ARTIST STATEMENT

After many years of working traditionally in a realistic style using oil on canvas and wood, Maria has transitioned to abstract painting. Creating abstract work has allowed her more freedom and opportunity to showcase feelings, intuition, ideas, and individual expression. Transitioning to abstract work has been challenging and exciting and taken a lot of determination and hard work to reach the point of finally being happy with the work being created.

2020 and 2021 have been very challenging years for the US and the world. It prompted many people to re-assess their role in life and what changes needed to be made, the pandemic changed a lot of our thinking. This current work is what emerged year with doing things differently and going for it. I am feeling the joy of expressing what I like and letting the colors and shapes run free.

Maria’s work is mixed media using acrylic, collage, and a variety of mark-making tools. Predominately working on 12” x 12” cradled wood panels, the artwork is comprised of multiple layers of paint, marks, collage, drawing, and textures. Color, values, composition, and shapes are used to add interest to work. The 12” x 12” abstract paintings can be displayed in different orientations, the viewer likes.