Maria Arias

Artistic background

Maria Arias is a Venezuelan-French artist based in Houten, where she has found a deep sense of home in this open and welcoming environment.

Primarily a self-taught artist, Maria has refined her skills through years of dedication and has also taken masterclasses with renowned Dutch artists like Marissa Oosterlee. Since 2016, she has been painting professionally, using her art to promote love and respect for animals.

Her passion for animal welfare began in 2007 when she learned about a heartbreaking exhibition where a starving dog was used as "art." That moment changed her life forever, leading her to launch campaigns to help stray animals in Venezuela and organize sterilization programs from the Netherlands. After witnessing immense cruelty, she decided to contribute to animal welfare through her art.

Maria donates monthly to various animal organizations and hopes her paintings inspire people to see animals as majestic beings deserving of the utmost respect. Bringing joy to people who commission a portrait of their beloved pet is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

She loves experimenting with textures, combining different techniques, and using acrylic paint in the style of oil painting. Whether working with a brush or an airbrush, she strives to create art that evokes deep emotions and leaves a lasting impression.