"The Carolers", 8x8, oil on panel, Christmas carols, children in snow, old-fashioned Christmas, singing carols, snow, holiday, a Christmas carol

 "The Carolers", 8x8, oil on panel

I have always loved all things old-fashioned and poignant. I am not a fan of modern clothes, music, hairstyles or furniture. I love anything that makes me feel nostalgic about the past, because the past was a simpler time. 

No computers, cell phones or electric cars. No hustle and bustle on crowded streets with garish lights. People stayed home at night and mothers knitted, children played music or did homework, and little girls learned how to crochet.

I don't think many people go caroling anymore. Especially children. It's not safe and kids would probably rather stay home and play with their electronic gadgets.

I know. I sound like a cynic. Perhaps I am.

Anyway, I wanted to get into the Christmas spirit, so I painted this yesterday. It is offered on my website for $200, plus shipping. Please click this link, if you would like to purchase it.

"Tucked Away", 12x16, oil on panel , winter scene, snowscape, little house in the woods, trees, winter, original art

 "Tucked Away", 12x16, oil on panel (Note: click on photo for a better look.)

I started painting this as a tree study, but the  painting took on a life of its own as I went along. I painted it in the middle of the night because I couldn't sleep, and I have to say it was a great time to paint with no interruptions!

This painting has thick passages of impasto and interesting textures throughout. 

For purchase information, please send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com

"December Snow", 8x10, oil on panel, snow scene, original oil painting, Christmas gifts, framed painting of snow, tranquil snow scenes, Maryanne Jacobsen art

 "December Snow", 8x10, oil on panel, frame included! (Note: Click on image to see it better)

This is the time of year that I dream of a White Christmas! As a Floridian of 20 years, I get to wear shorts all year, and  see my garden bloom throughout the year.

But during the holiday season, I yearn for those beautiful winter scenes of tranquility and peace, that I once enjoyed when I lived in beautiful Chester County Pennsylvania.

I am offering this painting for sale, with the frame included, through my website. Please click here to enjoy the serenity of a snow scene all year long!

"A Winter's Day", 11x14, oil,wintersnowfall, paintingsofsnow, chestercountypa, yellowspringsvillage, chesterspringspa, holidaygifts, countryscene, originalart, maryannejacobsenart, artschoolroad,

 "A Winter's Day", 11x14, oil

"A Winter's Day", 11x14. Nothing for me is more beautiful and serene than a falling snow on a tiny country lane. This scene is found on Art School Road in the tiny village of Yellow Springs, Pa. It is available through my Christmas in November sale for a few more days and would make a lovely gift for someone special on your list. Purchase through my website here.

#wintersnowfall #paintingsofsnow #chestercountypa #yellowspringsvillage #chesterspringspa #holidaygifts #countryscene #originalart #maryannejacobsenart #artschoolroad

"Old Bard playing his Kobza", 11x14, oil on linen, Ukraine, Paintings of Ukrainian people, old bard, Kobza, Ukrainian guitar, portraits of people, musician

 "Old Bard playing his Kobza", 11x14, oil on linen

I painted this one years ago, and put it away, because I didn't like it. Yesterday, I took it out and looked at it, and realized it was actually a lovely painting that just needed a little tender , loving care. So I re-worked some passages and decided to call it done.

A Kobza, is a Ukrainian guitar, similar to a lute. With the Ukrainian war still  in full swing after all this time, I thought it would be apropos to post this painting, reflecting the culture and costume of the Ukrainian people.

This painting is available for sale through my website at https://maryannejacobsenfineart.com

"Pink Ladies", 8x10, oil on stretched linen, thick impasto, pink roses, thick paint, vibrant color, small floral, beautiful holiday gifts, original oil paintings, maryanne jacobsen

SOLD

 "Pink Ladies", 8x10, oil on stretched linen

This is a palette knife painting that I did many years ago. I was never happy with it because of one mistake. I took it out and reworked the area I was unhappy with, as well as tightened up some other areas . and now I am very pleased with it. It could be a showstopper in the right location, as a result of the thick, juicy impasto in the flowers and the vibrant color throughout.

"Mary's Garden", 12x12, oil on linen panel, oil paintings for sale, women in hats, women in gardens, serenity garden, wine and books, secret gardens, original art, original oil paintings on sale

 "Mary's Garden", 12x12, oil on linen panel

I painted this a few years ago and totally forgot I had painted it! I've painted this scene before a number of times with different elements in it, and each painting always sells, because what lady doesn't want her own little garden of serenity? A place to escape to from the craziness of life. 

I am adding this painting to my "Christmas in November" sale so check out the beautiful original oil paintings on sale and maybe find one to add to your own artwork collection. This painting is only $400, and framing options are available for an additional cost.

This painting would make a lovely gift for a mom, grandma, wife or friend, and it's on sale for a limited time only.

"Strasbourg Canal", 11x14, paintings of Strasbourg France, Little Paris, canal walk, French cities, paintings of France, charming European cities

SOLD

 "Strasbourg Canal", 11x14

If you have never been to Strasbourg, France, in the Alsace-Lorraine region, it's very scenic and fascinating, combining French with a German influence, as you can see in the architecture below.



I was standing on the bridge on the right when I took the photo which I have used as a reference for the painting above. In the distance, you can see the ancient cathedral which dates from 1200 AD. Wow! That's old!

When we were in Strasbourg, we stayed at The Hotel Gutenberg and had a great view of the cathedral from our "Rooftop" room.

Here's another photo that I took from the window of our room which shows how high up we were:



While we were there, the world cup was in progress and there was great excitement about the games in the streets. Unlike America, the Europeans are really into soccer, which they call "football".

It was a fun trip. I'd best stop here because I could go on for hours.

a Painting a day, Daily painters, original art , affordable original art, paintings of Strasbourg France, colorist art,contemporary impressionism, Colorist art by Maryanne JAcobsen, paintings 0f quaint European villages.

a Painting a day, Daily painters, original impressionist art , affordable French landscapes, paintings of Petite France and Strasbourg, colorist art,contemporary impressionism, art blogs, Alsace impressionist painting,paintings of canals,Maryanne Jacobsen paintings, European village paintings,paintings of France.

"Lady in Red", 11x14, oil on linen panel, lady, red hat, glamour, women in hats, portraits of women

 "Lady in Red", 11x14, oil on linen panel

I always have a good time when I'm painting ladies with hats.

I painted this one during the Covid lockdown, and took it out today and reworked it a bit.

Special thanks to Short Dog Studio and Beth Bathe for allowing me to use their reference photo.

"Beauty Amidst the Ruins, Mission Capistrano", 12x16, oil on linen, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California earthquake, California missions, Juanero Indians, beautiful gardens, Orange County attractions, historic ruins

 "Beauty Amidst the Ruins, Mission Capistrano", 12x16, oil on linen

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a place of quiet peace, lush, fragrant gardens, as well as ghostly whispers of the past. 

Echos of long ago struggles can now 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 controversial history that profoundly shaped the culture and founding of California and the history of its ethnic peoples.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, in Orange County, is probably the most beautiful of the many missions that defined California's history.  The Great Stone Church, built  by the Juaneno Indians beginning in 1797, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, yet today it is still one of the biggest tourist draws in the county*. Mission Capistrano is one of my favorite places to visit whenever I am in Southern California, and over the years I've painted dozens of paintings of this crumbling, yet still beautiful structure and its lovely gardens. I never tire of seeing its enduring beauty amidst the ruins, which are a solemn  reminder of nature's fury and lack of favoritism when destruction comes.

As the anniversary of Hurricane Ian approaches, I can say that the Mission and its history cause me to reflect on life's roller coaster rides. The painting reflects a bit of both- hope and despair, beauty and ruin, and the light and shadows cascading over the stones of the ruined original church, remind me of Matthew 6:19. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy (insert earthquakes), but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

 It's always joy to visit the Mission, so be sure to visit it if you are in Southern California. 

This painting is available. Contact me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com for purchase information

* information from the LA Times

"Classic Elegance", 12x9, oil on panel, paintings of old cars, classic cars, Auburn Speedster, Gatsby Era, Classic car painting, classic car buffs, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, luxury cars

 "Classic Elegance", 12x9, oil on panel

I love old cars. They are so classy and fun to paint. I haven't painted any old cars in a really long time, so yesterday, I decided that I wanted to paint something different from my usual, and I chose to try my hand at painting this beautiful old classic car.

The car depicted is an Auburn Speedster from about 1936. In the world of classic cars, there are few that can match the sheer elegance and style of this one.  With its sleek lines, powerful engine, and undeniable charisma, this iconic automobile remains a symbol of luxury and sophistication to this day. These cars made a social statement with their beautiful lines, and were fitted with a supercharger, the engine output measuring 150 horsepower. This allowed the Speedster to reach top speeds of over 100 miles per hour!

That's pretty remarkable for a car built in 1936!

These cars were the brainchild of Auburn Automobile company, located in Auburn, Indiana, and you can still see some of them today at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.

The 1936 Auburn Speedster is more than just a classic car; it's a symbol of an era when automotive design reached new heights.

If you are an old car buff, interested in owning a version of your own Auburn Speedster, this little gem is available through my website. You can purchase it directly  here.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoyed this short history of the enduring allure of classic cars, and the shining example of luxury and elegance imbued in the Auburn Speedster!

"Swansong", 16x20, oil on linen panel, Swan Lake, ballet, ballet art, ballerina portrait, Odette, Swan Song, on pointe, classical dance, paintings of dancers

 "Swansong", 16x20, oil on linen panel

Odette is the tragic heroine in the classical ballet Swan Lake. Odette is a princess turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart's curse, who wants his evil daughter Odile (the Black Swan) to wrestle the handsome Prince Sigfried's heart away from the gentle Odette. The ballet is a love story of enchantment and tragedy, as only the Prince's undying love can break the curse and free Odette and the other swan maidens of the sorcerer's curse.

When I was artistic director of my ballet company back in the 1990's, we performed a full length Swan Lake 2 or 3 different times. The challenges of staging a ballet of this magnitude on a small company were tremendous, but I was ambitious and the rewards of re-creating the magic of that ballet eventually overshadowed the work that was involved. I have painted this scene before, but had the urge to paint Odette again in memory of the many hours of love I put into the restaging of that ballet !

Ballet, art, and music are all similar passions. When one has an artistic passion, it dictates their lives for that particular season. Luckily for me, I no longer need to do an entrechat quatre in order to fill my passion. 

May every creative person continue to fill the world with beauty, through music, dance, art, and poetry!

"Superbloom, Lake Elsinore", 12x16, oil on stretched linen, Lake Elsinore, California superbloom, superbloom, poppies

 "Superbloom, Lake Elsinore", 12x16, oil

I was fortunate to visit Lake Elsinore in California, this past spring as the area experienced another beautiful superbloom , as a result of all the rains over the winter months.

The trails were breathtaking with color, and the bright orange poppies made a beautiful compliment with the blue of the lake.

As an artist, I noticed that the light temperature of the area, and California in general,  is much color than that of Florida, and so I found myself adjusting the beautiful blue light, with warmer shadows, and cooler lights.

The family and I had a great time, enjoying the flowers, the beautiful weather and the magnificent scenery.

It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

"Coffee Break", 12x9, oil on panel, coffee, chocolate, still life, painting ellipses, paint study, Ghirardelli chocolate, kitchen art, food art, kitchen decor

 "Coffee Break", 12x9, oil on panel

Lately, I have decided to work on improving my drawing skills, since drawing is such an integral part of painting well.

Today, I wanted to work on ellipses, because they are such an important part of still life painting. Actually, they are an important part of all styles of painting!

Take a lake filled with waterlilies, for instance. You simply cannot paint those waterlilies successfully unless you can paint an ellipse and understand how they change with perspective. Here is one of Claude Monet's famous waterlily paintings:

Notice how the shape of the flower changes as it goes back in perspective.

So I set up a still life with some ellipses in it, and worked on it all day. Yes indeed those things are hard to paint accurately! (At least for me.)

I love the little French sugar bowl and lid that my daughter-in-law gave me a while back, and so I included that in the picture as well as some Ghirardelli chocolate! Yum.

In the end, I think I made some progress in painting ellipses from an overhead perspective.

Maybe, I'll work on some water lilies next....

This painting is available through my website, under the "little gems" collection. Or send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com if interested in purchasing a little coffee and chocolate.

"A Summer Song", 12x16, oil on Canson oil paper, roses, white peonies, cup of tea, strawberries, poolside, still life floral, summer memories, a summer song, Chad & Jeremy hit, summer flowers, lazy days

 "A Summer Song", 12x16, oil on Canson oil paper, mounted on a panel

It's almost the end of summer, and that means cooler weather, autumn leaves, pumpkins and... wait. I am getting ahead of myself!

For now, I want to focus on what is left of these warm summer days. I set this arrangement up on a table near our pool, and contemplated the beauty of summer. Those long days produce luscious fruit, gorgeous gardens, and oh so many lazy days for the children!

When I was a student, I used to love summer vacation because it was my big chance to catch up on my favorite books. I was never much for beaches, (except for the fudge that could be procured at every boardwalk in America!), but I loved the slowness of each hot, sweltering day, and the gentle nights filled with fireflies and the strident hum of the crickets.

I painted this for those cold , wintry nights that will be upon us before we know it. The memories of summer are sometimes what helps us through those dark days when it is sometimes hard to get out of bed.

Although I live in Florida now, I truly miss the chill of winter- the frost- the ice- the bone-chilling cold. And yet I also recall the endless drear of February and March- the slush, the coats and gloves, and driving on slippery streets that are unfit for even reindeer.

So if you would like to preserve a bit of summer for the month ahead, "A Summer Song" might be the perfect thing! The painting is available through my website here. Send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com for pricing info.

Thank-you for reading my blog today, and enjoy the rest of summer!

" Pink and Blue", 5x5, oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, pink and blue, pink and blue flowers, impressionist florals, affordable art, small paintings, little gems

" Pink and Blue", 5x5, oil on gallery-wrapped canvas

This sweet little painting was done in an impressionist style. It has soft, yet vibrant colors throughout and was painted on gallery-wrapped canvas. I also painted the sides in the same color palette, so the painting can be wired and hung without a frame! Yay!

I am selling this sweet little gem through my website. It would make a lovely gift, or a pretty little accent piece to your home decor. Purchase through my website .

"Fur Coat", 6x6, oil on panel, small portrait of people, portraits of women, women in hats, fur coat, staying warm, people watching

SOLD

 "Fur Coat", 6x6, oil on panel

I think the most interesting thing in the world to paint is people. No two are the same, and everyone we see or meet on the street carries their own personal stories and experiences that have honed their characters, affected their demeanors, and sometimes touched our hearts.

Even a fleeting moment in time, like passing someone on the street corner, can evoke memories of someone we once knew who resembled the person on the corner, or perhaps created  thought patterns in our mind as we tried to figure out that person's own individual's story.

This woman in her big fur coat and hat has an enigmatic expression on her face that made me wonder what she was thinking, experiencing, or perhaps toying with in her own mind.

I love to people watch. How about you?

"Little Bluebird",5x7, oil on Ampersand panel, paintings of birds, little birds, Western bluebird, small paintings of birds, bluebird, affordable original art

 "Little Bluebird",5x7, oil on Ampersand panel

This little bluebird is hoping someone will give him a home, because he is tired of sitting on this branch. If you would like to give the little guy a home, you can purchase him for only $95 through my Daily Paintworks link here.

Thanks for reading my blog. Check out all my artwork at my website here.

"Gloucester Pink", 8x8, oil on panel, Rocky Neck, Gloucester Massachusetts, ice cream shop, Amy's Coffee and Cones, pink house, small study

"Gloucester Pink", 8x8, oil on panel

This little pink building was a little ice cream shop in Rocky Neck, in East Gloucester back in 2010, when I photographed it. I have no idea if it's still there (the ice cream shop), but the pink building was adorable to look at, and filled with pink flowers in the front yard. It was directly on the water in Rocky Neck, which is an artsy community in the seaside town of Gloucester.

Although I took the photo years ago, it took me this long to paint it! It was just a quick little 2 hour study. If you like it leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

"Red Lipstick", oil on linen, paintings of young women, women in hats, red lipstick, straw hat and pearls, portrait

SOLD

 "Red Lipstick", oil on linen

I had so much fun painting "La Vie En Rose" a few weeks ago that I decided to paint this cutie again.  

Whereas the first time, I did just a quick sketchy painting, I took more time with this one, and the results are more refined.

My favorite part of the painting? The flowers in the hat of course. It's funny but when you enjoy painting certain subjects, you tend to paint them more than once, and thus you become more and more proficient at that subject. While I'm not proficient by any means in painting flowers, I do paint them often, and for that reason, I saved them for last, knowing that they would be easiest to do when I was tired.

Feel free to leave a comment. I'd love your feedback!

"La Vie en Rose", 9x12, oil, French songs, straw hats, rose, life in pink, pretty women, women in hats, rose colored glasses, red lipstick, original art, impressionism

 "La Vie en Rose", 9x12, oil

The title of my painting, "La Vie en Rose," translates from the French to "Life in Pink" in English. It is a phrase often associated with a state of blissful happiness and seeing life through a rosy lens.

The girl in the painting personifies grace and femininity. Although she is not smiling, in her pensive state her demeanor exudes confidence, daring the viewer to read her thoughts; inviting the viewer into her world of romantic fantasy. Her straw hat is embellished with pink roses symbolizing beauty, growth, and a connection to nature. 

I painted this while listening to Pandora Internet radio's French Cafe station, blending my favorite music with the challenge of capturing beauty within a harmonious balance of nature and mystery.

I had a lot of fun painting this, probably because I love all things French, and even managed to enjoy a glass of wine while painting! I think the wine added a little "je ne said quoi!" Don't you?

If you enjoyed the painting and this post please feel free to comment below. The painting is available through my website. Follow this link for purchase information.

"Where Robins Sing", 24x24, oil on board, paintings of gardens, flowers, pink, strawberries, sunshine, impressionism, summer gardens

 "Where Robins Sing", 24x24, oil on board

There is nothing that lifts my soul like a beautiful garden, sunshine peeking through the trees, and little birds singing in the distance. I am old-fashioned and a hopeless romantic, but that is what makes me happy.

If you are like me, then perhaps you feel the same way, too. If so, I hope this painting adds some sunshine to your day!

This painting is currently on sale to celebrate summer! Send me an email at maryannejcaobsen@aol.com if interested in pricing.

"The Beach House", 16x20, oil on panel , Florida Keys, Key West, paintings of Florida gardens, Duck Key, Hawks Cay Resort, tropical gardens, palette knife paintings, impressionism, hibiscus, beach house

 "The Beach House", 16x20, oil on panel (Note: please click on the image to see the detail)

Quite a while back, we had a family vacation in the Florida Keys. When your kids are guys and young adults, it's hard to interest them into taking a vacation with you. Right?

But upon proposing the Florida Keys, the guys all changed their minds.

In case you are out of touch with civilization, "The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of the U.S. state of Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. They’re known as a destination for fishing, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving. The southernmost city of Key West is famous for Duval Street’s many bars, Mallory Square’s nightly Sunset Celebration and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum." ― Google

Although the ultimate destination was Key West, accommodations there were a bit pricey for a family of 5 adults, so we elected to rent a villa on Duck Key instead. Duck Key is located about in the middle of the island chain, and was named by British General George Gauld  in his chart of the Florida Keys. The name comes from the shape of the island, which resembles a duck's head when viewed from above.

We stayed at the Hawk's Cay resort, and one morning I took a walk and came upon this pretty house with a garden full of hibiscus and other flowers. I came across the image recently when looking at old pictures and decided to paint it.

I took some liberties with the colors but overall I was pleased with the outcome. The painting was done mainly with a palette knife and has thick impasto throughout. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, here is the link to my website.

Thanks for visiting my website. Feel free to leave a comment as blogs can get very lonely!

Jake's Crab Boat, 12x9, oil, plein air, Blackburn Point, Osprey Florida, Crab boat, paintings of old boats, Southwest Florida scenes

 Jake's Crab Boat, 12x9, oil, plein air

I painted this depiction of an old crab boat on the intercostal waterway at Blackburn Point, Osprey Florida about ten years ago. Sadly, that little piece of land looks much different today, thanks to development.

That is the good thing about painting on location. You can capture beloved scenes and places before they disappear for good. I painted there a few times with friends. Afterwards, we'd go to a little fish hut on the other side of the bridge and have lunch. Those are pleasant memories.

I held on to this painting for ten years, just because I enjoyed painting that day, and felt I had had a successful outcome. But now it is for sale for only $100, through my website.

Go here to purchase!

"Floribunda and Hybrid Teas", 12x16, oil on copper, hybrid tea roses, nasturtiums, persimmons, garden florals, still life, chiaroscuro

 "Floribunda and Hybrid Teas", 12x16, oil on copper

Painting on copper is very different from painting on linen. There is very little blending that can be done, and so it is probably a better support for a realist than an impressionist painter.

I still enjoyed painting this mixture of hybrid tea roses, nasturtiums and persimmons, in spite of the fact that I couldn't manipulate the paint the way that I wanted.

If you like this painting, feel free to make me an offer!

"Southern Belle", 16x20, oil on linen panel, southern living, reading books, summer reading list, beach reads, women and books, sassy magazine, artwork on sale, original artwork, original oil paintings

 "Southern Belle", 16x20, oil on linen panel

I painted this back in 2017, and over the past few years it has gone through a few revisions. In 2017, the painting was chosen as the cover for Sasee Magazine, a southern style magazine out of the Carolinas, with an emphasis on women's lifestyles.

Here is the cover from back then:

I changed the model's face since then to reflect a young woman in the prime of her life, sitting on a shady veranda, enjoying the scent of magnolias and a sultry breeze rippling through the humid summer heat. Dappled light falls around her, as immersed in her book, she seemingly hasn't a care in the world!

I am offering this painting for sale at the amazing price of only $300. An addition shipping and handling cost of $20 is added at checkout. Add this beautiful painting to your art collection for a fraction of its original cost, and you too can picture yourself under the shade of magnolia tree, immersed in a world of new adventures.

Purchase directly through my website here .

Thanks for visiting my blog!

"Little white Church", 10x12, oil on panel, boca grande, little white churches, island art, palm trees, tropical art, church on the island, Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

 "Little White Church ", 10x12, oil on panel

I used to love painting outdoors (en plein air) until a couple nasty bouts with skin cancer discouraged me from continuing. But the really unique thing about painting on site is that the experience of painting that scene stays in your memory for a long time afterwards. Which makes it easier to go back into the studio and paint the scene again. 

I painted this church some years ago and I remember the challenges I had to deal with then, such as the raking palm shadows on the building, and the many palm trees that had to be dealt with. I think I did a pretty good job with the little plein air piece, and it did in fact sell quickly.

So today I decided to paint it again, and while the challenges were still the same, the process went quicker because I remembered the experience.

Here is a photo of the little painting I did on location:

This little church is a favorite spot for the artists that come and paint on the island of Boca Grande. If you are interested in the painting, just send me a quick email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

"Friends Forever", 12x16, oil on gessoboard

"Friends Forever", 12x16, oil on gessoboard 

We visited my son and his family in California recently. and my daughter-in-law instead on taking me to a lovely place called Summer's Past Farm in San Diego County. I am a sucker for any kind of garden, but this one was especially unique and beautiful. They are open only certain days of the week, so if you are planning on visiting , be sure to check out their hours.

My 7 year old grand-daughter became enamored with the cats that hang out there, and I caught a photo of her petting one of the tabby cats. The scene was backlit and her blue dress made a lovely contrast against the bush of orange nasturtiums outside the doorway of the gift shop.

This painting is meant to be nostalgic, sweet, and a lovely memory of all things young, loving and innocent. I enjoyed painting it.

"First Pointe Shoes", 9x12, oil on panel, ballet art, little ballerina, first pointe shoes, young dancer, master class, Vaganova method, dance, ballet, on pointe, paintings of dancers

 "First Pointe Shoes", 9x12, oil on panel

To a budding young ballerina, nothing in the world is as important than her first pointe shoes! As the former director of a large ballet school and regional ballet company, parents would often anxiously ask me if their daughter was ready to go on pointe.

Obviously, this question will depend on many things. Here is a very good article that discusses this issue and although every child is different, your child's teacher is the best judge of when she will be ready.

I painted this to commemorate your little dancer's special day. It was painted in the impressionist style, and after the Vaganova training method that I used as a syllabus in my own school.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please use this link.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Leave a comment if you enjoyed this post.

"Raining Rose Petals", 9x12, impressionist florals, coffee cup, roses, windowsill, alla prima

 "Raining Rose Petals", 9x12

In this painting, I attempted to keep my brushstrokes loose and fluid, suggesting movement and the play of light on the surface of the flowers.  I concentrated on creating a soft impression, rather than a tight rendering of the elements- thus the minimalist approach to the roses and background elements.

The impressionists attempted to capture the fleeting beauty of a simple moment, highlighting the play of light and color in a way that is vivid and evocative. That was also my goal in painting this simple still life. 

If you like this painting, please leave a comment below.

"Ghost Tree and Cypress", 9x12, oil on linen panel, Monterrey peninsula, Ghost tree, cypress trees, Carmel, California landscapes, California paintings, 17 mile highway

 "Ghost Tree and Cypress", 9x12, oil on linen panel

The Ghost Tree is an icon along the beautiful 17 mile drive stretch of ocean highway on the Monterrey peninsula. It stretches with its witchlike limbs into the sky directly behind a grove of twisted cypress trees. 

No wonder this area is a magical place for artists to paint!

This painting is available  for purchase through my website.

"Canal Walk", 10x12, oil on linen, Lambertville New Jersey, towpath, Delaware Canal State Park, New Hope pa, dog-walking, art for sale, scenic places

 "Canal Walk", 10x12, oil on linen

This scene is the towpath along the Delaware canal in historic Lambertville, N.J. The canal runs parallel to the Delaware River and is part of the Delaware Canal State Park. I took some liberties with the scene and added the figure and dog for interest.

Lambertville is a lovely little city across the Delaware river from beautiful New Hope, Pa. Both New Hope and Lambertville offer ample opportunities for tourists or locals to enjoy shopping, art galleries, antique hunting, fine dining, or just walking along the Victorian streets or towpaths of the river.

I took the reference photo for this painting on a beautiful autumn day in October. The light was warm and brilliant.

Here is the reference photo that I used.

As you can see, I changed the color of the building in the background and although I liked the cluster of women at the end of the path, they were too small to be an added interest. So I added the man walking his dog, because it's a perfect place to walk one's dog. (or cat!)

If you are interested in the painting, just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

"Midsummer Daydream", 12x24, oil on birch panel, California impressionism, eucalyptus trees, sunset, rose, summer, midsummer, daydream, original art for sale, Maryanne Jacobsen art

 "Midsummer Daydream", 12x24, oil on birch panel

This painting evokes memories of lazy strolls through southern California valleys and hillsides as the sun sets beyond the Eucalyptus groves in a rose-tinged haze. The trees are graceful, almost dancing silently, their long silvery leaves waving ever so gently in the summer breeze.

This painting originally retailed for a great deal more than the price I am asking for it. It is being sold unframed for $550, which includes shipping and handling as well. I have some framing options available at an extra cost, if interested, including the handsome black frame with gold lining shone below. Just send me a message for more details at maryannejacobsen@aol.com. The painting has an ethereal romantic quality about it, and would make a lovely Valentine's Day gift for that special someone in your life.

"Midsummer Daydream" is part of my special sale at my website. Please check out all of the 12 lovely paintings that I am offering at a fraction of their original cost.

If you would like to purchase "Midsummer Daydream", just send me a message at maryanne jacobsen@aol.com.

"Where the Robins Sing", 24x24, oil on masonite, still life, outdoor still life, garden art, wine, strawberries, pink flowers, original art, Maryanne Jacobsen art

 "Where the Robins Sing", 24x24, oil on masonite

This colorful garden still life was painted a few years ago and has nice impasto passages throughout.The birds were singing in the trees beyond the fence, and there was the tiniest hint of fall in the air that day. The glass of cabernet was the perfect ending to my painting session and I even ate the strawberries!

 Artists and their art continue to bring beauty into the world through their creativity, imagination and skill. Thank-you for supporting my work and I hope you have a wonderful day!

"Windy Day at Winterthur", 16x16, oil on wrapped canvas, plein air, special sale, Winterthur Museum, gazebo, autumn, colorist art, impressionism, Du Post family

 "Windy Day at Winterthur", 16x16, oil on wrapped canvas

This painting was painted on location on a very windy autumn day in Wilmington, Delaware, at the beautiful Winterthur Museum, former home of the wealthy DuPont family. I recall it being windy because my easel blew over three times that day!

Below is an image of the brick overlook in Daffodil season. 

My favorite time to paint at Winterthur is in the fall when the colors are incredibly vibrant. 

In keeping with the scene, the colors in the painting are vibrant and warm, and the painting would add a sense of light and energy to any  room! It is being sold unframed, but framing options are available for an additional charge. 

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed the artwork here!

"French Shutters", 22x28, oil on canvas, large painting, palette knife art, vivid color, green shutters, French window, flowers on the windowsill

"French Shutters", 22x28, oil on wrapped canvas (available framed for an additional cost)

Bienvenue means welcome in French and this painting welcomes the viewer into a sunlit street in an old village in France, or even Italy. The painting was painted about 10 years ago, when I painted with thick impasto, in the colorist tradition. I first painted the scene as a commission for an Italian Restaurant in New York, and had so much fun painting it, that I painted it again!  The painting has thick, rich textures, and the image does not do it justice. 

If you are interested in "French Shutters", send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com

Thanks for visiting my blog. Please come back again!

Molly Magpie, 6x6, oil on panel, small paintings of birds, bird paintings, magpie, European magpie, beautiful birds

 "Molly Magpie", 6x6, oil on panel

I recently finished a mystery by Ruth Ware, called The Death of Mrs. Westaway, where magpies figured prominently in the story. We don't have a lot of magpies in America, but there are plenty of them in England and Australia. The story took place in Cornwall, and if you have never read any Ruth Ware mysteries, you are missing something.

Anyway, the story inspired me to learn more about magpies, which is what led to this painting. We think of magpies as crows, which of course, they are. But there are varieties of magpies with red bills and blue feathers that are quite lovely. 

If you like paintings of birds, you can purchase Molly through my website here.

And if you are interested in good mysteries, check out Ruth Vare's books here.