WHERE I TEACH:
1.  In my home studio in Castleford for small groups, private & semi private classes.
Studio daytime hours are open from 10am. to 4pm. Evening hours are 6pm. to 9pm.
​15 minutes from Arnprior/Renfrew/Portage-du-Fort.
45 minutes from Kanata/Pembroke.
2. I teach at the Art Factory in Renfrew from Spring through Fall for small groups.
11 Bridge Street, Renfrew.
3. Jill on the Road - I will consider travelling to locations (within an hour drive) to groups (of up to 18 participants).

​1. IN MY 2nd. FLOOR ART STUDIO: ​​
Monday Night Ongoing Classes: FULL!
Thursday Night Ongoing Classes: NEW FOR FALL 2024
Private & Semi Private Classes 
​Your Private Group 
​Open Studio Time
Specialty 1 or 2 Day Workshops
​Art as a Form of Therapy.
Studio Location - 1054 Forrest Lane
Castleford/Horton Township.
​15 minutes from Arnprior/Renfrew. 
45 minutes from Kanata/Pembroke.
I welcome you to a fun & soul enriching art experience in my very colourful studio.
An inspirational spacious setting on the edge of the Ottawa River. ​
*** Check the bottom of this page for the map to my studio.
MONDAY EVENING GROUP CLASS:
This class is currently full but just look at what you can achieve with ongoing instruction! Sign up for Thursdays!!!
"This enthusiastic, fun-loving group of women gathers weekly to create magic with their paintbrushes. Their meetings are a joyous blend of laughter, creativity, & camaraderie, where each woman brings her unique flair to the canvas. They share not only their artistic techniques & inspirations but also a strong bond & mutual support that fuels their collective creativity. With vibrant colors & imaginative strokes, they transform their ideas into beautiful works of art, making each session a celebration of their shared passion for painting."
NOW OFFERING
​THURSDAY EVENING CLASSES:
Group setting - Beginners are welcome.
6:30 to 9:00pm.
* $160 monthly instruction fee includes acrylic paint.
($40.00 X 4 classes).
Paid at the start of the month by e-transfer.
Join for a month or continue on with your new obsession!
** Classes are kept small, they run with 3 minimum.
1 on 1 guidance in a spacious studio as I circulate.
*** The monthly commitment of a class per week is about the average time to complete a painting in most cases.
However the length of time to complete a painting does vary.
Based on your subject matter, amount of detail you strive for & size of canvas.

Paint your preferred subject matter at your own pace.
You are welcome to bring in photos & sample ideas for inspiration.
I have folders of subject matter to spark your imagination.
Learn my tips & techniques in a supportive group setting.
                                                                                                                    - If you have supplies bring them - canvas, paints, brushes.
- If you are new to painting just bring a canvas.
I have studio supplies (brushes/knives) for use.
I will supply the paint for a small weekly cost. 
- I will then advise on paint brands & brush types to purchase for your new obsession if you decide to continue! 
- Easels - table top/floor easels available for everyone to use.
PRIVATE & SEMI PRIVATE ​CLASSES: 
​Choose your day(s) & time.
PRIVATE - $30 per hour class instruction fee.
SEMI PRIVATE - $25 per hour class instruction fee.
**​ Supplies are extra, the cost is based on the size of canvas & the product/technique chosen.
*** Payment by e-transfer [email protected] in advance of class.
Open Studio Time:  The opportunity for past/current students to continue working on projects. Each participant works on their own project at their own pace as I circulate.
​YOUR PRIVATE GROUP CLASSES:
Choose your day(s) & time.
For 3-8 people - $20 per hour per person instruction fee.
*** Payment by e-transfer [email protected] in advance of class.
A bonding experience ~ friends, family, work colleagues, book club, bridal/baby showers......
Make a day of it or an afternoon.
Make it a party ~ bring your fave party snacks, bevvies (non alcoholic), music.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE, SEMI PRIVATE & PRIVATE GROUP:
These classes are designed specifically for you/your group.
I guide you along step by step painting your preferred subject matter,
- floral - fruit - landscape scenery - abstract.
We are working with acrylic paint/acrylic mediums/mixed medium using brush/palette knife.
​*** Supplies are extra, the cost is based on the size of canvas & the product/technique chosen. 
​You can choose to do:
- a single class of 3+ hours OR a series of classes.
- a full day of 6-7 hours or 2 or more days.
It all depends on the canvas size/amount of detail & complexity.
* I will provide you with a couple options (price & ideas) based on your chosen subject matter/size of canvas to decide on.​
​​​​​Techniques to choose from: 
1.  Brushwork. Can be done in 1 day, 2 or more.
2. Textural painting. 2+ days are required.
    Day 1  is gel medium & palette knife.
    Day 2 is brush painting.
   Additional day(s) depending on size & detail.
3. Mixed media creativity incorporating
    foiling (silver/gold leaf) &/or polymer clay               accents.
    2 days are required.
    Day 1 is painting.
    Day 2 adding mixed media details. 
    Additional day(s) depending on size & detail.​
~ BRING YOUR LUNCH ~ BEVERAGES PROVIDED ~
​ SPECIALTY 1 OR 2 DAY WORKSHOPS:
I plan a specific project or theme. 
Usually held on Saturdays.
Space for 3 to 8 participants.
* Cost is determined per project. Supplies are included.
** Pre-registration required - send me a message
to hold a spot.
*** Payment by e-transfer [email protected]
​confirms your spot.
**** If you want more time than scheduled for this type of class, there is always the option of attending an Open Studio session OR scheduling a private class.
~ BRING YOUR LUNCH ~ BEVERAGES ARE PROVIDED ~
ART AS A FORM OF THERAPY:
"Well that 3 hour class was a REAL STRESS BUSTER." exclaimed Lisa B. with a BIG SMILE.
I AM NOT an art therapist. I AM AN ARTIST who knows from personal experience the benefits of the creative process for anxiety/depression. Art creation is the form of therapy that works best for me & for students based on testimonials below.
To become so involved & invested in a project allows the creator to enter the creative flow. A welcoming peaceful place providing a state of freedom, tranquility, calmness & piece of mind.
The process of art creation helps to protect our internal peace from external chaos in these rapidly changing times that can easily produce anxiety, emotional disturbance, depression & in extreme life altering circumstances, PTSD.
  • Private classes available for adults & teens.
  • Painting is an excellent outlet to de-stress.
  • Find your internal peaceful place.
  • Paint the subject matter most meaningful to you at your own pace.
  • 1 on 1 guidance as I guide you step by step through the creative process.
  • Enjoy the benefits of learning new skills.
Art as a Form of Therapy Testimonial:
Following a significant loss in my life, I made a choice to return to art, to painting & creating, after being away from it for many years.  Believing that it would provide an escape perhaps, at best an opportunity to put aside sadness for a couple of hours, I was not prepared for the additional benefits of sitting in front of a blank canvas with brush in hand.  Art provides an opportunity to express oneself emotionally in a safe environment, be it in a studio or in the calm of your own home.  
It allows you to gently move towards a healing place, provides you with a feeling of empowerment, of control .. it is energizing, & challenging, & fulfilling, & nurturing.  Over the past several years, I quickly learned that it is not about the outcome, or the final product, but about the journey towards that end, & what you happen to discover along the way.  It is about finding an awesome (and patient) teacher with whom you connect, surrounding yourself with fellow artists, & enjoying a spirit of camaraderie, & caring, & fun,
& creativity.                                                              Ann, Renfrew
2. AT THE ART FACTORY ~ RENFREW, ON:
​Classes run from Spring to Fall.

Contact me directly
to participate as space is limited.   
[email protected]    613-796-1824
"Jill Alexander is a very talented artist & an outstanding teacher." ART FACTORY
​"I highly recommend the amazing Jill Alexander . Jill is not only an incredible artist but she is a fabulous guide/coach/teacher! If you have never put a brush to canvas, you will come away from this workshop having uncovered your natural creativity. Jill is a beautiful soul, and has a gentle vibe. She is absolutely a safe space where you can feel free to grow and blossom."   A. Testu, Artist working at the Art Factory
3. Jill on the Road:
​I will consider travelling to locations (within an hour drive) to groups (of up to 18 participants).
Contact me with details of your group, your location, scheduling day/time & to discuss possibilities.
TESTIMONIAL from the Acrylic Abstraction Workshop in my studio ~ March 2023:                                                        "And what a fabulous day it was, what a great bunch of ladies to spend the day with. It was so much fun and a little stressful at time when things didn’t look quite right. Jill was tremendous helpful to come up with was to fix those issues. She is so talented and makes it look so easy, she is truely gifted. I will definitely be going back again." Debbie P.
Picture
"Winter Wonderland"
2023 - 2 day workshop
in my studio.
Class Testimonials: This workshop was SO much fun!!! K.K.
​Such a fun day, thanks Jill! C.F.
​Sooo much fun! I learned so many skills! It is always magic being in your studio Jill! T.S.
Lot's of fun & laughter. Enjoying myself immensely. K.R.
This was such an incredible workshop. I learned some new painting techniques while having the best time !                     I highly recommend Jill's workshops to all ! M.R.
Photos & testimonial from the recent "About to Burst Sunflower" class in my studio:
Thanks again Jill! A wonderful day being creative with you & the ladies! Cathy M.
​Had a great time, I always learn alot! Brenda W.
 Picture
"Had an amazing time yesterday at Jill's
beautiful second floor studio, overlooking the Ottawa River. Just walking into the studio is a huge treat for the eyes with artwork everywhere! Time flew as Jill coached us in developing our ideas. It was peaceful, relaxing, a mindful exploration of creativity. We were all bursting with satisfaction!! Most highly recommended for the health of your soul... "Mary Rose D.
TESTIMONIALS:
 From a first time painter:
"I took art classes from Jill Alexander.
I didn’t know the first thing about painting & was way out of my comfort zone. Jill guided me through the process & the end result was great. Even if you only try painting once it is a learning experience for sure & a lot of fun. I now have a much greater respect for artists & an appreciation of artwork. Sign up at Jill Alexander Art Studio 
​you’ll be amazed at what you can do!"                                                     S.Bruemmer
"You'll do your painting your way but Jill will guide you!"                           T. Stevens
" Jill Alexander has an amazing way of guiding us, and helping us to look through a different lens, so that we can embrace our inner artist and create magic"!                                         T. Stevens
"A dreamland of colour...
Jill has a wonderful eye for "palettes" how certain tones work well together.
Her studio is ablaze with it!"        M.R.D.
"From not believing that I could paint anything, I've now  enjoyed my third  acrylic paint class with Jill & produced something worthy of hanging on my walls. She's a fantastic  coach, mentor/tutor & can help your inner artist bloom! "                                   M.R.D.
"My husband was happy I was going to art class today, he thought I was going crazy (overly stressed)!"                      T. S.
"It was a lovely night painting with you! What a great way to connect with my artistic teen. An evening without screen time does not happen regularly with an almost 13 year old. We will certainly have to come connect and create with you again!"                                                                K. Rose

~ "Your students thrive & excel, you bring the best out in all of us! I never knew that I would love anything as much as I do painting. That has 100% to do with Jill Alexander Art Studio and her incredible mentoring."   
                                           J. S.Becker
​
~ "Jill knows how to bring out the child/artist in everyone.  If you want to try painting - this is the lady to help you. It will inspire you and give you confidence."                                                              D. Wakely
​ "Thank you so much for an amazing past 4 weeks . Loved every moment."                Cheryl B.
"As a student of Jill’s .... I recommend her 100%! She really is amazing! I started as a beginner and with the skills that she has taught me, I am now proud to hang my paintings on the wall. Thank you Jill!"             Jenn S.B.
"Jill you are our inspiration. Such an enjoyable time and working with a new friend. I will be back - with friends again!"        M. Bentz 
~ "It’s a mind, body soul experience.           Thank you so much for offering these classes and delivering above and beyond  Jill Alexander you are a gifted and kind soul." #theskysthelimit           
​~ "I came out of Jill's class feeling like I'd had a day at the spa." 
~ "Jill, thank you for your fantastic instruction, your guidance improved my work so much.
I love this one!"                                            B. Kidd
  "I spent 3 very instructive, fun days with another friend under Jill’s tutelage as she guided us from start to finish. I created my first big landscape painting with acrylics and enjoy looking at it while I think back to the time spent in its creation.  Jill is a skilled teacher who provides a relaxed learning environment as she gently guides us how to move through the various phases of creating our piece of art."                                     P. Daling
"You are in inspiration Jill! I loved taking your sunflower course. Your teaching method is so effective, not to mention relaxing & fun!"                                                                               Cathy M.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF TESTIMONIAL: 
​OMG Jill you are so amazingly talented.
I so wish I had taken up painting in Ottawa
(before I moved to BC) and sat by your side
while you create your beautiful pieces.
Breathed in some of your talent through
​osmosis.                           Susan V.P., Vancouver
"This is the zen that I never knew I needed." 
                                                              Rachelle F.
"This is the ZEN I knew I needed."    Tracey S.
"Thank you Jill for a wonderful afternoon! I look forward to spending more time learning from you."                                                    Lisa B.
The artwork below was created by my students in my studio,
​at Wallack's Art Store Ottawa & Algonquin College Pembroke in multi sessions.
Student testimonials below.
​EVEN MORE ​TESTIMONIALS:
I've been taking workshops with Jill for over three years now. Myself & the other ladies have so much fun. Not only do we get great artistic advice but we have become good friends bonding over our conversation. I strongly recommend her classes to get away from it all for a night.                                                                Shari M.P.
 Jill’s gel medium art class was a fulfilling & joyful experience for me. Jill an excellent teacher. listened to each of our interests &then advised us on color, technique, shading, composition & encouraged us.                             Sandy B.
A great class! Cannot say enough about the quality & comfort that you gave to us in that class! .                     Odette D.M.
An awesome 2 day course, Jill was just a terrific teacher!  Looking forward to more. I’m still in awe of my tulips.  I can’t believe that I did that! .                                   Beth L.
​“I’m very happy that I enrolled in Jill’s class in Palette knife/Gel Medium Technique: Basics. She makes the learning process fun & thoroughly enjoyable as she guides us with her expert advice yet encourages us to express ourselves as individuals. I felt comfortable in her class & inspired to continue the adventure & improve my skills.                              Anne v. d. G.
Jill, I loved your classes you are so inspiring, and so kind to work with…. I so enjoyed my little flowers I painted and the way they turned out… they make me smile every time I look at them….
I can’t believe that I painted them… thanks to you and your time….
so much appreciated.                Charlene R.
                                                    
Jill Alexander is a great teacher, who works in a very inspiring studio on the banks of the Ottawa River. Her classes are fun ,her style/use of color are contagious. Jill, Thanks for sharing your gift with us.                                Martina E.
Jill has a passion for flower art with a twist!!! Her unique style: whimsy with vibrant colors are impressive. Her talents also extend to teaching. Jill is fun, makes everyone comfortable in the  wonderful picturesque workshop setting along the Ottawa River, in Horton.                                       Josie W.
It was a wonderful experience to take an art course from Jill in her beautiful art studio overlooking the Ottawa River. Jill opened up a whole new experience for me with her creative art techniques from a palette knife/gel medium to letting your imagination run in many directions. Her calm helpful ways are to be commended. Definitely want to take more courses in the future!                                            Elsie S.
What a wonderful day it was painting outside with Jill at her home! The view on the river was spectacular! The one on one was perfect for me. I am a beginner with palete painting & needed some techniques. I am so looking forward in using these new techniques on my next painting. I would so recommend a private lesson with Jill.  It was definitely worth the drive for Ottawa to Jill’s studio.  Thank you! Marc M., Ottawa
Your creativity is very inspiring, your teaching methods leave a lot of room for your students to create on their own while learning, I found that you were very generous in sharing your numerous skills. Working with a palette knife/gel was new to me, I look forward to integrating this new knowledge in my art projects. Your calm disposition, your beautiful peaceful surroundings by the water made it a wonderful experience. I would definitely recommend this experience to all lovers of art.                                                          Nicole F.
“I want to tell you again how much I enjoyed your workshop at Wallack’s.  Your process is very interesting and I’m sure I will enjoy using the gel medium as you taught us in the future. Thank you for sharing your talents, advice and your story with us. It was inspiring to be with you. Thanks again and I’ll look forward to another of your workshops in the future”.                                     Susan P.
 “I enjoyed your class very much. I hope to take more of your classes someday and will be following you.”                      Teresa O.
This was an amazing opportunity.
I had so much fun and learned so much. Jill Alexander you're a dear to share your knowledge with me. I haven't painted in 2 yrs and what a way to get back into it. Thank you.
                                                   Julie S. McC.
Thanks to Jill Alexander for another great day in the studio! Wish it could be done every Saturday.            Odette D.M. 
I had fun, I learned & met new people. I really enjoyed myself. But most of all I climbed out of a painting rut, with new ideas and plans & have been painting or thinking of painting every day since. Jill is very interesting, entertaining and helpful. I enjoyed the classes with her, i would recommend anyone at any level to try. Her studio on the Ottawa River is beautiful. Take a chance. Try something new. Call her about taking a class. You’ll have fun.                                       Maggie H.
Jill, your studio is beautiful & you made your classes so enjoyable. You demonstrated your talent/technique in a very relaxed manner. The love you have for painting is obvious in every stroke of the brush. You have a natural talent that very few people can develop.                Peggy C.
Jill your freedom with a palette knife, gel, and especially colour has helped to get me out of my box! As a novice to the world of paint you have opened up many new avenues of exploration. Thank you. MB
Spending time in Jill’s class is such an inspirational experience. You will enjoy being there whether you are already an artist, stuck in a rut or a beginner. You come away with a head full of ideas. She paints with such a fresh approach & freedom. Everything is big & colorful. You can free yourself of details, rules & return painting to being fun, like it should be. It is a relaxing get away in her studio surrounded with her art, with the Ottawa River outside the window.              Betty C.
A wonderful painting experience… learning to use the palette knife was challenging but fun…I had a great day with an encouraging teacher. The results are in the paintings! You encouraged me to use my imagination when composing the flower composition & under your guidance the painting exceeded my expectation!”                                                               Barbara K.
Many thanks,….this course has opened up new & exciting options.                  Victoria S.
Art has been one of my main interests for many years. I have played around with all media but settled on acrylics. In recent years, I have spent some of my time taking courses/workshops. For the past two days, I have taken a class from Jill Alexander, I must say I have learned so much from her. My approach to acrylics has improved significantly. Jill is a great instructor with lots of patience & a toolbox full of techniques & tricks.
​                                                         Alanna L.
​Jill, thank you so much for another beautiful day of art at your studio. After a Long winter it was great to get together again. I have put the finishing touches on my painting and I really like it . Thanks so much for your "conversations "! Lol                      Char A.
Thanks Jill, I REALLY enjoyed the gel medium workshop.  Your gentle teaching skill & artistic flair has given me enthusiasm to unleash my wanna be artistic creativity with gel.  What I enjoy about a workshop is the ability to stick with a project and get stimulated to create more.  But what I really enjoyed was the fun we had in class and learning through fun is always a joy.   Keep up the great work.                 Ali B.
It was an outstanding fun filled course. Not only did I learn so much from Jill, who is an excellent instructor, I also had a great deal of fun. The other participants were also boundless in their enthusiasm for the technique we were all learning.  I would highly recommend this course, I look forward to taking other courses with Jill. 
​                                                         Susan A.
​“Thanks again for a great class, enjoyed the whole experience and soooo good to get lost in the creative process. Heeps of fun- you’re a great teacher” 😮                                                  Sonia M.
“I enjoyed your class very much. I hope to take more of your classes someday and will be following you.” Teresa O.
“Jill your freedom with a palette knife, gel, and especially colour has helped to get me out of my box! As a novice to the world of paint you have opened up many new avenues of exploration. Thank you. ”    MB.
“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the 2 day workshop at Wallacks.   Your skill with Gel medium, the palette knife and colour were very inspiring.  Your joy of painting with gel medium was transferred to your students and off we went with the most wonderful results. Thank you once again for sharing your skill and enthusiasm with us.”            Betty S.
​​For all the painters in my circle of friends....... If anyone is ever interested in an AMAZING studio experience, Jill Alexanders Studio is the place to go..... So much inspiration!!! Loved it!!!                 T.O.
An excellent 2 day workshop- jam packed with new information. Jill was extremely patient, with a hands on approach, demos were frequent and always instructive. Jill circulates continuously from painter to painter offering advice when needed. A worthwhile 2 days... Thank you Jill!
​                                                      K. Cowan
“I thoroughly enjoyed this course and will definitely consider other courses with Jill.” 
“Excellent facility – Supplies and materials complete and most useful” 
“I very much enjoyed this class and I have learned so many things that I will use forever in my future paintings.” 
​“Class was awesome! Looking forward to another with Jill”
“Since my classes with Jill, I have been painting up a storm and having so much fun. Everyone is so impressed with my tulip painting, thank you for all your knowledge and direction.” 
​                                                    Charlotte A.