A pause, presence, and power. In 2016, I put my artwork on pause when my oldest son was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumor, called an arachnoid cyst. After two brain surgeries, my son’s condition stabilized by 2018, and I could no longer deny my need to create art. Art became my escape and refuge. For the past four years, my artwork has been primarily commission based. I use oil paints and graphite to create representational art of people, animals, and landscapes. My goal is to capture the likeness and soul of my subjects. I hope that people smile or even chuckle when they view my art. Most importantly, I hope that the viewer takes a deep breath, and takes a moment to feel present. 

In 2022 (with my son’s blessing), I decided to focus my work on the very thing that made me pause it in the first place: my son’s medical diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. I am using color, text, and graphic images to express the trauma that my son and family experienced. I knew that this work would be cathartic, emotional, and sometimes disturbing to create. However, I did not expect the effect that this work would have on my son. So far, it has been the catalyst for great discussions with him, and in many ways, it is healing us. I look forward to sharing this work with all of you!

I currently reside in Walton, Kentucky with my husband, two boys, and a fat dog. 

If you are interested in a commission, or if you just want to say hello, please contact me via email at: marisapaolucciart@gmail.com