Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea L. Jacobson.
Hi Andrea L., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a self-taught artist. I was always a creative child, but I grew up believing that art was a hobby, not a profession. Because of that, I focused my education and early career on what seemed like more “practical” pursuits. I picked up painting in 2009 after moving back to the States from Germany. We’re a military family, and each move has brought its own challenges. Rebuilding friendships, finding community, and reestablishing work every time we relocate can take a toll. When we moved from Germany to Washington State, I didn’t quite know what to do with myself and found I was struggling emotionally. My husband—whose mother was a painter—encouraged me to take a casual summer class at the local community college. It was a basic introduction to oil painting, but it lit a spark in me that’s been burning ever since.
I painted as a hobby until 2019, when I began exhibiting my work. Then COVID hit. With shows canceled and the world on pause, I needed something to channel my anxious energy into. I started painting daily. Every weekday, I’d work my full-time job, make dinner, spend a little time with my family, and then excuse myself to paint for an hour before bed. That daily practice transformed everything—it accelerated my learning and deepened my technical skill in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
In 2024, I was accepted into an international artist residency at Château d’Orquevaux in rural France. That experience was truly pivotal. It was the first time I was surrounded entirely by other artists and able to focus on my work without distraction. I had found my people. I’d never felt such a sense of belonging as I did among the 23 artists there. It was also eye-opening to see others not just surviving in the arts, but thriving as professionals. I knew then there was no going back to my job in tech.
With the support and encouragement of my husband—and so many others—I made the decision to step down from my leadership role at the software company and dedicate myself fully to my art. I’ve been focused on my practice ever since. I’ve also been fortunate to receive support from wonderful local organizations like the San Antonio Street Art Initiative and from my gallerist, Ana Montoya of AnArte Gallery.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road. It has been more of a winding road with many forks. It took me forever to realize that this is my passion and that it is a passion worthy of my full attention. Self-doubt is incredibly powerful and it is a regular thing that I must combat. Sharing your art with the world is like walking around naked. You are laying it all out there, not just your skillset but your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, all for others to judge. That is a scary and vulnerable thing to do.
Transitioning from a career in tech to art is also quite an adjustment. I have to remind myself that it takes time to do all of the things. I cannot do it all on day one. Building your reputation, applying for opportunities, honing your voice, that all takes time. I have to stay focused and dedicated over the long haul and ignore that inner chatter of self-doubt that likes to creep in.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary visual artist who works in both sculpture and painting, on canvas and in murals. My work is representational, meaning I paint recognizable people and objects rather than abstract forms. Portraits are my favorite. There’s something endlessly interesting about the challenge of capturing someone’s likeness and the emotion of a single moment. Most people know me for my oil portraits that include hand-painted floral or botanical patterns inspired by old textiles and wallpapers. I start those patterns in the background and let them weave into the figure, almost like the person is tangled in their own surroundings. That idea connects to what I’m exploring, how everyday parts of our lives like home, family, and childhood quietly shape who we are. The flowers tie it all together for me. They’re a reminder that even the most ordinary moments can be beautiful but fleeting. They do not last forever so we must be reminded to savor them.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have many great childhood memories. One that stands out was playing at my great-grandmother’s home in Mississippi in early summer. There was a magnificent old magnolia outside whose branches were so large that the weight of them had pulled them to the ground through the years. They were so big and dense and curved down to the ground, they were perfect for climbing. The branches draped so low it created a shelter underneath that you couldn’t see from outside. My sisters and I used to play house under the shelter of those branches. The lemony smell of the flowers, the cool shade, the hours of giggling and make-believe… just magical.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.worksbyalj.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistandrealjacobson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worksbyalj
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealjacobson/
