ARTIST BIO: JACOBUS BAAS

Born in the Netherlands in 1945, Jacobus spent his early years surrounded by the landscapes and cloud-laden skies made famous by the Dutch Masters throughout history.

Jacobus arrived in the United States in his early teens with an interest in art already indelibly imprinted. He started painting while in high school and received a well grounded education in the creative process. After graduating he traveled extensively in Europe and visited many of the famous museums and deepened his appreciation for fine art. Upon his return to the United States, Jacobus decided to channel his creativity in a new direction, one that would enable him to use his artistic ability and also provide some financial stability. He began to design and make jewelry. His unique and original works captured a following and contributed to his success as a goldsmith but he continued to pursue his first love, painting, and exhibited both his jewelry and paintings at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach since 1978.

In 1994 Jacobus began painting on location during a trip to Santa Fe and exclaimed, "It was like discovering a new world!" On subsequent trips to New Mexico and Hawaii he produced vibrant color-filled landscapes that inspired him to begin a remarkable series of work that has been, and still is, widely acclaimed and admired. He currently divides his time between Laguna Beach, Maine, and Hawaii.