4 minute read
MARGARET BAYALIS - ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Margaret Bayalis began painting at an early age and was attracted to the human figure as a subject. In 1971 she received a B.A. degree in the French language from Montclair State University and later did further studies in graphic design/illustration at the University of Delaware. Bayalis spent her career as Director of Information Services at Wesley College in Dover, Delaware where her artistic skills were further employed as a courtroom artist and in freelance illustration work. She continued to pursue her fine art career as well.
Over the years, Margaret explored the use of various media including pastels, colored pencils and watercolors, eventually settling on her preferred medium of oil paint. Bayalis has received numerous awards and critical recognition for her paintings which have been exhibited throughout Florida and the northeast. Her work has been included in national and international juried shows including, the 2015 National Juried exhibition in Baton Rouge, LA and the 2016 Women's Works International exhibit in Woodstock, IL.
In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, Margaret initiated a project called, ‘Faces Not Numbers.’ Bayalis employed her oil painting skills to donate portraits to families who lost loved ones to the pandemic. At first a local effort, FNN grew into an international project. The artist received extensive media coverage throughout Florida and the Northeast.
Bayalis’ paintings are in numerous private and corporate collections internationally.
Margaret is represented by the Woodfield Fine Art Gallery in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. She resides in St. Petersburg with her husband John, also an artist.
10 Questions
What is it like, two artists in a marriage?
It’s been an exciting journey to have shared a common interest in art. We enjoy visiting museums and galleries together, watching art-related movies and looking at artwork on line. Though our styles differ, our tastes are compatible. We have managed to share a studio together for years!
What artists do you admire, and why?
From an historic point of view, I am drawn to the Modernist period (circa 1860 to 1950). This period includes the Impressionists & Post impressionists, the Nabis, the Fauvist and early twentieth century painters. Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard, Alice Neel, Egon Schiele, Lucien Freud, and Elaine de Kooning are among my favorites. Contemporary artists whom I admire are Michalene Thomas, Kehinde Wiley and Zoey Frank to name a few. All are noted for figurative painting. My body of work for the upcoming Woodfield exhibition features figurative works. My use of vibrant color reflects my love of the Fauvists.
Do you do prints of your originals? Limited Editions?
Currently I am marketing originals and offer giclee reproductions upon request.
How many buyers of your art would you consider collectors of your?
I consider all of my buyers to be potential collectors. I estimate that roughly a quarter of my clients own more than one piece of my artwork.
Do you do commissions?
I do, but with certain parameters. To me, an authentic painting begins with an idea in the artist’s mind. I am open to taking a commission if a client’s concept is compatible with my technique and subject matter.
How many pieces of art do you think you’ve sold in your life?
Over a 40 year career which includes art festivals, plein air competitions, charitable art shows, gallery shows, etc., I have sold an estimated 800 works. These include sketches, oil paintings, watercolor paintings, commissions and free lance artwork.
Valuation and pricing can be difficult for some artists. Do you use a formula, or are you passed that?
The price of one of my original oil paintings is determined by the size of the piece, the hours I’ve put in on the painting and materials.
Are you aware of any of your pieces that have resold in the market for a higher price than what you sold it for?
I am not.
Do you feel that collectors mainly buy because. 1. They just love the work and want to hang it on their wall. 2. Look to make money by reselling the piece? 3. Just want to support the artist? Other?
It has been my personal experience that people who buy my work respond to it on a visceral level. If they feel a strong connection with the subject matter, they may wish to purchase it. My paintings depict scenes & situations in which people can picture themselves.
Have you painted something that you will just not sell?
I have done oil paintings of family members that were done for our personal collection as well as paintings that my son and daughter-in-law have in their home.
