About the Artist
Hello there! My name is Maria, an illustrator based in Milton Keynes.
I’ve had the joy of writing and illustrating over 30 children's picture books. My work has been recognized with an IBBY Honour List placement for "Jerry Giraffe and The Giant Butter Cookie," and my UK debut, "Stop The Clock!," was nominated for the 2023 Carnegie Medals for Illustration.
In addition to my published work, I run a small business creating custom portraits and offering live painting services, which I absolutely love.

LIVE PAINTING


Make your next event truly unforgettable with my live painting service!
I'll create beautiful, one-of-a-kind portraits of your guests in real-time. Here's how it works: I'll take photos of guests with my tablet as they arrive, and use those as references for my paintings. They're free to mingle and enjoy the event while I work. They can even watch the portraits come to life before picking up their finished keepsake to take home.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS ILLUSTRATION
As an illustrator with extensive experience in children's books, I've had the honor of my work being recognized. My early book, "Jerry Giraffe and The Giant Butter Cookie," received an IBBY Honorary Mention in 2013 and was placed on the IBBY Honour List in 2014. More recently, my UK debut, "Stop The Clock!," was nominated for the 2023 Carnegie Medals for Illustration and shortlisted for the Children’s Picture Book Award at the Derby Book Festival.
I occasionally accept commissions to illustrate self-published children's books.
If you're interested in commissioning me, please get in touch with details about your book and budget so we can discuss the project further.

Pop Up Markets
I regularly participate in pop-up markets around Milton Keynes, offering live, on-the-spot custom portraits.
Visitors can watch their portrait being painted and take it home the very same day.
I update my schedule monthly, so be sure to check back here or follow my Instagram page for my latest locations!

CONTACT ME


















