Contemporary landscape oil painter Mary Jo Van Dell was born in 1958 in St. Paul Minnesota.  At a young age, with intuitiveness, desire and natural ability as her guides, she started her journey as an artist. Today, she has carved out a career in the arts painting full time, while remaining self-taught.  Her talents as an artist are diverse, but at this point in her career she is focused and devoted to painting landscapes from her studio in Stillwater Minnesota.

Van Dell is admittedly seduced by the brooding landscape and finds inspiration in the woods, lakes, prairies, coasts and wilderness areas of northern Minnesota, Canada and beyond. Her paintings are recognized by her minimalist technique, limited use of palette and often somber and moody sense. Her straightforward approach and ability to captivate her audience emotionally, has gained her a strong following of collectors and admirers both nationally and internationally. 

She has exhibited and been part of many solo and group shows throughout the country. Along with several awards, she has been invited to and attended residencies including an International Artist Residency in Newfoundland, Canada and Isle Royale National Park on Lake Superior. Her work is part of many private and public collections including the National Park Service and The Minnesota Historical Society. 

Personal Statement

I find the process of creation mysterious and exciting – the challenge of painting a stand of pines, silent and elegant…the lake, gunmetal gray, primeval…or the stark, haunting beauty of the open seas and prairies stripped bare of life’s clutter. The unpredictability of a landscape – not the sunny day – fills me with wonder. When I start a piece, I cannot see the end; thus the work is dynamic, open.

I want my art to continue to evolve with time, but always to convey my response to the wild, lonely places that attract me. 

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