to share these special places with her. I just don't have words to describe the sheer beauty of an aspen forest. The quaking leaves make a music all their own and the eyes on the trees are everywhere, watching...always watching. Actually, they're scars from where the lower branches break off. Aspen trees need light to grow. When the lower branches get less light, they begin to die and break off.

I've always called aspens, "The Giving Trees", because when there's a fire in a forest or mountain side, they're the first ones to start growing. They nourish the soil for other types of trees to take root and grow. As other trees grow up around them, the aspens (being the shorter tree) eventually die off because they don't get enough light. They give their life so that other trees might grow. Hence, the giving trees.

It's been about five years since I was in this spot. Hmmm, perhaps it's time for another visit. If you've never visited an aspen forest, I hope that one day you'll have the chance. You'll be amazed and quite possibly, you'll never be the same. - Jill

My Website: CLICK HERE

Pear Painting

Pear Painting by Jill Saur

This is "Imminent Delight" my new acrylic 10"x 8" acrylic palette knife painting. I paint with my knife a good portion of the time. It propels a certain spontaneity and enables a dance between the paint, the knife and me. I'm less in control and more of a spectator. I know how to dance, but I allow the paint and the knife to lead.

"Imminent Delight" by Jill Saur © 2021

If you like this piece, you can purchase it on my website. CLICK HERE  Thank you for viewing!

Commission A Painting, Atlanta, GA.

I'm Jill Saur, and I love to paint commissions.  Many artists steer away from taking on a project that will ultimately be under the scrutiny of their clients.  However,  I love doing just that!  I've been incredibly blessed to have the nicest clients which motivates me even further to meet their expectations.  

I just finished this 30"x40" commissioned piece titled, "Buckhead Vista".  Below, you can see photos of my process and my clients review. - Jill Saur

From my clients who commissioned 30"x40" "Buckhead Vista"

"Jill made our first original painting experience incredibly special. We approached Jill after finding her work online wanting to commission a painting of the view from our Buckhead balcony. Our intent was to capture the beauty of the view to feature in our future homes, and we specifically picked Jill due to her ability to capture the vibrance of natural and man-made landscapes. 

Jill worked with us to pick our favorite photo of the balcony view and fine-tuned it to the perfect depiction of a fall day looking north to the mountains. Throughout the process, Jill was extremely communicative and sent our family regular progress updates.  She worked tirelessly to perfect every aspect of the photo and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. We are so excited to have this unique piece in our family and will cherish it for years to come!" Thank you for everything, Jill! Best, Cara - Buckhead, GA.

I chose hues from my personal color charts that matched up with the enhanced colors in the photo from Cara's balcony.  

I ended up mixing paint on six palette's for this project, my new record.

Stratocumulus clouds are very difficult to paint.  I painted a work-up sky on a smaller canvas, working out my strategy for the sky and then I began the larger piece. 

After getting further along with the sky, I painted a yellow underpainting for the trees and foliage. This way, they would end up with a beautiful glow.

This next photo shows the beginnings of the foliage.

The street scenes were very complicated.  Not wanting to settle for anything less than spectacular, I painted them several times to get the perspective and size correct.  Below, you can see the finished result.

Cara's husband, Aaron, picked up the painting so that he could take it to the framer.  With his permission, I'm sharing this photo.  Happy client, happy artist!