Photography Ideas by Jill Saur

I took the original photo (the one in the  middle) on Friday.  I played with it in photoshop to add some dramatic color and to get some ideas for a painting (the one on top).  Afterwards,  I adjusted the different color tones into a monochromatic black and white (the one on the bottom).  I often just paint from ideas in my imagination, but there are other times that I first work with photography and photoshop to inspire new colors that I haven't worked with before.

By the way, this tree was in the parking lot of my bank on a busy highway!  I was lucky that there was an undeveloped field off to the side, giving the appearance of being out in the middle of nowhere.

©2011 Photo by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

©2011 Photo by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

©2011 Photo by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

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Courtney with her watercolor

Ray finished her flowers

Alex is working on a very creative piece

Dr. Marjorie finished her snow scene

Linda finished her flowers

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Art Classes Roswell GA

These photos were taken this morning.  I hope everyone is having a great week and working in your little sketchbooks!

Emma Rose and her first landscape painting

Pat with her snowscape

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M. Graham Watercolor Paint

I blogged the other day about M. Graham acrylic paints.  Today, I want to write about the M. Graham watercolor paints.  They are vivid and beautiful!  M. Graham is a small family owned company, and they only use the finest ingredients in their paints.

I would be sure to pick up a few tubes of this paint.  You will not be disappointed.  I also love the transparency that these colors produce.  After all, transparency is the hallmark of a watercolor painting!

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"Preparations" Onion Palette Knife Painting by Jill Sau

©2010 Onion Palette Knife Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

I love onions!  I love the textures and colors that dance from one to another.  There is something metaphorical about the layers that you have to go through to get to the heart of the onion.  It reminds me of the depth of close relationships.  Sometimes you have to go through the many layers to get to the heart of an individual.  As with an onion, sometimes there are tears.

When you find something you love, paint it!  Sometimes I will be in Whole Foods, shopping for dinner, and get completely distracted by all the textures and colors in the produce department.  I'll find a box or empty shelf and arrange an interesting still life, before putting it in my cart.  This painting is actually the result of one of those shopping trips.  Happy shopping and happy painting!

Website: CLICK HERE

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"Student Photos" Art Class Roswell GA

Zoe's first pencil drawing with me

Dotty with palette knife

Pat working on her snow scene

Pam and her flowers

Linda's flowers

Dr. Marjorie and her snow scene

Alex being super creative

Sweet Courtney (will miss you when you go

off to college)!

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M. Graham Acrylic Paint

I was going through my paint this morning and found several tubes of M. Graham acrylic paint.  I had forgotten just how much I love their colors.  I painted a small canvas to work out my colors for a large commission and decided I would primarily use M. Graham paint for the job.  I went to Blick Art Materials and bought an array of other colors that I didn't have.

If you want to try something new,  pick up a few tubes of this luxurious acrylic paint!  My class supply list calls for Golden paints (which I love) but these M. Graham paints are just superb.  You can substitute any of the colors on my supply list for this brand.  I will note that on my new supply list.  I am so happy to see that Blick Materials carries this paint.  It is priced at about the same price as Golden paint.

I have spoken with the owners of M. Graham & Co. and they are meticulous with the development of this acrylic paint and each of their colors.  The texture is ultra smooth and the colors are robust and yet delicate.

Happy Painting!!!!  - Jill Saur               www.JillSaurFineArt.com   

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"Alla Prima" By Jill Saur

Alla Prima describes paintings which are completed at one sitting. I painted this alla prima at The Bay of Silence, in Italy.

Alla Prima painting techniques were frequently used by the old masters. They used this technique for making studies and sketches. They also used alla prima when completing a painting that already had an underpainting on it. In Italian, alla prima means, 'at first'.    My website:  CLICK HERE

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"Reasons To Take Art Classes" By Jill Saur

 WHY TAKE ART CLASSES  by Jill Saur

I’ve been teaching art classes for the past twenty-seven years and I have been painting almost my entire life.  The following observations are indicative of why it is important to take art classes and learn to create. -  www.JillSaurFineArt.com

1.    Art stimulates the brain and helps develop problem-solving skills.

2.    Art builds a keener sense of perception.

3.    Art engages the senses.

4.    Art helps you relax.

5.    Art stimulates creativity.

6.    Art helps develop individuality and independence.

7.    Art helps to build self-esteem.

8.    Art gives you a sense of well-being.

9.    Art generates enjoyment.

10.  Art promotes self-expression.

11.  Art promotes abstract thinking.

12.  Art gives you a feeling of accomplishment.

13.  Art promotes non-verbal communication skills.

14.  Art is exhilarating.

15.  Art teaches us more about ourselves than we imagined.

16.  Art inspires us to be even more creative than we already are!


©2006 Jill Saur Fine Art, all rights reserved

More Photos From Last Week

Mac with her tiger

Nice to have Carole back!

Roella working on her parents portraits

Rebecca working on her flowers

Rebecca's finished painting

This Past Week

Jennifer working on her watercolor

Dr. Betty with her impromtu flowers

Ray with her flowers

Tom working on his mountains

Thursday morning class

Jim did this at home!

Jims new finished painting

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Happy New Year!

As we bring in 2011,  I thought I would just randomly share a few pics from 2010.  I have been busy building a brand new website from the ground up.  As a result, I reviewed student photos as far back as 2006.  I had so much fun looking back at all the wonderful students that I have had the pleasure to know and work with!  My new website will have albums that go back to 2006.  

Meanwhile, 2010 was a great year.  I thank all of my students who were so supportive in my transition with my studio.  I look forward to this upcoming year.  We started back with our classes last night, and it was so good to see the Monday night class after a two week break.

For Christmas, I gave sketchbooks to all my students as a gift.  By the end of February,  all of the students who have their small sketchbooks filled up with gestures, notes or drawings, will be eligible for a free original painting.  My covert plan is for you to discover the joy of using these little sketchbooks. 

Dr. Betty

Courtney

Alex

Tom

Alisha

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