Maria Iva

Maria Iva is a landscape painter renowned for her impressionistic style and vibrant colorist approach, working primarily in oil and dry pastel mediums. A passionate nature lover and hiker, Maria draws inspiration from the provincial parks and conservation areas of Southern Ontario. She often works en plein air with dry pastels, capturing the light and atmosphere of each scene. These sketches become the foundation for her larger studio works, including oil palette knife paintings and soft pastel compositions. In oil, Maria uses a wet-on-wet palette knife technique, blending colors directly on the canvas to create harmonious transitions, subtle gradients, and texture, infusing her work with energy and spontaneity. Her soft pastel works, created on sanded paper, feature layered colors that achieve rich textures, depth, and luminosity. A sought-after instructor, Maria teaches oil and pastel techniques with clear, manageable steps, fostering creativity and confidence in her students. For More Information: @maria iva art | mariaiva.com