Creativity in my Castleford Studio:
Creativity in the Art Factory in Renfrew:
TESTIMONIAL CONVERSATION ON A FB POST ~ MAY 2, 2023.
" 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"! Tracey V. Stevens
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"Tracey V Stevens, Jill Alexander is a very talented artist and an outstanding teacher." ART FACTORY
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TESTIMONIAL from my May acrylic painting course. "Thank you so much for an amazing past 4 weeks . Loved every moment." Cheryl B.
TESTIMONIAL from the Acrylic Abstraction Workshop March 18/2023: "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.
"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.
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Photos & testimonial from the recent "About to Burst Sunflower" class:
Suitable for everyone, those who have never picked up a brush but are feeling the inner desire to explore the creative process, to those who have dabbled in painting, all the way to more advanced painters wanting to incorporate new techniques into their work.
15 minutes from Renfrew/Arnprior/ Portage-du-Fort. 45 minutes from Kanata/Pembroke.
15 minutes from Renfrew/Arnprior/ Portage-du-Fort. 45 minutes from Kanata/Pembroke.
CLASS OPTIONS:
MONTHLY PROJECTS:
Will be posted as determined. * Cost is determined per project ** Pre-registration required - send me a message to be put on the list. *** Payment by e-transfer [email protected] to confirm your place. SEE UPCOMING PROJECTS BELOW. |
PRIVATE & SEMI PRIVATE CLASSES:
Choose your day(s) & time. Supplies are extra. Supply cost is based on the size of canvas you prefer & product/technique chosen. (acrylic paint/brush or product/palette knife). PRIVATE - $30 per hour class instruction fee. SEMI PRIVATE - $20 per hour class instruction fee.
YOUR BUBBLE GROUP OF 3or4+ PEOPLE Choose: 1. The subject matter for your group. 2. Your preferred time slot. 3. Single class of 3+ hours OR a series of classes, OR a full day of 6-7 hours (or more than 1 day) depending on the canvas size/amount of detail & complexity. |
ONGOING CLASSES:
Monday 6:30 to 9:30/10:00pm. ***$140 monthly fee to be paid at the beginning of the month. ($35 per class instruction fee based on 3 hours per class) ***A commitment of 4 weeks at a time which is about the average time to complete a painting in most cases. Depending on your subject matter & size of canvas, 1 painting maybe 2 would be created. Classes run with 3+ participants. For all levels, beginners welcome. Paint your preferred subject matter at your own pace. 1 on 1 guidance in a spacious studio as I circulate around the studio. Bring your supplies (canvas, paints, brushes). If you are new to painting you can borrow brushes & use my paint (small fee). I will then advise on paint brands & brush types to purchase for your new obsession if you decide to proceed with painting! Easels - table top and floor easels are available for use. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE/SEMI PRIVATE & BUBBLE GROUPS:
Choice of :
1. Acrylic brush work painting created in a single day or more. 2. Textural painting. 2 days are required for this technique. Day 1 is gel medium & palette knife. Day 2 is brush painting. 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. |
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"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., Otter Lake, QC |
"You are an inspiration Jill! I loved taking your sunflower course, Your teaching method was so effective, not to mention relaxing & fun!" Cathy M. |
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.
at Wallack's Art Store Ottawa & Algonquin College Pembroke in multi sessions.
Student testimonials below.
"There are no mistakes, only opportunities of wonder!
You simply cannot go wrong in the creative process
as creative expression produces magical art &
allows for a peaceful & positive state of mind.”
ME!
You simply cannot go wrong in the creative process
as creative expression produces magical art &
allows for a peaceful & positive state of mind.”
ME!
A little girl, 4 years old, says she knows what drawing is:
"You just think something and then run a line around your think."
From Facebook, author unknown
"You just think something and then run a line around your think."
From Facebook, author unknown
Classes - Photos below are of group, private, semi private classes.
A few of the many students who have come for single classes to learn a specific technique or work on a specific project. Or have come to create a specific project. Or have come for weekly ongoing classes for a few to several years!
A few of the many students who have come for single classes to learn a specific technique or work on a specific project. Or have come to create a specific project. Or have come for weekly ongoing classes for a few to several years!
"ART IS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT PRETTY THINGS.
IT'S ABOUT WHO WE ARE, WHAT HAPPENED TO US
& HOW OUR LIVES ARE AFFECTED." Elizabeth Brown
IT'S ABOUT WHO WE ARE, WHAT HAPPENED TO US
& HOW OUR LIVES ARE AFFECTED." Elizabeth Brown
ART AS A FORM OF THERAPY:
I am not an art therapist. I do however know 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 and 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. |
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"ART SPEAKS WHERE WORDS ARE UNABLE TO EXPLAIN."
- threadless Artist Mathiole
"IF I COULD SAY IT IN WORDS THERE WOULD BE NO REASON TO PAINT." EDWARD HOPPER
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
Please note – artwork done under any artists instruction is not for the student to sell under their own name. Acknowledgement must be given to the instructor by writing on the back of the painting & informing the instructor/purchaser that the work was created under guidance. A standard moral issue when selling work. Example “Bonnechere River” Jill Alexander Instructor.
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., Castleford
A great class! Cannot say enough about the quality & comfort that you gave to us in that class! . Odette D.M., Pembroke
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., Pembroke
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., Arnprior
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., Norway Bay, QC
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., Ottawa “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., Ottawa
Many thanks,….this course has opened up new & exciting options. Victoria S., Ottawa
“I enjoyed your class very much. I hope to take more of your classes someday and will be following you.” Teresa O.
Ottawa |
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., Braeside
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., Renfrew
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., Norway Bay, QC
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., Golden Lake
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., Calabogie 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, Ottawa “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, Ottawa “Thanks again Jill for a wonderful learning experience.” Margo McCann
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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 M. Ross, Dunrobin 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., Campbell’s Bay, QC 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., Ottawa
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., Ottawa
“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 van der Greft, Ottawa
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., Ottawa
“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., Ottawa “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, Ottawa “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 Sullivan, Ottawa
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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 Simpson Mccrindle, Ottawa |
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., Petawawa |
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., Ottawa
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Thanks to Jill Alexander for another great day in the studio! Wish it could be done every Saturday. Odette D.M. ,Pembroke
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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
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