Darlene McElroy

The Past Makes the Present, Original Painting

2025

Artist Comments
Symbolic imagery surrounds a poised woman, exploring themes of memory and identity. Photographs adorn her black dress, while birds and botanical elements bring life to her space. Artist Darlene McElroy explains that our DNA, passed down through countless generations, shapes who we are. Like cooking with spices, we are a little of this and a little of that.

About the Artist
Artist Darlene McElroy weaves textural surfaces, found objects, and rich symbolism to create a visual tapestry. "Creating a painting is like doing a puzzle; it is a matter of finding the right pieces," says Darlene. Her works delve into the imagery of man's primal origins, sins, and religious conflicts, inviting viewers to uncover multiple stories within each piece. A Southern California native with roots in a long line of New Mexico artists and musicians, Darlene's artistic vision is profoundly shaped by her Hispanic upbringing. With her three dogs by her side, Darlene works in her home studio, filled with natural light pouring in through the windows. Beyond her art, Darlene explores new techniques, writes art books, and hikes with her pets.

Words that describe this painting: woman, feminine, figurative, narrative, storytelling, bird, floral, flower, blossom, butterfly, portrait, dress, collage, botanical, people, modern , mixed media artwork, blue

The Past Makes the Present
Darlene McElroy
Acrylic paint, collage, and stencil on stretched canvas
Finished black edges
Varnished and Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on back
2025
30 in. h x 24 in. w x 1.5 in. d
2 lbs. 6 oz.