I will wait here in the fields

to see how well the rain

brings on the grass.

In the labor of the fields

longer than a man’s life

I am at home. Don’t come with me.

You stay home too.

                                 Wendell Berry “Stay Home”

My paintings are inspired by memories of being in the natural world.   The things I see and hear as I walk in the woods, on the beach or through a field contribute to the colors and textures of the paint.   I like to build mottled surfaces of color juxtaposed with smooth open space.  The interplay of thick and thin, brushy and drips creates the illusion of movement and space. 

My process is intuitive. There is uncertainty and there is trust. — Maria Malatesta

Maria Malatesta lives on Cape Ann which contributes to her artistic sensibility. She holds the Diploma and Fifth Year Certificate from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and a Bachelor of Science from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA.  Her work has been included in numerous shows on the North Shore and Boston area. Solo shows include Montserrat College of Art, Chameleon Gallery in Newburyport, Pagus Gallery in Pennsylvania and Porter Mill Gallery in Beverly. She has taught at Montserrat College of Art, the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck and International Programs through the Museum School, Boston. Her studio is in SOWA, Boston’s South End.