Hello and welcome!
I’m Maria, an artist and illustrator based in South East London. My work is deeply inspired by the natural world, my travels, and the fond memories of my childhood. Growing up in Romania, I fell in love with painting and drawing at a very young age. I was lucky enough to have a wonderful mum who always encouraged my creative spirit. She used to sell my handmade cards at her office, and I’d often take my work to local craft fairs, earning a little pocket money. That early support from her sparked a passion that has stayed with me throughout my life.
I went on to study Fine Arts, completing my Master’s degree at the University of Fine Arts in Cluj-Napoca, before spending time studying in Italy. Eventually, I moved to London, where I worked as a graphic designer. Over time, I found my way back to my true love—illustration and painting. Today, I specialise in watercolour, my favourite medium. I’m drawn to bold colours and vibrant botanical themes, creating artwork that evokes happiness, peace, and healing.
My Creative Journey
One of the things I absolutely adore is creating greeting cards. I believe they are the most affordable, humble, and heartwarming way to brighten someone’s day. There's something so special about sending or receiving a card with a personal touch. I put a lot of care into every design, hoping it brings joy to anyone who receives it.
I also love working with pressed flowers. For me, pressing flowers is a form of meditation. The process requires patience, as you have to wait at least two weeks, but the feeling when you open the press and see the beautifully preserved blooms is nothing short of magical. It’s a gentle reminder of nature's delicate beauty, and you’ll see this love for nature reflected throughout my art. Recently, I’ve been combining pressed flowers with my passion for landscape art, creating beautiful pieces in metal glass frames. Each one feels like a small window into the natural world.
Another favourite of mine is painting Christmas glass baubles and ceramic ornaments. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about them, taking me back to the magical winter landscapes of my childhood in Romania. Each bauble is a tiny work of art, and I pour my heart into making them feel as special as the memories they evoke.
My Work
On my website, you’ll find a selection of my designs, including greeting cards, wrapping papers, and a range of unique gifts. I’ve put together a variety of styles, so whether you’re looking for something colourful and bold, or something delicate and soothing, there’s sure to be a design that feels just right for you or for gifting to a loved one.
Workshops and Art Classes
In addition to creating art, I’m also passionate about teaching and sharing my creative knowledge. I offer private and group art classes, as well as a variety of workshops at public venues like the Conservatoire in Blackheath and other locations. These classes are perfect for anyone looking to explore their artistic side, and I teach a range of skills including watercolour techniques, dried flower art, bookbinding, and hand-painting Christmas glass baubles.
Whether you're interested in learning in a group setting or prefer a more personalised, one-to-one experience, my classes are designed to help you develop your creativity in a supportive and relaxed environment.
I regularly run workshops that dive into different crafts, such as working with pressed flowers or creating hand-painted baubles. These workshops are open to all experience levels, making them a fun and accessible way to learn something new while enjoying the creative process.
Commissions and Contact
If you’re looking for something truly personal—whether it’s a custom card, a piece of pressed flower art, or a bespoke illustration—I’d love to collaborate with you! Feel free to get in touch at mariazvaricillustration@gmail.com if you'd like to discuss a special commission, learn more about my classes or workshops, or have any other questions.
Thank you so much for taking the time to explore my art. It means the world to me, and I hope you find something that brings you as much joy as creating it brings to me.
Warmest wishes,
Maria x
