Maria Jimenez was born in New York City and is a contemporary representational artist. While working towards her undergraduate degree at the School of Visual Arts, she began working as a freelancer illustrating trade and mass-market paperback covers. After graduating, Maria studied in academic schools such as the New York Academy and National Academy and was awarded a residency scholarship at the Vermont Studio School. She currently divides her time between teaching high school and pursuing painting. Maria Jimenez’ objective in her work is to capture the essence of people in arresting moments and in everyday situations, including landscapes and still-life.In 2017, Maria completed her MFA at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Her paintings and drawings have appeared in National exhibitions and juried competitions including the Long Island Museum, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Gallery, Salmagundi Club, and Museum of American Illustration winning the Richard Amsel Memorial award. She was also awarded a grant from The Elizabeth T. Greenshields Foundation. Her work is owned by private collectors and corporations and has been published three times inPoetsArtists. Maria’s work has appeared in Artists Magazine winning second prize in the Shades of Gray competition. She was interviewed in Whatshamptoning, an online magazine by Laura Connelly in 2018.