"Moonstruck", 5x7 , oil, white rose, painting of a white rose, small studies, little gems, small affordable paintings, paintings of roses, Maryanne Jacobsen fine art

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 "Moonstruck", 5x7 , oil

Recently I decided to challenge my painting skills by attempting a white rose. Now that may sound like an easy task to some artists, but for me, painting a white rose was always a challenging thought. 

It was a "thought" because I never actually tried to paint one. I just assumed I couldn't do it.

Roses are so very complex. Their beauty is astounding, but mastering the painting of roses takes a great deal of skill. I have painted roses before. Some came a little easier than others, depending on what I was thinking at the time.

Our thoughts have a great affect on how we approach life, especially painting. I have often condemned myself before even starting! Such was the case with rose painting, and in particular white rose painting.

So last weekend I bought 6 lovely white roses that opened gradually over the course of a few days.

I picked one (they are all unique!) and put it in a bud rose vase and set about to paint it. Here was my reference and what struck me most about this photo is how very little you could actually see! Which is why we are always told to paint from life. Duh.

Anyhow, I must have wiped this thing out at least a half dozen times before I finally started to see the flower develop.

It's not perfect, but I felt like I accomplished something! The white rose was always a big bogey man in my mind. But now I feel better. Do you have any painting challenges that you may or may not have overcome? I'd love to hear about them!

"Fish Beach Road", 12x16, oil, paintings of Monhegan Island, the Fish House Monhegan, summer vacations, Maine vacations, island trips, Maryanne Jacobsen fine art

 "Fish Beach Road", 12x16, oil

It's been quite a while since I posted anything new. It's hard sometimes to get back into a routine after you've been out of one for a long time.

I used to post on this blog everyday. And I often even found nice comments afterwards. It was great. That was about ten years ago.

The years fly by before we know it and then we suddenly find ourselves in a whole new era.

In this case, it became the era of social media. Instead of blog posts, artists started just posting photos of their new paintings on Facebook, Instagram, etc. 

While I am just as guilty of doing that, I discovered that it wasn't  very satisfying. I used to really enjoy creating stories about my art within the blog post. It was another level of creativity to write and explain in a blog post the inspiration and process behind the painting. it was fun and  for me, at least, very rewarding.

I often sold my work through my blog posts. And people around the world got to know me a little and began to recognize my work on sites like Daily Painters, when the "painting a day" phenomenon" took root and flourished.

Anyhow, now I'm just mumbling, if it's possible to mumble on a blog.

This is a new painting of a scene that I painted a couple times in the past. It is Fish Beach Road outside the Fish House eatery at the height of summer on Monhegan Island, Maine. My colors are more sober and muted now, and I think my change of palette simply reflects my overall mood anymore. My mood is not buoyant and positive and colorful and quirky like that of the Maryanne of the past.

Life with Covid has changed us all in new and different ways, and many are not positive additions to our fragile little personalities. That being said, I can look back with longing and appreciation for those carefree days when travel was almost effortless (at least compared to today's so called travel), and life seemed to be bubbling with possibilities. Indeed, on Monhegan Island, there were new possibilities lurking behind every corner, every turn in the road, every change of seasons. So I know that if things ever return to the way they were, we will all find ourselves ever so grateful for those freedoms and carefree attitudes of the past that no longer define our lifestyles, but hopefully will surface again.

Well, whether or not, I'll ever travel to lovely Maine again, I can still enjoy my memories of those happy painting trips, and hope and pray there are some new ones still to be found within my lifespan.

Stay well, and feel free to comment about your own experiences!

"Sleepy Hollow Farm", 30x24, impressionist painting, colorist painting, Pennsylvania country

 "Sleepy Hollow Farm", 30x24

This paintings dates back about 8 years to my colorist days. The farmhouse sits high on an autumn-colored hill. A small stream runs through the property and the foreground is studded with poppies.

Thanks for visiting my blog and let me know what you think of this painting!

"June Lilacs", 16x28, oil on hardboard, Monhegan Island, Monhegan Island painting, June day, Lilacs on Monhegan, poppies, Maryanne Jacobsen Fine art, impressionism, cats on Monhegan, Maine art

 "June Lilacs", 16x28, oil on hardboard (note: click on the image for better detail)

A few summers ago, the hubby and I took a trip in late June up to a favorite haunt of ours- Monhegan Island, Maine.  We took the ferry from Port Clyde on a foggy, cold morning and I fervently hoped I wouldn't get seasick, as I have been known to do in the past. But the hour long ferry ride is so worth what awaits you when you get to the island!

Monhegan is a painter's paradise, and of course I had brought my paints. After dropping our luggage off at the beautiful Island Inn, we took the customary walk up the hill, breathing in the brisk, though refreshing salty sea air, and admiring the usual array of new perennials  in the garden at  Carena's. We had never been there in June before and as the scenery there is constantly changing due to  the weather patterns, I drank in the new vegetation against the familiar backdrop of houses. 

The red poppies looked especially vibrant that day  against the rest of the environment, muted as it always is until all the fog burns off. The lilacs were also in full bloom along the path, and the usual array of stray cats were there to greet the new  ferry arrivals.

I am not typically an artist that prefers muted scenes, but I choose to try to capture this one, because it is so typical and beloved of those mornings on Monhegan when the air is full of atmospheric perspective, and that tiny island feels ever so other-worldly and mystical.

This painting was painted on a heavy hardwood. It needs a sturdy frame to support it (see below)and I hope it will become a happy fixture in someone's home who loves Monhegan Island as much as I do.  Thanks for visiting my blog!

"I see your True Colors", 9x12, oil, paintings of beautiful women. portraits, impressionism, MAryanne JAcobsen fine art

 

"I see your True Colors", 9x12, oil

Sometimes things are never as they seem on the outside. I have always been a curious person. I sit reading a book with my phone next to me, so I can look up any word I am not familiar with. I rarely find any, but when I am introduced to new words, I appreciate theft I have learned something new.

People are like that for me, too. I study people. I try to understand what is going on in the inside- their thoughts, feelings and fears. I have often wished for a kindred spirit that I could also share my inmost thoughts and fears with. To this day, I have never found that person. And it feels lonely.

As this painting developed, I was conscious of the fact that this young woman, who I was creating mainly from my own imagination, was hiding a great deal. There is a poetic quality to her. She is beautiful, sad and wistful at the same time. What is she thinking? I'll leave that to the viewer's imagination, but I have my own ideas.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

"December Morning", 8x10, oil on linen, winter snow scene, impressionist painting, oil painting gifts, small oil paintings

"December Morning", 8x10, oil on linen

I love painting snow though I haven't seen any in a number of years. This painting is available framed as as shown. Please send me a message at maryannejacobsen@aol.com , if interested.

Lady in Red, 11x14, oil on linen, paintings of beautiful women, lady in red, Short Dog Studio, red hats, Bill Taylor Photography, Beth Bathe studios, Maryanne Jacobsen fine art

 "Lady in Red", 11x14, oil on linen-$400

It's been almost 2 months since I broke my clavicle, and slowly but surely I am starting to paint again. This was yesterday's effort and by the end of the day I was totally spent and aching. But it was worth it. I enjoyed doing this one very much.

Another great big thank-you goes out to Bethe Bathe and Bill Taylor Photography in Ephrata, Pa. for allowing artists to paint from their portfolio of amazing photographs taken at Short Dog Studio. The models are always beautiful and costumes and poses are yummy.

Please send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com, if you are interested in purchasing this painting.

"Strawberry Blonde", 8x10, portraits, red-heads, strawberry blondes, Short Dog Studio, Bill Taylor Photography, Beth Brownlee Bathe, Maryanne Jacobsen art

 "Strawberry Blonde", 8x10

I broke my clavicle about a month ago as a result of a bike accident. Trying to get back into painting has been very slow-going and extremely painful, as I find I am in a lot of pain if I stand for more than 20 minutes. (I've never been able to paint sitting down.) Recently I was invited by fabulous artist Beth Brownlee Bathe to paint virtually from her wonderful Short Dog Studio in Ephrata, Pa. She and her partner Bill of Bill Taylor Photography have offered artists the chance to paint from some absolutely fabulous long shot poses photographed at the studio. The models are always beautiful and there are a variety of poses to choose from. Last week I painted (very painfully) a full figure. This week I decided to keep it simple with just a portrait. This was the result.

A huge thank-you to Beth Brownlee Bathe, Bill Taylor Photography and Short Dog Studio for giving me and many artists a little pleasure during these COVID-times.

#BethBrownleeBathe, #shortdogstudio #BillTaylorPhotography

"Down to the Sea", 12 x16, oil, eucalyptus trees, impressionism, palette knife landscape

 "Down to the Sea", 12 x16, oil

This was painted over the top of an unsuccessful painting. I  really enjoyed watching the bad one go away. I used a lot of palette knife in this one though it's hard to tell from the photo.

Feel free to click on the image to see it better and if you'd like to purchase it, please visit my website here.

"Cape Garden", 11x14, oil on linen, gardens on Cape Cod, Provincetown garden

"Cape Garden", 11x14, oil on linen

The garden's on Cape Ann and Cape Cod re simply sumptuous in the summertime. I think the beautiful weather conditions and gorgeous sunlight up there in Massachusetts contribute to an abundance of blooms of every color and variety imaginable.

This garden was a highlight of a trip to Provincetown a few years ago  when I was up there for a show with American Women Artists at The Addison Gallery. Unfortunately the short trip up the Cape to Provincetown resulted in me not attending the opening night of the exhibit as there was an accident that closed the one highway for hours on end. But it was kind of worth it and this painting was the result.

This painting can be purchased through my website here. Thanks for visiting my blog!

"Weathered", 9x12, small studies, head studies, red beret, small portrait study

 "Weathered", 9x12

I've been working on small head studies lately because it's still way too humid to go outdoors and paint.

This chap looks like he has had some storms in his life. Haven't we all?

I will be glad when 2020 is over !

Email me if you have any interest in this work at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

"First Light, La Jolla Shores, 11x14, oil on linen, La Jolla shoreline, La Jolla California, Sunrise, paintings of La Jolla, lifeguard station, beauty of California

"First Light, La Jolla Shores, 11x14, oil on linen

Artists talk about capturing an "Ahah!" moment. I recall feeling that excitement of discovering an ahah moment during our last trip to California. My husband and I often stay in La Jolla because of the early morning walks that we so love to take along the shoreline. One one such morning, it was pretty early and as the sun broke through the horizon, it cast a beautiful light on the Lifeguard Tower. The rest of the landscape was still dark, only the Lifeguard station and the distant waves became lit up like firecrackers.

Here's the photo that I took:

We usually start our walk down by the caves, and here's a photo of the trees over the caves that morning:

 When things go back to "normal", I can't wait to return to California to see my loved ones, take beautiful scenic walks, and paint, of course.

"Autumn Windowsill", 8x10, oil on linen panel, window sill, autumn floral, impressionism, small impressionist paintings, color, autumn

 "Autumn Windowsill", 8x10, oil on panel-$350

This little painting was a lot of fun to paint. I used a photo reference from last year's trip to Chester County, where we stayed in a charming 200 year old farmhouse as my inspiration for the painting.

You can see below how the sunlight was cascading through the window at a sharp angle and poured across the sill.

Inserting the colorful flowers into the serene scene was the fun part!

This painting is available for $350. To purchase through PAypal, just follow this link to my website.

"Peek-a-boo!", 6x8, oil on panel, hollyhocks, small gems , pink flowers, small impressionist florals

 "Peek-a-boo!", 6x8, oil on panel

Hollyhocks are incredibly beautiful with their tall stalks and majestic heads, clustered about. These red ones are magnet for butterflies.

This little gem is available through my website for only $100. To purchase through PayPal  just follow this link. If you would like to purchase it framed for a gift, please send me an email for pricing at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

"Poolside Floral", 8x8, oil on panel, artist support pledge, plein air, poolside, Florida art, little gems, pink, sunflowers, affordable art

"Poolside Floral", 8x8, oil on panel- $100 including free shipping in the domestic US.

I painted this little floral on my Florida lanai, the other day. It was at least 95 degrees outdoors but happily, I was at least in a shaded area while I painted.

Here is the view of my set-up:

This painting is being offered at well below my normal pricing structure as part of the #artistsupportpledge. Many galleries across the country (including one of my own) have closed permanently due to the pandemic. The artist support pledge was devised by Matthew Burrows as a way for artists to continue to find revenues during these financially difficult times. The premise is to offer your work at two hundred dollars or less, and when you've reached $1000 in sales, you pledge to purchase the artwork of another artist for the same value.

So if you would like to purchase this little plein air jewel, just use this link to pay directly through my website.

Thanks for looking and if you would like to know more about the Artist Support Pledge, just read about it here. Have a great day.