"Tea and Cherries", 8x8, oil on Ampersand panel, tea, cherries, sunflowers, holiday sale, little paintings as gifts, holiday shopping, little gems, allaprima

 "Tea and Cherries", 8x8, oil on Ampersand panel

I don't know about you, but I love cherries! There is something very gratifying about the sweetness in your mouth, followed by being allowed to spit out the seed! Remember all those warnings received as a child about spitting? Well this is one occasion where spitting is OK! (As long as you don't aim the seed at a person. )

Anyhow, this was painted from life in my kitchen. I picked up the little tea cup at a second hand store and put them together with my favorite flowers- sunflowers! Now what's not to like about sunflowers, (happy), tea, (warm's the belly) and cherries (spitting rights!).

Okay I'm done. This painting is part of my holiday sale and is available for a limited time only for only $80.00, unframed. To purchase the painting, just visit my website here.

"Pigtails and Teddy Bears", 8x8, oil, paintings of children, teddy bears, pigtails, me and my teddy bear, Christmas gifts, holiday sale, little gems

SOLD

 "Pigtails and Teddy Bears", 8x8, oil

This is an older painting that I have always loved. It reminds me of my own childhood when my teddy bear and Raggedy Ann doll were my constant companions and best friends.

It would make a lovely gift for a special little girl and is now available in my Holiday Sale. You can check the sale out here and purchase Pigtails and Teddy Bears through PayPal.

All paintings will be shipped within 24 hours of purchase.

"Autumn Windowsill", 8x10, small original oil painting, stocking stuffers, autumn, windowsill light

SOLD

 "Autumn Windowsill", 8x10

I loved the partial light coming through this window. It stopped me in my tracks and I knew it should be painted.

I think autumn is the most delightful season in the year. Pumpkins, apples, cider, hayrides, bonfires and the changing leaves are just a few of the things that make autumn my favorite season of the year.

This painting is included in my annual Holiday Sale on my website. Every small painting included in the sale is priced under $100! Now that is something to get merry about!

Please go here to see the paintings offered in this sweet sale, including "Autumn Windowsill". a $12 handling fee will be added to each order to cover the cost of shipping expenses.

Happy holidays!

"Along the Way", 8x10, oil on panel, red-roof barn, farmland, serene paintings, little gems, country scenes, I-phone magic, taking photos in the car

 "Along the Way", 8x10, oil on panel

I discovered something recently. These darned I-phones take pretty good photos at high speeds!

When I am visiting a scenic area, I could stop at every bend and take a photo, always thinking of a potential painting. My husband, while pretty cooperative most of the time, can grow pretty impatient with me when we are in the car and I am wanting him to stop every couple miles.

So recently I tried an experiment. What if I just take pictures while he's driving?

It seemed like a pretty far-fetched idea, but I decided to try it nonetheless. What could it hurt?

As it turned out, the phone takes pretty nice pictures at high speeds. (no, he didn't slow down!) Here's the photo I took through the windshield while he was driving:

So all I had to do was straighten and crop and Voila! A decent reference photo!

Just don't do this while driving!!!!!

Can you believe how unbearably beautiful that sky was?

I will probably do a larger version of this scene, and attempt to paint the sky that lusciously gorgeous blue!

"Along the Way" is available for purchase. Please contact me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com for pricing info.

"Take me Home, Country Road", 12x16, oil on canvas, Chester Springs pa, Flowing Springs Rd, Birchrunville Store Cafe, Butterscotch Pastry Shop, paintings of Chester County Pa., Maryanne Jacobsen art, old barns, red roof, country road

 "Take me Home, Country Road", 12x16, oil on canvas

For twelve years I lived in beautiful, bucolic Chester Springs, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia in Chester County. I've painted quite a few scenes from the area, including the historic Washington Building in the tiny village of Yellow Springs, which was right down the road from my home, as well as the iconic St. Matthews Church , which sits majestically on a hill on Conestoga Road. Tucked away on tiny roads like School House Lane are little treasures, like this old home lonely in its quiet beauty amongst the ancient trees, and this old red-roofed barn along St. Matthews Rd.

It was hard for me to leave that lovely home and area, and move to Florida, but it seemed like the best decision at the time. I have yet to find the inspiration here in Florida, that I can find at my old home's setting up north in Chester Springs.

We return to the area at least once a year, and I always bring my paints along with me in order to capture the beauty of the place.

A favorite walking and biking route of ours, back when we lived there, was along Flowing Springs Rd., which is true to its name, and meanders along a little spring into the tiny town of Birchrunville, famous for its tiny Fourth of July parade and the Birchrunville Store Cafe, a quaint bistro serving delectable food to the small, privileged bunch who are able to get a reservation.

The above painting is of an old barn with a red roof on Flowing Springs as the road approaches the intersection of Hollow Road, where the Cafe (which is also a post office!) and the delightful Butterscotch Pastry Shop sit together. Indeed, if you look at my painting, the building beyond the barn is a small glimpse of the Butterscotch Pastry shop. It was an antique store when I lived in the area, but I am glad that a thriving bakery has taken its place.

In these uncertain times in which we live, there is something especially calming about familiar country roads, and little pieces of American history, like the iconic building that houses the Birchrunville Store Cafe, which was a creamery before it became a post office/ store/cafe. I only wish I could still gather together a picnic lunch, hop on my bike and head up Hollow Road towards the covered bridge that spans French Creek. Here is another painting that I did of Flowing Springs Road.

The Birchrunville Store Cafe

The Sheeder Hall Covered Bridge

Thanks for visiting my blog. If you have an interest in "Take me Home Country Road", just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com. I hope you have a blessed Day!

"Lunch at the Four Dogs", 8x10, Four Dog Tavern, Marshalton Pennsylvania, fine eateries, paintings of restaurants, Chester County paintings, Maryanne JAcobsen art

 "Lunch at the Four Dogs", 8x10

One of the biggest things that I miss about living in Chester County, Pa. are the wonderful restaurants that we used to frequent. Of those, my favorite has always been the Four Dog Tavern in Marshalton, Pa., right outside of West Chester.

We never get tired of eating there, whether it is winter inside by a cozy fire in the historic old building, or outdoors in the spring, fall and summer. The food is always wonderful, and so are the wine selections.

We've had family celebrations there, and each year I used to enjoy going back to the area for the annual Plein Air Brandywine Valley event, which always included a painting stint in Marshalton and a gathering afterwards at the wonderful Marshalton Inn, across from the tavern.

This painting features the sign that never changes, outside of the covered patio. "Please wait to be seated" is a sign that is always filled with anticipation of our next great meal!

I've painted this wonderful old tavern a couple times before.

You can check the paintings out here and here.

If interested in this one, just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com, and be sure to visit the Four Dogs next time you are int he West Chester  area!

Sleeping Beauty, 8x8, oil on panel, paintings of little children, dolls and little girls, sleeping in the car, sleeping beauty, grandchildren

 

"Sleeping Beauty", 8x8, oil

When my grand-daughter was just a wee one, we took a car ride one day and she feel asleep. I snapped a photo of her and only recently found it and decided to paint her and her little doll.

Children are certainly God's gift to grandmothers!

"Church on the Hill", 16x20, oil, St. Matthews Church, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania landscapes, autumn landscapes, fall foliage, Maryanne Jacobsen original art, Chester County Pennsylvania, church on the hill

 "Church on the Hill", 16x20, oil.

Something about the fall is so very special, at least for me!

Although I live in Florida now, where there is little change from season to season, I spent much of my life living in beautiful Pennsylvania, where the seasons are all dramatically different.

It's now October, 2021, and although things have been difficult for myself and many others over the past year and a half, I take enormous comfort in my memories in these times where uncertainty seems to rule the day and our lives.

My memories of fall are rich, filled with pumpkin carving, smells of cinnamon and spice, warm apple crumbles, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, and well... pumpkin pie! Kicking up leaves, and watching the colors of summer turn from drab to vibrant with  rich russets and golds and everything in between, has been a pastime I will never tire of.

The painting above depicts St. Matthew's Church, in beautiful Chester Springs, Pa. There are two St. Matthews churches in Chester Springs, but this one sits high on the hill, and the other directly below at the intersection of St. Matthews and Conestoga Rds. They are both beautiful in their own way, but in the fall, the one on the hill is gloriously flanked by trees and foliage arrayed in all of autumn's splendor.

I am happy to be able to depict some of these rich memories on canvas. It is a blessing to be able to paint!

This painting is available. If you would like purchase  information please feel free to contact me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

"Hunt Country" 9x12, oil on panel, paintings of horses, Radnor Hunt, hunt country, Chester County Pennsylvania, Plein air painting

 "Hunt Country" 9x12, oil on panel

Two years ago I participated in Plein Air Brandywine Valley for the 8th or 9th year in a row. I always enjoyed returning to Chester County, Pennsylvania for this awesome fall paint out. The fall colors were always spectacular, as were the many gorgeous locations where we were permitted to paint.

On this particular bright autumn morning, the group was set up at a private residence and horses were already grazing in the meadow.

The morning light was clear, the air was crisp and to top it off we suddenly heard horns in the background.

Knowing we were in hunt country, the artists raced across the road with cameras in hand to capture the scene as the Radnor Hunt approached to the tune of beagles barking and horses prancing through the woodlands.

The horseback riders of Radnor Hunt graciously came over to chat with us for a bit before they continued their pursuit of foxes and we returned to our easels.

This is the second year that the Paint Out has been cancelled due to Covid. The hubby and I are going to go up to Pennsylvania in mid October and I hope to have a chance to do some painting of that gorgeous fall foliage that I so miss down here in Florida.

This painting is available. Please contact me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com if interested.

Foghorn Morning, 12x24 oil on panel, seaside cottage, Ocean Point Maine, Maine landscape, foggy day, Don Demers, Maine seascape

 "Foghorn Morning", 12x24. oil

I think it was at least 10 years ago or more that we took our first trip to Maine. It would be the first of many trips that we would take there.

Maine has a rugged, ethereal beauty. Although there are days that are drenched in luminous sunlight, there are also all those foggy days where it is like the world has been submerged in fairy mist.

On one such morning my husband and I decided to leave Boothbay Harbor and drive to nearby Ocean Point, where I had heard that renowned marine artist Don Demers was going to be doing a plein air demo. We found the site and just started following a ragtag group of artists dragging their easels up the road towards the beach.

The site of his demo was the home of one of Don's friends, and the house sat squarely on a beautiful piece of ground on Shore Rd. overlooking the ocean and various small islands including Ram Island and it's lighthouse.

Although the day started out clear, before long the air became misty and the fog started coming in. In the distance a foghorn blew intermittently as Don finished his painting. The property on which the demo was held was called "Seven Lights" , because according to the owner, you can see the lights from seven different lighthouses on the surrounding islands.

I took a photo of the house next door, which had a lovely seaside Victorian style, and that is the subject of the painting. I tried to re-create the feeling that the house was being shrouded in mist as the fog set in. 

Hopefully, I was somewhat successful.

It has been quite a while since I felt like painting. I have had health issues in recent months that have drained me of my energy. I hope this new painting will be the beginning of many more as I continue to feel better.

Thanks for visiting!

"Beach Breeze", 8x10, oil, beach breeze, windy day, palette knife painting, little gem, small works, affordable art

SOLD

 "Beach Breeze", 8x10, oil

This little painting was created in soft and subtle tones with a palette knife. When you can't go to the beach, this will help you go there in your mind! Can you feel the breeze?

"Momma's Garden", 8x8, oil on panel, mothers day, little gems, paintings of mom

 "Momma's Garden", 8x8, oil on panel

I've done quite a few versions of this lady and her book, sunflowers and wine. I changed this one up quite a bit to give her cabernet instead of Chardonnay. She also changed her hair style and color. I hope she doesn't mind!

If you have any interest in this painting, just send me an email at maryannejacobsen.com.

"Beauty amidst the Ruins", 12x16, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California missions, Beautiful gardens, California history, Maryanne Jacobsen fine art

"Beauty amidst the Ruins", 12x16

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a place of quiet peace, gorgeous gardens and ghostly whispers of the past. 

Echos of long ago struggles can hardly be detected in this place of serene fountains, gracefully curved arches and seasonal flowers, yet the missions stretching along the California coast  have a long history that profoundly shaped the culture and founding of California and the history of its ethnic peoples.

I've visited and painted at Capistrano many times and never tire of its beauty. The old church was destroyed by an earthquake at least a hundred years ago and the ruins of that church are a solemn reminder of nature's fury and lack of favoritism.

This painting reflects a bit of both- the light and shadows cascading over the rocks of the ruins, while the lush fragrant gardens beyond beckon us into a season of hope. It's a joy to visit the Mission. Someday I intend to go back again, when this COVID mess is over!

"Sunroom at Chanticleer", 12x16, Chanticleer Gardens Wayne Pennsylvania, St. David's, botanical gardens on the Main Line, palette knife paintings

 "Sunroom at Chanticleer", 12x16

This was painted with a palette knife only. Once in a while it's fun for me to keep my palette knife skills intact. I chose this sunny porch scene, which is off of the sunroom at Chanticleer, a lovely oasis of gardens surrounding a lavish estate in St. David's , Pennsylvania.

I've done other paintings of this lovely place, including Chanticleer's Garden and An Invitation to Rest. Chanticleer is a lovely botanical estate to visit any time of the year!

For more info about Chanticleer including hours and ticket prices, visit their website here.

Thanks for visiting my blog. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

"Moonstruck", 5x7 , oil, white rose, painting of a white rose, small studies, little gems, small affordable paintings, paintings of roses, Maryanne Jacobsen fine art

SOLD

 "Moonstruck", 5x7 , oil

Recently I decided to challenge my painting skills by attempting a white rose. Now that may sound like an easy task to some artists, but for me, painting a white rose was always a challenging thought. 

It was a "thought" because I never actually tried to paint one. I just assumed I couldn't do it.

Roses are so very complex. Their beauty is astounding, but mastering the painting of roses takes a great deal of skill. I have painted roses before. Some came a little easier than others, depending on what I was thinking at the time.

Our thoughts have a great affect on how we approach life, especially painting. I have often condemned myself before even starting! Such was the case with rose painting, and in particular white rose painting.

So last weekend I bought 6 lovely white roses that opened gradually over the course of a few days.

I picked one (they are all unique!) and put it in a bud rose vase and set about to paint it. Here was my reference and what struck me most about this photo is how very little you could actually see! Which is why we are always told to paint from life. Duh.

Anyhow, I must have wiped this thing out at least a half dozen times before I finally started to see the flower develop.

It's not perfect, but I felt like I accomplished something! The white rose was always a big bogey man in my mind. But now I feel better. Do you have any painting challenges that you may or may not have overcome? I'd love to hear about them!

"Fish Beach Road", 12x16, oil, paintings of Monhegan Island, the Fish House Monhegan, summer vacations, Maine vacations, island trips, Maryanne Jacobsen fine art

 "Fish Beach Road", 12x16, oil

It's been quite a while since I posted anything new. It's hard sometimes to get back into a routine after you've been out of one for a long time.

I used to post on this blog everyday. And I often even found nice comments afterwards. It was great. That was about ten years ago.

The years fly by before we know it and then we suddenly find ourselves in a whole new era.

In this case, it became the era of social media. Instead of blog posts, artists started just posting photos of their new paintings on Facebook, Instagram, etc. 

While I am just as guilty of doing that, I discovered that it wasn't  very satisfying. I used to really enjoy creating stories about my art within the blog post. It was another level of creativity to write and explain in a blog post the inspiration and process behind the painting. it was fun and  for me, at least, very rewarding.

I often sold my work through my blog posts. And people around the world got to know me a little and began to recognize my work on sites like Daily Painters, when the "painting a day" phenomenon" took root and flourished.

Anyhow, now I'm just mumbling, if it's possible to mumble on a blog.

This is a new painting of a scene that I painted a couple times in the past. It is Fish Beach Road outside the Fish House eatery at the height of summer on Monhegan Island, Maine. My colors are more sober and muted now, and I think my change of palette simply reflects my overall mood anymore. My mood is not buoyant and positive and colorful and quirky like that of the Maryanne of the past.

Life with Covid has changed us all in new and different ways, and many are not positive additions to our fragile little personalities. That being said, I can look back with longing and appreciation for those carefree days when travel was almost effortless (at least compared to today's so called travel), and life seemed to be bubbling with possibilities. Indeed, on Monhegan Island, there were new possibilities lurking behind every corner, every turn in the road, every change of seasons. So I know that if things ever return to the way they were, we will all find ourselves ever so grateful for those freedoms and carefree attitudes of the past that no longer define our lifestyles, but hopefully will surface again.

Well, whether or not, I'll ever travel to lovely Maine again, I can still enjoy my memories of those happy painting trips, and hope and pray there are some new ones still to be found within my lifespan.

Stay well, and feel free to comment about your own experiences!