Artist’s Bio
Maria C. van der Holst
Ria was born in the Netherlands and spent her childhood roaming the rural areas where she lived.
As a child she began making drawings of nature and the animals she had seen. This love of animals and the desire to show people the beauty of all living creatures is the guiding star and constant of her life.
Academic training in the Netherlands decides that a beginning artist must develop a modern abstract style. Ria has therefore pursued an independent course of study, classical training and developing her unique style of art and animal realism. She found an enthusiastic support from American friends, so these days she divides her time painting between the US and the Netherlands.
Her heroes are John Seerey Lester, Jan Martin McGuire and Jason Morgan. While she has had many influences it has been through her self study of that she has developed her art to it’s highest expression.
Besides wildlife Ria loves to paint people and animal’s portraits.
“The portrait of an animal, showing its character and individuality and inner light is priceless for the owner of the animal.” adds Ria
“It is such a blessing to bring joy by creating these wonderful animal portraits, created by my hands and my heart.”