Artist's Statement

Trudi’s Show Statement

I’ve always enjoyed going to museums and galleries and appreciating art. I just didn’t think of myself as an artist.

But color! Color lured me in and showed me a path to follow. I learned about the “painterly” approach, which emphasizes color and texture/brushstrokes (think Monet, Matisse, Cezanne, and Van Gogh). My artistic style veers toward the abstract, where shapes and colors capture the essence of a place or scene, rather than an exact likeness.

You will see evidence of this painterly approach, and my delight in playing with color and shape in the paintings in this show. Cloud formations, sunrises, and sunsets provide glorious chances to engage with both, hence the numerous skyscapes and landscapes highlighting skies. 

One wall holds still lives, a refreshing change when I can’t face grappling with one more tree.

My medium of choice is pastel. The vibrant, immediate color they provide excites and inspires me. There is one non-pastel, an acrylic, included in the show. Can you spot it without checking the labels?

If you long to paint, don’t dismiss the idea without playing around a bit first. Like me, you might surprise yourself and find a pastime you love.

Special thanks to Theresa Somaio and Eden Compton — two inspiring teachers.

Trudi Jacobson

June 2025