"Autumn Vista at Granogue", 12x16, oil on panel, plein air, Du Post family, Granogue, Plein Air, Brandywine Valley, Hagley Museum, PABV, Paintings of autumn, barns, color, Brandywine Valley, Maryanne Jacobsen art

"Autumn Vista at Granogue", 12x16, oil on panel, plein air

This is another painting that I did during Plein Air Brandywine Valley back in October. I realize that I've been a little late in posting all of these, but I've been busy with some commissions and Christmas preparations.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day when I painted, at Granogue, a Du Point estate in Wilmington known by residents  all around for the water tower landmark that stands on the outskirts of the huge property on Smiths Bridge Road and Montchanin Road just west of the Brandywine, where Eleuthere Irenee Du Post  built a gunpowder mill about 200 years ago. 

Folks can still visit the mill today, called Eleutherian Mills, which is near the Granogue estate, along with Winterthur and the Hagley Museum- all beautiful museums which house much of the history of the storied Du Post family.

I always consider it a privilege to paint here at this beautiful place. Rolling hills,  barns, workers houses, a railroad station and undulating cornfields are just small parts of the estate. The Country House is perched on the top of a hill overlooking the beautiful Brandywine hillside.

Towards the end of the painting, I had to turn my canvas away from the barn because of the sun, but you can see the beautiful cornfields that were behind me as I painted.

I've done a couple paintings at Granogue in the past, and they are all sold. If you would like to purchase this one, it is loaded with thick paint and beautiful autumn colors! Just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com for purchase info.

Thanks for visiting my blog and come back again!

To read more about Granogue, here is a neat article by the Washington Post, of a party hosted at Granogue by the Du Post Patriarch.

"Along the Brandywine", 8x10, oil, Maryanne Jacobsen art, Brandywine Creek, Hagley Museum, Breck's Mill, Rising Sun Bridge, metal truss bridges, autumn colors

SOLD

"Along the Brandywine", 8x10

Back in October I enjoyed a lovely afternoon painting along the Brandywine, during the Brandywine Valley annual plein air event.

The original plein air painting that I did that day has sold, but yesterday I decided to try the scene again, remembering how difficult a scene it was for me to paint with the rapidly changing light that afternoon.

Even though this is a studio painting, it was still difficult for me because there were so many elements to deal with-water reflections, foreground rocky mess, trees in shadow, trees in light, etc. I enjoyed it nevertheless as it is best to challenge oneself with subjects outside one's comfort zone.

The subject was the old truss bridge just downstream of Breck's Mill near the Hagley Museum. I believe it is called the Rising Sun Bridge, if I remember correctly. The metal span is supported by stone structures on either side and it is one of only two metal truss bridges left in the area. I'm looking forward to returning there again in the fall.

This  little painting is available. Just send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com , if interested.