Friday, December 14, 2012

"Balancing Act", 11x14, still life, realism, red onion, eggs, pottery

"Balancing Act", 11x14, oil on linen

Sometimes it seems as though our lives are precarious balancing acts. How quickly our daily joys can turn into stress and pain over some unexpected turn of events. How quickly our relaxation can turn into stress, when we are unprepared for a turn of events.

The holidays can often be a real "Balancing act". Unexpected costs for gifts, unexpected company, unexpected illness or even a delayed flight can turn what should have been a happy time into a period of stress and even dread.

This Christmas I have promised myself that I will not stress out. I will stay focused on the true meaning of the season and share this blessed time with those I love and friends I cherish. I will not cave in to the negativity of shopping at unreasonable hours, cleaning till the skin comes off my hands or eating sugar-laden treats till I can't close my pants!

Although Jesus Christ was not really born in December, (see here), I will still stay focused on the fact that his birth whenever it occurred, was a blessing to the entire world. And for those who choose to follow the path of Christianity, there are rewards that are most certainly beyond our current level of understanding to comprehend.

So if you are currently trying to juggle a "balancing act", sit back for a moment and meditate on your life's blessings- those that are past and those that you still hope for. The Christmas season is about Hope, Love and Peace. Let's try to enjoy it!

"Balancing Act" can be shipped framed and ready to hang in time for Christmas. I was always very proud of this piece and while it is not really indicative of my current style of painting, I have received many compliments on it, over the past few years.

Saturday, December 08, 2012

"Purple Door", 8x8, oil on panel, small paintings of France, Provence, Lacoste

SOLD
Purple Door", 8x8, oil on panel

I've painted Lacoste before. It was featured in the movie "A Good Year" and is as predictably French as a small town in Provence can get. It has narrow streets that go up and down and weave their way from a curving road in the heart of town up to the ruins of the castle of Marquis de Sade.


Au Revoir.

Purchase 'Purple Door' through Galerie du Soleil in Naples, Florida. Telephone:  (239) 417-3450

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

"Country Road", 9x12, oil on Raymar panel, impressionist paintings, country landscape, woman with umbrella, boat, house

"Country Road", 9x12, oil on Raymar panel

A while back I did a small little study of a painting by  19th century french Impressionist Édouard Leon Cortès (1882–1969).  Cortes is known as "Le Poete Parisien de la Peinture" or "the Parisian Poet of Painting" because of his diverse Paris cityscapes in a variety of weather and night settings.

I fell in love with his style of painting and today I decided to do another painting after his rustic country landscapes. In this version, I tried to learn from him while also incorporating a bit of my own style into the painting.

Learning from the old masters is a wonderful way to improve one's artistic skill. I did many paintings after Monet when I first started to paint, and I never grow tired of what I can learn from the French Impressionists!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

"A moment in Time", 24x12, oil on panel

SOLD

"A moment in Time", 24x12, oil on panel

New still life, lots of nice impasto in the flowers! I took stuff I had around the house- some dried yellow yarrow, some red grapes and white begonias and arranged them on a desk and liked the combination...

Here's my set-up:
If you would like to purchase this painting , just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

"Midsummer Daydream", 8x10, oil on linen, paintings of women, garlands, flowers, summer midsummer, William Blake


"Midsummer Daydream", 8x10, oil on linen

The narrow bud opens her beauties to
The sun, and love runs in her thrilling veins;
Blossoms hang round the brows of Morning, and
Flourish down the bright cheek of modest Eve,
Till clust’ring Summer breaks forth into singing,
And feather’d clouds strew flowers round her head.
- William Blake

I love the poems of William Blake, and was delighted to find this one after I painted the portrait!

I have not been posting regularly for almost two months. In early October I was diagnosed with skin cancer, and for me, it was a life-changing event. I never thought much about my health before, because it has been relatively good, thank the Lord. So when I went to the dermatologist for a routine yearly skin check, I was hardly expecting to hear the news that the so-called 'pimple' I had on my forehead looked supsicious to her. She took it out, but warned me that she wasn't sure she had gotten it all. Fast forward a few days, and I rec'd the word I didn't want to hear- cancer.

It has now been almost two weeks since the first surgery. The second surgery the following day was reconstructive in nature- to repair the defect, and I'll confess that seeing 27 stitches in my forehead made me think of nothing other than that I looked like Frankenstein. Yet, all of my fears about disfigurement were for nothing. I was blessed to find a very talented facial surgeon, who worked beyond my wildest expectations to produce a result I know I'll be able to live with and not be self-conscious about. In truth, I suspect it will be hard to find the scar in a few months!

God sometimes makes us go through trials in order to grow our roots deeper. He also uses these circumstances for the good, though at the time we go through the trial, we can almost never see it that way. As a consequence of this trial, I have done a great deal of introspection about many things, life, health, God, family, friends and even art.

 I have also done a lot of research on health, cancer and the immune system. One of the books I read is Cancer Killers, written by three men, one of whom had virulent cancer throughout his entire body. He healed himself with general nutrition and what some would consider some very unorthodox therapies. The only reason I am recounting this story on my art blog, is to encourage anyone, who has ever received a diagnosis of cancer, to be encouraged by the fact that many people today are beating the odds in a natural way, as a result of learning the value of good nutrition, an alkaline Ph balance in the body, and a stress-free lifestyle.

I realize that I had the most benevolent form of cancer possible, and for that I am very thankful. Yes, I will have to re-think my future of plein air painting, because I live in Florida where the rays are doubly dangerous. But overall, I am now grateful for this trial, because I now understand that God was trying to get my attention. He wanted me to have a healthier body! He wants us all to have healthy bodies, and everything that our body needs to heal itself is available in nature, if only we take the time to do the research and find out what they are. For instance, how many people understand the value of an alkaline versus an acid body? How many people know that Tumeric,  a spice used extensively in Indian cooking, can help destroy breast cancer? How many people are aware that certain foods are valuable antioxidants, and in today's world of toxic food and toxic environments, it is vital that we take the steps we need to educate ourselves on how to reduce these toxins in our bodies!

If you, or a loved one, is interested in learning how to prevent and even cure cancer, and make your body stronger and healthier, I highly recommend this book.

Thanks for listening. It was good to start painting again!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

"Poppies Alfresco", 24x24, oil on wrapped canvas, poppies, red flowers, contemporary art, wall art

SOLD
"Poppies Alfresco", 24x24, oil on wrapped canvas

This painting was a commission and is sold. If you would like to commission a painting, just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com





Monday, November 05, 2012

"Quiet Elegance", 18x24, oil on linen, award-winning paintings

SOLD
"Quiet Elegance", 18x24, oil on linen

"Quiet Elegance" received the Judges Award last week at the opening of the Harvest of Art exhibition at the visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, Florida. This is Charlotte County's oldest and most prestigious annual juried exhibit, and will be the 24th year for the Harvest of Art. I had just joined the art center, so I was delighted to receive this award. Muchu Gracias to the judge!

Monday, October 22, 2012

"Lil Darlin", 6x6 oil on panel, old vars, antique cars, BUick, dyna flow, paintings of classic cars, small paintings of old cars

"Lil Darlin", 6x6 oil on panel

This car came out right about the time I was born. Our famiy owned a big ole Buick for many years and I remember that my dad was soooooo proud of it!

Now don't you wish they still made cars like these?



Friday, October 19, 2012

"The Constant Gardener", 6x6, oil on panel, Strawberry Bank Museum, people in costume, gardens, gardener, fountain

"The Constant Gardener", 6x6, oil on panel

We spied this little lady in the gardens at The Strawberry Banke Museum when we were there a few weeks ago. The light was dramatic and so I asked my hubby to grab a quick picture of the woman in costume:


I loved the dark fir trees that offered a backdrop to the woman. I tried to keep this as impressionistic as possible,so that the viewer could fill in the details and imagine the story for himself.

This painting can be purchased through Galerie du Soleil in Naples, Florida.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

"A Clear Day at The Nubble", 12x12, oil on board- Nubble Light House, Cape Neddick, Maine, paintings of lighthouses

"A Clear Day at The Nubble", 12x12, oil on board

By the time I finished this it was too dark to get a good photograph of it. I'll try again in the morning.

The day we visited the Nubble Light House in Cape Neddick, Maine was about as clear and gorgeous as it could possible get! I had wished I could have had the chance to paint there, but at least I took good photos. Here's my hubby at The Nubble:





Sunday, October 14, 2012

"The Old Springhouse", 11x14, oil on panel

"The Old Springhouse", 11x14, oil on panel

I loved the dappled light across this old springhouse. I had painted this a while back, but took it out today and messed with it a little bit. It's a wonderful old building, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, brimming with charm and character.

Please email me if you are interested in purchasing the Old Springhouse. My email address is maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Thanks for looking!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

"Autumn at the Ice House", 6x6, oil on panel-New England landscapes, fall landscapes, small, affordable paintings, Hollis Ice House, Hollis New Hampshire

"Autumn at the Ice House", 6x6, oil on panel
I decide to use my plein air study of the Hollis light house, to paint this new painting. I used my knowledge of the way the light moves across the sky to reverse the light effect. The afternoon effect allowed the red of the building to be a enter of interest, where it struggled to be a center of interest when it was in the morning light and covered in shadow. See below:


Tuesday, October 09, 2012

"Elegy", 10x8, oil on panel

"Elegy", 10x8, oil on panel

I did this one a few months ago and took it out today and made some subtle changes to it, and now I like it better.

Autumn is such a gorgeous time of the year for those who live in zones with deciduous tress. The trees were just starting to change color when I was in New England recently and I can only image how stunning the colors are now!

There is no doubt in my mind that the Creator is a master artist!

Sunday, October 07, 2012

"The Wishing Well House", 6x6 oil on board

SOLD
"The Wishing Well House", 6x6 oil on board

We caught a glimpse of this New England saltbox colonial while on vacation last week. What's not to like about a lovely red house with a little red wishing well on the lawn? As we drove through Hollis, New Hampshire last week, I couldn't help but think about how much I miss the changing seasons since moving to Florida eight years ago.

The dappled light across the house was pretty magical  as was the the early glimpse of autumn in the landscape. If I could have dropped a penny in that wishing well, I would have wished for autumn colors in Florida as well!

Note: This painting is on hold and not for sale at this time.

Monday, October 01, 2012

"Sunrise at The Captain's House", 14x 11, oil on linen-Captain's House, Rockport, MAssachusetts, Cape Ann, sunrise, seaside gardens

SOLD


"Sunrise at The Captain's House", 14x 11, oil on linen

Last week we had the good fortune to stay a few days at The Captain's House in Rockport , Massachusetts.  The inn is directly on the Altlantic Ocean and we went to sleep lulled by the sound of rhythmic waves, and awoke to the orange rays of the sun coming right over the horizon before our very eyes. Although staring out the window of our room at the sunrise was just fine, we usually went downstairs and enjoyed the view from the porch.



I was especially intrigued with the dramatic light effect across the flower bed and house in these early morning hours and that is what I  set about to capture in this painting:


Although a picture's worth a thousand words, nothing can compare to the beauty of this place in person!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

"Straitsmouth Island View", 9x12, oil on panel, plein air field study, rolling waves, New England, Straitsmouth Island, Rockport, Bearskin Neck, paintings of waves, palette knife paintings of waves

"Straitsmouth Island View", 9x12, oil on panel

Here is another painting that was begun out on the rocks during our stay at the Captain's House in Rockport, Massachusetts. We had a really good view of both Thatcher Island and Staitsmouth Island from the Inn which allowed me to go out on the rocks each day and paint to my heart's content.

I painted this in the afternoon of our first day there, and the weather could not have been any better!

Here's the view I had of the island from the rocks:
The waves kept changing every moment!

Straitsmouth Island has a light house on the other side as well as an old keeper's house that is partially boarded up now. There is a view of the lighthouse from Bearskin Neck as well as the headlands out on the Old Garden Walk. One of these days, I will try to paint the keeper's house and light house from the photo that we took from the headlands, but for now I am just trying to keep the memory of that view in my head for as long as I can!

I had to turn my easel away from the view as the sun was too bright on the canvas otherwise. It was a little weird at first, but I got used to it:

Overall, it was a challenging and yet satisfying experience to try to paint the crashing waves en plein air.

Friday, September 28, 2012

"Thatcher Island View", plein air field study, 9x12-Cape Ann, Rockport, waves, rocks, seascape with lighthouse


"Thatcher Island View", plein air field study, 9x12


This is the second painting that I did of the Thatcher Island Lighthouses on Cape ann. It's amazing how one can paint the same view at the same time of day and still see a completely different scene. Compared to the day before, there was a strong light on the upper left hand side of the water and yet the rocks were more golden and less orange. See below:

The wonderful thing about painting water is that nothing is ever the same. The moment is spontaneous, when a wave crests and falls, and one must use their memory to record it on the canvas. I only wish I had had more time in that lovely place to hone my wave-painting skills.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

"Thatcher Island Twin Lights", plein air, 8x10, oil on panel

SOLD

"Thatcher Island Twin Lights", plein air, 8x10, oil on panel

We just returned from a lovely trip to New England where we spent a few days in Maine (York area), New Hampshire and Rockport , Massachusetts.If you follow my blog, you'll know I've been visiting Rockport for the past three years and I never get tired of the beautiful light quality there.

We were blessed with gorgeous weather, which gave me a chance to paint en plein air. The location of our accommodations could not have been any better, and I had the chance to paint out on the rocks every day. Our view looked directly over at Thatcher Island and so I did not have to look very far for subject matter!
As you can see, I could not have been much happier!

This was the first painting of the Thatcher light houses that I did on the first day of our arrival. One of the guests at the inn where we stayed walked past as I was painting and asked if I would sell the painting to her. Now don't you just love it when that happens?

I'll be posting my other plein air paintings that I did on the trip over the next few days.

I was so very happy to have the opportunity to practice painting large rolling waves and big boulders. Those are two things I never see here in Florida and boy did I need the practice!

Monday, September 17, 2012

"Three's Company", 8x10, oil on wrapped Belgian linen-paintings of roses, oranges, pink roses, impressionist roses, impasto, MAryanne Jacobsen

"Three's Company", 8x10, oil on wrapped  Belgian linen

I haven't done a floral in a long while and was in the mood to do one, so today I bought some reduced roses at the market and set to work!

Here's my set-up:


I got a late start and the light was rather poor so I had to work fast. I enjoyed doing these as a change of pace. I think it's good to mix things up periodically so as to not get into a rut.

"Three's company" has thick paint throughout. If you wish to purchase this, please allow at least two weeks for the impasto to dry before I can ship it. Also available in a gold plein air frame for an additional $40.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Rat Boat, paintings of old boats, small boats, wooden boats, rat boats, Rockport, Rockport harbor

SOLD
"The Rat Boat", 5x7 oil on panel

I have no idea why this old wooden boat has a little sign on the back that says "Rat", but I'm guessing there's a good reason! Perhaps rats live in the boat and dance to the light of the moon when no ones looking? Or perhaps some villainous human rat stole this charming old boat from its original owners and in a fit of guilt the thief decided to name the boat after the ilks of himself? Or maybe like a  treacherous rat, this tiny little boat in the Rockport harbor sneaks up on unsuspecting fishing boats in the pre-dawn hours and  a boatload of cats sneak up on the unsuspecting fisherman and steal the fish to the horror of the fisherman who had no idea there was a rat on their tail!

Or maybe a family of hungry gulls man the boat and stalk the fishing boats while the fisherman are catching cat naps? (Not rat naps!)

Here's a photo of the rat boat in the Rockport harbor in the pre-dawn hours.



I know it looks small and inconspicuous but that could be a front for the rats.... or the cats...

We are going back to Rockport next week. I am going to see if I can get to the bottom of this mystery.

But in the meantime, if you want to own your own little rat boat, just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Monday, September 10, 2012

"Low Tide", 9x12, oil on canvas, paintings of boats, low tide, Bay of Fundy, old wooden boats, Maine boats

SOLD
"Low Tide", 9x12, oil on canvas

The first time I ever visited the Maine area was a few years back. We stayed at a lovely Bed and Breakfast in Boothbay Harbor that boosted a room with a "water view". The day we arrived it was pouring rain and so sitting out on our porch and enjoying our "water view" was out of the question. The next day we woke up delighted to see that the rain had finally stopped! We rushed out on to our balcony to see our water view.

Low and behold all we saw were a bunch of boats laying on their sides , their keels dripping mud  onto the bare earth below. I was shocked. "What is that?", I asked my husband.

" I think that's our water view", he replied almost sadly. Weirdly by the evening, the harbor had refilled with water and the boats were once again floating gracefully on the water.

The more we saw of Maine's many harbors and inlets, the more we saw this same phenomenon over and over again. I understand that if you go a little further east into the Bay of Fundy, the tidal changes become even more dramatic! Each day 100 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy during one tide cycle, which is more than the combined flow of the whole world’s freshwater rivers!

Anyhow, sorry to digress, but we certainly live in an amazing world, don't you think?

If you are interested in purchasing, "Low Tide", please send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Friday, September 07, 2012

"Cattin' Around", 8x10, oil on canvas panel-paintings of cat boats, Cape Cod cat boats, sailboats, impressionist seascapes

SOLD
"Cattin' Around", 8x10, oil on canvas panel

I am a total sucker when it comes to classic cat boats. They are elegant, efficiently constructed and comparing them to new sailboat designs is like comparing Jennifer Aniston to Grace Kelly.

In this painting I wanted to capture the feeling of movement in both the air and water.

Lots of thick impasto in this one, so if you are thinking of purchasing allow at least two weeks drying time.

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

"Morning on the Kennebunk River", 8x8, oil on Ampersand board, Maine, boats, Kennebunkport, autumn in Maine, small paintings

SOLD



"Morning on the Kennebunk River", 8x8, oil on Ampersand board

Another small painting of the boats on the Kennebunk River in Kennebunkport, Maine. I tried to keep this painting loose and impressionist with detail suggested rather than rendered.



Friday, August 31, 2012

"Walking to Canyon Road", 14x11, oil on linen, southwest art, Sant Fe, New Mexico Bed and breakfast, Inn on the Alameda, adobe architecture

SOLD
"Walking to Canyon Road", 14x11, oil on linen

Canyon Road in Santa Fe , New Mexico is the ultimate destination for artists and art collectors  around the country. If you want to stay close to Canyon Road, I highly recommend the Inn on the Alameda, a lovely B&B at the north end of Canyon Rd.

This is my second time painting this Inn so  I bet you can tell that I like it! This painting was painted primarily with a palette knife and has thick paint throughout.

To see more of my paintings, please visit my website at Maryanne Jacobsen Fine Art.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

"Humble Icon", 16x20, oil on linen, Paint America Top 100, american landscapes, Rockport Massachusetts, Cape Anne,impasto, colorful seascapes

SOLD
"Humble Icon", 16x20, oil on linen

This humble little red lobster shack is a national icon. It has been painted by thousands of artists over the years and has an endearing quality to it, by virtue of its humble stance at this location on a rocky wharf jutting into the Atlantic in the lovely little town of Rockport in Cape Ann, Massachusetts.
When we were in Rockport the past two summers we stayed at The Seaward Inn, an absolutely delightful Bed and Breakfast facing the Atlantic, a few minutes drive from the center of town. We stayed in a little room on the third floor, and we were told it is Whoopi Goldberg's preferred room when she stays at the Inn. The entire cast of A Perfect Storm, including hunky George Clooney, evidently stayed at this Inn during the filming of the movie in 2000, and I can say that both Gloucester, where the movie was filmed, and Rockport are worthy of a return visit. Rockport supports an active artist colony, and I hope to return there again in a few weeks to do some fall plein air painting in that beautiful golden light!

 "Humble Icon" was chosen as one of the Top 100 in Paint America's 2010 competition of contemporary American artworks, and now I am offereing the painting for sale at a reduced price. The painting has lovely color and thick passages of impasto throughout. If you are interested in purchasing the painting , just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Monday, August 27, 2012

"Marina View", plein air, 9x12, oil o canvas panel-Marina, harbor, St. Augustine, Camachee Marina, boats, plein air






"Marina View", plein  air, 9x12, oil o canvas panel

We had a short stay in St. Augustine this past weekend and stayed in a room that overlooked the Camachee Marina. We have stayed in many different places in St. Augustine before , but never before on Camachee Island, which is just a 5 minute drive from the historic area, and away from the traffic and crowds. Although Isaac spoiled much of Sunday and Monday for us, we did have a lovely day on Saturday. The Inn at Camachee Harbor where we stayed had a wonderful view of the marina and the sunset views over the harbor are quite lovely as well.

I started this painting on our balcony on Sunday morning and as you can see it was an absolutely perfect day.


 But although I intended to finish it today, the scene was quite different-gray, foggy and pretty dismal. Every time I tried to photograph the painting  the lens of my camera would fog up from the humidity and as fast as I wiped it, it would fog up again. I finished it anyway and might try to do a larger studio painting eventually.  I wanted to challenge myself with a complicated view and this certainly fit the bill what with all the boats and perspective involved.

To purchase this plein air painting, just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Friday, August 24, 2012

"The Colors of Venice", 8x10, oil on Raymar panel, paintings of Venice italy, canal, gondola, boats

SOLD
 
"The Colors of Venice", 8x10, oil on Raymar panel

Well, Chicago may be Frank Sinatra's kind of town, but I'll take Venice anyday! As an artist that loves color, what could be more heavenly than a summer day on one of Venice's many canals!

This painting is already sold, but you may also like this one!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

"Bellissima Morning",35x25, oil on gallery-wrapped canvas

SOLD
"Bellissima Morning",35x25, oil on gallery-wrapped canvas

This painting was a commission for a beautiful restaurant in New Jersey. It looks much better in person! Please email me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com if you have a personal request for a painting.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

"Catch the Wind" 8x10, oil on Raymar panel, Maryanne Jacobsen paintings, paintings of Maine, harbor, Sailboat, sunset

SOLD
"Catch the Wind" 8x10, oil on Raymar panel

After I painted "Morning Whale Watch", I had a request to do another one. So here it is. This is a scene of the schooner that sails off of Frenchman's Bay in Bar Harbor , Maine. I love the burnt orange color of its sails and coordinated the rest of the palette around that. I named it after an old Donovan song, "Catch the Wind", which was popular in the 60's and which I still enjoy hearing today.

CATCH THE WIND
Donovan

In the chilly hours and minutes of uncertainty
I long to be in the warm hold of your mind
To feel you all around me and to take your hand across the sand
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind

When sundown pales the sky I want to hide a while behind your smile
And everywhere I'd look your eyes I'd find
For me to love you now would be the sweetest thing, 'twould make me sing
Ah but I might as well try and catch the wind
Dee dee dee dee etc

When rain has covered leaves with tears
I want you near to kill my fears
To help me leave all my blues behind
While standing in your heart is where I wanna be and long to be
Ah but I might as well try and catch the wind
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind 

Monday, August 06, 2012

"Contemplation", 14x 11, oil on linen, paintings of dancers, ballerinas young dancers

"Contemplation", 14x 11, oil on linen

I have not done a figurative painting in almost a year, mainly because I have just not been inspired. So I was really, really happy to find such a beautiful photo of three young dancers in repose on Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's Facebook page.

A huge thank-you to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for kindly giving me permission to use their photo as a reference for this painting!

I think I need to paint more dancers.It was so much fun!

Note: This painting is not for sale at this time.

Friday, August 03, 2012

"Acadian Morning", 9x12, oil on Raymar panel, Acadia Nat'l PArk, Cadillac Mountain, Maine landscapes

"Acadian Morning", 9x12, oil on Raymar panel

I apologize for not posting in a while. I think I've been a little distracted with other things.

Today my friends, Vicki and Samantha of Vermont sent me some gorgeous photos from their recent trip to Acadia National Park in Maine. I was so excited to see all the beautiful photos that they took, because Acadia Nat'l Park is such a beautiful place to visit!

Although we have gone up to Maine for two summers in a row, this year we were unable to fit it into our schedules. So receiving these photos this morning really cheered me up after over a whole week of not painting a danged thing!

I did this one quickly. It's a quick study and not intended to be polished but more of an impression of a place that I remember very well and love! But doing it definitely got me out of the rut I was in! To all my friends up in Maine this summer, including Samantha, Vicki, Terry, Pam, Susan, Jane, Hodges and so many others, I hope you are enjoying the cool weather , because it is stinking hot here in Florida and pretty much everywhere else in the country!

Thanks again, Samantha, for today's inspiration!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Thursday, July 19, 2012

"Springhouse in Shadow", 11x14, oil on linen-, Vixen Hill Farm, paintings of springhouse, Maryanne Jacobsen art

SOLD
"Springhouse in Shadow", 11x14, oil on linen

It's funny, but since I have returned home from our short trip to Chester County, Pennsylvania, I have realized that my normal palette of impressionist colors aren't quite sufficient in painting these old fieldstone structures.

A palette of burnt sienna, yellow ochre, raw sienna and  raw umber would definitely have been helpful to have had on hand for the tones in the stonework of this old springhouse, but since I rarely use these colors I had to mix them myself. After a little trial and error, I finally got some good earth tones on my palette and was able to complete this painting.

This springhouse was not only charming to look at, it provided the water for our cottage while we stayed at Vixen Hill farm. The water was cold and pure, absolutely delightful! I was a little concerned because there has evidently been a drought up there and the water levels were very low every where that we went, including the spring outside our cottage, but upon tasting it I knew it was perfect. If only I could have taken some home with me!

Here is the reference photo of the springhouse that i used:

I loved the slice of light down the center contrasted against all the shadow patterns and knew this would make a good composition!

I was surprised to learn how many people have no idea what a springhouse is! Having lived for many years in Chester county where there seems to be a springhouse around every corner, I had no idea that they were  rather 'foreign' in other areas of the country!  (sort of like what Santa Fe's adobe structures would be to northeasterners!)So in case you are clueless, a springhouse is/was a small stone structure that a natural spring ran through. The combination of the cold water and thick stone created a naturally cold environment, and before modern refrigeration had been invented farmers and settlers used the spring house as a storehouse for their root vegetables and other perishable foods.

 For more info about Vixen Hill farm, just go back and read my most recent posts!



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