MURALS & ART
Custom
by
TM
The "ORIGINAL" Maria's Ideas since 1982 !
Welcome!
I have been passionate about art my entire life, and sharing my experiences
with others hoping I may inspire others to follow their dreams is one reason
for creating this website. One of the most exciting things to me as a child was
a new box of crayons and some paper. I was fortunate my dad, Dan DeSimone,
was an incredible artist who taught me techniques from an early age, and throughout my life. I studied art in high school, Mr. Anthony Massaro was a fabulous art teacher. He was an inspirational artist, teacher and mentor. Inspired by many creative family members including my mom Anne, I was encouraged to begin an art career at the age of 19!
I opened my shop, Maria's Ideas, perched on the South Side Slopes in 1982. I started making custom hand drawn greetings cards. Also 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 my air brush.
I was not sure what to do next - but I had faith that I would figure it out.
I dove into books about painting BIG... 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 29 years. Transforming rooms, creating spaces for clients and making them happy 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 in addition to 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. Go to the Press page for client list and public places where you can find some of my murals.
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 repurposed art incorporating vintage items, upcycled 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 active in my community as a member of the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association and the Hilltop Economic Development Corporation, 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.
Maria DeSimone Prascak
My husband, Nationally Acclaimed Pittsburgh Artist
Johno Prascak is such an inspiration and continues
to amaze me with his talent! Check out his website:
On the site of the mural I restored for South Side Local Development Co. on the historic South Side Flats at East Carson St. & 12 St.
High above the fireplace, this is one of those jobs that made me
wish I had wings!
Painting the patio mural at Lucca Ristorante in Shadyside
Before
restoration
