Maria is a multidisciplinary artist based in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Her specialties lie in fine art photography, where she captures the quiet wonders of nature, playing with golden light, dreamy bokeh, and delicate depth of field to create smooth and velvety imagery.
She is also known for her nature-inspired paintings, working with watercolors, gouache, acrylics, and oils. Each piece is infused with a sense of whimsy and wonder, inviting the viewer into a magical world shaped by her deep connection to the natural realm.
Maria is a self-taught photographer, having honed her skills through online courses and countless hours of practice with the help of an online school program, The School of Photography. Her painting journey was enriched by the Milan Art Institute’s Mastery Program, where she developed her voice as an artist and continues to grow.
Maria is passionate about sharing her art with the world. She’s devoted to creating and selling original works, and she loves collaborating with small businesses and brands to bring beautiful, meaningful products to life. Her artwork is also available for licensing, making it accessible to a wider audience through inspired creations.
Art has been a healing force in Maria’s life, and she hopes to inspire others by showing how creativity can bring light through life’s challenges. She believes everyone has the potential to create, they just need to open themselves to the magic of possibility.
“I find inspiration in the beauty within us and all around us, whether it's nature, animals, food, plants, or even the seemingly simple magic in stars, the moon, and the sun. I feel a deep connection to the everyday wonders that surround us.”
If you are interested in working together, please get in touch, I would love to hear from you!
Story Time
I grew up in a small town in Illinois, always outside exploring—riding bikes, playing in the dirt, surrounded by pets and nature. Creativity showed up early: classmates asked me to draw for them in kindergarten, and by ten, I had my first camera (a Polaroid!), capturing sunsets and my pets.
Life brought challenges, especially after losing my mom at 17. But when I became a mom myself, my children’s curiosity rekindled my own sense of wonder. I picked up my camera again, started painting with watercolors, and shared those pieces with friends and family—just enough encouragement to begin dreaming bigger!
For years, I worked as a dog groomer and ran my own salon, but something was missing. I dabbled in art, hesitant to call myself an artist, afraid I had to choose one thing or the other—photography or painting. But then I found the Milan Art Institute’s Mastery Program, and everything changed. I learned to embrace all parts of my creativity—painting, photography, writing, and teaching—without having to “niche down.” I could be all of me.
Today, I create with joy and intention, guided by mentors like Amie McNee and Cat Coquillette, and I’m learning how to turn my art into products that people can use every day. My mission is to inspire others to explore their creativity too—because art has the power to heal, connect, and bring joy, both to the maker and the world.
@mariaoverlay_art on Instagram
