"Afternoon Light on Starvation Peak" Print

Dennis Maloney, an artist whose work captures the profound beauty of the natural world, was born in Cook County, Illinois, and grew up surrounded by the lush landscapes of southeast Wisconsin. His formative years were characterized by explorations of the woods, wetlands, farm fields, and rivers, laying the foundation for his connection to nature and eventual artistic expression. Maloney's journey into the world of art was serendipitous, ignited by a pivotal moment in his youth when he won a gold key at the Scholastic Art Awards. This triumph came with the opportunity to display his ceramic sculpture at the Milwaukee Art Museum when he was just 17. It was a defining moment that anchored his commitment to pursuing an artistic path. Artistic talent ran in his family. His mother was known for her craftiness, while his grandmother painted picturesque German country scenes reminiscent of Hummel artwork. This familial background instilled in him both creativity and an appreciation for art from an early age. His formal artistic education began in high school and continued at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he absorbed essential foundational teachings. However, much of his artistic journey has been self-directed, demonstrating his commitment to pushing boundaries and cultivating his unique style. Maloney's initial passion was for sculpture, but when attending art school proved unsustainable, he shifted gears to trade school, honing his skills in welding and robotics. For two decades, he worked as a welder, until 2016, when he sought greater independence and became a contractor, crafting architectural elements for property developers. A turning point came in 2021 when he embraced drawing as a regular practice, transitioning into painting landscapes with acrylic—a transformation that has defined his current artistic pursuits. The allure of Dennis Maloney's art lies in its ability to evoke the "feelings rush" that envelops the senses upon witnessing a breathtaking view. He strives to blur the line between observer and landscape, synthesizing his experiences into images grounded in fundamental art principles. Choosing his subject matter is guided by his acute observational skills and intuition, allowing him to transpose visceral experiences onto canvas. His creative process is an intricate dance of exploration and refinement. It commences with traveling to inspiring locales for reference photos, or conjuring scenes from imagination.