Jacalyn Beam was born in Chester County, PA.  Her early training in art was rooted in the history and beauty of the Brandywine Valley. She holds a B.S. in Music, M.Ed. and Ed.D. and has always held a passion for painting. The Wyeths, Sorolla, Sargent, Sotter, Schofield, and Thayer are a few of her favorite artists.

 

The artist states, “I paint outdoors because the world is rich with beauty and it’s the optimal way to see three-dimensional objects, the subtleties of light and shadows, atmospheric perspective, and ‘real’ colors. Plein Air painting is also a lot of fun! You meet new friends - animal and human, have fleeting conversations with bicyclists and joggers, and experience the sounds and smells of the outdoors.”

 

Jacalyn is a member of the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Society. She also served on the Board of Directors at the Chaddsford Historical Society for eight years and continues to chair the annual Winter Plein Air Event. 

 

Jacalyn is included in the book 100 Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters published by Schiffer and released in 2014.  She is also featured in "Brandywine Valley Reflections" as an artist helping to preserve the Brandywine traditions.