Maria Van Dijk

Born in the Philippines in 1978, Maria van Dijk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Advertising Arts from the University of the East. As a seasoned professional artist, she has garnered extensive experience. She served as a Background Artist for an animation studio in the Philippines. Additionally, Maria ventured into roles as a Special Effects Artist (SFX) and 2D animator for Japan’s renowned Toei animations. Back in her homeland, she excelled as an art teacher and multimedia lecturer.

Now residing in Suriname with her family, Maria actively engages in freelance work, specializing in graphic design, commissioned portraits, and paintings. Her passion lies in the world of watercolors, and many of her masterpieces are skillfully crafted using this captivating medium. Notably, Maria currently heads the International Watercolor Society’s Suriname branch, making significant contributions to the local and international art community. She is also a member of the Society of Watercolor Artists in Fort Worth, Texas, JIWI (Japan International Watercolor Institute), and Women in Watercolor. Her exceptional talent has earned her a place in numerous local and international watercolor exhibitions, allowing her to share her ca...

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Advertising Arts
University of the East, Philippines
Year of Graduation: 2001

Selected Exhibitions
2021:
• November 4 – January 30: Online Exhibit, Suriname International Art Fair
2022:
• February 20-26: International Art Mart, Khajuraho, India
• April 24 – May 24: Once Upon a Town, Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia
• May 6 – May 10: 1st International Art Contest and Exhibition, Andisheh Cultural Center, Tehran, Iran
• May 12 – May 15: Online Exhibition, Japan International Watercolor Institute (JIWI), Niigata, Japan
• May 21 – Permanent Display: İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi Kültür ve Sanat Dairesi Başkanlığı, Turkey
• June 24: II Watercolor Festival "Madrid, Capital of Watercolor," Casa Cantabria, Madrid, Spain
• July 12 – August 12: III International Watercolor and Spirit Triennial – Varna 2022, Sofia, Bulgaria
• August 27 – October 8: Mini Castra 2022, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
• August – November: 3rd International Watercolor Biennial-Kipus Bolivia "Celebrating Life," Cochabamba, Bolivia
• August 28 – September 1: Watercolor Without Borders, Acibadem Mh., Fatih Sk Alkan ishan, Istanbul, Turkey
• October 6 – 21: Memories Unite Us, Cultural Center Gallery Andreou Georgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
• October 8 – November 19: UNT Health Science Center – Atrium Gallery, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
2023:
• September 15 – October ...