Composition In Art - Painting Classes In Roswell, GA.

 SELECTING A COMPOSITION IN ART

The following quote is by by Edgar Payne: 

"Beginners often make the mistake of selecting views that would tax the ability of the more experienced artists.  The experienced painter may be able to handle very complicated views.  However, if there be commandments to the beginners, the first one should be that he select the simple arrangements.  It takes very little of the view to make an extremely large picture.  Large simple masses are convincing; they have distinct attraction and immediately call attention to the picture.  Much study, practice and fine pictorial compositions can be gained from a few masses, values, lines, and color.  For instance, in marine painting, it is surprising how a large rock, a cliff, and perhaps a small glimpse of sea, can make an imposing canvas.  A large wave, few smaller ones, with possibly a rock or two, and a bit of land is also enough to create a fine painting." - Edgar Payne

Art instruction books can be highly beneficial.  However, the only problem is that the majority of them are not written for beginners (even though they say they are).  The paintings in most books are very complicated and serve well to show off the expertise of the author, but it often makes it very difficult for the beginner artist to follow along.  

If you're new to painting, why not sign up for art classes with me and I'd be happy to teach you everything from the basics to more advanced painting skills.  Happy Painting! - Jill Saur

Jill Saur 

Please enjoy these works and works in progress by my wonderful students.  To see more of my students work, or to inquire about taking art classes, please CLICK HERE.

  

Art Classes For Teens in Roswell, GA.

I'm re-sharing this older post to convey that I teach drawing and painting lessons to teens.  If you have a teen interested in art, please visit my website and read what my students have to say about taking art classes with me.

Three years ago:  Christopher started taking classes with me toward the end of his seventh grade year. This week, he graduated from high school and will be moving and continuing his education. Our class had a great time last night, enjoying pizza and some good laughs.

The first two photos are of Christopher and his current work. We looked back over my class blog together picking out some of his early works and different hair phases! I'll miss seeing Christopher but he assures me that he'll be back in the future and he'll stay in touch along the way. He's truly a fine young man.

If your interested in taking art classes with me, please visit my website for details.  Thanks!  www.JillSaur.com

 This blog lives at www.DailyArtClass.blogspot.com

Painting Classes in Roswell, GA.

 Painting Classes in Roswell, GA

Tonalism - Julian Alden Weir

Julian Alden Weir (1852-1919) was a master at depicting the everyday environment around us.  He was a Tonalist who used impressionism for his technique.  The tonalist style emphasizes atmosphere and shadow.  Tonalist paintings are usually a visual delight just inviting you to wander around, enjoying everything equally.  There isn't always an apparent are of interest, as the tones are very similar.

Julian Alden Weir (1852-1919)

I teach the use of tonal values to my students. In this style of painting, the artist only uses the middle values of each color.  The secret to the success of this type of work is capturing the emotion of the piece and using light and shadow to create a beautiful dance.

These works of art are usually created with muted colors of browns, yellows, greens and soft blues.  I recommend trying one of these paintings, you just may find a new style that you love to paint!  

If you've experienced the fun of a painting party and you'd like to join a class to learn more about how to draw and paint, please consider signing up for one of my weekly classes.  See my website to read what my students have to say about painting with me. 

To find information about art classes, or to see more of my students work,  CLICK HERE.

Painting Classes, Roswell GA.

                                                  ART CLASSES IN ROSWELL, GA. 

Painting and drawing classes have resumed in my Roswell, Ga. art studio.  

Whether you're a former student or someone who's interested in learning to draw or paint, I'd love for you to visit my website to learn more about what I'm doing.  I'll be teaching three classes a week this year instead of four.  My schedule is on my website.  I'll only be taking six or seven students in each class.  You can read what my students have to say about taking classes with me. When classes fill up, I'll be happy to put you on a waiting list.

There's a contact form on my website.  Feel free to get in touch!  Or, give me a call at 678-520-5668.  I'm happy to answer any questions. - Jill 

Jill Saur's Website

Painting Classes in Roswell, GA.

 Connecting With Your Subject Matter

Painting By Andrew Wyeth – American Master Artist  (1917-2009)

Written by Jill Saur

The best way to connect with others through your art, is if you're connected to what you're expressing.  

Andrew Wyeth was the quintessential example of a true American artistic genius. He was my favorite American Artist.  Andrew’s disciplined artistic journey began as a young boy. His respect for the human spirit never wavered.  Andrew Wyeth once said, “I search for the realness, the real feeling of a subject, all the texture around it, I always want to see the third dimension of something.  I want to come alive with the object.” Wyeth's desire was to capture a moment, not a frozen moment, but a fleeting moment. 

Obviously, the best way to capture a fleeting moment is to paint en plein air (the act of painting outdoors with the artist's subject in full view), setting up a still-life, or working with a live model.  For the sake of convenience, many artists work from a photograph.

When you're painting from a photograph, it's important to know the difference between a frozen moment and a fleeting moment. It's the fleeting moment that exudes feeling!  As an artist, if you're going to paint from a photo, try to paint from your own photo.  If you were compelled to pick up your camera, it's because something grabbed you that you wanted to remember and share with others.  If you take a photo of a sunrise over the ocean, you're going to remember the smell of the saltwater and the warmth of the sun on your face.  The feelings you experience in those fleeting moments are going to translate into your work as long as you stay connected to those feelings.  

On rare occasions, if I don't have a photo of something I want to paint, I use a copyright free image.  I only do that if I'm deeply connected with the subject matter and I'm not able to take the photo myself.   People can spot a phony a mile away and don't be mistaken, people can tell the difference between a painting that's wrought with feeling and a painting that's manufactured.  If I'm presenting my feelings to the world through my art, I better have feelings and they better be translatable through every stroke and nuance of color.

If you're interested in taking art classes with me in Roswell, Ga., please check out my website to see what my classes are all about.  www.JillSaurFineArt.com

Fine Art Painting Classes in Roswell, GA.

The beginning of any painting can often feel insurmountable. But, when the painting begins to progress and the mysteries of creativity unfold, a great sense of satisfaction is born. 

If you've always wanted to learn how to paint, or if you've painted in the past and want to get back to it, please contact me and let's talk about your aspirations.  

Please enjoy these beautiful past works of art by my creative and awesome students! 

To learn about my art classes, please visit my website. www.JillSaur.com

This blog lives at DailyArtClass.blogspot.com

Remembering Barbara Cox

Barbara Greenwell Cox, 67, of Milton passed away on Good Friday, April 14, 2017. She had a contagious, exuberant spirit and with all her heart loved God, life, her family and friends. - AJC - The Cox Family

Just like we wear a beautiful garment that keeps us warm on a cold winter day, we wear the legacy of love left to us by our family and friends.  And, since there's no rule about when you can remember someone, I thought I'd share my memories of Barbara today.

We were already friends when Barbara Cox joined one of my art classes that I started when I moved here thirty-nine years ago.  Barbara had a crazy good sense of humor and she could make me laugh till tears rolled down my cheeks.  She was a one-of-a-kind person with a kind heart who loved her family and friends with a fierce, undying love.  She was a fun, zany, spontaneous and creative bundle of energy. 

I've been going through photos I've taken of my friends and students the last thirty-nine years. When I found these photos of Barbara, I thought I would re-share them.  I remembered each painting of hers and the exuberance with which she created them.

Below are some photos of Barbara with her artwork and Barbara just being the awesome person she was. I loved her. I still do.

Until that sweet moment when we're reunited in the sheer bliss of heaven, I'll wear the legacy of her friendship like a beautiful garment that keeps me warm on a cold winter day. - Jill Saur

Acrylic and Oil Painting Classes in Roswell, GA.

 "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man."  Heraclitus

I'm often asked how to paint a particular subject.  I don't always do the same thing twice. There are so many ways to paint, so many wonderful techniques to investigate.  When I teach my students how to go about something, I always hope they'll experiment further at home.

Personally, I still experiment and am wildly entertained by new ideas that come to me while I'm painting.

Please enjoy these beautiful works by my awesome students.  To inquire about fine art painting classes in Roswell, GA., please visit my website for further details. 

www.JillSaur.com