"Dappled Forest", 11x14, oil on masonite panel, Brandywine river, dappled forest, light and shadow, impressionist paintings. paintings of trees

 "Dappled Forest",11x14, oil on masonite

A few years ago, during a trip to Pennsylvania, I took a walk along the Brandywine River. The morning light was dappled along the path and into the trees along the river. I took a picture of the scene because it was so beautiful.

Yesterday, I painted it. I remember there was someone fishing along the river that day. I hope I can find the picture of the fisherman, because I would like to try to repaint the scene with the fisherman in it.

This was an experimental painting. I started out by shut throwing a lotto big shapes on the panel to see if I could find my way back into the scene. I think I did. So now I'll try a bigger one, hopefully with a fisherman in it.

If you would like to purchase this painting , it is on special this week for only $200. Use this link to purchase directly from my website. 

Thanks for visiting my blog!

"Printemps", 6x8, oil on panel, women in hats, springtime, expressive portraits, little gems, portraits of women

 "Printemps", 6x8, oil on panel

I will always be an old-fashioned girl at heart. I have always loved things that reflect timeless beauty, history, charm, and a simple way of life. So I am of course attracted to things of the past. 

I think it would have been amazing to live during the Roaring Twenties, when fashion was influenced by the Jazz Era or the Great Gatsby era as told through F. Scott Fitzgerald. I also love the Victorian age and the 40's and.... oh I could just go on and on. The fashion of today is just not fashion at all!

Anyway, I digress. This little tiny painting is all about a romantic era. The girl's dreamy eyes are thinking perhaps of a lost love, or a husband at war. 

All I know is that she is sad, but still beautiful.

I enjoy painting little small portraits because I think they can be more expressive when they are done quickly, as this one was.

I named the painting "Printemps", which means springtime in French.

Thanks for checking out my blog. Check out more of my paintings at my website here.

" Tango", 12x16, oil on linen, Latin dance, ballet, dance art, ballroom dance

" Tango", 12x16, oil on linen

Before my art career began, I was a dancer. I took ballet classes 4 to 5 times a week until I was in my mid-fifties, at which point I decided that painting was a lot easier on my joints than dancing. I was director of a large dance school for many years, and Artistic Director or a regional Ballet Company join the suburbs of of Philadelphia.

The love of dance never leaves you, once you get bitten by the dance bug. After moving to Florida and quitting ballet, I tried ballroom dancing with my husband. I absolutely loved it, but unfortunately, he hated it. So rather than look for a new partner, I quit as well. Today I still take line dance classes for fun and to keep my memory sharp, but it can't replace the joy I used to feel in ballet class.

The Tango is my favorite latin dance. It epitomizes the passion of the Latin people and the syncopated sultry rhythms of Spanish music.

I did enjoy painting this one, if only for the memories it brought back of thousands of dance classes over the years, and hours spent at the barre honing technique.

To all dance lovers out there, keep on dancing. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOLD

 "Pigtails and Teddy Bears", 8x8, oil

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

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

All paintings will be shipped within 24 hours of purchase.

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

SOLD

 "Autumn Windowsill", 8x10

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

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

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

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

Happy holidays!

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

 "Along the Way", 8x10, oil on panel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can you believe how unbearably beautiful that sky was?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Birchrunville Store Cafe

The Sheeder Hall Covered Bridge

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

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

 "Lunch at the Four Dogs", 8x10

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

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

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

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

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

You can check the paintings out here and here.

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

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

 

"Sleeping Beauty", 8x8, oil

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

Children are certainly God's gift to grandmothers!

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

 "Church on the Hill", 16x20, oil.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 "Hunt Country" 9x12, oil on panel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 "Foghorn Morning", 12x24. oil

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hopefully, I was somewhat successful.

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

Thanks for visiting!

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

SOLD

 "Beach Breeze", 8x10, oil

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

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

 "Momma's Garden", 8x8, oil on panel

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

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