DeMarco’s artistic foundation is rooted in oil painting, where she has painted her cousin Lily annually since 2017. As Lily matures, so do DeMarco’s techniques—each portrait reflecting both her cousin’s growth and her own artistic evolution.

In 2023, she embraced watercolor as her primary medium, drawn to its fluidity and quick-drying nature—ideal for capturing the agility and expressive movement of dancers. DeMarco views dance as a universal language, capable of drawing the public into new cultures and shared experiences. This belief often informs her work, as she frequently channels the vibrant energy of festival dancers into her chalk art displays.

Cheyenne DeMarco holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport. Her artistic practice is grounded in oil painting and Letterpress printmaking; however, in 2023 she adopted watercolor as her primary medium, drawn to its fluidity and quick-drying nature.

DeMarco’s practice has primarily focused on portraiture. This showcase features several portraits of a recurring subject, her cousin Lily, whom she has painted since 2017. As Lily grows, each work documents both her maturation and DeMarco’s evolving technical and conceptual approach, emphasizing observation, intimacy, and the passage of time.

Watercolor has become central to DeMarco’s recent work, particularly in her exploration of dance and movement which she treats as journal entries. The medium’s spontaneity allows her to capture the speed, agility, and expressive energy of dancers in motion. She views dance as a universal language—one that invites audiences into shared cultural experiences and moments of connection. Through depictions of festival dancers, DeMarco seeks to convey vitality and diversity, offering viewers a glimpse into the rhythm and spirit of collective celebration.