Keeping the Brandywine Tradition Alive

by Gene Pisasale

When noted illustrator set up his art school in Chadds Ford around the turn of the 20th century, he didn’t know he was starting a tradition that would live on for decades as the Brandywine School. Seeing Pyle’s stunningly beautiful paintings like “The Nation Makers” (conveying the story of the American Revolution) and “The Mermaid” (a surreal depiction of a man embraced by a beautiful sea creature), one understands how his depth of talent transferred to his many students. Through people like N.C. Wyeth and , Pyle’s artistry would continue to inspire dozens of painters who captured the delicate light, shadows and textures of the regional landscape. Those students themselves gave rise to more practitioners of fine art, including and his son , as well as many others around the region.

“Looking Upstream” by Jacalyn Beam

The tradition lives on today in the work of local artist Jacalyn Beam. Jacalyn was born in Chester County and has been involved with local history for many years at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, notably their annual “Plein Air” events. Plein air is a French term for being outdoors, in the elements with natural light and shadows. Jacalyn’s early interest in art was rooted in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. She enjoys painting in open air settings and lists the Wyeth family, as well as Pennsylvania Impressionist Walter Schofield, John Singer Sargent, George W. Sotter and Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla as some of her favorite artists. Seeing Jacalyn at work is easy- she’s out painting around the Chadds Ford area on a weekly basis. Inclement weather doesn’t deter her work- it inspires it. She especially likes taking her oils, brushes and easel out after a fresh snowfall so as to capture the unique light and the almost surreal effects across the landscape. Jacalyn’s work highlights the delightful panorama around the region, her favorite subjects including rustic 18th century barns, solitary streams, hidden gardens and backwoods settings. Her delicate brushstrokes bring each vista to life and instill the viewer with the sense that they are right there, walking amidst the beauty she’s captured so elegantly. This author has known Mrs. Beam for several years and has had the opportunity to speak with her as she fills each canvas, standing nearby as she creates wonderful renditions of the scenes around her. A few which have captured my attention include “Looking Upstream”, a beautifully dreamlike view of a stream near Chadds Ford painted after a recent snowstorm. The viewer can sense the delicate banks of the creek almost glowing in blue-grey hues, dotted with shadows from the trees. Rolling countryside is one of her favorite settings and this area “View from the Boardwalk, Chadds Ford” by Jacalyn has it in abundance. Spectacular Winter Beam vistas with snow-dusted marshes complementing the landscape around Chadds Ford are showcased by Jacalyn’s delicate artistry in “View From the Boardwalk, Chadds Ford”. Her talent seems to be at its best in this milieu. You can almost touch the cool, peaceful waters in the tranquil marshland surrounded by delicate rushes and trees. “Cope’s Bridge” is a familiar sight to many locals. Beam’s depiction captures this lovely structure, its flowing lines bringing the viewer closer to the old home in the background. “Wylie Barn” is also a Chester County landmark, its striking maroon walls flanking the towering beige structure near the woods. John Milner has worked as an architect preserving our local heritage for many years. His house reflects his appreciation for this legacy. Jacalyn’s canvas titled “Snow Magic” portrays the serenity of his pastoral homestead, the moon glowing in the midst of a new snowfall. “Cope’s Bridge” by Jacalyn Beam

Jacalyn Beam is a member of the American Impressionist Society, the Oil Painters of America and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Society. She was recently chosen by Pennsylvania state officials to draft the National Core Performing Arts Standards that will be presented to teachers and K-12 students across the country. Jacalyn’s work can be viewed on her website at www.jacalynbeam.com.

“Snow Magic” by Jacalyn Beam

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He has written ten books and conducts historical lecture series throughout Chester County and the tri- state area. His recent book, “Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution” delves into the lives and many accomplishments of persons from this region who played significant roles in winning our war for independence and creating the nation we have today. For more information on Gene, visit his website at www.GenePisasale.com. He can be reached at [email protected] .