Where Spirit Meets Detail:
Realistic Portraits of Horses & Wildlife
Realistic Portraits of Horses & Wildlife
Capturing the Soul,
One Portrait at a Time
One Portrait at a Time
Maria D’Angelo is a nationally acclaimed pencil and colored-pencil artist specializing in highly realistic portraits of horses and wildlife. Driven by a passion for capturing the unique essence of each subject, Maria’s artwork is celebrated for its intricate detail, emotional depth, and lifelike beauty. Her portraits are featured in prestigious galleries and collections across the U.S., bringing the grace, spirit, and wonder of the natural world into homes and hearts.
Featured Artwork
Freedom's Quiet Whisper
12" x 12" Nero pencil
Sometimes a piece begins with a feeling.
This drawing grew from quiet moments spent watching wild horses, those rare seconds when the wind stills, and all you see is the quiet whisper of freedom in their eyes. There’s something profoundly grounding about that strength paired with gentleness, and I wanted to capture that balance in pencil: the tousled mane, the soft light, the dignity in stillness.
As an artist, I often spend hours on a single drawing like this. It’s not just about getting every hair or muscle right; it’s about slowing down enough to really see. That’s something my art has taught me: patience, presence, and respect for the living spirit that exists in every creature I draw.
When I look at this piece now, it feels like a reflection of my own journey as an artist, learning to find peace amid motion and strength in the quiet places.
12" x 12" Nero pencil
Sometimes a piece begins with a feeling.
This drawing grew from quiet moments spent watching wild horses, those rare seconds when the wind stills, and all you see is the quiet whisper of freedom in their eyes. There’s something profoundly grounding about that strength paired with gentleness, and I wanted to capture that balance in pencil: the tousled mane, the soft light, the dignity in stillness.
As an artist, I often spend hours on a single drawing like this. It’s not just about getting every hair or muscle right; it’s about slowing down enough to really see. That’s something my art has taught me: patience, presence, and respect for the living spirit that exists in every creature I draw.
When I look at this piece now, it feels like a reflection of my own journey as an artist, learning to find peace amid motion and strength in the quiet places.
About Maria
Custom Portraits
