Tuesday, June 22, 2010

June in Provence, 24x12, Peter Mayle, palette knife paintings


"June in Provence-", 24x12, oil on masonite-, (Please click on the photo to see a better view of the texture.)Aout the Painting:
The first time I read Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence" I laughed so hard that my husband came running into the room thinking that I was having a convulsion. I've read it twice since then, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves Provence, and enjoys the dry wit of a Brit coupled with first hand knowledge of the earthy pleasures that govern Provencal life.

This painting was painted exclusively with a palette knife so there are thick layers of juicy color and texture throughout.


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Friday, June 18, 2010

Abstract waterlilies, 10x10, mega-rant about oil spill, environment, catastrophic consequences, free speech, Joe Lieberman, Corexit, Charlie Crist,

SOLD"Abstract Waterlilies", 10x10, oil on linen-

The following is not a blog post about art. It is very ugly rant. So go away if you don't want to read about the truth, and follow links that will tell a tale, and help you understand the true magnitude of a tragic situation that will only get worse unless the common people demand truth , transparency and actions that are non- toxic!

Isn't it indicative of how dumbed down we are that when you turn on the television the news, and America in general, is fixated on World Cup Soccer?

Now let me say that I love soccer and all three of my sons were very fine soccer players in their day. My husband even coached a traveling soccer team and formed his own club! So I am no slouch to soccer.

What is really ticking me off is the media black-out on the truth about the oil spill. The possible truth according to this geologist and biologist (read it if you dare!) is devastating to those of us who live on the gulf coast, as well as to the entire world, but meanwhile the US happily eats french fries and celebrates the Lakers and watches the latest brouhaha at the World Cup oblivious to the fact that life as we know it is changing for everyone forever as a result of this horrendous catastrophe. If this leak is truly unstoppable, as some believe, the ramifications are horrific.

The painting above began as a plein air study out at the Jetty in Venice, Florida the other day. I got up at six and went out to the jetty at seven AM to paint before the humidity set in with a local plein air group, and yet all I could concentrate on was the blue heron nibbling down at the rocks and the pelicans nestling happily in the trees and on the pilings.

All I could wonder was how much longer they had to survive in what is destined to become just another dead sea- castrated thanks to the greed and indifference of humanity to God's beautiful creation.

The day before I had gone fishing with my son on my husband's boat, even though I really don't fish. (Couldn't put a hook in any creature if my life depended on it!) I wanted to take in as much of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico as I could while it remains alive and lovely-at least here in Sarasota County. Evidently there were many others taking in a lovely day and a chance to catch snook at the jetty as you can see from the picture that I took from the boat as we left the jetty:


This weekend there is free fishing for all here, (no license required) because obviously the officials know that there will soon be no more fishing anywhere in this Gulf for decades to come- in a very short while. As the turtles and dolphins and whales are starting to be found dead in the water, (more media black-out) I have decided that I am definitely done eating fish- my favorite protein- probably for the rest of my life. Might as well get used to it, I told myself, since the seas are all interconnected and before we know it even the Alaskan salmon will be poisoned or extinct as a result of this tragedy. But no one wants to talk about this- no one wants to confront the possibility that many of the scientists and geologists and biologists who are trying to study this gusher, are concluding that it is a malevolent affront to the environment, and could bring about consequences that almost unthinkable for humanity! Some are trying to voice their worst fears through their blogs since they are being shunned by the main stream media. Here's the possible truth folks! Are you ready? In all probability the well was breached below the sea bed and the well can't be fixed and the oil cannot be stopped no matter how many relief wells they dig! That's why the top kill failed. Pushing mud and cement into a well that's been breached below the sea bed isn't going to fix anything.

Oh yeah , and catch this one! Internet bill calls for shut down of Internet by President if there is a national crisis. Wow, what timing! Hey Joe Lieberman. I used to like you. My son even worked on your campaign against that rich guy that tried to defeat you in Connecticut a couple years back. But guess what Joe? You suck just like every other politician (both parties included) in America right now! Free speech is American. What country do you work for?

Would panic ensue if the truth was known? Absolutely! But does the public have a right to know the truth and try to plan for the future without the interference of a corrupt government? Absolutely!

Hell, look at the great job our great government did during Hurricane Katrina! I sure don't want to hang around and wait for them to tell me I have to evacuate, because their evacuations will certainly be more deadly than a little methane gas, (which is spewing out of the Gulf with the oil in mega proportions, by the way and strangling the oxygen levels for the sea creatures.) I have considered abandoning my home here on the Gulf and taking off. But then I think to myself- what will that accomplish? Just when Florida was starting to recover from the economic disaster of the past couple years- THIS happens. No use running away. My home is now worth Zero, and so is my son's, who moved here with his young bride and great expectations just 6 short months ago. That's the truth and I am accepting it. But what about the fragile environment that the future depends upon for food and sustenance? What about the people who are getting sick from the deadly dispersant Corexit? When is the public going to get outraged enough to make these traitors in our government accountable for their crimes of greed and disregard for the welfare of the people?

Back to my painting...

So I took my rotten plein air painting home and wiped it out and painted some waterlilies instead. I used thick OIL paint. Shame on me! I used a photo of the waterlily pond at Mission San Juan Capistrano, California for a reference, since that is pretty far from the Gulf Coast and people in southern California are still happy about the Lakers winning and not thinking about manatees in the Gulf of Mexico.

I noticed that some people stopped following my blog after my first rant on the oil spill, but that's okay. Our lives have been altered irreparably and detrimentally thanks to corrupt government in bed with big business (In January, the Supreme Court rolled back restrictions on corporate funding of advertising during federal campaigns),and I am not going to keep my mouth shut anymore. Ironically, for decades Florida would not allow drilling off its shores in the Gulf of Mexico (that changed recently thanks to our "environmentally friendly" President), yet now Florida is going to suffer , too, along with states like Louisiana that have been friendly to big oil for years because of the jobs it creates. I have no problem with creating jobs, but there should have been some decent SCIENTIFIC NOT GOVERNMENTAL oversight on this company, for heaven's sake, especially if it was going to dig monstrously deep wells in the most fragile eco-system in the US!! IS there any future left for my children? Can someone please answer that question? I know I'm losing it, but I am really, really angry, and very upset.

There is a company in Denmark that has products that will bio-degrade oil products rapidly, without harming the environment. Only harmless residues remain. See link here. Why is the government and EPA allowing BP to use the highly toxic Corexit to disperse the oil, instead of a product like this, or this product Munox, produced right here on the Gulf in Osprey? Why? I'll tell you why!! Because the government has protected the interests of big oil for years and if they use something natural to break down the crude then BP can't take the recovered oil and make $$$$$$$money from it! Shame! Shame! Shame! Governor Crist, open your danged mouth and be a hero for a change!

The truth hurts, folks, but we need to demand that our voices be heard, NOW, especially now since BP has bought up Google and Yahoo's search words on the oil spill in order to control what the public knows about the oil spill! Yikes! Let's stop being so complacent in thinking that the government actually cares about our lives and our futures! (I am sure this will be one of the first blogs to get shut down , when Mr. Lieberman's bill gets passed. That's okay, I still have my big mouth until they come and take me away to the looney bin! Sadly, a lot of folks reading this blog post will think I am a loon. That's Okay. I'd rather be a loon than an ostrich.
Thanks for listening to my latest rant on the Gulf Catastrophe.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

"Renaissance Child", 9x12, oil on Vincent Masterpiece linen- by Maryanne Jacobsen

"Renaissance Child", 9x12, oil on Vincent Masterpiece linen

This painting was chosen as a favorite in a recent Fine Art Studio Online monthly competition! I am honored to have so many of my peers LIKE my painting! Thank-you to all who voted for it!
To see more of my original paintings, please visit my website at Maryanne Jacobsen Fine Art.


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Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Autumn's Last Hurrah, 36x24, oil on wrapped canvas

SOLD
"Autumn's Last Hurrah"- 36x24, oil on wrapped canvas

This painting was the result of two things.

#1 I had recently sold one of my favorite paintings ("God's Palette") which had been hanging in my family room since I painted it about 3 years ago. I sold it last month and the gaping space above the couch in the family room was really bothering me. So I set out to paint another "God's Palette".

The result is different, as it's always impossible to duplicate what you've done in the past. I then struggled with whether it was as good as God's Palette or not. Family members were supportive and assured me that it is as good or even better, but definitely different in color temperature and paint application.

#2- In using a lot of happy color, I was trying to get my mind off of the depressing state of affairs in the gulf of Mexico, but my daughter-in-law pointed out that my use of cool colors over the past 6 weeks is a bit indicative of my mood. Anyway, I do love this scene very much, and I think the fact that I've painted it a number of times reflects that love. It is a scene from Chester County, Pennsylvania where I lived for many years, off of French Creek in Birchrunville, and I certainly miss those beautiful autumn colors now that I live in Florida.

This painting is on hold and has been promised to a new collector who was disappointed when "God's Palette" sold and asked me to keep her in mind if I ever did another. The lady that is purchasing this painting, has said that she still prefers "God's Palette" to my new painting. I am hoping she will change her mind when she sees this in person! The colors are very vibrant and after touching up some passages yesterday, I can finally say that I am very happy with this painting.

Fellow artists, I would love to know what you think. DO you think this is a happy painting or not? Does your mood come through when you paint? IN what ways? Please leave me a comment!

Monday, May 31, 2010

Cantaloupe and red grapes on white linen, 14x11

Cantaloupe and red grapes on white linen, 14x11

I always promise myself that I will do more still life paintings. Then I never do them. Why? I can't say, other than it's a royal pain to do the set-up, get the lighting just right and figure out how to approach the painting. (from above, below,straight on, etc.) So I never do enough still lifes, even though I know they are the key to success for portraits, which I also rarely do.

A special thank-you to all the veteran's and families of veterans who have had the formidable job of protecting this country and its citizens over the years. Have a happy, blessed and safe Memorial Day.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

"Ofu Island", 16x12, oil on linen, paintings of tropical islands, paintings of Ofu Isalnd, American Samoa, MAryanne Jacobsen paintings


"Ofu Island", 16x12, oil on linen,

As I have half-halfheartedly followed the news about the so called "top kill" of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, I tried to get my mind off of things by listening to Susan Boyle's lovely CD (which I rec'd as a Christmas gift), as well as painting something far away from the Gulf of Mexico. This painting of Ofu Island, which is part of American Samoa in the South Pacific, near Hawaii, was the result. Ofu Island is part of America's national park system. If you wish to purchase this painting, please contact me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com, and I'll send you a PayPal invoice.

I am also looking forward to continuing to get my mind off of things with tonight's finale of American Idol. I know I sound like a teeny-bopper, but I have been following this season avidly because I feel such a deep and profound connection to Crystal Bowersox. I have no idea why, since she was born even after all of my children were born, but if she wins tonight I will be the first to run out and purchase her first record/CD/ album or whatever the heck they call those things these days. She is a unique artist with her own vision, and has a voice that even angels must respect.

I watched her audition in Chicago months ago on Idol and immediately predicted she would win. (I also predicted David Cook would win and confess I didn't watch Idol last year so my track record is meager!) But just ask my hubby if I didn't go ape-sh.......t when she first auditioned with her little baby boy in Chicago). If she doesn't win, I'll be disappointed for her, but will also know that it was simply not God's plan and will for her to join the ranks of so many people who were talented and subsequently swept up in the current that is Hollywood's rock-star idolatry, which usually results in the rock star's ultimate demise.

Crystal, you are amazing. Your rendition of "Up to the Mountain" last night, left me crying as any artist would who has felt the amazing presence of another artist's pure talent. God must truly love you so to have brought you so far. Don't ever lose that thought, regardless of tonight's outcome.

"Up To The Mountain" lyrics

I went up to the mountain
Because you asked me to
Up over the clouds
To where the sky was blue
I could see all around me
Everywhere
I could see all around me
Everywhere

Sometimes I feel like
I've never been nothing but tired
And I'll be walking
Till the day I expire
Sometimes I lay down
No more can I do
But then I go on again
Because you ask me to

Some days I look down
Afraid I will fall
And though the sun shines
I see nothing at all
Then I hear your sweet voice, oh
Oh, come and then go, come and then go
Telling me softly
You love me so

The peaceful valley
Just over the mountain
The peaceful valley
Few come to know
I may never get there
Ever in this lifetime
But sooner or later
It's there I will go
Sooner or later
It's there I will go

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Beauty at the Beach-Venice, Florida, 9x12, oil on Raymar panel

SOLD
"Beauty at the Beach- Venice, Florida, 9x12, oil on Raymar panel

This painting was done with both brush and palette knife and the colors are much more vibrant in person than the photo depicts. I've painted this scene before , en plein air, but even if I hadn't, I'd be able to paint it with ease, since I know it almost as well as I know my own name.

I have really come to look at our Florida beaches in a whole new light since this tragic oil spill occurred last month. Sadly, I confess that I have taken my beach for granted. I have even complained about the harsh intensity of the light and heat and humidity, and I feel guilty about that now. I have had the pleasure to visit many gorgeous beaches throughout my life, including the lush and tranquil beaches with aquamarine waters off the beautiful Caribbean islands , to fragile coral lined beaches in western Mexico with rugged mountains as a backdrop. The never-ending drama of California beaches never ceases to amaze and inspire me, from beautiful Coronado Beach in southern San Diego, through fashionable La Jolla with its tranquil coves, to artsy Laguna with its jaw-dropping cliffs, and north through the central coast through heart-wrenchingly beautiful Big Sur and up and up and up. Yet, somehow I always find my heart returning to my own little piece of paradise, right here in unassuming Venice, Florida, where beaches are never crowded and simple folks who could care less about designer sunglasses and fancy T-shirts happily sift for shark's teeth in the company of graceful egrets and great blue herons. The birds in southwest Florida are gorgeous- from the roseate spoonbills with their unabashedly pink feathers to the tall, red-headed sandhill cranes who mate for life and roam the streets right along with golf carts and disoriented turtles. Our Southwest Florida beaches are also a very special place for sea turtles. It is here that many species of sea turtles migrate every 20 to 30 years to come back to their birthplace and lay their fragile eggs. Only one egg in a thousand ever makes it to adulthood anymore. A few weeks ago I was out with my family fishing on the Gulf and a loggerhead turtle the size of my dining room table swam by, followed by a friendly dolphin who stuck his head up right next to the boat, hoping we would be one of those folks who would break the rules and throw him some snacks. We weren't, but we waved at him anyway. My heart breaks as I think about what this calamity will do not just to our beautiful beaches, but to all these incredible creatures of the sea and air. The feeling of helplessness just grows, as does this horrendous tragedy to our eco-system. People think that if they don't live in the Gulf, it won't affect them. I've got news for those people. Our seas are all inter-connected and the hideous effects of this catastrophe won't just stop in the Gulf.

So, in the meantime, I can only continue to paint my lovely little beach near Sharky's pier, and hope and pray that God will save our fragile eco-system from the mess that is spewing from the floor of the Gulf.

If you've read all this, thanks for allowing me to vent.

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Monday, May 17, 2010

Yellow Shutters and Blue Hydrangeas, oil on linen, paintings of Europe, garden views, paintings of gardens and courtyards, paintings of hydrangeas

SOLD
"Yellow shutters and blue Hydrangeas", 9x12, oil on wrapped Masterpiece linen-(Note: Click on the image for a better view of the texture.)

I am a huge fan of hydrangeas, but have not had much luck growing them here in a subtropical climate zone. The owners of this villa in Corsica obviously do not have the same problem!

I used lots of luscious thick blue paints (cobalt blue, Cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, etc.), layered on with a palette knife like frosting on a cake, for the hydrangeas, and the painting was also done on an archival Vincent wrapped linen support as an extra measure of artistic extravagance.(as Don Sahli says, "Paint like a rich man!") So it is a good value for people who like Maryanne Jacobsen palette knife scenes.It has been in an exhibit since last summer, but is now available for purchase.

I found the reference photo online,at a popular picture upload site site, and would love to credit the photographers for the stunning picture, but I was unable to find an email address attached to the photo.



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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Fields of Gold, 12x16, oil on canvas, paintings of sunflowers, paintings with impasto, impressionist paintings, farmhouse painting, yellow

Sold

"Field of Gold", 12x16, oil on canvas panel
(Note: Click on the photo to see the thick passages of impasto)

The first time that I heard the song "Fields of Gold" was when my middle son was in college. He had joined the acapella group, The Colgate Thirteen, and this was one of the songs on the album that they released that year. I bought the cassette and played the song over and over until the tape broke- that's how beautiful the song was and I especially loved the way that the Colgate Thirteen sang it acapella.

Colgate13.Stargazing.Track12.FieldsofGold.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object): - Sent using Google Toolbar

Anyhow, that song was playing though my mind when I painted this one. No, there's no barley, but there's nothing like a field of sunflowers to spread a little happiness to a plain old wall! The painting was done with palette knife only in a loose impressionist style and has a great deal of nice texture throughout. It has been in an exhibit for the past 10 months and so I had to dust it off a bit before I photographed it.

If you would like to purchase this painting for $295, please use the PayPal button below, other wise just enjoy the beautiful lyrics to "Fields of Gold" below.

You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in the fields of gold

So she took her love
For to gaze awhile
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
Among the fields of gold

Will you stay with me, will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in the fields of gold

See the west wind move like a lover so
Upon the fields of barley
Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold
I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I've broken
But I swear in the days still left
We'll walk in the fields of gold
We'll walk in the fields of gold

Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold
You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You can tell the sun in his jealous sky
When we walked in the fields of gold
When we walked in the fields of gold
When we walked in the fields of gold

Monday, May 10, 2010

Jacaranda Tree in Bloom, 12x16, oil on canvas, paintings of trees ,paintings of jacaranda trees, purple trees, exotic trees, Florida trees

SOLD"Jacaranda Tree in Bloom", 12x16, oil on canvas

Last week I was driving through a Sarasota neighborhood and I was struck by the image of a jacaranda tree in full bloom. Here in Florida, these gorgeous trees fill with beautiful purple blossoms for only 2 weeks in the entire year, and so it is always a treat to see them start blooming in early May.

This one was at its peak the day that I drove by and the kindly gentlemen whose yard is graced by this lovely tree was gracious in allowing me to take a few photos of it.

As you can see, the tree was making a purple carpet fit for a queen to walk upon! If you would like to purchase this painting, please use the Paypal button below.


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Friday, May 07, 2010

God's Palette, autumn landscape, 36x24, oil on canvas

SOLD to collector Donna Gomez of New York

"God's Palette", 24x36, oil on canvas

This painting has been a favorite of mine and has never been offered for sale before. It has been hanging in my family room since I painted it back in the fall of 2007, and has also been in a few shows, but now I have finally decided to part with it. I used a reference photo that I took one day out at French Creek, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was a beautiful autumn day and the trees were at the height of their glory. I used a combination of both brush and palette knife on this painting.

Due to the size of this painting, all sales are final. If you wish to purchase this painting and are outside of the United States, please send me an email with your zip code and I will get back to you with a quote on shipping.

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Dog Day Afternoon, paintings of dogs at beaches, Venice Florida dog beach painting

SOLD
"Dog Day Afternoon", 10x8, oil on wrapped linen-SOLD through Collector's Gallery and Framery
Here in Venice Florida, we are fortunate to have a beach that is made exclusively for dogs! Dog lovers from far and about come here to just indulge their dogs, and as a dog lover myself, it is quite a feast for the eyes to observe these dogs in total freedom of movement!

For the past few months, I have had the honor of dog-sitting my son's
Vizsla, a type of hound-dog that is sleek and muscular and cries all the time....

At any rate, I took the dog to the beach near my home a couple of times and he absolutely was in his glory! He made friends with other dogs that were there, had a dog park that was fenced in where he could run around and be totally free, and then at last there was the lovely beach.... I just wish my golden retriever had had a chance to run around on this beautiful Gulf beach before she'd passed away! Many dogs like retrievers swim in the warm Gulf waters, some don't swim at all, but regardless of their nautical expertise, a good time is had by all the dogs that come to this lovely beach in Venice, Florida!

I grabbed a few pictures recently while I was at the dog beach, and today I decided to use one for a reference for the above painting. The colorful beach umbrella added a heightened sense of FUN to the scene, so please enjoy!

By the way, here is a cute YouTube video of one dog's adventure at the Venice Dog beach, which is called South Brohard Beach and Paw Park.



Wednesday, April 28, 2010

"Wine Country Picnic", miniature paintings, a painting a day, paintings of wine, wine country, paintings of grapes, affordable paintings, Napa Valley

SOLD

"Wine Country Picnic", 5x7, oil on Raymar linen panel

I am finally feeling much more confident painting grapes. My friend Jon Greeley says that painting grapes are easy. Well, easy for him to say! I messed around with this little painting till I finally managed to add some volume to the grapes. I think I should thank David Leffel for helping me with this one. He will tell you that the shadow side of the grape is always more vibrant in color than where the light enters from the front. That is because as the light exits the grape on its shadow site, the grape lights up with vibrant color! Thanks David!




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Sunday, April 25, 2010

"Concerto in pink and blue"- hydrangeas, peonies, apples and grapes, still life painting by Maryanne Jacobse

SOLD

"Concerto in Pink and Blue", 18x24, oil on 1.5 inch thick gallery wrapped canvas

This painting was painted from life in which pink and blue hydrangeas were placed into an antique urn that I purchased years ago at the antique show at Chester Springs. I decided to stick the apple atop the grapes because I knew the red against the green grapes would add drama.

Here is my set-up:
This painting would make a very special gift for Mother's Day or for that wonderful person in your life who loves all things beautiful, and especially if they include flowers! I would be happy to frame it for you, too, if you would like to purchase it already framed. Please contact me for additional costs if you would like to purchase the painting framed .
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Saturday, April 24, 2010

"Mother's Love", 9x12, oil on canvas, paintings of mothers, paintings of mothers and babies, mother's day paintings, poignant paintings of motherhood



"Mother's Love", 9x12, oil on canvas © Copyright, Maryanne Jacobsen

With Mother's Day and motherhood in general on my mind quite a bit these days, I had wanted to paint a scene of a mother and child for some time now. I had wanted to tackle this painting since I first saw the photo last fall. But I was a little reluctant to try to paint something so incredibly beautiful, so I kept putting it off. I finally started it on Monday, and have been working on it all week non-stop. I am sorry I did not use linen for the painting, since the toothy canvas was a pain to work with. I struggled with the flesh tones much more than I have in the past- not sure if it was the outdoor lighting or what. Anyhow, here is the result. I may tweak some of the passages a bit, but it is probably about finished.

A huge thank-you to a very lovely lady, Sara Tribe, for granting me permission to use this picture that she took of her sister Ashley, and Baby Ellie, as a reference for this painting. (Love and miss you , Sara!)

The painting is not for sale at this time, as I have decided to use it as a study for a larger piece. Yes, this next one will definitely be on linen!