Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Deely

Maria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Growing up I had always loved art. I was heavily influenced by my art teacher, Nora Sheets, and my Aunt Carol Oldenburg, who is also a fine artist. I had taken a break from art for many years until my high school art teacher, Sam Brunett, convinced me to take his class. After that point I dove into my artwork. I had tested out and tried countless different mediums, my favorite continued to be colored pencil. By the time I was in my first year of college I was exclusively using colored pencils in my personal work outside of class. I started my art business, Deely Drawings, in 2019 during my sophomore year of college so I had something to grow and build that was at least substantial by the time I graduated. I graduated from WVU magna cum laude with my BFA and continued to pursue my career in art. Now I travel the world depicting my adventures and memories for everyone to see. I just finished my first artist residency in France and have another one coming up in Italy. I also just finished filming a Watercolor Course with Now You Know in Cyprus. I can’t wait to see what else art has in store for me. I am excited and along for the ride.
I want to give credit to my family as well. If it were not for the support of my parents, Michael and Kathy Deely, as well as my sisters Ruthie and Margaret, I would not be where I am at today. I love them dearly and they have encouraged me every step of the way.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

I’d say, like any journey, there are peaks and valleys. It is all about perspective. I have had negative experiences with galleries, art shows, collectors, collection releases, and I have been turned down for a lot of things I have applied for. The thing I look at though is that there have been so many more positives than negatives within my career as an artist. I am accepted to things I am meant to be accepted for. Everything always happens for a reason so if there is an obstacle it is meant for me to take a step back and look at it as a learning opportunity. Growth, gratitude, positivity, and authenticity are all keys to my success.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I specialize is photo-realistic colored pencil drawings. All of my drawings are based on my travels and memories so I am sharing a piece of my heart anytime I create. I want to give people, who may not have the ability to travel, to see the world through an artists perspective. My goal is to share joy and peace within my work and for the viewer to feel as if they are able to “step into” my pieces. The thing I am most proud of is how authentic my work is. All of my pieces are glimpses into my experiences. I have a rare chronic illness where there have been moments of my life where I have been “bed bound” so to see all of the places I have been and all of the pieces I have created it is a true testament to the growth that I have had. My work is very unique due to the technique I use as well as the medium I create with. Colored pencil is a very time consuming medium to use, so it shows the amount of love, patience, and dedication I am willing to put into all of my pieces.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?

God, my family, The Pittsburgh Steelers, anything Disney, my travels around the world, the list goes on. The sun shining through my window, painting my nails to match my drawings, reading a really good book, you name it. I love to be able to curl up and watch a great show or have the opportunity to go out with a friend for dinner. Being grateful for everything I have and everything I am able to do is key to my happiness. Life is all about the simple things and if I wasn’t able to say thank you for them I wouldn’t be as happy. All around where I am at in my life has been the happiest I have ever been and it has also been the time where I have felt the most gratitude. So if you are needing a little joy in your life think of three things you are really grateful for.

Pricing:

• Prints: $25-$85
• Originals: $350-$4,500 (Depending on size and detail)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deelydrawings.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deelydrawings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deelydrawings
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDooVETGhXS4pkKYqRFBhng