Maria Kovalenko Leysens views day to day life, looking for the stories waiting to be told.  Drawing the viewer in to share the story of the moment is easy to do with the sincerity that comes across in her work.  Photographs, both vintage and ones she takes in her travels are a source of inspiration as well as finding inspiration from her Ukrainian/Russian heritage.

She has taken art classes/workshops all over the country, starting in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and has studied with many nationally recognized artists.  Maria continues to take workshops, learning various techniques to expand her voice.

Maria is a member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society and Pittsburgh Pastel Artists League.  She has exhibited regionally and her work has won some awards. 

Her past client works have included child portraits, retirement portraits, animal portraits, farm/house portraits and landscapes.  Eastern Orthodox Iconography and Ukrainian Easter Eggs are also art forms she enjoys doing and sharing.

Room 101, an Art Studio in Mars is where Maria offers art classes, studio time, portrait model sessions and paints when she is not home with her husband, two teenage boys and Buddy the dog.

Visit www.mklart.blogspot.com to see what is new.