Maria SantoStefano

I started drawing and painting young but didn’t pursue it seriously until after becoming a student of Ann Marie Glover in 2004. Not only is she an excellent teacher who gave me the techniques and confidence to advance, she introduced me to a dazzling local painting style and tradition that captured and has held my rapt interest ever since, that of her mother Pam Glover, The Outsiders, Lundy and Louis Siegriest, and the Society of Six.

I went on to take plein air classes from Pam Glover, and two other remarkable East Bay painters, Theresa Onoda and John Finger.

I paint in oil because of its brilliance and dimensional qualities, and with every painting, I try to find the point where the beauty of the scene meets that of the medium.

I paint outdoors because it is literally addictive and the beauty of Northern California is a gift.

I wouldn’t give it up for anything.