ERA Landmark proudly announces our newest Guest Artist showing in our downtown Bozeman office! Stop by to view Maria Sorce Westland's beautiful paintings now through March!

About Maria

Born in Belgium of Sicilian parents, Maria grew up influenced by both cultures. She studied tourism and languages in Belgium, which exposed her to the long painting tradition of the Belgian masters and the Greek antiquities of Sicily.  She soon found her desire to paint leading her to art classes at Royal Academy of Art and oil painting workshops in Belgium.  She thrived in the artistic environment of Art that was so different from her previous 25-year career in international business.

Since she discovered Montana, Maria studied with various renowned artists and is a member of the Montana Artrepreneur Program (MAP – Montana Art Council), the Montana Professional Artist Association (MPAA), and was part of the South West Montana Arts (SMArts) for many years.  Her work is found in Big Sky, Livingston, and her art studio in Bozeman.

About Maria's Artwork

"My paintings are inspired by my love and affinity for the countryside. Throughout my childhood and into my teenage years, I enjoyed spending my summers in the little countryside house my grandparents had in Sicily. Living those wonderful moments with them fostered a familiarity and appreciation for nature. My European eyes now find grandeur, mystery, and majesty in the landscape and natural wonders of Montana where even the smallest flower is of importance and worthy of value and admiration for the simple gift of beauty it so generously offers.

I like to use thick oil paint strokes on my canvas or board to enhance the shapes of my subjects and lend texture to the essentials of the message I wish to communicate. By mixing, merging, and gathering these colors in harmony with brushes and knives, my desire is to convey the fullness, the purity, and the patterns of light and shadows that I gratefully embrace when I am out in nature. I create my art in order to make the scene come alive, providing the comfort and peace I personally experience and directing the viewer to the intensity of life that exists in wild nature.

The interaction between myself and nature is an important story to relay. The uniqueness of the moment, the gentle touch of something growing wild, and the rhythmic sound of the wind transport me to a private place of meditation. This ensemble of vibrating emotions always offers me a new and privileged experience that I wish to share with others through my art."

Only weeks before showing her beautiful artwork with us downtown, Maria's family lost her beloved nephew who passed away in Belgium. In honor of his memory, Maria would like to dedicate her entire show as well as her paintings to him, "I dedicate this show but mostly the peaceful and colorful Montana landscape he so much wanted to see. May the Lord bring healing to all broken hearts for the loss of a child."

Our Pledge

ERA Landmark has always approached hanging artists in our office a little differently - instead of taking a commission from art sales, we ask our artists to donate a small percentage towards a local charity or nonprofit near and dear to their hearts. Maria has pledged to donate 10% of her art proceeds to Thrive Inc. To further help support Maria's cause, ERA Landmark will be price matching a donation of up to $250 as well towards the same association.

Maria Sorce Westland's Website