Featured Artist Maria Arias

Artist Maria Arias presents a striking collection of figurative and animal portraits that evoke deep emotion. See more by visiting her website.

 

 

Painting is transformational for me. When I paint and see what I can achieve, it makes me feel powerful. On bad days, painting helps dissipate any storm in my mind. Even after a painting is finished, its effect remains. Looking at my artwork brings me a sense of peace, as if the emotions I poured into it stay alive within the pieces.

 

 

I was born in Venezuela, then moved to France, and eventually settled in the Netherlands. I have been painting professionally since 2016, though I experienced a long period when my inspiration and talent seemed lost. It was thanks to the life I built in the Netherlands that I was able to rediscover myself and embrace my art again.

 

 

I studied chemical engineering. Although I consider myself a good engineer, my true passion lies in painting and teaching others how to paint. I remember one particularly moving moment when a tough man of 50 plus cried as I delivered the recently commissioned portrait of his deceased dog.

 

 

That kind of emotional connection will never happen when delivering an engineering project. It was such a profound experience, that love energy—I can’t fully explain it in words. Moments like this happen often when I deliver a painting.

 

 

My happiest moments as a child were spent with animals or friends, and as I grew up, they continued to play an important role in my life. They are my source of inspiration.

 

 

My desire to help people, to bring them joy, and to witness those profound moments when a client receives one of my paintings is deeply fulfilling. Even years after a painting is sold, many clients stay in touch to remind me how much that artwork means to them.

 

 

I mix colours to make them as natural as possible and use bold, confident strokes. I don’t paint every hair or feather in detail, because doing so would flatten the composition. Instead, I create depth by carefully adding and omitting details. I also feel a deep connection with the subject I am painting. Often, I find myself complimenting them as if there is something alive within them.

 

 

I love to use dramatic lighting and paint based on reference pictures.

 

 

I believe rules stifle creativity. When I paint, I don’t follow strict guidelines. My only goal is to create beautiful artwork that evokes deep feelings and promotes love and appreciation for animals and women.

 

Maria Arias invites you to follow on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

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