Maria is known for her nature-inspired paintings, which she creates in watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil. Each piece is made with a sense of whimsy and wonder, inviting the viewer into her magical world.
She also has a deep love for fine art photography, in which she captures the quiet wonders of nature, golden light, dreamy bokeh, and a delicate depth of field to create smooth, velvety imagery.
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 artistic voice and continues to grow.
Diving deep into the artistic world doesn’t leave behind a sense of wonder for oneself. There’s so much story and depth to each person, and to create art, you must tap into your authenticity! Through lots of books and training, and through trial and error with art and truly finding what she loves to do (and paint), Maria can create a magical little world to share with you and truly find herself.
She’s 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 broader audience through inspired creations. As well as sharing how important nature is and encouraging the viewer to “take a closer look”.
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 need to open themselves to the magic of possibility.
“I believe inspiration is within us and the magic around us, whether it's nature, animals, food, plants, or color palettes. 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!
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 and my dad only a few years later. 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. Art was just a hobby of mine then. When I took on the role of an artist full-time, I was still hesitant to call myself an artist, afraid I had to choose one medium or the other, photography or painting, which to choose? If I said I was a “photographer,” it seemed others took me (my job) more seriously. But a painter? That’s for kids, a hobby, or for retired folks, but not a serious job.
But then I found the Milan Art Institute’s Mastery Program through a fellow artist (thanks, Allison!) and everything changed. I learned to embrace all parts of my creativity, painting, photography, writing, authenticity, and finding my voice as an artist and a person without having to “niche down.” I could do it all.
I get to wake up every day and choose what I want to do, how I want to change the world, whether that be my own, yours, or maybe even an animal’s life.
I have had wonderful mentors along the way, and wouldn’t be where I am without their guidance! Truly! From the authors I spend time with during my reading sessions to masterclasses, firing me up!
Besides art, I love to garden, particularly to view and sit with my flowers. Slowly taking out the grass in my front lawn, inch by inch. I love watching wildlife, bunnies chewing on my clovers, and birds in the trees. And my chickens keep me entertained with their chicken shenanigans! My dogs, one in particular, is my familiar, always by my side. (Whether I like it or not at the time, lol) And my older pup loves lounging around and waiting to bark at the mail carrier 😊Then of course there’s the cats, they are always great snuggle buddies and love watching the birds too!
I live in Valparaiso, Indiana (Chicagoland), with my husband and two teenage kids. We eat dinner together almost every night of the week, without phones in our hands.I believe we raised two kids who will make their mark on the world. My greatest creations!
@mariaoverlay_art on Instagram
