Meet Andrea L. Jacobson

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Andrea L. Jacobson again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Andrea L., we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I work as a self-taught visual artist, primarily using oil paints. My representational work focuses on portraiture, exploring themes of identity, fragility, childhood, beauty, innocence, and life’s temporary nature. I often incorporate botanical imagery, patterns, textiles, and dramatic lighting.

In 2008, I picked up painting as a hobby with my husband’s encouragement during a period of personal and professional uncertainty. The process felt natural, intuitive, and I fully embraced it. Over time, I recognized the deep need to create regularly to feel content, so I committed to painting every weeknight for at least an hour. Have you ever heard the concept that you must give 10,000 hours to a thing to become an expert? When I first encountered that idea, I knew that I wanted those hours to go to creating.

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
I recently returned from a transformative artist residency in eastern France at Château d’Orquevaux. For an entire month, I lived in a serene château in rural France, disconnected from the usual demands of life and immersed in a creative haven alongside 23 other artists, writers, photographers, musicians, and producers. As a self-taught artist, I had never experienced such a dynamic and diverse group of creatives. The synergy felt palpable, and the experience proved nothing short of life-changing.

The only “requirement” during my time there involved engaging fully with the experience, however that unfolded for me. Inspiration surrounded me—through the natural beauty, the shared stories, and the artistic processes unfolding around me. I gained new perspectives and skills, from learning how to enter a flow state more efficiently with tips from our talented resident musician, Naomi Westwater @naomiwestwater, to discovering strategies for funding larger projects from a fellow visual artist and non-profit leader, Darrell Kinsel of Boom Concepts @dskinsel. Most importantly, I learned to trust myself, embrace authenticity, and lean into my creative journey unapologetically.

During the residency, I created 13 complete pieces and started several others. By simplifying my palette and fully immersing myself in the process, I reached a level of comfort and mastery that allowed my ideas to flow naturally onto the canvas. I broke through to a new level, where creating felt intuitive rather than deliberate—similar to achieving fluency in a language. The work even surprised me, resulting in two distinct series that I plan to develop further. Building on this momentum, I am actively pursuing exhibition opportunities for the coming year and stand ready to share my art with a much broader audience. Reach out to me if you know of something interesting.

Excitement fills me for 2025 and all that lies ahead. The residency left me inspired, motivated, and more confident than ever in my ability to take my art to the next level.

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

Favorite Movie: Anything by Wes Andersen or the Cohen Brothers

Favorite Book: Dangerous Nation

Favorite TV Show: Bob’s Burgers

Favorite Band or Artist: Nina Simone

Sweet or Savory: Savory

Mountains or Beach: Both. How am I supposed to pick?

Favorite Sport (to watch): Hockey

Favorite Sport (to play): Connect Four

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Does ballet count

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Archaeologist

French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Chuck Rhodes

Favorite Cartoon growing up: She-ra

Favorite Childhood movie: Firestarter with Drew Barrymore or Annie

Favorite Breakfast Food: Eggs Benedict

What would the perfect day look like for you? Please give us as many details as possible.
Great question. I’d wake up naturally just before sunrise, vivid dreams still lingering in my mind. While the coffee brews, I’d take a few minutes to meditate, then settle in with that first warm cup and do some free-association writing to set the tone for a day of flow-state creating. Breakfast would mean omelets for myself and my wonderful husband, Eric. We’d take our dogs for a walk in the warm San Antonio sunshine, that perfect moment when the air still holds a hint of morning coolness, but the sun feels just right—no jacket needed. He’d head to work, but only for half the day, and I’d get ready to step into the studio.

Music on, brush to canvas, I’d hit that flow state—the kind where everything clicks, and it feels like something bigger than me is guiding the process. Hours would pass in what feels like minutes. When I finally step back, I’d take in the piece with a deep sense of satisfaction, seeing how the ideas materialized on the canvas. Feeling fulfilled, I’d put the brushes down and enjoy the rest of the sunny afternoon with a run, then get cleaned up and prepare a delicious dinner for family and friends. We’d end the day poolside, looking out at the Texas Hill Country as the sun sets, surrounded by great company and conversation that lingers well into the night.

Image Credits
Studio portrait by Sasha Parlett with Red Handed Media