CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-17 18:20:09 (8 comments, 3 reshares, 15 +1s)

Giant Pacific Octopus Painting 

“My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea, and the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me.” - Longfellow

This is my four foot by four foot acrylic painting of a Great Giant Pacific Octopus.  Of all my work, this painting is going to take a very specialized buyer.  It was intended for the Georgia Aquarium, but as it turned out, there wasn't room to hang it in the main lobby.  I had a lot of fun painting it! www.JillSaurFineArt.com  

2013-05-14 15:29:51 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

Aspen Scars

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” - Kahlil Gibran

This is up on Kebler Pass outside of Crested Butte, Colorado.  It's subject matter for a future painting. www.JillSaur.com

#treetuesday  curated by +Christina Lawrie +Allan Cabrera +Shannon S. Myers +Ralph Mendoza Thanks!

2013-05-13 21:42:36 (14 comments, 2 reshares, 13 +1s)

Maine Lighthouse Painting

Just finished my 24"x12" acrylic palette knife painting of a Maine Lighthouse. I softened the buildings with a touch of fog, brought a light path up two areas of the rocks, creating a path for the eye to travel through the painting, and sprinkled a little pixie dust in the water. 

Painting is like a dance. With quick strokes of the brush, the beginning is often like the tango. The middle is like a fine waltz, keeping in step with the music. The end of a painting is like a slow dance, paying close attention to the partners every nuance, move and look. It's always best when I let the painting lead! www.JillSaur.com

2013-05-11 12:54:59 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 19 +1s)

Colorado Artwork

This is my new 9"x12" acrylic palette knife painting, "Kebler Pass Aspen", inspired by my favorite forest in the pass, just outside of Crested Buttte, Colorado.  www.JillSaurFineArt.com

2013-05-08 17:18:26 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 12 +1s)

#wordlessonwednesday  

2013-05-07 12:52:55 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 3 +1s)

Do Trees Communicate With Each Other?  In this video, Dr. Suzanne Simard shares the organic way in which trees communicate!  

Personally, I know more about aspen trees than any other tree.  They are connected underground by their enormous root system and can actually grow a new tree from their root ball. 

+Allan Cabrera, This was for you.  Feel free to share with #treetuesday  if you like. - Jill Saur

Do trees communicate?

2013-05-07 12:30:38 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

"If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it; every arrow that flies feels the attraction of earth." -  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Gravity tugs on the minds and hearts of our human nature.  I'm reminded of what I'm told when standing high above a precipice, "Don't look down"!  That's great advice for every day life.  I think I'll take that with me. 

Photo taken at Leita Thompson Park, Georgia.  www.JillSaur.com

#treetuesday  curated by +Christina Lawrie +Allan Cabrera +Shannon S. Myers +Ralph Mendoza 

2013-05-05 21:15:19 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Cayman Painting

I just put the finishing touches on this 16"x20" acrylic palette knife painting that I titled, "Cayman Blues".  This little boat was beached on Little Cayman Island and I thought it made for a nice shot and someday a nice painting.

The Cayman Islands contain some of the worlds most beautiful waters to dive and snorkel in.  The beaches are pristine and I count it a privilege to have been there several times in my life.  www.JillSaur.com

Thanks for viewing! 

2013-05-04 12:01:45 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Red Tulip Painting

Do you love the many hues of red?  I do and I paint with them often.  The color red stirs excitement, passion, and imagination.  My 36"x36" acrylic painting on canvas, "Rhapsody In Red", was a labor of love.  Reds can be very difficult to work with when blending their many hues.  Those who know me know that I never give up.  This painting was no exception!  www.jillsaur.com

2013-05-02 23:41:49 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Speechless...  (@ 06:20 )                               
Amazing performance by +Miyoko SHIDA
#videooftheweek

2013-05-02 17:44:37 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

UGA VI Painting

It was a great privilege to be given a press pass to photograph on the sidelines during the University of Georgia football games.  Through photography, I was able to get subject matter to paint.  Here is a 50th anniversary painting that I did of UGA VI.  It's titled, "UGA VI, Guardian of the Legacy".  I've sold limited editions of this painting and I still have the original.  I'm holding on to it for that "special fan".  www.jillsaur.com

2013-04-30 13:57:14 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

James Rhodes is as creative with his words as he is with his music.  Listen to what James has to say, then listen what he has to play!

James Rhodes performs Beethoven's Piano Sonata in E Flat, Op31 No3 second movement

2013-04-30 13:54:18 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Ever thought about learning to paint, or playing the piano?  As an artist and art teacher/facilitator, I've noticed that dedication to an art form has severely declined in the last twenty-five years.  I also know that those who dive in and go deeper than the surface, find self expression and creativity to be an extreme source of satisfaction!  

Read what James Rhodes has to say!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2013/apr/26/james-rhodes-blog-find-what-you-love

2013-04-30 11:35:48 (4 comments, 2 reshares, 2 +1s)

Today, I want to recommend a wonderful, free resource to you. I’m talking about (drum roll please) the PicMonkey app!

2013-04-30 16:38:02 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

“In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.” – Ansel Adams  

Leita Thompson Memorial Park is a one hundred acre park near our home just outside of Atlanta. In an open field near the entrance, you’ll find this old tree resting on a hill.  www.jillsaur.com

#treetuesday curated by +Christina Lawrie +Allan Cabrera +Shannon S. Myers +Ralph Mendoza 
#Tree Tuesday

2013-04-29 13:29:09 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 15 +1s)

Tree Art

The tree painting was inspired by a tree down at the beautiful Chattahoochee River in Roswell, GA.  I love to create texture in my art.  Working intuitively, using a variety of palette knives, I layer the paint and watch the scene come to life.  This 11"x14" acrylic palette knife painting is titled, "Delightful Encounter".  

Sometimes I think that most of the folks in Atlanta aren't aware of the beautiful trails, water scenes, and momentary getaways that the Chattahoochee River affords.  If you live here, check it out.  You'll be glad you did!  www.JillSaur.com

2013-04-28 16:23:07 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)

#Nautical Art

Seabird Key is an enthralling getaway just a short boat ride from Marathon Key.  A number of years ago, I had the privilege of spending a glorious week there with my sister.  On the eastern corner of the small island, there was an abandoned boat.  I was taken with the colors, age, and presence of this old craft.  Last year I came across my photos of this boat and knew I had to paint it.  

Here is my finished work, painted in the Post-Impressionist style, reminiscent of Van Gogh.  This 11"x14" acrylic palette knife painting on canvas is titled, "Rhapsodic Blues".  www.jillsaur.com

Quote from the guestbook at Seabird Key:  *"When blue days come, we will take out our memories and touch them with our heart, and smile".*

2013-04-27 19:01:59 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 21 +1s)

Pear Still LIfe Painting

My still life paintings portray a story.  This 10"x10" acrylic pear painting on wide border canvas is titled, "Reunion".  It represents the coming together of a family that has been separated by the distance of time and space.

"The sweetness of reunion is the joy of heaven." - Richard Paul Evans

www.JillSaur.com

2013-04-25 21:08:46 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 19 +1s)

As a photographer, I photograph what I see.  As an artist, I paint what I remember. This juxtaposition is a beautiful dance.  When I walk amidst the aspens, I’m moved to capture their beauty.  But, capturing them is not enough.  I must reach for the paint, brushes and canvas that will once again set them free.  - Jill Saur  

www.JillSaur.com

2013-04-19 16:23:47 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 13 +1s)

Aspen In Winter

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy". - William Blake

My 36"x48" acrylic painting on wide border canvas, "Awake Before Winter", is serene, inviting, and certainly to be enjoyed. This aspen tree paining has a glow that emanates during the light of day as well as the darker hours of the evening, beckoning the viewer to reflect the complexities of this life.

www.JillSaur.com

2013-04-18 13:39:51 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 16 +1s)

Aspen Tree Painting   +NatureArtThursday 

Inspired by the breathtaking scenery of Taos, New Mexico and the majestic San Juan Mountain Range of Colorado, I painted this 18"x24" acrylic painting, "Golden Vibrance".  It hangs in my personal collection to remind me of one of the most beautiful days in my life.  www.JillSaur.com

#natureartthursday  with thanks to +Trisha Standard & +Dane Clingan 
 
©1990-2013 Aspen Tree Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

2013-04-16 14:25:15 (7 comments, 2 reshares, 16 +1s)

Trees In Art by Jill Saur

This is "my tree" at the Chattahoochee River. It's the subject of a number of my paintings. Its life is fraught with meaning to my artistic soul and its sheer will to survive inspires me.  Completely hollow inside the base of this tree, one or two roots running up the side, manage to sustain the life of this warrior.  

My 30"x40" acrylic painting, "The Hastening Tree", remains in my personal collection.  Reproductions are available. www.JillSaur.com
 
One of my photos of this tree was originally shared for #treetuesday  curated by +Christina Lawrie +Allan Cabrera and +Shannon S. Myers 

2013-04-16 13:55:38 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Tree At Dawn

This is "my tree" at the Chattahoochee River. It's the subject of a number of my paintings. Its life is fraught with meaning to my artistic soul and its sheer will to survive inspires me.  Completely hollow inside the base of this tree, one or two roots running up the side, manage to sustain the life of this warrior.  www.JillSaur.com

#treetuesday  +Christina Lawrie +Allan Cabrera +Shannon S. Myers 

2013-04-15 14:22:35 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 5 +1s)

Happy World Art Day! 
“How much there is in art that is beautiful, if only one can remember what one has seen, one is never empty or truly lonely, and never alone.” - Vincent van Gogh (mid-November 1878)
Full letter: http://vangoghletters.org/vg/letters/let148/letter.html

What’s your favourite art work?

Here’s a favourite from our collection:
Vincent van Gogh, Almond Blossom, 1890, Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

2013-04-14 00:39:18 (9 comments, 1 reshares, 18 +1s)

Going The Extra Mile In Life And Business

I love my clients and the owner of "Rhapsody For You" is no exception.  This is a 48"x36" acrylic painting on canvas that was purchased to be the focal point of a beautiful home here in Atlanta.  My client had a carpenter  build a panel over the built in mirror above her exquisite marble fireplace in order to hang my painting.  

When she recently saw a new technique that I added to my work, I could see how much she loved and appreciated what I was doing.  Two weeks later and I've been to her home, picked up her painting, added my new technique and re-delivered it back to her home.  She didn't ask me to make the changes, I offered.  She compensated me for my work, but the greatest reward for me was to see her smile when I re-hung her painting.

My father taught me at an early age that"... more »

2013-04-11 20:29:13 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Old Masters: Overlooked Women Artists by Joan Altabe

It's always nice to be reminded that the Old Masters included some rather prolific, creative, and ingenious women.  Enjoy!

http://www.gadflyonline.com/01-14-02/ftr-women.html

2013-04-13 03:12:27 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Trees In Art 

Sometimes it's hard to let these big pieces go without being able to put a face with the person who bought it.  "Circle of Quiet One" and "Circle of Quiet Two" (three feet by four feet each), have recently sold to a new collector through one of my representing galleries. 

I give my sincere thanks and gratitude to those who have purchased my works of art over the years in various galleries around the country.  It is my longing that my art will bring you the same joy and inspiration with which it was painted. Sincerely Yours, Jill Saur

www.JillSaur.com

2013-04-10 22:23:36 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

four 35x27 cm.
Oil on canvas with palette knife.

2013-04-09 12:43:37 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Balance Returns to PageRank Force. Avoid The Dark Side.
Strong am I with the force. – The dark side are they. 

① A G+edi's strength flows from the Force.
② When you look at the dark side, careful you must be.
③ For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is.
④ Is PageRank only one of 200+ ranking factors?
⑤ There are many other important search ranking factors.
⑥ PageRank even has other applications in science.
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Part 6, of +Joshua Berg's Google+ PageRank Series.
If new to this series I suggest you read Part 1-5 at the bottom.
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If this series helps you please share it! As I explain why teaching your network about quality contentimproves yours.
Also welcome to follow real estate marketing at +HousesFast 
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more »

2013-04-09 12:00:03 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)

 *TREES* #treetuesday  

There are places I go to look at the trees
Their limbs are like arms reaching toward the sun 
Sublimely they live and in silence they speak
Until they bow down from whence they’ve come. - Jill Saur

#treetuesday  +Christina Lawrie +Allan Cabrera +Shannon S. Myers 
www.JillSaur.com

2013-04-08 14:46:03 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

http://jillsaurfineart.blogspot.com
Moody Tree Painting

This is one of the moodiest tree paintings that I've rendered.  An emotional piece to work on, "Paso Doble", was inspired by my personal journey painting through the complexities of my own physical limitations.

2013-04-07 20:13:54 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 15 +1s)

Aspen Artwork

My new little 8"x10" acrylic palette knife painting has rich texture and hues of gold that beckon the viewer to immerse themselves in the finest of daydreams. "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time". - Thomas Merton

Thank you for viewing!   www.JillSaur.com

2013-04-06 03:20:19 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Rhythm of the Sea Edith Point -  20 x 40 inch oil on canvas

There is nothing like the surf rolling in with full gusto onto the sandstone rocks. I love it! With the limited palette of late afternoon of a hazy day on the north side of the island, the waves are the most prominent feature. This painting is finished but will not be released for awhile. Simply because I am not ready to part with it yet.

Posted today for #firstfridayartwalk at +First Friday Art Walk

#art #oilpaintings #seascapes #landscapes  

2013-04-03 17:26:51 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Painting is my life, my song, my breath, and my complete joy.  Since I started to paint when I was a very little girl, I suppose that outside the realm of people, I could say that painting was my very first love and remains so till this day.

THE LOVE OF PAINTING by Jill Saur 2010

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 remindedof... more »

2013-04-02 13:59:45 (3 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

Tulip Painting

This 36"x36" acrylic tulip painting on wide bordered canvas, "Rhapsody In Red", is fresh off the easel.  I actually started this one several years ago but had to abandon it to work on my aspen paintings.  I was so happy to have found it again and put my heart into finishing it just in time for Spring!

www.JillSaurFineArt.com
©1990-2013 Tulip Painting by Jill Saur, all rights reserved

2013-04-01 00:26:14 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

Trees In Art

Trees in art, my favorite subject to paint!  What's the allure?  Since the beginning of time trees have been and continue to be used to teach us great lessons in life.  In art, I've been inspired by Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh's renderings of trees. 

However, the single painting that influenced my love for telling stories by rendering trees was one painting that I saw when I was a teenager.  In fact, I watched every stroke being applied as the soulful rendering of this one tree came to life.  The artist was my mother.  It was sort of a fantasy painting with a light that emanated deep inside the forest, where a little cabin rested comfortably in the woods.  It wasn't until years after my mother passed away that I heard my Uncle relate what he thought my mother was portraying in this painting.  It was the only time I ever saw my Unclecry.  more »

2013-03-31 21:15:18 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 14 +1s)

Happy Easter to my Google Plus artist, photographer, social media and technology friends!  Hope your day has been a peaceful one. :) - Jill

2013-03-30 01:50:28 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 21 +1s)

Crested Butte, Co.

The mystique, the majesty, the utter magnificent experience of spending time on the mountain top amidst the aspen forest on Kebler Pass.  This is where my spirit soars and my artistic senses are inspired to continue to paint and tell the story of these "Giving Trees".  I took this photo this past fall and plan on returning this summer.  www.JillSaur.com

2013-04-14 01:33:41 (12 comments, 2 reshares, 16 +1s)

Jesus On The Cross  *Good Friday*

He arose. But, before he arose, he suffered a horrid crucifixion so that we would be able to be forgiven and live. I painted this five years ago and upon finishing, I wept.

www.JillSaur.com

2013-03-22 15:06:14 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 12 +1s)

Crested Butte, Colorado

Summer in Aspen, or any other destination in Colorado, is a beautiful experience!  I have another trip to Crested Butte planned for this summer and I can't wait to photograph  the aspen trees, wildflowers, and spectacular mountain vistas.

My 36"x36" acrylic aspen tree painting, "Summer Path", hangs in the home of one my special collector's.  Although this painting is sold, it is available in a giclee on canvas or paper.  Please keep in mind that I love to paint commissions and I'd be happy to discuss such a venture with you.

Please visit my website to see more of my work and to read about my commissioned pieces.  www.JillSaur.com

2013-03-11 21:36:36 (4 comments, 4 reshares, 35 +1s)

Aspen Trees

Aspen trees in the fall are completely mesmerizing, breathtakingly beautiful, and a joy to behold.  I recently sold this 36"x36" aspen tree painting to a new collector.  I still offer this image in a hand-embellished giclee on canvas.  You can learn more about giclees on my website. (see below)

I especially love to paint commissions for clients who need a particular painting in a specific size.  If you're interested in one of my original paintings, a giclee, or having a commissioned piece painted just for you, please contact me through my website.  www.JillSaurFineArt.com

2013-01-30 12:31:48 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 15 +1s)

Aspen Tree Painting

This little 8"x8" aspen acrylic palette knife painting, "Joyful Expectation", is loaded with texture.  This painting was inspired by my trip to Crested Butte, Colorado and particularly the aspen forests on Kebler Pass.

Painting with a palette knife  allows me to be expressive, which I love!  www.JillSaurFineArt.com

2013-01-21 15:04:28 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 17 +1s)

The Aspen
Colorado landscape paintings seem to be in my blood.  I'm in love with Colorado's beautiful mountains, fresh air, and of course the ever alluring aspen trees that evoke my spiritual and artistic senses. 

This 24"x18" acrylic painting on wide bordered canvas, "Serene Summer" is one of my new aspen tree paintings.  It was inspired by my trip to Crested Butte, Colorado in the Fall.  It's loaded with texture (palette knife work), depth and soothing colors that uplift the soul.  www.JillSaur.com

2013-01-16 13:49:01 (0 comments, 5 reshares, 18 +1s)

Aspen Painting

My new 8"x10" palette knife oil painting, "Aspen Breeze", has just the right amount of texture to lead your eye into the ambient aspen forest and spark a daydream or two.  Andre Gide once said, "Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better".  It was from that collaboration that is painting was born.  www.JillSaur.com

2013-01-14 15:33:39 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 9 +1s)

Kebler Pass, Colorado

Saturated in hues of sumptuous greens and golden yellows, my new 24"x18" acrylic aspen painting on wide-bordered canvas is titled, "Harmonious Encore".  This painting was inspired by my trip to Crested Butte, Colorado and a week up in the forests of Kebler Pass last October.  With brush, palette knife and carefully chosen hues,  I've expressed one solitary moment in time that made we want to cry out, "Encore". www.JillSaur.com

2013-01-13 15:26:37 (3 comments, 2 reshares, 9 +1s)

Atlanta Artist

Today, I reflected back on my 16"x20" acrylic abstract tree painting, "Fire and Water".  While painting this deeply emotional piece, I watched it emerge before my eyes.  I wasn't painting it, it was painting me.  Those special works of art usually turn out to be my best pieces. 

I love what Paul Cezanne said, "Painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realizing one's sensations".  The experience of creating art is truly beautiful and mysterious at the same time. - Jill Saur  www.JillSaur.com

2013-01-12 18:49:13 (9 comments, 2 reshares, 23 +1s)

American Art

J.R. Tolkien said,"Not all those who wander are lost".  I love to wander through forests or hillsides. There are discoveries to be made and thoughts to be formed while beholding the beauty of Gods nature. 

This 11"x14" acrylic painting is entitled, "Loves Journey".  I try to include a path in my landscapes.  Hopefully, it invites the viewer to dream about their life's journey and ponder all the possibilities that lay before them.  www.JillSaur.com

2013-01-11 20:53:33 (5 comments, 2 reshares, 19 +1s)

Artwork Paintings

Pablo Picasso said, "The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off of our souls".  I love that quote!  My tag-line, "joy on canvas", is indicative of what my clients tell me they feel when they view my work.  That always makes me feel great because I pour my heart and soul into all my work.
My goal is for my work to emanate the joy and beauty of life.

This is one of my new small works of art.  This 8"x10" acrylic aspen tree painting is entitled, "Echoed Love".  It was inspired by my latest trip to Crested Butte, Colorado, where I spent an entire week photographing aspens and getting ideas for new paintings.  www.JillSaur.com

2013-01-09 19:22:06 (5 comments, 3 reshares, 21 +1s)

AMERICAN ART 

You won't find these trees growing in Atlanta, Ga., but you will find them in the homes of my patrons here in the south.  Aside from my collectors around the country, I'm thankful to my clients in the south who appreciate the stunning beauty of an aspen tree forest!

This grouping, "Aspen Rhapsody In Snow", is a collection of three individual acrylic paintings on a wide border canvas that hang side by side.  All together, they measure 72" wide by 30" tall.  If there's just a hint of light in the room, these paintings emanate a beautiful glow.  To inquire about this piece, please contact me through my website. www.JillSaur.com

2013-01-08 19:03:50 (8 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

•Aspen Tree Painting•

Shimmering hues of radiance dance amid the trees as dawn unfolds a new day in my acrylic aspen tree painting, "Summer Path".  This original is sold but a beautiful limited edition hand-embellished giclee is available by contacting me through my website.  www.JillSaurFineArt.com