Award of Excellence
Received from the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation at the 45th Annual Art in the Park
Artist’s Statement
Maria Delton
I paint what makes me stop and stare, usually while on my way to something else. Unexpected, unplanned, and often overlooked, the tension between a boring subject that is perfectly lit or composed is irresistible to me, and I paint to share the surprise with others.
The intersection of the mundane and the extraordinary is fleeting and requires a rapid capture. The immediacy of watercolor is perfect for this. When the paper is wet, the painting is literally alive, letting you merely suggest what the water might do. You have little time and only one shot to get it right, especially when painting plein air. I am exhilarated by the challenge and am constantly working to refine my shorthand for suggesting shapes and light.
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Canyon On A Wednesday
22”x15”
Watercolor on Baohong rough
$725 -
Alley In Between
22” x 15”
Watercolor on Baohong Rough
$715 -
Last Rays On the River
22” x 15”
Watercolor on Baohong Rough
$715 -
Turning the Corner
22” x 15”
Watercolor on Baohong Rough
$720 -
Matinée
22” x 15”
Watercolor on Arches Rough
$725 -
Doors Open at 8
22” x 15”
Watercolor on Arches Rough
$725 -
Green Mill Greens
21.25” x 15.5”
Watercolor on Baohong Rough
$700 -
Miller's Pub
21.25” x 15.5”
Watercolor on Baohong Rough
$725 -
Chicago Flag — G Man Tavern
17” x 13”
Watercolor on Baohong Rough
$485 -
Mr. Beef
21.25” × 15.5”
Watercolor on Baohong Rough
$695 -
Always Springtime
17” x 12”
Watercolor on Baohong Cold press
$475 -
Metro
17” x 13”
Watercolor on Baohong Cold press
$485 -
Monsignor Murphy's
21.25” x 15.5”
Watercolor on Baohong Rough
$715 -
Portal
watercolor on Winsor Newton cold press
22” x 30”
$1500 -
Formento's
Watercolor on Baohong rough
22” x 15”
$615 -
Tacombi
Watercolor on Baohong rough
13” x 17”
$435 -
Elevated
Watercolor on Baohong rough
22” x 15”
$625 -
Ludvig's Bistro
14” x 10”
Watercolor on Cold Press
$385 -
Fulton Lights
Watercolor on Baohong rough
22” x 15”
$600 -
Wired
Watercolor on Baohong rough
17” x 13”
$420 -
Lit
Watercolor on Arches Rough
13” x 17”
$425 -
Neon Special
Watercolor on Baohng rough
17” x 13”
$425 -
Vaughan's
Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 9”
$275 -
Joe's Pizza
Watercolor on Baohong rough
9” x 12”
$270 -
Geranium Reds
All the blooms are like fireworks and I can never get enough of this place. I wanted to capture the vibrancy, but mostly I wanted the viewer to feel what it’s like to stand in the sun and shade of this wonderful, little market.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
16” x 12”
$415 -
Little Steeple
Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 9”
$270 -
Little Island
This hot-dog stand really is an island. I love its proportions and how it just exists in a sea of asphalt, which makes the reds and yellows pop.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
8” x 8”
$165 -
Frasca
I was drawn to this lively corner because it had some of my favorite colors and lighting effects. Also, the coffee shop is Italian and the logo is orange. What’s not to like?
Watercolor on cold press
16” x 12’
$400 -
Green Means Go! — to Printer's Row Brewery
I was a little intimidated about painting a white building, but the lighting made it a very satisfying experience. And there are twinkly lights and screaming traffic lights. Perfect!
Watercolor on WN cold press
8” x 8”
$150 -
Blooms On Loomis
What stopped me on the street was the burst of color from all the flowers getting to have some time outside in the bright sunshine. What charmed me though, was the timelessness of this scene. Now or a hundred years ago, little has changed.
Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
$270 -
En Plein Air
Those two striped umbrellas just glowed in the afternoon sun. I was drawn to the contrast between the brightly lit trees against the deep shadows of the foreground. A perfect summer day en plain air.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
15” x 11”
$365 -
OPEN
I collect nocturnes and this one was from when Salonica still had evening hours. There is such a mix of lighting in this scene that it took me a while to decide I was ready to paint it. I love how it is a beacon for the neighborhood.
Watercolor on Legion cold press
14” x 10”
$325 -
The Night Is Young
The start of a lively, summer night is the mood I was after in this piece. I was mesmerized by the lighting effects from all the different sources in this scene and I couldn’t wait to paint it.
Watercolor on Arches rough
16” x 12”
$425 -
Red Umbrellas
I instantly fell in love with this color palette. Dusk makes everything more saturated and those deep reds were irresistible. The scallops, however, were captured with patience and determination.
Watercolor on Arches rough
16” x 12”
$425 -
Marquee Lights (Harper Theater)
The bouncing, golden lights of the marquee made everything in this scene sparkle. It was dusk when I saw this scene and the moody sky was the perfect backdrop to the vibrant theater.
Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
$265 -
Yellows
Late afternoon light made this street corner glow with golden yellows, which were made even more vibrant by the contrasting turquoises and greens. Long shadows and some of my favorite colors—the best!
Watercolor on Baohong cold press
8” x 8”
$180 -
Flora
The lake is majestic but it was this tangle of plants that caught my eye. A variety of greens with a burst of lemon yellow, not to mention textures ranging from prickly to feathery. A satisfying challenge to suggest them all vs. illustrate.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 9”
$265 -
Waterfront
Possibly the most iconic scene in St. Charles, super-charged by the late-summer sun. Capturing the contrasts on both land and water was extremely satisfying.
Watercolor on Arches rough
16” x 12”
$425 -
Riverwalk
I’d painted this view before, but it had been Spring and the light was much cooler and gentler. Late summer was completely different; sharp, extreme, and there were waterlilies!
Watercolor on Arches rough
16” x 12”
$425 -
All Aboard!
I challenged myself to paint the reflections of these spectacular paddleboats floating on the Fox. I love the interplay between the bright whites and reds against the greenery of the river.
Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 16”
$425 -
Downtown
I really wanted to capture the feeling of standing in the shade in the middle of town. The dark shadows lead you down the road, where everything twinkles in the sunlight.
Watercolor on Legion cold press
14” x 10”
$350 -
Splash & Stones
The contrast of textures here were calling to me, I love how the color and movement of the water really sets off the stonework. Sadly, I did not include the curious pigeons stealing the show.
Watercolor on Legion cold press
14” x 10”
$345 -
Back Door Vista
I was taken with the way the dark, shady trees framed the view off in the background. This view might be considered inconsequential, almost secret, which is why I love it.
Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD -
Double Date
The stillness and quiet of the scene is a delightful contrast to the fun of
paddling around on magestic swans. And the deep shadows really set off their features.Watercolor on Arches rough
9” x 12”
$270 -
Golden Beauty
This magnificent home repeatedly caught my eye, but the light was never right. Finally the sunshine revealed its potential, smoothing out the effects of time.
Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
$265 -
Nonno Pino
There are so many charming spots on this street, but I picked this one because I love the golden glow coming from both the restaurant and the setting sun. I wanted to convey how inviting it felt.
Watercolor on WN cold press
12" x 9"
$275 -
Crippen House
This charming piece of history sits on a quiet, grassy hill, just a block away from an expressway. Homes from this era have a lot of “gingerbread” detail and it was fun to suggest it without painting every last spindle.
Watercolor on WN cold press
9" x 12"
$270 -
Moretti's
The reds and greens of this establishment are iconic, as well as a powerful color combo. There are so many good angles to paint there that it was hard to choose! I like how the sign pulls together all the aspects of the place.
Watercolor on WN cold press
12" x 9"
$270 -
Ready!
This plein-air piece proved a challenge because the number of rental boats kept changing during the time I was there. And then one beached about four feet from me!
Watercolor
12” x 12”
$300 -
Lake Park Contrasts
I have a thing for viaducts, their structure, textures, and the way light transforms them fascinates me. In this Hyde Park scene, I was drawn to the contrast between the gritty viaduct and the shiny tower behind it.
Watercolor
12” x 12”
$ 340 -
Jeni's on Clark St.
Lots of times when painting en plein air, it takes me a long time to decide what to paint. In this case, it took under 30 seconds. Orange and acqua colors full sun with great shadows—yes!!
Watercolor
16” x 12”
$375 -
Dearborn Station
Painted en plein air on an incredibly cold, spring morning, I was drawn to the contrast between the old, station bell tower and the shiny, new buildings behind it. I wonder if the builders of the tower were inspired by the tower in Sienna?
Watercolor
16” x 12”
$380 -
On Roscoe Street
Painted en plein air on a beautiful Saturday morning, this piece started out being all about the pink umbrellas, but then a waiter came and set out the ketchup and mustard bottles and everything changed.
Watercolor
14” x 10”
$285 -
Everyone's Miska's
A favorite neighborhood nocturne scene, Miskas has been around forever, and the chaos of neon is fantastic. It was so satisfying to capture that yellow glow.
Watercolor
16” x 12”
$400 -
Ideal Nocturne
I’ve been obsessed with this sign I neighborhood for a very long time—that red! I’d painted a daytime version a few years back and now wanted to capture its nighttime glow.
Watercolor
22” x 15”
$685. -
Portage Sparkle
I had to run home and immediately start planning this painting once I saw how all the lights and reflections danced through this evening scene of a beloved movie theater.
Watercolor
22” x 15”
$700 -
Patio
Not the first time this once-majestic theater has demanded I paint it. There is so much satisfying texture here to capture; stonework, contrasts, colors, and the indignities of age—all gorgeous.
Watercolor
12” x 12”
$340 -
Sunset Savings
There are so many colors in play in this neighborhood scene. The bank sign is a regional landmark and I’d been waiting for just the right sky to capture a scene I’ve admired for years.
Watercolor
10” x 7”
$150 -
Orange Auto Body
On a walk one evening this orange color scheme and white-hot lights made me stop dead in my tracks. I never planned to paint a garage, but this was too fun to resist.
Watercolor
10” x 14”
$310 -
Yellow Awning
The yellow awning on this neighborhood liquor store steals the show. I love its vibrant contrast to the dark interior.
Watercolor
12” x 9”
$250 -
At the Bar (Graziano's)
Mesmerized by all the color and sparkle of the glass bottles, I got to practice my shorthand for communicating lots of twinkles and reflections. So many textures to capture!
Watercolor
12” x 12”
$320 -
Roman Ruins on Foster
I am obsessed wth viaducts, I love the arches and all the textures and contrasts, especially at golden hour.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
$425 -
At the Corner —Jefferson Park
This painting started as the demonstration piece for a watercolor class I gave at the neighborhood field house. Finished afterward, the sunlight brought this old, corner building to life.
Watercolor
16’ X 12”
$390 -
Courtyard
I was walking down Sheridan when this scene drew me to it like a magnet. It was like I was suddenly transported to the Amalfi coast. The water and sky are jewels framed by the cool shadows of the courtyard.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available -
Windows
The windows on the first floor of this corner store aren’t very inspiring, but all that changes when you look up at the second floor. Wow, what a contrast—details worthy of Venice! I also love the extremes of sunlight and shadow in this city scene.
Watercolor
12” x 9”
Available -
Floyd's Barber Shop
I was drawn to this scene for all its textures and contrasts. Gritty, urban, and vibrant, the electric blue sky and crisp sunlight turned crumbling bricks into something stunning.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available -
Trattoria Demi
I couldn’t stop staring at the contrast going on between the blazing golden yellows of the awning and brickwork as the sun set and turned everything a cool purple. There’s a reason it’s called Golden Hour.
Watercolor
10” x 14”
Available -
Red Shade
I love how umbrellas filter light and act as a transparent gel for a whole scene. Vibrant reds are everywhere, contrasted by cool reflections bouncing off all the surfaces.
Watercolor
12 x 16
Available -
A1 Tailors
Painted plein-air, this is not a fancy building, but its rich hues and assorted textures make it so compelling. My favorite element is the deep violet dress form standing behind the gold letters of the main window.
Watercolor
9” x 12”
Available -
Shinsen
I couldn’t wait to paint this vibrant, nocturne scene on Chicago Avenue. The twinkly lights and the vivid violets and purples just jumped out of the night sky.
Watercolor
15” x 22”
$485 -
King of Murals
We were painting en plein air in Pilsen and I couldn’t take my eyes off this majestic mural. It felt funny painting a painting, but I wanted to capture the contrast between the somewhat dingy building and the explosive colors of the mural.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available -
Cupcakes in Cedarburg
normally don’t paint subjects straight on, as they can lack dynamism, but this charming bakery came to life in this simple, historic building in the middle of town. I love the contrast of stark white against the festive pinks and teals.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available -
Marina Blues
I am repeatedly drawn to the dazzling blues of water, sky, and boats. Painted en plein air, the challenge of capturing the sunlight that day was keeping my easel from turning into a sail.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available -
Simon's Fish
Andersonville in the sunshine is spectacular and I could not resist the vintage, sparkling, Swedish fish of Simon’s bar.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD -
The Regional on Roscoe
It was a dreary spring day, but those reds were screaming to be painted.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available -
Arrow
Warm light in the cold snow along the road in Wisconsin.
Watercolor
10” x 7”
Available -
Pink Glow
The last rays of light on a farmhouse in Wisconsin.
Watercolor
12” x 9”
Available -
Winter Sunlight
Speeding through highways in Wisconsin, the glow of this old barn at sunset caught my eye.
Watercolor
12’ x 9”
Available -
Catalina Plants
It was a chilly night, but the plant store was warm and colorful. I wanted to capture the look of the steamy windows.
Watercolor
16” x 12”
Available
Bali and Beyond
—Colors of Indonesia—
Last Fall, I was fortunate enough to go to Indonesia for several weeks. We traveled to many islands, and to say that the colors there blew me away would be an understatement. I’ve traveled to places different than my familiar Midwest in the past, but nothing prepared me for this level of light and saturation—and textures!
This was a whole new color palette for me, and the challenge of capturing these scenes was thrilling. I took nearly 2,000 photos, and I chose what to paint based on the scenes that I can still see with my eyes closed.
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Fishing Boats
We arrived in Bali at night and the next morning this was one of the first scenes I saw. I was speechless. Turquoise water, primary-colored boats, and mounds of fluffy fishing net.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
15” x 21”
$615 -
Evening Stroll
We would walk down to the fish shack to have dinner on the beach, and this was our view every evening. Everyone from the town would come out to stroll or enjoy the water. That sky! Magnificent.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
15” x 22”
$615 -
Beachfront Bliss
I can still hear the waves and the ristle of palm trees when I recall this image. The deep shade was divine. I also spent a very long time wandering around in that turquoise bliss, collecting coral and just marveling at the color.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
15” x 21”
$610 -
Tidal Pool
We’d gone to see a famous temple on a cliff, but this tidal pool next to the thunderous sea held me there like a magnet. It was golden hour and I was wishing I had a fish-eye lens. The view was endless.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
15” x 21”
$600 -
Tranquil Waters
I was mesmerized by the floating canoes in this scene and the shadows they cast. And also all the other colorful boats just bobbing in the water like crayons. I’ll never get tired of that water.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
10” x 14”
$325 -
Barefoot Fisherman
I saw the fisherman dock and immediately ditch his flip-flops. Also, I think this fishing boat is the equivalent of a candy-apple red Corvette. It was just stunning. All the colors you see really happened.
Watercolor on Baohong roughpress
10” x 14”
SOLD -
Umbrellas At The Temple
These are the most ornate umbrellas (parasols?) I have ever seen. The glow in the diffused light that happens after a rain really enjoyed the challenge of rendering the beading without actually painting it all.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
10” x 14”
SOLD -
Walking the Rice Fields
The greens you see here stretch for miles and it’s absolutely mind-boggling. It took me quite a bit of practice to achieve the correct brilliance. I also love the contrast of the very moody sky.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
10” x 14”
SOLD -
Highway Green
Sitting in the back seat, amazed at the colors flying by me as we drove to Malang, a city on the island of Java. I didn’t know you could amp up Phthalo green, but these scenes prove it, especially with a volcano just quietly lounging in the distance.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
10” x 14”
$325 -
Beach Hut
Toronipa Beach is exquisite, but even better is the beach hut you get to lounge in all day—we had clams on a stick! The colors are so lively but my favorite element is the giant, swaying palm shadow.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 16”
$360 -
Malang Lily
A whole new set of textures and visuals to capture in this urban scene really tested my shorthand abilities—it was great! There were so many engaging elements, but the best was the enormous water lily.
Watercolor on Bahong rough
12” x 12”
$350 -
Split Screen
We’d been driving to another town and decided to stop for fresh coconuts. I was struck by the amazing contrast of textures in the image; nature right up next to man-made. And with some wonderful, blue hues.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
10” x 14”
$325
Slide Show
—Through My Father’s Eyes—
Growing up, my father’s hobby was photography. I loved going downtown to Central Camera with him, seeing the endless rows of lenses and cameras. He was always taking photos of family and events, but it wasn’t until I started looking through all the boxes I’d saved that I saw a time I’d never known before. Slide after slide of stunning captures of mid-century travels, mostly in Italy. Cruise ships, vistas, coastline, mountains, street scenes, characters, fashion, all in full-throttle Kodachrome.
I wanted to celebrate his vision and also challenge myself, by working in large-format. I am so energized by this project. These pieces are only the tip of the iceberg!
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Piazza San Marco
Venice is a jewel that sparkles no matter what angle you view her from. My family is Venetian by heritage —there’s even a bridge named after my mother’s side of the family—and we have all fallen in love with her. Capturing this scene has truly been a lifetime in the making.
Watercolor on Fabriano Artistico
22” x 30”
$2950 -
Timeless Camogli
A fishing village out of a storybook—and the Italian Riviera. The Kodachrome vibe is strong in this one and if you look carefully, you can see the camera shop where my dad probably had this slide developed. The saturated darks and golden yellows are as iconic as the harbor.
Watercolor on Baohong rough
31” x 22”
$2800 -
Silks For Sale
I was captivated by the vastness of the water surrounding the turquoise boat and its cargo of brilliant scarves. The bright sun and blue seas in this Mediterranean scene make all the colors especially saturated. I was sad to finish this one.
Watercolor on
Wi1sor & Newton cold press
30” x 22”
SOLD -
On The Terrace
No sand, all sun, and stairs to the sea. What better way to spend a day gazing out at those blue waters? Atmospheric perspective makes the sun umbrellas and cabanas literally jump off the page. I never want to leave this place.
Watercolor on Fabriano cold press
30” x 22”
SOLD -
Passage to the Blue Grotto
If you’ve ever been to the grotto in Capri, you can attest that the water really is that blue. You have to get into tiny boats to clear the entrance and I really enjoyed capturing the movement of the passengers and the waiting row-boats bobbing in the sea
Watercolor on Winsor & Newton cold press
22” x 30”
$2100 -
Afternoon Bliss
After lunch at the seaside is quiet time. Everyone retreats from the hot, mid-day sun to the cool and shade. The view from this open window is spectacular, capturing both the mundane of laundry lines and the glittering Mediterranean.
Watercolor on Winsor & Newton cold press
22” x 30”
SOLD
The Sitka Series
I recently returned from visiting family in Sitka, Alaska, and was positively gobsmacked by the beauty up there. I painted as much as I could while I was there and also took close to 700 photos. I’ll be spending the winter painting some of my favorite scenes and posting them here. I hope I can translate the feeling of being in that fantastic place.
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Totem Pole
I’d never painted en plein air with bear spray strapped to my hip, but this was well worth it. These majestic totem poles blend seamlessly into the forest.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available -
Still Waters
Sitka, AK is a rainforest, and the skies change quickly from one mood to the next.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD -
Red Leaves
The colors I saw on my walk through the neighborhood were unbelievable. Everything is gorgeous in Sitka.
Watercolor
15” x 22”
Available -
The Fishery
Painted en plein air, on a windy, rainy wharf, I couldn’t leave until I’d captured the most saturated blues I’d every seen.
Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD -
Tiny Lighthouse
I was so far away and didn’t know if I’d be able to capture the glow of the little red and white lighthouse, but the distance gave me space to try and convey the indescribable atmosphere.
Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD -
Up the Hill
It rains a lot in Sitka, but when the sun does, come out, BAM! An explosion of colors and contrasts.
Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available -
The Neighborhood
A quiet, magnificent, afternoon in the Sitka neighborhood. Colors so good they don’t seem real.
Watercolor
22’ x 15”
Available -
On Merrill Street
Walking through the neighborhood after a rain, I was captivated by this peaceful riot of colors.
Watercolor
22” x 15”
Available -
Hut on Harbor Mountain
The views from this mountain top left me speechless and the light hitting this tiny camping hut with the bright red backpacks in front was irresistible.
Watercolor
16” x 12”
Available -
Red Roof in the Afternoon Sun
Sky and sunlight have a magical effect on colors in Sitka, everything is more vibrant, all the time.
Watercolor
16” x 12”
Available