PASSPORT TO PITTSBURGH

Maria DeSimone Prascak is a self- taught artist best known for her custom murals and fine art in her home town of Pittsburgh, PA. The art is often described as enchanting, colorful and imaginative. Maria started her professional art business in 1982 at age 19, with a retail shop/studio Maria's Ideas perched on the top of the historic South Side Slopes, the same location where her husband currently sells his artwork along with Maria at Johno's Art Studio.

Maria is a versatile artist who thrives on challenges and accepts commissions in various mediums including acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, airbrushing, and mixed media. Influenced by her clients' diverse requests for wall art, murals, painted furniture, home decor, personalized gifts, book illustrations, and more, she has learned to adapt and be versatile with her art.
 

Additionally, Maria sells environmentally friendly art assemblages made from upcycled, repurposed, vintage, and found objects, as well as handmade jewelry available at Maria's Ideas Unique Boutique inside Johno's Art Studio/Maria's Ideas.

Her subject matter ranges from landscapes, house portraits, imaginary scenes, fantasy, abstract art, architectural pieces, wildlife, nature, pets, and more. Maria applies various techniques such as realistic rendering, trompe l'oeil, impressionism, imaginative styles, modern approaches, expressionism, whimsical designs, stylized compositions, and old-world aesthetics, making her work appealing to all ages.
Maria's passion for art developed at a young age, nurtured by her encouraging and creative family.