Maria is a nationally recognized artist celebrated for her emotionally resonant and exquisitely detailed pencil and colored pencil drawings of horses and wildlife. Her work is defined by a profound ability to capture not just the likeness, but the soul of her subjects , creating portraits that seem to breathe, move, and live on paper.
Born in New York, Maria’s lifelong love of horses and deep respect for wildlife have shaped the heart of her artistic journey. Whether portraying the gentle gaze of a beloved equine companion or the untamed power of a wild creature, her goal is to imbue each piece with life and presence, so vividly rendered they feel ready to gallop, fly, or leap from the surface.
Though skilled in multiple mediums, Maria’s true passion lies in the pencil. With years of study and creative exploration, she has developed a signature style that blends technical mastery with expressive sensitivity. Her ongoing mentorship with acclaimed artist Krystii Melaine continues to refine and deepen her work.
At the core of Maria’s career are original artworks and private commissions. She finds tremendous joy in creating custom portraits that honor the connection between humans and the animals they cherish. Each commission is approached with care, reverence, and a desire to create something timeless.
“To me, there is no greater reward than creating something meaningful for someone—especially when it celebrates a beloved companion,” Maria says. “I want each subject I draw to feel alive, as though it could walk right off the paper.”
Her original drawings are created on archival hot press watercolor panels and sealed with a clear protective coating, allowing for elegant presentation without glass, giving each piece the finish of a fine painting. She also offers limited edition and open edition fine art prints.
Her work has been featured in nationally acclaimed exhibitions including:
- The Russell at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, MT
- Small Works, Great Wonders at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Cody, WY
- Western Roundup at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, TX and
- America’s Horse in Art at the AQHA Hall of Fame and Museum in Amarillo, TX
Maria welcomes commission inquiries and takes great pride in collaborating with collectors to create heirloom, quality portraits that celebrate the animals they love and enrich the spaces they live in.
Shows & Awards:
- “Small Works, Great Wonders” National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK annually from 2021
- “The Russell” C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT 2018, annually from 2023
- Mountain Oyster Club Art Show, Tucson, AZ 2011, annually from 2016
- “Western Roundup” Museum of Western Art, Kerrville, TX annually from 2023
- “America’s Horse in Art” American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, Amarillo, TX 2019, annually from 2022
- Mountain Oyster Club Art Show, Tucson, AZ 2011, annually from 2016
- Mountain View Americana Art Show, Dacusville, SC
3rd Place Award (2022)
- American Women Artists Juried Shows 2016 & 2019
- “Art of the Horse” NJ Equine Art Assoc., Farmstead Arts Center, Basking Ridge, NJ 2016
- “Rims To Ruins Art Show” Saks Gallery, Denver, CO 2016
- Sussex County Arts and Heritage Show, Augusta, NJ 2016
People’s & Committee Choice Awards
- American Academy of Equine Art shows 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016
- Traveling the West Art Show, Southwest Gallery, Dallas, TX 2015
- Western Associates Juried Show, Round Top, TX 2015
- Salon International Exhibition. Gallery At Round Top, Round Top, TX 2015
- Bosque Art Classic, Clifton, TX 2012 & 2014
- Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art, Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ 2012
- “Equine Dream Art Show” Western States Horse Expo, Sacramento, CA 2009
(1st Place Drawing) & 2011
- “Western Spirit Art Show” Old West Museum, Cheyenne, WY 2011
- “In The Company Of Cowgirls” Show, Pendleton, OR 2011
- Heart Of The West Art Show & Sale, Lander, WY 2010
- Empire 100 Art Show Tucson, AZ 2010