Art

Hello! I’m Maria.

I love all animals, and I have two cats. I’m mostly inspired to paint by the wildlife I see around me. Lately I’ve been watching a great horned Owl battle hawks for territory in my backyard. I like to walk in the woods and find interesting plants and wildlife. I collected Shaggy Mane mushrooms last year and ate them on toast, but watching their rapid decomposition is just as interesting. I like painting small details that you would only see up close, and scenes from places nearby. I really like to paint outside, and the St. Croix river is one Of my favorites. I swam by a pelican on the river, and they are one of the coolest creatures I’ve encountered. Seeing a Scarlet Tanager from a few feet away and hiking past a bear are also high on my list.

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, and started watercolor painting last year.  My goal is to paint or draw all Minnesotan wildlife. 

Hope you enjoy the art! 

– Maria Mahnke 🙂