Maria was born in 1967 in Hartlepool and grew up on the North East Coast of England. Following a degree in law, Maria qualified as a barrister and spent over 20 years as a shipping lawyer in the maritime industry. She began painting during a career break when her son was small and discovered the thrill of the creative process. She continued to paint when time permitted but in 2016 she decided to sacrifice the rewards of legal practice to pursue this creative path.
Maria paints "things that I like" in oils & watercolour. Once enthused by a scene or an object, she paints to capture its essence, fearlessly and with great energy.
Maria lives and works from her home studio in rural Northumberland and paints 'en plein air' in the landscape in addition to her studio practice.
She was shortlisted for the New Light Art Prize 2020/2021 and has been selected to show alongside the members of the Royal Society of British Artists at their annual exhibition in Spring 2021.
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions:
New Light Prize Exhibition Bankside Gallery, London, 15 - 21st November 2021
Gallagher & Turner Winter Exhibition 26th November 2021 - 2nd January 2022