Painter Judy Jacobs delights her audience with colorful and charming abstracts that explore the boundaries of creativity. See more by visiting her website.
“Waves of Color” oil on paper, 3” x 5”
I’m Judy “JJ” Jacobs, a mainly self-taught, long-time painter from Northern California. Over the years, I’ve worked with a variety of mediums and explored many subjects before settling on abstract expressions.
“Secret Garden” acrylic on paper, 30” x 22”
In 2011, I left a lucrative career in commercial real estate development to become a full-time artist. Everyone thought I was crazy. I immediately started selling my work from a small, rented studio in downtown Sacramento and made a decent living marketing and selling my work online and to collectors, consultants, and designers.
“Misty Dawn” oil on paper, 4.5” x 4.5”
After nearly six years, I realized I was spending more time at a computer than at an easel. I knew something had to change. Making art had become another job, and it started to look forced and boring. I was losing my enthusiasm and made excuses not to go into the studio. Burned out creatively, I closed the downtown location and stopped painting for nearly three years.
“Morning Whispers” oil on paper, 3” x 5”
Once the stress of the Covid lockdown began, I started painting in blank journals. I needed to play, so I drew with my non-dominant hand, used gouache and pastels, and made collages and mixed media work. Next, I tried painting abstract landscapes, seascapes, and imaginary still life compositions with oil paint. It was getting easier, but I wasn’t having much fun.
“Still Waters Run Deep” oil on paper, 4.5” x 4.5”
One day I needed to get out, so I drove to a nearby park. I walked around the duck pond, admiring the spectacular water lilies and lotus plants. I was both inspired and captivated. After taking dozens of photos, I rushed home to paint. The resulting pond series kickstarted my muse. I painted nearly 40 small oil paintings in a matter of weeks. These were mostly on paper, with a couple of commission pieces on larger-sized paper and canvas.
“Midnight Garden” acrylic on paper, 30” x 22”
Last year, I decided to rebrand myself and created a new website, Coming Abstractions, that combines my current art with a blog. The site is free to subscribe, to get photos of new art, learn about classes, events, and more.
“Reflections” oil on paper, 3” x 5”
This January, I participated in a 20 Paintings in 20 Days Challenge and painted wonky chairs, using only two complementary colors, white and black. The challenge helped me get back to basics, and working with a limited palette helped me expand my own personal style.
“Whispering Secrets” oil on paper, 4.5” x 4.5”
Today, I’m focusing on making simple still life tabletops in acrylics and oils. My favorite vessels are ordinary containers like vases, bowls, cups, plates, etc. Working from imagination, I arrange them into simple and naive tablescapes, adding a few flowers, food items, and wayward animals just for fun.
“Misty Green” oil on paper, 3” x 5”
My art career has been a long, roundabout journey, but I’m creatively re-energized and am thrilled to be painting full-time again!!
Judy Jacobs invites you to follow on Facebook, Instagram and Coming Abstractions Instagram.