Mary Delave

My name is Mary DeLave. Thank you for visiting my portfolio.

I have been captivated by creating images for as long as I can remember. When I was about 10 years old, I received my first sketchbook, and it became the foundation of my artistic journey. Many of my painting ideas are born from the pages of sketchbooks filled with drawings, dreams, and scenes from everyday life.

In my work, I build layers of color and imagery, allowing the story to unfold as I explore. The creative process transforms me into a witness, a critic, and occasionally a skeptic as the painting progresses. To bring depth and texture to my finished pieces, I often use a variety of mediums, creating layers that add a physical dimension to the work.

My paintings are influenced by the rich traditions of Surrealism and Expressionism, with elements of Cubism woven throughout. These styles allow me to explore transmutation, exaggeration, and fantasy to express feelings, dreams, and unconscious thoughts. As multidimensional beings, we experience life from multiple perspectives, and I strive to reflect that in my art.

I hope my images inspire others to connect with the Mystery and Magic of life, sparking wonder and deeper reflection.

I earned a degree in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where I thoroughly enjoyed exploring creative concepts. However, after graduating, I realized that architecture felt too structured for the kind of creative freedom I craved. This realization led me to focus on creating images and experimenting with various mediums.

As I developed my artistic style, I began selling my work, and over time, my passion for art blossomed into a full-time career.

I currently reside along the beautiful coast of Northern California where the natural surroundings continue to inspire my creative journey.

Exhibitions:
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2015-2017 Society of Fine Artists, Regular shows San Francisco, CA
1995-2015 Artist Guild of San Francisco, Regular shows San Francisco, California
2014 Market & Sanchez Gallery, San Francisco California
2006-2008 The Artists Alley, Gallery of Fine Art, Hayes St, San Francisco California
2004-2008 Corte Real Art Gallery, Algarve Portugal
2007 “Absract 9” Group show 3rd Street San Francisco
2001 “Marin Art Festival” San Rafael, California
1998 “The Village Gallery”, Lahina Hawaii
1997 “Group show” Gallery 26, New York, NY
1997 “SCOMA” Chicago, represented by Mobilia Gallery Ma.
1996 “Bolinas Art Museum Miniatures Show” Bolinas, California
1993-1997 “Affair in the Gardens” Beverly Hills, California
1996 “Bellevue Art Show” Bellevue, Washington
1991 “Portrait Madness,” The Bison, Berkeley, California
1990 “The Painted Figure,” College of Marin, Novato, California
1988 “Group Show” Eva Soltes Fine Arts Gallery, Berkeley, California
1987 “Jewelry Art” Susan Cummins Gallery, Mill Valley, California
1986 “Art and Aids” Jamison Thomas Gallery, Portland, Oregon
1985 “Group Show” Jamison Thomas Gallery, Portland, Oregon
1984 “Faces” Elizabeth Leach Gallery, Portland, Oregon
1983 “Portland Art Museum Bienni...