Playing Dress-up, 12x16, oil on linen, paintings of children, costume, little girls in costume, Princess Anna, Maryanne Jacobsen art

"Playing Dress-up", 12x16, oil on linen

A recent visit from my California family brought about a slight dilemma. What to do with a two and a half year old on a day that was just not right for the beach or pool? A quick Google search  and I discovered the Sarasota Children's Garden in downtown Sarasota.

It was just the thing for an overcast day with little fantasy gardens, a make-believe dragon and pirate ship and special dress-up room for all sorts of imaginings. The dress-up room proved to be the hidden treasure. As a true "Frozen " aficionado , Zoey had no trouble locating a Princess Anna gown from the racks of little girl costumes.

Though not quite the perfect fit, it nevertheless did not hamper Zoey from imagining her magic realm. I was only too glad to be one of her Highness's royal subjects!

"Country Inn Warmth", 12x16, oil on panel, interior, Duling-Kurtz Inn, country inns, Bed and breakfast, Maryanne Jacobsen art, Chester County Pennsylvania, fireside

"Country Inn Warmth", 12x16, oil on panel

The Duling Kurtz Inn in Exton , Pennsylvania has a fascinating history. It is located in beautiful Chester County , Pa. and is well over a hundred years old.

Named after two woman, Edith Duling Carr drove her horse and wagon to Market in Wilmington, Delaware where she sold live chickens, eggs, and vegetables in the open market square. She married Robert H. Carr, who left farming to establish a regional milk transporting company in Frazer, and raised a family of five boys and one girl. "Aunt Edith" resided in Chester County for the most of her 85 years.

Lena E. Kurtz Knauer, one of eight children born to a miller's family, was raised in the Morgantown, Pennsylvania area. During her youth, while homesteading in North Dakota with her sister, she rode horseback through the West selling cosmetics to Indians.  In her twilight years "Aunt Lena" entertained visitors regularly at St. Peter's Village with her musical saw and made several appearances on national television, playing her unique instrument.  She was, in fact, a very colorful citizen of Chester County where she lived most of her 90 years.

Duling-Kurtz House and Country Inn is named in honor of these two fine ladies whose love, strength and character deeply touched and wonderfully influenced so many lives.

My husband and I had the occasion to stay at the Inn recently while visiting Chester County, Pa. When we entered the reception area, there was a hearty fire roaring in the the fireplace. There were flowers on the coffee table and oranges in a bowl. It felt wonderful on this chilly, rainy, spring day.

I snapped a quick photo of the reception area and painted it last week. There is also a restauranton the premises which has exceptional food.

Thanks for looking and do visit the Duling -Kurtz Inn and Restaurant if you are in the Exton, Pennsylvania area!

"Peaches and Cream", 16x20, oil on linen, Mother's Day gifts, impressionist floral, peaches, roses

"Peaches and Cream", 16x20, oil on linen

This lovely floral was painted a while back and also received an honorable mention in an exhibit.

It would make a lovely gift for Mother's Day and is also available framed. Please send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com if you would like purchasing information.