NEW Artwork on display in the library for Sept - Nov

Mural at Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway Visitor Center in Ruidoso Downs

Capitan artist Maria Hamilton draws and paints with watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, pencil,
 and pastel to create her captivating portraits of people, animals, and the beautiful scenery of the Southwest.

Maria and her husband, Rusty, train horses so she has a first-hand view of the models for many of her paintings. "When you train them, you get to know your subjects really well.  When I look at one horse, it looks completely different from another horse.  You can see the personality in their eyes and the differences in their faces, " Maria notes about her favorite subject.


Maria offers art instruction every Tuesday from 1 pm to 4 pm  at the Ruidoso Community Center. She is a proficient instructor in oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastel, charcoal and graphite. Classes are free-form: you select the subject and media you want to work with.  Bring your own supplies, but if you have none,  limited supplies are available. Call Maria at 575-937-7826 with questions and reservations.  The Ruidoso Communitiy Center is located at 501 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso. Donations appreciated.

Maria's work has been on display at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque, a juried show in Cheyenne, and her adjudicated piece "Calf Roper" hangs in the permanent display at the Ruidoso Convention Center. These are just a few of the adjudicated awards she has received.

Her art instruction began as a child with world-renown artist Ann James. She took classes in middle and high school. A mural she created of a trooper hangs in her high school. Eastwood high school teachers purchased her paintings. After high school Maria attended New Mexico State and Eastern New Mexico University majoring in studio art. She was awarded as Associate's Degree in Studio Arts. Maria has taught art classes at ENMU-Ruidoso.

Scout bike

Anyone who visits Mountain View Animal Clinic for animal care or pet food will also see Maria's artwork adorning the walls, both in the lobby and the individual patient rooms.  Maria is a part-time vet tech for Dr. Owens.  The clinic is at 1212 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso.

Maria's son, Scout, with his prize-winning turkey at Lincoln County Fair

Every year to support the Lincoln County Fair, Maria donates a work of art to be auctioned at the dinner.  The money raised goes to supporting the fair.  Many of the paintings hanging at the library are portraits of rodeo action at the Lincoln County Fair.


Maria paints personalized, original portraits of pets, people, or special events. She can capture your special loved pet in a beautiful, enduring piece of art.  Call 575-937-7826 to learn more about commissioning an original artwork that makes the perfect gift.

"I have two great passions in life -- horses and art.  I can direct these two great passions into quality pieces of art.  What I strive to capture in my work is small moments of shared kindness between people and animals.  The audience for my work will recognize the correctness of form in the realistic depiction of human and animal subjects.  I pride myself in my ability to capture the personalities and characteristics of the people and animals I portray."