The Love Of Painting  By Jill Saur

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

I love picking up a blank white canvas.  I love contemplating the possibilities of what will emerge when I let myself go.

I love the musing of which brush I will select, or which brush will select me.  My brushes are like old friends with whom I am very familiar, yet I still find delight in what they are capable of doing.

I love picking up my palette knife. It is the instrument that will facilitate the mixing and dividing of hue, as well as the application of rich, dramatic texture that will bring my paintings to life.

I love opening the jars of paint, to be reminded of how their hues have deeply affected my life. The vivid blues speak of my first bicycle, and the shimmering waters of the ocean at dawn.  Painful or pleasing, color is deeply interwoven into every synapse of my being.

I love the way the first strokes of paint glide across the canvas, and I love the way I can feel the texture of that canvas through the vibrations in my brush.

I love stepping back to become an observer, and waiting until the painting reveals what it needs before I proceed.

I love when light and shadow and form begin to emerge from the canvas, and take on a life of their own.

I love what painting teaches me about life, and I love what life teaches me about painting.  I love that I can paint what I feel, and I especially love how I feel when I paint.

I love that the painting experience lightens pain, and gives wings of flight to fettered human limitations.

I love the way painting causes me to look to a source greater than myself for inspiration and guidance.  And, when I get to the end of a painting, I love that I know when I’ve made that final stroke that enables me to say, “It is finished”.

I love knowing that although I cannot sing with my voice, my paintings are like a song that will resonate through the years, even after I’m gone.  - Jill Saur 2010

My website: www.JillSaurFineArt.com

Koi Painting by Jill Saur

My 24"x18" acrylic painting, "Maui Madness", was inspired by a group of vivacious koi that were in a pond near Black Rock in Maui. I designed this painting from five different photos. I wanted to create a circular effect, portraying the circle of life. 

The original painting is in a private collection. I offer this in a limited edition giclee on my website. Thanks for viewing! 

www.jillsaurfineart.com/limited-editions/maui-madness-18x24-sold.html#previous-photo

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

Floral Painting by Jill Saur

It's a floral day. It's cold and rainy outside here in Georgia.  I thought I would liven things up a bit with this highly textured and cheerful palette knife painting. The title of this 11"x14" acrylic painting is, "Bouquet In Pink". 

It's available on my website.  CLICK HERE

©1990-2012 Floral Art by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Estes Park, Colorado - Bear Lake

Last year, Tom and I went to Estes Park, Colorado.  It is one of our treasured National Parks that I hope to return to one day.  If you ever get a chance to visit, be sure you spend a day up at Bear Lake!  Tom and I went at least two or three times.  We came away with some incredible photos for me to use for subject matter to paint.  This 11"x14" acrylic painting, "Autumn Inspiration" is inspired by one of my walks up at Bear Lake.  The aspens were just beginning to change.  The brilliant hues of the quaking leaves, against the azure sky, captured my spirit.  I suppose that's why we went back two days later to do some more photo shoots and take in the extraordinary beauty of this magical wonderland.

This  expressive painting is available on my website.  I invite you to become a collector and experience the joy of owning artwork that inspires and uplifts your soul! - Jill

My website:  CLICK HERE

©1990-2012  Aspen Tree Art by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Michelangelo

Michelangelo

If you could go back in time and spend one day with an artist, whom would you choose?  Today, I’m choosing Michelangelo.  His passion, dedication and genius forever influenced the development of Western Art!

His visage is not always recognized.  However, his work is immortalized.  Michelangelo was born in

1475, and is known as the supreme Renaissance artist. He was a sculptor, a painter, an architect, and a poet.  He lived a long life and left a legacy that has lasted over five hundred years!  He is perhaps best known for his renderings in the Sistine Chapel.

Contrary to popular belief, Michelangelo did not paint the Sistine Chapel while lying down on his back.  He stood on the scaffolding that he designed himself.  However, this put tremendous strain on his neck and arms.  From his discomfort, unparalleled beauty was born! 

It took a little over four years for Michelangelo to complete his frescoes.  He used the Buon fresco technique.  It was the first time he used this difficult, laborious technique.  Buon fresco is painting with pigment that is mixed with water.  This is applied on a thin layer of wet, fresh plaster.  His assistants helped with the plaster, but only Michelangelo applied the strokes of paint to the ceiling.  He also had to learn some incredibly difficult techniques in perspective in order to make his figures look correct on a curved surface, from sixty feet below!  

The old masters were dedicated, patient, deeply inspired, and exhibited great focus.  I hope these characteristics in future generations; will not be lost to the insatiable desire for immediate gratification.   -  Jill Saur  www.JillSaurFineArt.com

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel

UGA Arch

The UGA arch is a well-known landmark at the University of Georgia. The Arch is a cast iron representation of the seal of the state of Georgia. The three pillars stand for Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation, which is the state motto of Georgia. This arch is considered to be the gateway to the University.

My watercolor painting, "Three Pillars Of The Arch", is available in a 14"x10" limited edition giclee on archival, hand-made watercolor paper. It frames out to be a 20"x16" painting.  I'm so proud of the company that I use to make reproductions. It is just about impossible to tell the original from the giclee!

To learn more about what a giclee is, or to inquire about this limited edition, please visit my website. CLICK HERE

©1990-2012 UGA Arch by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Floral Art On Canvas by Jill Saur

"Romantic Infusion", is a four foot by three foot acrylic floral painting on canvas. If there is just a hint of light in the room, the glowing ambiance beckons the viewer to be drawn in. The original painting is sold.  However, I offer it in a limited edition giclee on canvas.  The title of this work is, "Romantic Infusion".

To purchase a hand-embellished giclee, please visit my website.  CLICK HERE

©1990-2012 Floral painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Psalm 19
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day unto day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, there are no words, whose voice is not heard."

Amidst the clamor and the noise, God still speaks to us through His creation.
It's so amazing that despite everything that's going on in this world, God still knows every thought in our mind, every feeling in our heart, and He listens to the words that we speak! How incredible it is to take the time to listen to Him.

I took this photo during sunrise at Crescent Beach, Florida. Although I no longer live in Florida, I grew up by the sea, where my love for nature was born.  My artwork, is a natural outpouring of my encounter with Gods majestic creation.

To see my work, please visit my website at www.AspenArtwork.com.

©2011 Crescent Beach Fla. by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Today Is An Original

Today is an original, a one-of-a-kind day!  There are no limited editions that will be for sale, there are no extra canvases to substitute. There is only one today.

If your brush is your voice, what words will you choose to express your thoughts, and your dreams?   If color is your heart, what expressions will you use to show your feelings?  Today is not a Van Gogh day, a Michelangelo day, or a Picasso day.  Today is a day with your name on it.  It’s an original, just like you. – Jill Saur

My website: CLICK HERE

©2011 River Photography by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

Jill Saur Fine Art 25th Anniversary

2012 marks the 25th anniversary of selling my original artwork via fine art galleries, my online gallery, and my private studio.  Many thanks to all my collector's who've made this an amazing and unforgettable journey!  

As I write this, I'm looking over at a blank canvas sitting on my easel.  Like the new year that lies ahead, this canvas holds as many possibilities as there are hues of the rainbow.  I can't wait to see what unfolds on my canvas, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead in the upcoming year. 

May your days in this upcoming year be filled wonder, and saturated with rich hues of breathtaking beauty! - Jill                                                                               
My new website:  CLICK HERE

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

  

Flower Art by Jill Saur

This is just about the time of year that I want to be thinking about the warm sunshine in spring! Tulips are one of my favorite flowers. Their simple beauty and suggestion of friendship and love does a soul good. I sold this 40"x30" tulip painting back in 2006 to a wonderful client who proudly hangs it in her dining room.

If you are interested in a hand-embellished limited edition giclee of this painting, please contact me.  To see more of my work, please visit my website.  CLICK HERE

"Objective painting is not good painting unless it is good in the abstract sense. A hill or tree cannot make a good painting just because it is a hill or tree. It is lines and colors put together so that they may say something." - Georgia O'Keeffe

©1990-2012 Flower Art by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

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