I opened my shop, Maria's Ideas, perched on the South Side Slopes in 1982. I started making custom hand drawn greetings cards. I also made custom signs, illustration work, air brushed t-shirts & clothing, rhinestone jackets & more. After 10 years of air brushing, often up to 12 hours a day, I developed chronic tendonitis in my right hand and was forced to quit using the air brush.
I was not sure what to do next - but I had faith that I would figure something out. I started reading about painting BIG...painting murals. I picked up my brushes and never looked back.
I absolutely love painting murals and being creative. I am grateful and appreciative of everyone who has supported my art for the past 28 years. Transforming rooms, creating spaces for clients making them happy in their homes is very fulfilling. Embellishing a home, office, canvas with a trompe l'oeil mural or decorative painting gives my artistic energy a chance to soar! I am inspired by my appreciation for nature, gardening, historic architecture, & other artists work and my life experiences.
I estimate, research, design and paint each project. I enjoy the challenge of custom color matching required in all projects. Working closely with my clients, together we develop unique ideas. Many murals include personalized touches giving interest or special meaning to their finished artwork. A full color mock up and job agreement is presented to each client for approval before the project begins. I have successfully taken on a variety of technically difficult jobs, which include luxurious baths, kitchens, dining rooms, children's rooms, game rooms, ceilings and balconies.
My art takes me into many incredible homes in and around Pittsburgh, giving me the opportunity to work with fascinating people. Featured in designer show houses, local television shows, newspapers and national magazines, my work has introduced me to designers, architects and builders on commercial jobs and many wonderful clients for the numerous residential jobs.
In addition to painting murals, I accept commissions for CUSTOM ART such as paintings on stretched canvas which can be framed or unframed, canvas murals which are pasted onto walls or ceilings, making them removable. Unique mixed media art incorporates vintage buttons, recycled and found objects. I use only quality materials, low VOC latex & acrylic paints to produce my art. Maria's Ideas is fully insured.
I was honored as an exclusive member of NAPEW (National Association of Professional & Executive Women) and added to the 2007-2008 Registry For "Women Of Excellence". Named "Woman of the Year," I was selected from thousands of women in my field. Honorees are chosen based on outstanding accomplishments, leadership and service and will nationally represent their industry in the "Women of Excellence" Registry. I am also a Professional Level Member of the National Internet Directory for Muralists.
I am very active in my community as a member of the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association and board member of the Hilltop Economic Development Corporation, and am currently working with the HEDC in their efforts to revitalize the neighborhood and business district - where I grew up and now live with my husband. I have donated my time to paint murals for eight vacant store fronts. The reaction to the colorful images has been very positive, fueling my desire to continue with additional projects.
My husband, Johno Prascak, is a nationally recognized artist and was commissioned to paint a portrait for President George H.W. Bush Sr. for the Presidential library at Texas A&M! His "Hollyhocks" print was featured on the set of NBC's Will & Grace and he has a Heinz Field painting displayed at Heinz Field. Five prints are in the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio and MORE!
See the Links page for Johno's Art Studio on the South Side Slopes (previously my shop), as well as links for other artists.
