For the past twenty-five years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching art classes to such wonderful people! The following comments are from former and current students. Some students have been with me for many years. Thanks to all of you for such kind words and encouragement!
ROSWELL, GEORGIA - 1994 Through Today
February 2012 - Jill, your art is breathtaking. However, as your student, I want everyone to know about your excellent teaching ability. You treat a beginner, like me, with challenges and patience, yet you add your flare to the advanced students artwork. I enjoy coming to class each week. You keep the classes small so that we get your attention whenever we need it. You are the best in Atlanta, and I've been elsewhere. I urge those who want a hobby or a way to perfect their work, to take a class from Jill. Elaine Thornton - Atlanta, GA
June 2011 - Jill, Thank you so much for your constant and enthusiastic support of Rebecca’s interest in art. Hard to believe that six years has passed since her first lesson! She has come so far, learned so much, and gained confidence in her abilities under your expert tutelage. You’ve been a tremendous influence on her work and her perception of herself as an artist. Thank you for investing in Rebecca. With appreciation, Karen - Atlanta, GA
January 2011 “Very Happy to have found Jill Saur and her studio! I decided to finally get back to my artwork after many years. Jill has taught me so many new things! She is patient and is an excellent teacher. Her studio is bright and cheerful. I truly enjoy coming to class and improving my artwork with her assistance. She has given me the confidence that I still can paint and draw”. - Dottie - Woodstock
December 2010 - “Jill is a gifted teacher for anyone who wants to explore their artistic and creative potential. My daughter has been taking art from her for six years and the class is the highlight of her week. High praise from a teenager! She has found in Jill a teacher who will challenge, instruct, and encourage her. Jill has helped her find her own artistic voice. It has been terrific to watch my daughter blossom into a serious artist under Jill’s direction. I give Jill my highest recommendation”! - Karen G. - Atlanta, GA.
December 2010 - “I’ve been taking lessons from Jill for over two years. She is an excellent teacher and artist. She allows you to do your own thing while giving you guidance and encouragement. I had never painted before and never thought I could. But, Jill has taught me to draw and create beautiful artwork. The classes are taught in a warm friendly atmosphere with great music and occasional conversation”. Carole K. - Marietta, Ga
October 2010 - “Art classes that inspire! Jill’s class is my therapy. It is my way to unwind from my stressful job and paint my heart out. I like that I have the freedom to paint what I am passionate about, but with the guidance to truly make my artwork special. The class is a relaxed environment where creativity is inspired”! A.M.C. - Woodstock, GA
July 2009 - “Meeting Jill by chance in an aisle at Dick Blick Art, literally changed my life! Originally, I had planned to "self teach" myself. But as we all know, there is no substitute for knowledge. I hadn't drawn in decades, so Jill started me there. What an eye-opening revelation! Her technique for drawing to scale is amazing, and learning value study and the elements of design was so essential. She gave me confidence, direction and support in such a kind, patient, encouraging manner. I couldn't wait to get to the next class! Best of all, she understood and worked with the fact that I'm a very detailed person (perfectionist, actually). And it's true - anyone can paint if you have the desire. Jill's classes are inspiring, fun and always informative. The other students are just great, giving you more inspiration and encouragement. Each class is a new learning adventure, and just so much fun. Big emphasis on FUN! Painting has added a new dimension to my life, changed how I look at art and nature, improved my photography, and I owe it all to Jill. Thank you, Jill, for opening my eyes and expanding my world”! Karen Egger - Roswell, GA
April 2009 - “From my first time stepping into Jill’s art studio, I felt right at home. She always greets me with a smile and gives me a hug. She is extremely gifted; it is a blessing to take lessons from her. She always gives me advice that is applicable to any piece I may be doing in her class. Even when I am completely frustrated, she gives me reassurance and confidence to start again. I cannot express how much Jill means to me. She has given me hope to continue art for the rest of my life. My ability has improved greatly as a result of her teaching”. - Anne Ferguson - High school student
July 2008 - “In each class I attend, it is apparent Jill has the gift of encouragement. She spurs her students on to find the artist within them, giving praise, constructive criticism, and demonstrations of her own technique. Each time we're together I learn a valuable "nugget" of information; something I was missing, something I needed to see or hear to improve my work. I have only been attending Jill's class for a short while now, and wish I had found her sooner! I look forward to learning so much more from this very talented artist”. - Christina Steward - Cumming, GA
October 2008 - “Someone told me that they didn’t know that I knew how to paint. I said to them, “I didn’t, I just walked into Jill’s studio and all of a sudden....I could!” - Diane Kulish - Atlanta, GA
January, 2007 – “Jill is a natural teacher. She’s always positive in her suggestions for improvement of a student’s work. Our classes have student’s working in different mediums, but Jill’s attention to each individual is extraordinary, and I always come away from each lesson with a “WOW.....I see that.......I get that.” • Barb Dunlap • Woodstock, GA
July, 2007 – “As an experienced artist coming back to my hobby after many years of inactivity, Jill’s class provided the perfect setting for rekindling my passion for painting. Jill’s knowledge and skill are inspirational to me, and the studio has a relaxed, casual and friendly atmosphere – a perfect place to come each week to paint and interact with other artists. Jill is a constant encourager and knows how to mentor her students to improve their skills with each new project. Painting in Jill’s class is one of the highlights of my week”. • Mike Schwaig • Roswell, GA
July, 2007 – “Jill, It’s been a pleasure to attend your art classes. I have learned so much in the past year and the fact that I now paint on my own, is greatly due to your knowledge and teaching ability. When someone like me shows up to your class and says “all my painting’s look like mud”…. then, weeks later I’m mixing my colors without any problem. That’s because you knew what I was doing wrong. The color wheel technique that you had me do is opening a whole new world in painting for me … I’m having so much fun now and I love going to your classes. I continue to learn more about color and how to make a picture look real. Shadows, light effects, and positioning of the object, all things you have added to my education to the art of painting. Thank you so much for all you have given to me. You are not just a great instructor but also a fantastic artist with a gift that you share with others”. Dee Dee Haynes - Alpharetta GA
September, 2007 - “Jill has been blessed not only with incredible talent, but the desire to help others find their inner creativity. Students range from beginners to those who are looking to mastering a new medium. Jill’s inspiration grabbed my inner desire to be a fine artist and helped me turn a dream into a reality. After twenty years as a commercial artist, I longed to embark on a new journey. Without Jill’s guidance and inspiration, my dream may have never evolved. I am now represented by multiple galleries and I show at juried fine arts festivals across the southwest. Jill taught me a new theory on color that I use in every painting I create. This theory was never taught to me in art school, but wow what a difference it makes”. Michael Lee • Fine Artist • Atlanta, GA
December 2007 - “I have taken art classes from Jill Saur since April 2007. I have painted off and on for years and have taken several classes from other Georgia artists. I have learned more in the past year than in the past 10 years. Watching Jill teach others is a learning experience in and of itself. She prods, encourages and praises each of her students regardless of their choice of media: watercolor, oil, acrylics, pencil drawings etc. As a result, we all learn to apply a multitude of techniques to enhance our own personal style. When I first began with Jill, I was amazed at her talent and the talent of her students! I believe the students' talent is a testimony to Jill's ability to teach. Her joy of life and her love for others truly makes Jill an outstanding teacher. I am glad to have her in my life”. • Pam Jordan • Marietta, GA
November 2005 - "Jill invited me to join her art class eleven years ago and I said yes. Her guidance and encouragement has led me through the door and into a world of excitement and creativity that I had only known from the outside looking in. Classes are so much fun. Its still a highlight of my week”. • Paulette Ivey • Roswell, Georgia
December, 2005 - "My mom, Jill Marie, has been my instructor, mentor, and inspiration in all things creative! Not only is my mom very talented, but she has instilled in me a genuine love for art. At a young age, I sat in my mother's studio classes and began to paint as soon as I could hold a paintbrush. One favorite childhood memory was when my mom framed a painting that I did and put it in her student's art show. At five years old, I remember feeling such a sense of accomplishment. Fast forward nineteen years, and painting still gives me the same feeling of accomplishment. My artwork is currently in two galleries, and I attribute all of my accomplishments to my mom for gently pushing me to expand in my abilities, and her steady encouragement along the way”. • Amy Saur • Woodstock, Georgia
December, 2005 - "Jill, I just want to let you know how excited I am that you are going to have your new art studio and gallery. I loved taking watercolor classes with you for the past three years. You are such a talented, patient, encouraging and dynamic teacher. I wish I had had more teachers like you when I was in college! Every week that we had class, the time would go by so quickly, we never wanted it to end. It was so much fun to paint with such a wonderful group of women. Everyone was always so encouraging and enthusiastic about whatever project we were working on. I loved the fact that we started a painting and then when we were finished, you taught us how to mat and frame our work. I have really enjoyed being able to create a painting and then give a framed gift of my work to family and friends. I hope that I can continue to learn and improve and try different mediums with you this year”. • Jan Wojcik • Roswell
November, 2005 – “Jill Saur’s art classes are informative, helpful and encouraging for me. When I began classes with her three years ago, I considered myself an intermediate painter. Jill’s instruction about color and placing subjects on my canvas or watercolor paper, allowed me the freedom to paint whatever I wanted to paint with confidence. I have benefited greatly by her patient and caring teaching abilities”.• B. Meyer • Roswell, GA
November, 2005 – “Jill taught my first watercolor class and was very patient and encouraging. She knows how to teach beginners and the more advanced student the basics of color theory and composition. While she is an accomplished artist herself, she is also an effective teacher and this is a rare combination. Her classes are the motivation to improve skills to do art you can be proud of. • Sonja Goodman • Big Canoe
POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK - Taught Classes 1988 through 1993
September 1993 - "Jill has taught art to both my daughter and son for five years. Throughout this period, my children blossomed in their artistic ability and love for art. She taught them to be proud of their attempts and accomplishments, always building their self-esteem. Recently, my daughter compiled her portfolio for independent secondary school from the work she did under Jill’s instruction. Many schools commented on the degree of accomplishment and professionalism that the portfolio presented. My son still continues to draw and has many fond memories of his time with Jill. We will miss Jill and highly recommend her to you”. Dr. and Mrs. Karen Leopold • Wappingers Falls, New York
July 1993 - "Jill Saur has taught my daughter, Katie, art and watercolor for the last five years. I recommend her highly for the individual attention, encouragement and care she gives each of her students. Katie has grown tremendously as a young artist during her time with Jill, and because of Jill’s support, plans to use her skills in an art career. We already miss Jill, both as a friend and teacher”. • Mary Clark • Salt Point, New York
March 1992 - (In response to a newspaper article about one of my students) - "Dear Jill, I thought you might enjoy seeing and reading about Heather's recent success. I didn't think you received The Southern Dutchess News. I hope you know that her training with you contributed to her talent today. We are very proud of her, as I am sure you are! She is doing very well in her art studies and hopes to continue with them after high school. Thanks for your interest and concern for Heather”. • Sandy Devine • Poughkeepsie, New York
DALLAS, TEXAS - Taught 1984 through 1988
February 1988 - "Any children receiving art lessons from Jill Saur will greatly benefit artistically and emotionally. Jill's genuine care for her students is expressed in the great relationship she has with them. She is most encouraging and very positive as a teacher. My son, Carson, has developed his talent in drawing, pen and ink, and watercolor. While in her classes, he has placed in two art contests and his confidence has grown. I highly recommend Jill as an art teacher. Your gain is certainly our loss here, and we will miss her greatly”. • Eileen Weeks • Lewisville, Texas
February 1988 - "Jill Saur has been my son Adam's art teacher for the past year. I have been thoroughly delighted with the results of his first experience with art lessons. Jill's sweet and sensitive nature has given Adam confidence in his abilities and talents. He has not only developed skills, but has also developed an eye for beauty and composition. I would highly recommend Jill as an art teacher and person. She is so very talented and kind and loving with the children. Adam and I will miss her very much”. • Lynda Whitman • Lewisville, Texas
February 1988 - 'As an artist, I feel Jill is outstanding and she has a special gift of communicating with children. She took a special interest in each of her students and was always full of enthusiasm, encouragement, and patience. My daughter, Carlye, took lessons from Jill for over a year. She looked forward to every class and always came home with such a positive attitude about her work, and I was always so impressed with what she had learned. Anyone fortunate enough to take lessons from Jill undoubtedly will broaden their horizons”. • Toni Nelson • Lewisville, Texas
Visitors since 1/12
