"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.