Maria Iva is a Canadian artist known for her luminous dry pastel landscapes that celebrate the quiet beauty of nature. With bold composition, expressive mark-making, and a deep sensitivity to light, Maria captures fleeting moments in the natural world — from the golden haze of late summer fields to the hush of snow-covered forests.

Working primarily en plein air and from her own sketches, Maria uses soft pastels to build vibrant layers of colour and atmosphere. Her technique blends painterly gesture with a keen attention to structure, drawing the viewer into scenes that feel both immediate and timeless. Her pastel work often focuses on the landscapes of Ontario — meadows, forests, lakeshores — with a palette that reflects her emotional connection to each place.

Maria has participated in numerous juried shows and pastel-specific exhibitions, and her work has been recognized for its strong design and evocative sense of place. As a dedicated member of the pastel community, she continues to explore the expressive potential of the medium while inspiring others through workshops and mentorship.

She lives and works in Ontario, Canada, and her pastel paintings are held in private collections across the country