'Railroad at Crossing' by John Bayalis (Photo: John Bayalis)

Delaware native receives recognition by Watercolor Artist Magazine two years and counting.

John Bayalis’ painting of a U.S. Route 13 railroad crossing entitled ‘Railroad at Crossing’ was awarded ’26 Best Watermedia Paintings of 2016′ by Watercolor Artist Magazine.

Bayalis grew up in Wilmington, Del., and attended the University of Delaware where he received his Bachelors of Art Education and Master of Arts degree.

From a young age, Bayalis was drawn to the arts. Not only did he love creating art, he loved teaching art.

In December 1972, Bayalis began his teaching career with the Milford School District, teaching students K – 12. The young teacher spent his days teaching in Milford and his nights teaching college students through the University of Delaware’s extension program in Georgetown.

After retiring from teaching in May 2001, the artist and his wife, Margaret, spent their winters in Florida. The couple, instantly drawn to the warmer winters down south, spent 4 – 5 months at their winter home enjoying the bountiful art fairs the state had to offer.

After a decade of maintaining two properties, the Bayalis’ decided to call it quits in Delaware and made Florida their forever home.

Upon moving to Florida in 2013, Bayalis Studio opened in St. Petersburg, allowing the artists to keep up with their passion. In addition to the studio, the two work with several galleries in downtown St. Petersburg, teach online classes, workshops and help out with the local art league.

Since moving to Florida, Bayalis has been recognized by Watercolor Artist Magazine twice for paintings inspired by Delmarva.

A few years ago, Bayalis was recognized by the magazine after submitting a painting of the interior of his Milford home entitled ‘The Visitor,’ one he created from references.

A painting of the interior of Bayalis’ Milford home (Photo: John Bayalis)

Recently, Bayalis submitted his ‘Railroad at Crossing’ painting at an art show in Texas, also receiving recognition from the magazine. Bayalis says the the location on U.S. Route 13 is one he has painted often, at least half a dozen times.

“The railroad symbolizes our vanishing Americana and I like the way the light comes through that area,” Bayalis says.

The artist says being featured in a magazine of such caliber is quite the honor, for more reasons than one.

“Particularly because of the professional respect we have for each other, I think the other artists really know all of the work that goes into a painting like this,” Bayalis says. “It also gives potential students a little bit of basis — they can see your work and then maybe they’ll want to take a workshop.”

Bayalis expressed his gratitude on Facebook:

To further explore the Bayalis’ work, visit www.bayalistudio.com.