"I've always felt I was born with a pencil in my hand, and for as long as I can remember my subject has always been animals, especially horses. There is something so beautiful and magical about the horse. Growing up in Staten Island, New York, I never had the opportunity to own one of these magnificent creatures. Capturing them on paper made me feel closer to them. Although I studied some art in college, I feel my talent is mostly natural and self-taught. I spent many hours at the riding stables watching horses, learning how they moved and touching them to get a feel of how their muscles were shaped. I would study their faces, to see where the bones and veins were, and learn the tiny details of their eyes and muzzles. I think this is the most important thing an artist can do - really learn their subject. Learning each subject's personality and expressions is also important because every single animal is different. Drawing a chestnut thoroughbred with a white star does not make him Secretariat. Drawing the boldness in his eyes, the particular way he and only he holds his ears and arches his neck is what I think makes him Secretariat.
An artist is constantly learning. The learning process should never stop. No matter what subject an artist decides to draw, whether it be animals, people, still life etc. he or she must go out and learn everything about that subject or else their artwork will be missing that little something that brings it to life.
Aside from horses, I also draw pets and people. Sometimes it is impossible to be able to go and see my subject because they are living somewhere across the country. This is why getting as many good close-up photographs of them of all different angles is so important to me. From them I can get a feel of my subject. I also enjoy using my work to help raise money for different charities especially animal related ones. I feel animals have given me such pleasure in my life and this is one way I can give something back to them in return."
Maria D'Angelo
An artist is constantly learning. The learning process should never stop. No matter what subject an artist decides to draw, whether it be animals, people, still life etc. he or she must go out and learn everything about that subject or else their artwork will be missing that little something that brings it to life.
Aside from horses, I also draw pets and people. Sometimes it is impossible to be able to go and see my subject because they are living somewhere across the country. This is why getting as many good close-up photographs of them of all different angles is so important to me. From them I can get a feel of my subject. I also enjoy using my work to help raise money for different charities especially animal related ones. I feel animals have given me such pleasure in my life and this is one way I can give something back to them in return."
Maria D'Angelo
Triple Crown winner "Secretariat"
Equine Art by Maria D'Angelo