Biography

Maria D’Angelo is a nationally recognized artist celebrated for her emotionally resonant and exquisitely detailed charcoal pencil and colored pencil drawings of horses and wildlife. Her work is defined by a profound ability to capture not just the likeness, but the soul of her subjects, creating portraits that seem to breathe, move, and live on paper.

Born in New York, Maria’s lifelong love of horses and deep respect for wildlife have shaped the heart of her artistic journey. Whether portraying the gentle gaze of a beloved equine companion or the untamed power of a wild creature, her goal is to imbue each piece with life and presence, so vividly rendered they feel ready to gallop, fly, or leap from the surface.

Though skilled in multiple mediums, Maria’s true passion lies in the pencil. With years of study and creative exploration, she has developed a signature style that blends technical mastery with expressive sensitivity. Her ongoing mentorship with acclaimed artist Krystii Melaine continues to refine and deepen her work.

At the core of Maria’s career are original artworks and private commissions. She finds tremendous joy in creating custom portraits that honor the connection between humans and the animals they cherish. Each commission is approached with care, reverence, and a desire to create something timeless.

‘To me, there is no greater reward than creating something meaningful for someone, especially when it celebrates a beloved companion,’ Maria says. ‘I want each subject I draw to feel alive, as though it could walk right off the paper.’
Her original drawings are created on archival hot press watercolor panels and sealed with a clear protective coating, allowing for elegant presentation without glass’giving each piece the finish of a fine painting.

Maria is represented by:
Mountain Trails Gallery (Sedona, AZ)
Going to the Sun Gallery (Whitefish, MT)
Legends of the West Fine Art (Santa Fe, NM)
Arise Fine Art (Bozeman, MT).
Her work has been featured in nationally acclaimed exhibitions including The Russell at the C.M. Russell Museum, Small Works, Great Wonders at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Western Roundup at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, The Mountain Oyster Club Art Show, Tucson, AZ, and America’s Horse in Art at the AQHA Hall of Fame and Museum.