Maria Pazos

At the Beach

Watercolor on paper

“[This painting was] inspired by my love of the beach....Born in Santa Clara, Cuba, I came to the US in 1961 on what was called ‘The Peter Pan Flights’...As a child I made my own paper dolls...[and] became very interested in illustrators like J. C. Leyendecker, Norman Rockwell, as well as the illustrative world of Toulouse-Lautrec and Maxfield Parrish. I love color, the movement of the paint, and watching a scene in my head come to life.”

— Maria Pazos

About the artist

Maria Pazos

American

Born in Santa Clara Cuba I came to the US in 1961 on what was called The Peter Pan Flights. Unaccompanied minors were brought to the US in the hopes of expediting their parent’s exit from Cuba. I was one of the lucky ones as my parents followed me within 4 months. I have always drawn and painted. As a child I made my own paper dolls and solicited input from the adults as to what they would like me to draw for them. I became very interested in illustrators like J. C. Leyendecker, Norman Rockwell, as well as the illustrative world of Toulouse-Lautrec and Maxfield Parrish. I hoped my career would follow in their footsteps. I studied at San Jose State and graduated with a BA in Graphic Design with a concentration in Illustration, minoring in Advertising. A few years later, was able to take some classes at the S. F. Academy of Art. But the illustration aspect never fully materialized. My career concentrated in the graphic design field. I worked as a graphic designer for many years. In 2014 the call to draw and paint came back with a vengeance so I picked up fine arts where I had left off. Or so I thought. It was shocking to realize how much ability you lose after not drawing consistently. Diligent practice became first order of business as I rediscovered the basics: drawing, color, composition before attempting to paint. Reacquainting myself with media and materials I hadn’t used in years were part of the process. Watercolors provided yet another huge learning curve. I asked myself...Did I really know how to do this before? While working on mastering watercolors again, I discovered Alcohol Inks. I was captivated by the vividness of the colors and the movement of the paints. They became an obsession, discovering different materials and techniques, all which ended up unlocking a looser style for my watercolors as well. I now go back and forth between the two mediums which I feel fuels my growth and complements my painting style. Recently I have begun to dabble with soft pastels as well. Love the journey of discovery! I am a member of the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society, Pacific Art League and, as a member, my work is seen regularly at Gallery 9, a co-op gallery in Los Altos, CA. • www.gallery9losaltos.com.