Description

Portsmouth and Other Delights by artist Mike Jacobs is a vibrant exploration of nautical themes, the essence of Portsmouth, and the boundless creativity of music and art. Jacobs, a self-taught artist, brings his unique style to life using a menagerie of colored pencils, gel pens, and acrylic markers. His work is crafted on 4-ply black cotton boards and wood cradled panels gessoed black to provide a rich, dramatic backdrop.

Jacobs' artistic process blends both planned and spontaneous elements. He begins with a single line, allowing instinct to guide the creation of each piece as images leap out from his imagination. Says Jacobs, "Once a piece is hatched, it becomes. Until I conclude it's done."

Jacobs's visual heroes include 20th century art namesakes, but his work transcends conventional categories to convey an unmistakable unique style, which has been described as "urban, jazzy, non-drug induced psychedelic mayhem" and akin to the "French free figuration" (figuration libre) movement. However it is characterized, it is easily identifiable as Mike Jacobs. 

Artist Bio

Born and raised in New York City, Mike started drawing in his early 20’s when he was offered a technical drawing pen that felt so right in his hand that the black inked line took on a life of its own. He tried on several occasions to take art classes but Mike's strong-willed belief in his approach didn’t make him the ideal student. He quickly dropped out and continued to create drawings that expressed his vision, eventually learning to paint in vibrant color.

Mike has exhibited in a number of shows, mostly in and around NYC. He recently returned from a stint as an artist-in-residence at the Galerie Plurielle in Sete, France, his representative in the EU.

Connect with Mike on Instagram @mikejacobsart.