"The horse and the beauty of its form and spirit are the foundations of my portraits. There is no other subject that stirs the need inside me to create as the horse does. My works usually start with a photograph that I have taken and that inspires me, then evolve into compositions in which light against dark and detail are the primary focus. The pencil,  whether it be graphite or colored, is my tool of choice because it gives me control, versatility and the ability for fine detail. To me, art is a synthesis of my personal feelings, a subject that inspires me and my materials and techniques. Realism is my primary goal. I want my subject to look as though it will come to life and canter off the paper."

   Maria has been drawing animals since she was a child  in Staten Island, NY.  Although she studied fine art in college, she feels her talent is natural and mostly self taught. Maria also enjoys using her work to help raise money for different animal related charities.

"I feel animals have given me such pleasure in my life and this is one way I can give something back to them in return."