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Jessica Libor

~ Studio Journal

Jessica Libor

Tag Archives: pennsylvania academy of the fine arts

Florence Memories

15 Friday Nov 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, Inspiration, Journeys, lifestyle

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful, beautiful art, classical realism, contemporary art, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, Florence, Florence academy of art, how to be an artist, how to paint like the masters, inspiration, inspiration for artists, jessica libor, oil painting, pafa, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, PHiladelphia

“Everything about Florence seems to be colored with a mild violet, like diluted wine.” —Henry James, 1869 • I was fortunate enough to spend a summer in Florence a few years ago, studying painting with the @florenceacademyofart . It was the first time I experienced a step by step process of building a painting, and was amazed at the results that could be achieved—paintings that looked like old master works—by following the same steps they used carefully. I was instantly hooked in this ultimate fantasyland of classical painting. That summer seems golden and beautiful, in part because of the overwhelming art that filled the city. This photo is from Florence, Italy, at the Villa Medicea de Lillian… I couldn’t find the photographer, but it is representative of the beautiful structures and paintings that are around every corner in the beautiful city. What is a city that has influenced your art?

Into the coppery halls: the end of autumn

13 Wednesday Nov 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in Inspiration, Journeys, lifestyle

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful art, classical realism, contemporary art, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, how to paint like the masters, inspiration, jessica libor, oil painting, pafa, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, social entrepreneurship

Into the coppery halls; of beech and intricate oak; to be close to the trees; as they whisper together; let fall their leaves!

—Whim Wood, by Katherine Towers ✨. The first frost has come and winter is almost upon us. Each season brings its own aesthetic I enjoy for its own reasons. The end of autumn feels very mysterious and elusive to me.

Self Care Enhances Creativity

29 Tuesday Oct 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in beauty, Inspiration, lifestyle, Wellness

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful art, beauty, classical realism, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, inspiration, jessica libor, oil painting, pafa, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, self care, stress, stress relief, time management, wellness

I don’t know about you guys, but I often feel like I am rushing around every day, trying to check off a list of things to do and never seem to have quite enough time. It gets to the end of the day, and I always wish that I had more time to get the needed things done. The to do list actually never ends. There’s always more that we could be accomplishing and that we could be striving for in life. I took some time out this week and allowed myself to just relax for an afternoon. I allowed myself the luxury of a bubble bath. I read a few articles that were interesting to me and generally enjoyed doing nothing for a few hours! I honestly can’t remember the last time that I did this. At the end of that time, I realized that I was in such a relaxed and creative state of mind. I felt more playful, more optimistic, and so excited to dive back into the paintings and the projects that I’m currently working on. The time away made those things feel interesting and dynamic again. Also, we must remember that we are not machines! We are organic human beings who need rest I need variety in our lives. We can’t be healthy if all we do is work and all we do is put stress on our self to constantly be accomplishing things. Life is about more than that. Also, what is the point of accomplishing all these things if you can’t even enjoy life? So, I highly recommend taking some time to just relax and guilt free do nothing for a few hours once in a while. You might be surprised how positively it affects you, when you are so much more excited to be present in your artwork, and in your life!

Playing to win or playing not to lose?

03 Friday May 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in Inspiration, Journeys, lifestyle

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful art, classical realism, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, inspiration, jessica libor, oil painting, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts

Are you playing to win or playing not to lose?

I heard these words this week and it made me think. I don’t like to view the art world as competitive— in fact, I think the only person you compete with is really yourself in this life.

But, it’s interesting to think of how the mindset of “playing not to lose” looks like rather than “playing to win.”

In a small example, perhaps I’ll do a small painting rather than a large one, to minimize cost loss in case it’s not bought for a long time. In that way I’m not playing to win (or, to really actually use my vision in the size which would make it look best). Or maybe when applying for a grant I don’t spend too much time on it because if I DO spend too much time on it and I don’t get it, I would have lost that time. In that way I am playing not to lose (time) rather than playing to win (believing I have a shot and giving it my best).

I can tell when I’m playing to win because there’s a sense of leaning in and commitment. What do you guys think about this concept? Have you ever “played to win” or “played not to lose?” How does it feel for you?

Wedding Painting

11 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, In My Studio, lifestyle, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

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art, artist, beautiful art, classical realism, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, event painting, female artist, inspiration, live painting, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, Philadelphia wedding, wedding painting, wedding vendor

It was an honor to paint this commission wedding portrait for a recent project. The finished piece is oil on canvas, 11″ x 14″. I started the piece before the wedding, and painted the bulk of it during the couple’s wedding reception at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. It was wonderful speaking to guests about my process and being a part of the couple’s wedding day! I feel honored to have added a joyous experience to the occasion by immortalizing the moment in a painting.

If you are interested in commissioning a painting, please email me at jlibor@jessicalibor.com for all the details.

Cherry Blossom Painting Time

29 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, fashion, In My Studio, Inspiration, lifestyle

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advice for artists, art, art expert, artist, beautiful, beautiful art, cherry blossoms, classical realism, contemporary art, contemporary female artists, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, Fairmount Park, female artist, female artists, fine art, forever 21, h&m, how to be an artist, how to paint, how to paint like the masters, inspiration, inspiration for artists, jessica libor, Lawrence Alma tadema, Lucy Paris, oil painting, oil paintings, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, philadelphia artists, social entrepreneurship, spring fashion, technical advice for artists, the roses of heliogabalus

Ohh April! My very favorite time of the year is when the cherry blossoms are out in full bloom, and the great long stretch of summer is out before us in glorious, warm possibility. I spent some time this week painting the cherry blossoms and happily reveling in their heavenly beauty… I was in the park almost every day! Check out my time lapse of the painting done and a few of my other pieces. Send me a message at jlibor@jessicalibor.com if you are interested in collecting any of these oil sketches.

White top and pink skirt: Forever 21. Lavender dress: true vintage. Blue dress: Urban Outfitters. Floral dress: true vintage. Striped top: Lucy Paris. Hats: Forever 21. Sunglasses: Green Street Consignment.

Which is your favorite look? What about favorite cherry blossom painting?

I can’t leave without posting the most epic floral painting ever. “The Roses is Heliogabalus” by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema. Enjoy! Until next time,

Jessica Libor

Www.jessicalibor.com

Beginning my “Let’s Connect Philly” painting for the Barnes Foundation

23 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by Jessica Libor in Exhibitions, How To, In My Studio

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advice for artists, art, art expert, artist, beautiful, beautiful art, beautiful paintings of women, classical realism, contemporary art, contemporary female artists, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, how to be an artist, how to paint like the masters, inspiration, inspiration for artists, jessica libor, Let’s Connect Philly, mural arts, pafa, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, residency, the Barnes foundation

This month I am lucky enough to be living in a Philadelphia zip code, so am eligible to participate in the Barnes Foundation and Mural Arts competition and exhibition at the Barnes Foundation, called “Let’s Connect Philly.” It’s a really cool idea– artists are to pick one piece that inspires them (I picked Renoir) and do a small piece inspired by it! During the exhibition (in May–June) the public can go and vote on their favorite pieces, with the winning artists getting a residency and stipend at the Barnes! Needless to say I’m very excited to enter! Above is a time lapse for the first 7 hours of painting I’ve done on my piece. It’s not done yet, but when it is, I’ll post a side by side of the piece by Renoir that inspired me and my own.

Jessica Libor

Www.jessicalibor.com

Spring Exhibition with St. John Knits

18 Wednesday Apr 2018

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, Exhibitions, fashion, Uncategorized

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art, art exhibition, art show, artist, artists, beautiful art, emerging artist, fashion art, female painter, feminine art, figurative painter, impressionist art, jessica libor, jessica libor art, life, nathan durnin, nathan durnin artist, nature art, oil painting, paintings, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, spring art, st. john knits

Screen Shot 2018-04-11 at 7.43.44 PM

Nathan Durnin
Nathan Durnin
Jessica Libor
Jessica Libor

I’m very excited to invite you to a very special exhibition this Saturday, April 21 from 1 to 6pm at St. John Boutique at 160 North Gulph Rd. in King of Prussia, PA.  This exhibition is made possible by a collaboration between St. John and Era Contemporary Gallery.  I will be exhibiting 7 new paintings along with Nathan Durnin, also with 7 of his new gorgeous paintings, interspersed among the Spring collection of fashion designs for women by St. John.  I will be there and excited to meet visitors!  Light refreshments will be provided as well.  I hope to see you there!  Scroll down to see a selection of the work that will be on display.  If  you’re interested in a piece, simply email eracontemporary@gmail.com!

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Beginning a new painting: Magical Creatures

12 Thursday Apr 2018

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, In My Studio, Inspiration, Shop

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advice for artists, art, art expert, art school, artist, beautiful, beautiful art, beautiful paintings of women, classical realism, contemporary art, contemporary female artists, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, how to be an artist, how to paint like the masters, inspiration, inspiration for artists, jessica libor, MFA, pafa, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, social entrepreneurship

It’s always the first day that it goes the quickest. After that, it is all about refining the details. Here is a unicorn painting inspired by my visit to the Met Cloisters and seeing “The Hunt of the Unicorn”. Click the video to see the time lapse!

You could spend forever on a painting, but it’s all about the quality and focus of the time you spend on it. Blocking out all other distractions and focusing all your mind and skill on the painting is like a meditation practice. I am always surprised by how much more quickly and better quality work comes out of a painting session when I’m in this state! I read a book once that described this state as “flow.” Perhaps it deserves a post of its own!

This painting I’m currently working on, “Magical Creatures,” is not completed, so be on the lookout for another post about the finished painting.

In the meantime, my recent painting after Fragonard, ” The Chase,” is completed, with a limited edition print run available in my shop. The prints turned out beautifully…every little brushstroke is captured in detail, and each one is on acid free archival quality paper that is velvety and smooth. Hand signed by me! To grab yours, click here.

Spring in the Studio

06 Friday Apr 2018

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, fashion, In My Studio, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

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art, circus performers, contemporary artists, contemporary realism, creative life, creative living, emerging artist, empowering women, fairy tales, female artist, figurative art, figurative realism, french woman, horse art, oil painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, philadelphia artists, spring, spring art

It’s my favorite time of year! For a brief window of time during the Spring, the heavenly cherry blossoms visit and can be seen all over the landscape. This painting here, “Discovery,” was inspired by the cherry blossom trees around Fairmount Park, as a setting for the famed equestrian Terese Renz, who was the first female to own her own circus.  Read her full story here…you must see the amazing original photos from her time period with her horses.  Original and prints available on my website! Click here to browse.  Enjoy the Spring… April showers bring May flowers, my dears… ❤️

Get a similar look to my outfit with this skirt and top, or with this adorable dress.

Tell me, where is your favorite place to see cherry blossoms in the Spring?

xo, Jessica

www.jessicalibor.com

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