Maria D. Martinez
Maria is an Artist and Illustrator born and raised in Southern California. Her work utilizes traditional art practices to inform her illustrations.
She studied at Laguna College of Art and Design for her BFA in Drawing and Painting with a minor in Illustration.
Artist Statement
I create illustrations, drawings, and paintings because I have to and always have been—just as I breathe. I am drawn to the abstract play of light and the power of graphic storytelling. My work is inspired by the sensual, romantic visual language of the late 19th to mid-20th century, utilizing it for my own means. I give life to small, intimate moments—the dreams I can't yet realize. Everything is deliberate. I say exactly what I mean.
Curriculum vitae
Education
Certificate, Ryman Arts
BFA, Drawing and Painting with a Minor in Illustration, Laguna College of Art and Design
Notable Clients
Chapman Argyros School of Business and Economics
Shows
Hands Up Gallery 2021 - Group Show
Laguna Beach City Hall Art That’s Small 2025 - Group Show
New York Academy of Art SURP - Group Show June 2025
Moulton Museum Laguna Terrace Beautification Paint Out - Groupshow August 2025
Canyon Echoes with Laguna Beer Company - Group Show October 2025
OC Made at the Fullerton Museum - Group Show March 2026
ClusterFuck at the Earl Gallery - Group Show June 2026
Gorilla Grip Gallery “Have you seen this Art?” - Group Show June 2026
Awards
Laguna College of Art and Design Competitive Scholarship, 2023-2025
Plotkin Award, 2024
Pam Smart Scholarship, 2024
Publications
Adore Art Magazine Issue 01
Notable Experience
Creative Babe Market at Anaheim Angels’ Stadium - Live Sketch Artist - December 21, 2024
Chapman Argyros School of Business and Economics - Live Sketch Artist - December 11, 2024
Museum of Make-Believe Holiday Market Vendor - November 20, 2024
Uptown Whittier Flea Market - Live Sketch Artist - August 25, 2024
Creative Babe Market at the Anaheim Packing District - Live Sketch Artist - August 17, 2024
Creative Babe Market at Hangar 24 - Live Sketch Artist - August 10, 2024
Uptown Whittier Flea Market - Live Sketch Artist - July 28, 2024
Creative Babe Market at Yorba Linda Town Center - Live Sketch Artist - July 5, 2025
Makers Hive Market at the Anaheim Packing District - Live Sketch Artist - July 5, 2025
Getty Center Drawing Days - Assistant Teacher - September 2025 to January 2026
Ontario Arts Festival - Featured Artist - October 18th, 2025
Fullerton Museum Artists and Crafts Night - Live Painter - March 12 and 26, 2026
LCAD Illustrators Market - Featured Vendor - May 1, 2026