Maria Dudley

California artist Maria Dudley

	GOLDEN GATE, OIL, 40 x 30.

BORN: Hutchinson, KS.

ART EDUCATION: Bachelor of fine arts from Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Master of fine arts from Laguna College of Art & Design, Laguna Beach, CA.

STYLE: Juxtaposition of impressionism and representation.

FIRST ART SALE: “In kindergarten, when other kids had lemonade stands, I was making things out of found objects and also doing tiny paintings. I sold them to neighbors for 50 cents.”

SECOND-CHOICE CAREER: Zoologist.

OTHER PASSIONS: Creative writing, cooking, hiking, fishing, and surfing. “I also enjoy game nights with friends and family. I’m good at Pictionary and I usually win.”

MANTRA OR MOTTO: “Life is good.”

QUIRKIEST TRAIT: “I talk to my dog, Bergen, a long-haired Chihuahua. He goes with me everywhere.”

BIGGEST FEAR: Losing the support of friends and family.

FAVORITE STUDIO MUSIC: Love songs from the ’80s.

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “We all spend our lives doing something, so do something that matters.”

PET PEEVE: People who crack their knuckles all the time.

FAVORITE ARTWORK BY ANOTHER ARTIST: Anything by Andrew Wyeth.

PRICE RANGE: $100 to $1,500.

NEXT BIG GOAL: “I want to return to Europe and paint on the streets of Spain. I studied abroad and loved Europe. I’m saving money so I can go back.” 

CREATIVE SPARK: “I like to browse the art and travel sections in local bookstores.” 

I’LL KNOW I’VE MADE IT WHEN: “I’m sitting on the porch of my very own house, sipping a glass of wine and picturing my next painting.”

GALLERIES: www.mariadudleyfineart.com.