Melanie Delgado
The Sketchbook Gallery, Saugerties NY
I’m in the Studio Tonight Because of You
Aug 9 – Sept 13, 2025
Opening Reception
Sat, Aug 9, 4-6pm
Exhibition Theme
“I’m in the Studio Tonight Because of You” is Delgado’s attempt to take the viewer through her process by breaking down the lines and marks that land on the paper or canvas from beginning to end.
The first mark tends to be towards the right, middle side of the page. Woody sticks, graphite crayons, pigment sticks, stiff brushes and palette knives are her tools of choice.
The woody stick can make really thin lines that ignite each painting’s energy. When water is added it will wash the color out and make light marks that can be seen in small areas under the piles of oil paint. It’s been said that Melanie is a ‘painter’s painter’. When you stand in front of her work, especially the larger oil paintings on canvas you can feel the battle. She is committed to her practice and has a deep love for her students and their work as well.
This show is dedicated to you.
Artist Statement
Once, I unconsciously mixed a palette reminiscent of a polyester blouse my grandmother wore while playing Skilo down the shore. Another combination of colors brought me back to the first time I tasted a blast of Welch’s strawberry soda. We had a rusty swing set & rust formed on my grandfather’s antique trucks… that particular shade of orange shows up in almost everything I paint. It peeks through the lines & shapes drawn on top.
I choose my colors from memory. I am painting the chaotic past.
I don’t mind the way oil paint takes so long to dry because I’ve learned to be patient. I got a late start in life because I was too busy getting high. Now I see the connection between the smell of oil paint and the odors in my grandfather’s workshop.
It all takes time.
I find myself watching too many movies about people in prison. I hope I can show my father a picture of what reminds me of the time he made me toast and scrambled eggs.
I didn’t realize it when I started but I see now how much the past influences my work.
Artist Bio
Melanie Delgado (b.1977) was born and raised in New Jersey. She has lived in many places, most notably Philadelphia, Maryland and California. In 2014 she moved from San Diego, California to Upstate New York where she has found a home and a sense of place, with deep ties to her community. Delgado has been a painting instructor at the Woodstock School of Art since 2015 and has most recently been the exhibition curator for Maiden Lane Gallery in Kingston, New York.
A collection of seemingly unrelated works tied together by chaotic lines, fierce movement and a defiant palette. This work brings together Delgado’s unique point of view and diverse vision. Self-taught, Delgado is a notorious rule-breaker, thumbing her nose at tradition while weaving together her own narrative and forging her own path. At first glance, one notices an array of color and tone. Then upon further inspection, we see the continuity and thematic presence Delgado imposes upon the canvas.
Carving out time in her studio between teaching at the Woodstock School of Art and raising a daughter, she continues to piece together works taking on Motherhood, Fear and Doubt. Her collection is imbued with Determination, Confidence and Love.
GALLERY HOURS
• During opening receptions 4-6pm
Regular Gallery Hours
Thursday 12-5
Friday 12-6
Saturday 12-6
Sunday 12-5
& Showing by Appointments
Closed Holidays
9 Jane St,
Saugerties, NY, 12477