The Carolers, 8x8, oil on panel, Christmas carol, carolers, snow, songs of the season, mittens and coats, a Christmas carol

 The Carolers, 8x8, oil on panel

I haven't painted in a few months due to a fractured vertebrae in my back, which has been very painful.

But because it is the season for snow and wam coats, and Christmas carolers, I decided to post this sweet little painting from a year ago.

It reminds me of a bygone era and a simpler time. I hope that you enjoy it.

Monhegan Morning, 11x14, oil on linen, Monhegan Island, summer garden, landscape, Summer garden, Maine, Maine garden, Carinas garden, cats, morning walk, island beauty

 Monhegan Morning, 11x14, oil on linen

This is a familiar scene to anyone who has ever visited Monhegan Island, a tiny picturesque island off the coast of Maine.

There are 2 ferries from the coast that can take you there, and this magical island is always worth the trip if you are on holiday in Maine. 

The island is tiny but is a painters/hikers/ boaters paradise with its unique landscape, and magnificent sunsets.

This scene is at the lush, ever blooming garden at Carina's, which was once a little convenience store but has closed in recent years. The garden changes with the seasons, as do the cats that will accompany you on your morning walk!

Send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com if you are interested in this painting.

"Midsummer Daydream", 12x16, oil, floral arrangement, still life, plein air, Florida garden, midsummer

 "Midsummer Daydream", 12x16, oil

This is a plein air painting that I painted on my lanai, a few years ago. I set up the flowers and fruit on the table next to the pool, and went to town painting it.

It became a study for a larger work that I did, called Reverie, which won a first place ribbon under esteemed judge Aline Ordman.

I used that wrought iron table often for plein air still life setups. Sadly, it got so rusty I had to through it out.

Let me know what you think of this painting in the comments below!

Thanks for visiting. Be sure to check out my website at Maryanne Jacobsen Fine Art.

"On a Shelf", 6x12, oil on panel, roses, pink roses, green bottle, impressionism, glass

 "On a Shelf", 6x12, oil on panel

I've had these artificial flowers laying around for years. I put them on a shelf today and painted them for the second time in 2 days.

I admit, that they were not very easy to paint. I hope my struggles don't show too much.

If you would like to purchase this  little painting, just send me a message at maryannejacobsen@aol.com, and thanks for looking.

"Farmhouse Morning", 8x10, Pennsylvania landscape, Amish country, pumpkins , autumn, front porch, red wagon, fall, pumpkin season

  "Farmhouse Morning", 8x10

Back in the fall, we took a trip to Amish country in Pennsylvania. We stayed at an organic farm, and the owner introduced us to all his chickens, roosters, goats, cows and ponies.

We had an awesome week and the farmhouse was especially rustic and cozy. I so enjoyed sitting on the porch in the morning, having my coffee, and watching the hens and roosters come up on the porch and walk around.

There was also a kitten who lived under the porch that became my best friend after I gave him half of my tuna salad lunch.

It took me a while to get together the nerve to paint the porch scene. There was a lot going on with the light and shadows, the stone walls and perspective and I was a little intimidated by it.

But I knew it was a good composition and so I set my mind to painting it, and this is how it turned out.

Overall, I was happy with it, but think it would be even better in a larger format. We shall see if I attempt that or not.

Thanks for visiting my blog. See more of my paintings at my website.

"Father Serra's Garden",11x14, oil on linen, Father Junipero Serra, Carmel Mission, Beautiful gardens, Mission gardens, statues of saints, California missions, California art

 "Father Serra's Garden",11x14, oil on linen

Junípero Serra Ferrer, (November 24, 1713 – August 28, 1784) was a Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja California and the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco. He began in San Diego on July 16, 1769, and established his headquarters near the Presidio of Monterey, but soon moved a few miles south to establish Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo in today's Carmel, California.


The missions were primarily designed to bring the Catholic Christian faith to the native peoples. Other aims were to integrate the neophytes into Spanish society, and to train them to take over ownership and management of the land. 

Serra was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988, and Pope Francis canonized him on September 2015 during the Pope's first visit to the United States. I painted a similar version of this garden and statue back then, and it was well received, so I decided to paint the scene again, in a slightly different format.

Whenever I have visited California, it is almost a must for me to visit one or more of Father Serra's missions. They are all tranquil and lovely. My favorite of the missions is Mission Capistrano, which I've painted numerous times, but the Carmel Mission in Carmel, where Father Serra established his residence and is buried, is a close second.

The painting above is of Father Serra's Garden at the Carmel Mission, also known as Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. It was close to closing time when I was there that day, and the long shadows added an air of mystery to the little garden alcove. Adding to the enchantment, the statue of Father Serra had the smallest slice of butterlike light cascading over his head and down his shoulder, an almost seeming continuation of the rapidly melting late afternoon sunshine that was snaking down the terra cotta roof, where it made a nose dive and finally came to rest over the figure of Father Serra.

I wish the fountain had been on, as the fountain itself was still bathed in that lovely light and a little running water would have added additional drama.

To inquire about this painting, send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

"The Beach House", 16x20, oil on panel , Florida Keys, Duck Key, Beach house, hibiscus, tropical gardens, Florida gardens, Florida landscape, palette knife painting

  "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!

"Bangs and Baubles", 12x16, oil on Canson oil paper, portraits, portraits of women, beads, necklace, beautiful women

 "Bangs and Baubles", 12x16, oil on Canson oil paper

I painted this model many times over the years. She has a classic beauty about her, and even, features.

When I first began painting in 2006, she was one of the first young ladies that I painted from life in a studio setting. I wonder what she looks like now- almost 20 years later!

If you like this portrait send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

" Boat Heaven", 11x14, oil on linen, boats, boat heaven, Monhegan Island, Maine islands, small islands, red house, fishing boats

" Boat Heaven", 11x14, oil on linen

This is one of many paintings that I have done of Monhegan Island, an idyllic little island about 10 miles off the mainland of Maine.

The red house has had a few owners, and each one has modified the home somewhat, making it a little difficult to draw and paint from an architectural standpoint.

It sits at the head of swim beach, directly across from the tiny island of Mañana. There were many small boats scattered along the beach path on the day that I visited. I loved the way they created a direct path to the couple, who were the secondary point of interest in the painting.

This painting is available through Gallery 444 on Post Street in San Francisco.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

"Saint Davids Waterwheel", 11x14, oil, landscape, waterwheel, St. Davids, Pa. Main Line Philadelphia, Eastern University

• SOLD

 "Saint Davids Waterwheel", 11x14, oil

Eastern University has a beautiful campus on the Philadelphia Main Line, at St. Davids. I visited there many times when my son went to school there, and later when I would come to paint the incredibly scenic ponds, flower gardens, wild geese, and magnificent old stone buildings.

But the waterwheel was always my favorite focus point. This is a late spring, early summer view, when the Tiger Lillys are blooming in June.

There are many walking paths and the surrounding neighborhood with its regal old homes also make for a painter's paradise.

"Secrets", 12x16, oil on panel, repurposed panels, portraits of women, women and jewelry, portrait painting, redheads, all prime painting

 "Secrets", 12x16, oil on panel

Sometimes if I have a good linen panel that I paid decent money for, I'll end up doing a really lousy painting on it. In the past, that would have really bothered me, because these linen panels can be very expensive! Recently, I solved the problem of guilt over a lousy painting on an expensive panel by taking it outdoors, sanding it down by hand till the surface becomes as smooth as I can get it, and then putting a nice thick coat of Gamblin white ground on it.

The portrait above was painted on just such a surface. I wasn't able to get all of the impasto marks completely smooth, but they were smooth enough to do this portrait, and I was pretty happy with how it came out.

I think I could have been a little bolder with the light on her red hair, but otherwise, I was okay with the result. 

Have you ever felt like you wasted something and figured out a way to salvage it?

Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for visiting my blog, and do come back again!

"While Lace and Diamonds", 6x6, oil on ampersand panel, southern gal, big hats, women in hats, diamond earrings, white lace, old-fashioned girl, small portrait, little gems

 "While Lace and Diamonds", 6x6, oil on ampersand panel

This painting is reminiscent of an old fashioned girl. She is demure , but beautiful and I can picture her carrying a parasol down a tree- lined street with Spanish moss dripping towards the ground.

Most of this was painted from my imagination. 

If you have any interest in this little gem, it can be purchased through my website by sending me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com

"Supermarket Flowers", 9x12, oil on panel, floral. still life, supermarket flowers, daisies, Ed Sheehan singer, painting from life

 "Supermarket Flowers", 9x12

I tend to eschew supermarket flowers. They never really turn me on the way an arrangement in a floral shop can. But who can afford the luxury of floral shop flowers anymore? I can't.

I have flowers I my garden, a typical Florida garden. But the flowers I love, like delphiniums, peonies, hydrangeas, hollyhocks and roses, don't grow here. Well, some roses grow here, but I haven't had luck with them.

So the other day in Publix, I picked up an expensive arrangement of the usual- carnations, daisies, and two roses and brought them home. After looking at them for a couple days, I decided to paint them. Here's my set-up:

While painting, I always listen to Pandora. I recently heard a song called "Supermarket Flowers" by a British singer /songwriter named Ed Sheehan. It's a lovely little ballad about his mom and I cry every time I listen to it. I sent it to my three sons and told them I want this played at my funeral. They rolled their eyes. But I bet one of them will remember it when the time comes, hopefully.

Thanks Ed, for this lovely song. I saw that you wrote it back in 2017, but I have no idea why I haven't heard it until recently.

If you would like to listen to "Supermarket Flowers" just follow this link.

If you would like to purchase the little painting through my website, please go here.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Please come back again soon.

Vine Tasting", 12x16, oil, paintings of horse, equestrian, vineyard, wine tasting, California vineyard, white horse, contemporary realism

 "Vine Tasting", 12x16, oil

This painting combines two of my favorite things- horses and vineyards. 

I chose a limited palette for this scene, which created a nice harmony throughout.

Please let me know what you think of this painting in the comments below!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Please take a moment to visit my official website as well at https://maryannejacobsenfineart.com .

"Mutsky", 12x16, oil on panel, mans best friend, dog art canine art, mutts. dog lovers art black and white dogs

 "Mutsky", 12x16, oil on panel

I have had many mutts over the years, but none as dear as Mutsky, who would hang out under the trees all dreamy-eyed, as if waiting for the bonny lass of his dreams to come along.

Sadly, Mutsky, didn't realize, it was too late for that.

Did you have a favorite dog growing up? Was it a mutt? Tell me about it in the comments!

By the way, Mutsky needs a home! If you are interested in purchasing this sweet little canine, send me a message at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

"Sunshine on my Shoulder", 12x16, oil, portrait study, models in outdoor lighting, dappled light redhead, relaxation

 "Sunshine on my Shoulder", 12x16, oil

I loved the dappled light on the model's face in this outdoor setting, so that was the purpose of this 2 hour portrait study. I have only painted this kind of light on a face one other time, on my painting of Renaissance Child.

It's a little tricky to do, and I'm amazed that I pulled it off as well as I did in "Renaissance Child", because I was very new to painting when I painted her.

At any rate, I find these quick, non-fuss portraits very relaxing for some reason. I recall, talking to friend Tony D'Amico one time. He told me that he found sketching his amazing architectural renderings of New York City buildings very relaxing. I remarked that I would find that tortuous. 

I guess we artists all have different ways of relaxing!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Please also visit my website at https://maryannejacobsenfineart.com

"Springhouse and Forsythia", 12x16, oil on panel, plein air, plein air, Chester County Pennsylvania, country road, springhouse, first signs of spring, Chester Springs

"Springhouse and Forsythia", 12x16, oil on panel, plein air

I painted this one early spring morning on Miller Road in Chester Springs, Pa. The forsythia is one of the first signs of spring in Pennsylvania, and its yellow blossoms made a cheerful contrast against the still leafless trees, that marched like soldiers up the hill.

As I was painting the scene, an antique horse-drawn carriage full of people waved cheerily as they went by, and then I saw a red fox make a quick appearance on the road before scurrying into the shadows.

It was a wonderful day to paint outdoors, especially since I was in my old hometown on a beloved old road.

Tis painting is available. Send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com for price info.

"Old World Charm", 12x16, romantic settings, romantic restaurants, Chester County Pennsylvania, Fine dining establishments, Vickers Tavern, White Dog Cafe, Four Dog Tavern, historic restaurants

 "Old World Charm", 12x16

There's something so romantic about dining in a lovely setting, complete with candlelight, and a warm fire burning nearby. 

When I lived in Chester County, Pa., there were many historic old buildings that were converted to restaurants that had the kind of charm that made you want to fall in love all over again, even if it was only to love the sumptuous meal or the fresh flowers on the table.

My favorite restaurant in the beautiful area of Chester Springs, was Vickers Tavern, which has a rich history. From the restaurant's website we read:

"The building’s roots date back to 1823, when skilled potter and abolitionist John Vickers purchased the farmhouse. Vickers’ father, Thomas, was an abolitionist and one of the earliest and most active members of the Underground Railroad. He was one of the original members of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, formed in Philadelphia in 1777.

In 1823, John Vickers purchased five acres for $800 and constructed the building for a pottery business. Many enslaved people found sanctuary in the building, which later became Vickers Tavern, then Vickers Restaurant."

It was always a joy to go there and look for a piece of pottery to be taken home along with the remains of a delicious meal. The restaurant has since closed under the Vickers name, but is re-opening soon as another local favorite- The White Dog Cafe, which is another of my personal favorites and has locations in Wayne, Haverford and Philly.

Another favorite in the area that closed many moons ago was The Inn at Yellow Springs. With a rich history as a hospital for revolutionary war soldiers, it is known as the Washington Building in the tiny little enclave of historic buildings known as Yellow Springs. We lived nearby, and my son waitered there during his college summers, and would often come home with ghost stories of sightings and strange noises after hours.

Ghosts or not, I loved choosing that place to dine on anniversary dinners, birthdays, or what have you.

I've also painted the old building and you can read more about it's history here.

There were so many others that we would frequent regularly-The White Horse Tavern in Malvern, The General Warren Inn, Four Dogs Tavern in MArshalton, (which I've also painted) and so many others too numerous to mention.

What they all had in common was ambiance- Old World Charm, history, fresh flowers, fireplaces, mystery ghosts, and best of all- impeccably prepared food.

This blog post has reminded me of how much I miss Chester County, Pa. There is no comparison whatever here in Florida. Alas.....what started out as blog post about my painting, has turned into a trip down memory lane for me. I am definitely getting old!

If you are interested in this painting, feel free to email me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Thanks for visiting my blog, and if you are visiting historic Chester County, PA., I highly recommend these restaurants.

"1969", 12x12, oil on panel, the 60's, Vietnam war, High school, hippy, Beatles, SS 396 Chevelle Super Sport, memories, Seventeen

 "1969", 12x12, oil on panel

Today is Independence Day, 2024. A long way off from 1969.

I painted this about ten years ago, and I took it out today because I was feeling  really nostalgic for the good old days. So I touched it up a little, but not too much.

I had found an old picture of myself the summer that I graduated high school, which was..... ummmmm....you guessed it- 1969!

 I was wearing a tie-dyed shirt, white culotte shorts and moccasins and sitting atop the SS 396 Super Sport Chevelle of my future husband, along with two friends, Dave and Ruth.

Those summer days were carefree and high school was over. We were Feelin' Groovy.

I was seventeen and although I know the beautiful and sad song "At Seventeen", by Janis Ian, with my long blonde hair I preferred the slapstick lyrics of Lady Godiva, by British rock group, Peter and Gordon.

Things weren't all that rosy back then, though. Just like today, there was political turbulence and war. Teenage girls like myself worried that our boyfriends would soon be drafted and sent off to war, and college campuses held protests across the country, just as we see now in a totally different war.

Life goes on. Those who did drugs experimented with Marijuana, hashish and LSD. The braver souls tried mescaline. The fearful ones drank cough syrup. Yup. We were crazy, but we loved getting together in coffee houses and talking civilly about life, war, religion and the future.

I don't know what drugs people are doing now, but I suspect they are much more dangerous, and much easier to get. I hope I'm wrong.

Those students protesting the war joined groups like Students for a Democratic Society, or took off for Haight Ashbury wearing flowers in their hair. While I was part of neither of those groups, I embroidered flowers on my bell bottom jeans and wore bells around my neck.

We favored the Beatles, The Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, Dylan and Joni Mitchell. The music of today can't come close to the genius of those musicians. 

Yes, the times they were a-changing.

I had fun painting this originally, and I even enjoyed making a few revisions today. While the times were turbulent for many reasons in 1969, they were much simpler than today. No cell phones, computers, or IA. No Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. Jeez, we were dinosaurs! 

But if you look at the smiles on our faces from the photo below, you can tell we were happy kids. Looking forward to a bright future.

If this post made you feel old, I am sorry. Painting this made me feel happy and I wouldn't change being a teen in the 60's for anything.

Memories can make you feel young again. Or old. It's our choice how we look at it.

Here's my shameless reference photo. Yeah it was a little blurry. But it still brought  back those happy days.

This painting is available. Send me an email message at maryannejacobsen@aol.com, if interested.

Thanks for going down memory lane with me today.

"Mary's Garden", 12x12, oil, gardens, relaxation, women in hats, mothers day, sunflowers, table in the sun

 "Mary's Garden", 12x12, oil

I've painted this little scene a number of times. It was from a photo that my husband took of me reading a book in our back garden. 

In this one, I gave myself brown hair for a change, even though I'm a blonde. I loved the bright sunlight on the table and flowers, while I myself sat fairly sheltered under an old oak tree.

This could be any wife, mom or daughter on her day off-just enjoying the sunshine, a good book, and a glass of white wine!

Feel free to contact me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com, if you are interested in this work.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

"Springtime, China Cove", 12x16, oil

 "Springtime, China Cove", 12x16, oil

I have painted this same scene numerous times in the past and I never get tired of it. The gorgeous Pacific Ocean stretching way back into the distance with the various little peninsulas stretching out in between makes for a wonderful study in creating distance and atmosphere in your paintings. 

I won a first place ribbon with my first rendering of China Cove, way back in 2015, judged by renowned watercolor artist  Vladislav Yeliseyev. The award landed me representation at a gallery in Sarasota, Florida. The painting was put in the front display window and immediately sold.

I have a wonderful memory of painting at Point Lobos State Preserve during the Plein Air convention in Monterrey 10 years ago. It was there on my second trip to the Preserve that I veered further south and discovered the beautiful little cove that was hidden away in a protected niche of the sanctuary. This is where the seals would come and play and nurse their cubs in the springtime. The waters were a translucent blend of vivid emerald and turquoise and cerulean blue, such as I had never before seen together in one place. So I set up my easel and paints, and allowed the beauty of that place to become a part of my memory. 

All around me I could hear seals barking, gulls reeling and nature in all its glory responding to this beautiful sanctuary of peace and tranquillity.

Here are some pictures from that day.

I have been blessed to paint in many beautiful places in this great country, but Point Lobos Preserve on the Pacific Coast will always be way at the top of the list of my favorite places to paint and visit.

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

Thanks for visiting my blog.

"Afternoon Shadows, Cortez Fishing Village", plein air , 11x14, Cortez Fishing Village, Starfish Grill, plein air, Old Florida, Gulf Coast

 "Afternoon Shadows, Cortez Fishing Village", plein air , 11x14

This was painted back in 2016 at the scenic little Cortez Historic Fishing Village, on Florida's Gulf Coast.

After first asking permission to paint of two men who seemed to be part of the place, I set up my easel right at the edge of the water, behind where you see the figure in my painting. I selected a great composition of two boats and the little fish shack that lies in the distance on the water as my composition, and had begun painting when someone came along and said, "Lady, you'll have to move so we can load the barge."

Well, of course! This is plein air and this is a working fishing village. So I packed up all my gear and moved to the foot of the walkway that goes up to the covered pier.

It turns out that the two men who I'd asked permission of were somewhat (I'm being kind) inebriated and had no work connection to the place at all. They stood nearby as I painted all afternoon and discussed politics, terrorism and how to change the world. It was different from listening to the gulls screech and I found after a while that I was kind of glad they were there. One even offered me a live starfish, which I dropped to the ground after realizing it was alive. You can see one of these friendly characters in my photo below.

I do miss painting in the great outdoors! The world is alive when you paint it from life. 

I haven't been to Cortez in a very long time. We used to eat lunch at the Starfish Grill, but I'm to even sure if it's still there or not. Check out this scenic little fishing spot if you are ever in Manatee County. It's definitely Old Florida!

"Ghost Trees, Pescadero Point", 9x12, oil on linen, Ghost tree, Cypress trees, Monterrey Peninsula, 17 mile drive, Carmel, Monterrey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, California art. Witch trees, Maryanne JAcobsen fineart

 "Ghost Trees, Pescadero Point", 9x12, oil on linen

The Ghost Tree and windblown cypresses make a definite statement along the beautiful 17 mile drive stretch of ocean highway on the Monterrey peninsula at Pescadero Point. The ghost tree stretches with its witchlike limbs into the sky directly behind a grove of twisted cypress trees. 

It's hard to stop there, but a little further along there is a small place to park and take pictures. The day we were there it was overcast without much contrast, but the scene was still impressive.

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

Thanks for visiting my blog. I have many paintings of California on my website as well. 

"Morning Novena", 11x14, oil, Maryanne Jacobsen art, Carmel mission, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel California, Calfornia missions, mission trail

 "Morning Novena", 11x14, oil

When I visited the Carmel Mission in California a few years back, the steeples were under construction.

I have wanted to paint this beautiful church for a while now, but was put off by my reference photo, showing the construction site.

I finally decided to work around the obstacles and this was the result. The day I was there an elderly woman was just exiting the church with her walking stick. I thought about how poignant the scene was, with the devout old lady probably making her daily novena. And that is when I decided on the title.

I usually prefer painting buildings in bright sunlight, but I decided I needed more practice painting buildings in shadow.

If you are ever in the Monterrey peninsula, be sure to visit this serene and lovely mission built way back in 1770 and restored in 1940. It is also called Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, but the Carmelites just call it the Carmel Mission. 

To read more about the mission, just go here.

Thank-you for visiting my blog. Please also visit my website at https://www.maryannejacobsenfineart.com for more California art!

"Napa Garden", 11x14, oil, Napa valley, paintings of gardens, A good year, wineries, chardonnay, Sterling vineyards, Gallery444, San Francisco, oil paintings

"Napa Garden", 11x14, oil

There are few things that feed my soul like beautiful gardens, flowers, and glorious sunshine. A little chardonnay is additional icing on the cake. 

My hubby and I had so much fun a few years back when we took a trip out to California and visited Napa and Sonoma Valley wineries. There were so many wine tastings that I can't even remember the names of the wineries anymore.

We took an aerial ride up to Sterling vineyards and had a wonderful lunch there overlooking the breathtaking vistas below us.

Our little Airbnb was beautiful and we took time to visit one of my galleries that represent me in San Francisco- Gallery 444.

Overall, it was an amazing trip, and one of many we've enjoyed over the years since our son moved to California years ago.

Although having loved ones living far away can  make us grandmothers feel sad at times (I miss my grandkids), there are some benefits to having kids live in lovely places!

Thanks for visiting my blog.

 

"The Garden at the Four Arts', 11x14, oil, plein air, Palm Beach Florida, Society of the Four Arts, Lighthouse Plein air festival. bougainvillea, pink

 "The Garden at the Four Arts', 11x14, oil, plein air

This painting was painted at the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, Fl., during the Lighthouse Plein Air Festival. I loved the vibrant pink of the bougainvillea, and the sun on the pergola in the background.

The Society of the Four Arts Gardens are a treat to visit if you are in that area.

If you are interested in this painting, feel free to send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

"New Horizons" 11x14, oil, Rockport Massachusetts, fishing boats, Bearskin Neck, nautical, paintings of boats, harbor, Cape Ann

 "New Horizons" 11x14, oil

This fishing boat can frequently be seen in the little harbor of Bearskin Neck in Rockport, Massachusetts.

I was attracted to the contrast of light on the boat against the dark background of the seawall behind it.

I hope to someday return to Cape Ann and Rockport. We used to stay there every summer for many years until our favorite Bed and Breakfast, The CAptain's House was sold about 5 years back.

If you would like information about this painting, please email me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

"Humble Abode 2", 8x10, oil on linen, Florida Cracker House, Marjorie Kennan Rawlings, Cross Creek, The Yearling, Florida Art, original art, impasto, thick paint, MaryanneJacobsen art

 

"Humble Abode 2", 8x10, oil on linen

I was going through some photos today and came across a group of photos I had taken a few summers ago after a trip to "Cross Creek", the backwoods Florida home of author Marjorie Keenen Rawlings. Rawlings is most familiar to us through her beloved work  The Yearling, about a boy who adopts an orphaned fawn,. The book won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1939 and was later made into a movie, also known as The Yearling.

I discovered that few people know much about Rawlings, though many have read The Yearling in school.  So here is a little history about Rawlings from Wikipedia:

In 1928, with a small inheritance from her mother, the Rawlingses purchased a 72 acre (290,000 m²) orange grove near Hawthorne, Florida, in a hamlet named Cross Creek for its location between Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake. She brought the place to international fame through her writing. She was fascinated with the remote wilderness and the lives of Cross Creek residents, her Cracker neighbors, and felt a profound and transforming connection to the region and the land.Wary at first, the local residents soon warmed to her and opened up their lives and experiences to her. Marjorie filled several notebooks with descriptions of the animals, plants, Southern dialect, and recipes and used these descriptions in her writings.

As one enters Cross Creek, the first thing that you see is a sign that says the following:

 In spite of the excessive heat, humidity, and lack of creature comforts, Rawlings embraced this wild harsh land that few today would want to call home.

The painting that I did above, was not of Rawlings home at Cross Creek, but of a replica of an old Cracker Shack that was on the property and served as a home to the hired help. The humbleness of the property is evident, but what is not evident is the sense of profound peace and stillness that emanated the grounds.

Save for the occasional crowing of a rooster, the place was wrapped in a blanket of quiet serenity. 

Above is a photo of the cracker shack , and which served as my reference.

I have enormous respect for the people who braved these harsh lands and forged their homesteads upon ground that  many today would consider uninhabitable!

I enjoyed doing this painting in my air-conditioned studio. It reminded me that I have much to be thankful for and also reminded me that I would have a hard time surviving on a remote homestead such as the one that Rawlings lived upon and called home! Yet overall, I could appreciate the sense of mystic loveliness that Rawlings described and which was etched on the sign above.

"Petals and Coffee", 11x14, oil on linen, impressionist florals, roses, serenity, cherries, coffee, MAryanneJacobsen fine art, Impressionism

 "Petals and Coffee", 11x14, oil on linen

I am happy to say that this impressionist floral was juried into the American Impressionist Society's National Exhibit last fall, and has also just been juried into the American Women Artists annual online exhibit!

I enjoyed telling the story of these roses through paint strokes while evoking a peaceful atmosphere through the softly painted background. 

At the last minute, I decided to add the cherries to add more color harmony to the foreground.

For more information about this painting, please send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

"Raining Rose Petals", 12x9, oil, floral painting, impressionist roses, American impressionist society, colorful floral painting, Maryanne Jacobsen art

 "Raining Rose Petals", 12x9, oil

This painting was painted in the impressionist style and was juried into the American Impressionist Society's Fall online exhibit. I have always loved painting impressionist florals and this one was no exception.

Although each rose was painted with her own distinct personality, the center rose stands center and foremost, among her more colorful friends. They are all flamboyant and showing off; they are in their prime although their petals are starting to drop.

But these roses will never wilt to nothing. They were captured in a moment of time, for the viewer to enjoy forever!

I hope you enjoyed these lovelies. Please email me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com, if you would like price and purchase information.

The Devon Horse Show Lady, 6x6, oil on panel, ladies in big hats, purple hat, Big hats, Devon Horse Show, Horse shoe millinery, portraits of women

 The Devon Horse Show Lady, 6x6, oil on panel

It's always fun to go to The Devon Horse Show and see all the ladies in their fancy hats. While I wouldn't be caught dead in one of those, I admire their creativity in dressing for the occasion!

This fun little portrait is available through my website- collections- "Little Gems". Just click here to purchase.

Thanks for checking out my blog. Come back again.

"Autumn's Glory", 22x28, oil on wrapped linen canvas, autumn, fall scenery, paintings of autumn, impressionist landscapes, water scenes, vibrant landscapes,

 "Autumn's Glory", 22x28, oil on wrapped linen canvas

Autumn is my favorite time of year. It's the time for Mother Nature to show off one more time, before the winter months strip the landscape bare of color and hope. It's a time for her to demonstrate her resilience even in the midst of deterioration and loss.

This is a scene along French Creek which I used to frequent often back in the days of living in beautiful Chester County, Pennsylvania. I have painted this same scene numerous times and never grow tired of it!

If you are interested this painting, please send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Thank-you for visiting my Paint Dance today!

"Poolside Arrangement", 9x12, oil on panel, oranges, red roses, fruit basket, poolside floral, garden party, little gems, small paintings for sale

 "Poolside Arrangement", 9x12, oil on panel

Years ago I painted a larger version of this scene for a gallery and it sold right away. I decided to do a smaller version of the same scene, because it is so very pretty! I set up the fruit basket and bouquet of roses on a table right next to our pool one day. I loved the contrast of vivid colors and the shadow design that the basket made in the sun. The painting began outdoors and I finished it inside because I wanted to preserve the shadow pattern.

This sweet little painting would make a lovely gift that brings sunshine into a home every day of the year!

It is being sold for $300.00 through my website. Click here to purchase.

"Alone with her Thoughts", 9x12, oil, paintings of thinkers, paintings of woman, small affordable paintings, little gems

 "Alone with her Thoughts", 9x12, oil

Sometimes just being alone can be a beautiful thing. Planning dinner, planning a trip, a vacation- whatever- our minds can take us to so many places. The important thing is to make sure that our thoughts are peaceful, kind and loving, as much as possible, because "As a Man thinketh, so Shall he be."

Then, we can be quite happy with our own thoughts!

What places does your mind take you to? This painting was done during a workshop with incredible artist Derek Penix. I still recall how much I enjoyed that workshop, back in February 2020, even though we were all on the brink of the terrible Covid pandemic.

Here's to happy thoughts today!

If you are interested in this painting, please use this link to purchase through my website.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Come back again soon.

"The Garden Gossips", 5x7, oil, paintings of flowers, daily painting, small affordable painting, little gems, purple flowers, gardens

 "The Garden Gossips", 5x7, oil

Song Song Blue

Everybody Knows one

Song song Blue

Every Garden Grows one

Ever study the flowers in a garden? Many of them have little faces, some have noses or beards, or lovely dancing skirts. Flowers add beauty to our lives and undoubtably there are some personalities in every garden, that stand around and chat about their neighbors.

This is a study of a couple little gossips currently  hanging out in my garden. They love to talk about the other flowers in the garden who are not quite as well dressed as they are. Like the little buttercups and daisies and wild sage.

Well shame on them! I love all my flowers, even them!

This painting is a little study that is available through my website for only $100, plus shipping. If you would like to purchase this painting, just use this link to purchase through PayPal directly through my website.

"Another Degas Moment", 11x14, oil , paintings of dancers, ballet, dance art, after the show, afterglow, ballerina painting, the life of a dancer, tutu

 "Another Degas Moment", 11x14, oil 

I had painted this same scene about ten years ago, and decided to have another go at it. This was the result.

I remember that warm, wonderful glow that myself and my dancers felt after a successful performance. At West Chester Ballet Theatre, the company danced different ballets each year, with the exception of the Nutcracker which was an annual event and treat.

When you get a standing ovation at the end of a show, you know that all that hard work was worth it! Knowing you did your very best, and the audience loved it, lets the dancer know  it's time to rest those weary feet.

Those were special years when I was Artistic Director of West Chester Ballet Theatre, and these many years later, I still stay in contact with many of my students and their families.

Email me at maryannejcaobsen@aol.com, if you have any interest in this painting.