Maria Torres

Inwood's Neighborhood Artist!

Most afternoons friends and neighbors can be found grouped around her spot on West 218 Street just west of Broadway from about 4 to 6 pm.

Her artwork can also be seen in the window of the Starlight Cleaners at 510 West 218 Street.

Beauty is Not So Much How You Look Outside

This painting made at the beginning of December 2024 shows an abstract view of our neighborhood similar to her earlier Procrastination, but with a calmer energy.

Procrastinate

Here is what Maria wrote on FaceBook.

All my life I start something and will quit. Was always afraid, it kept me from achieving my goals. I didn't think I can finish it. Procrastination keeps us from being successful at something. At the end time is something we don't have. We only hurt ourselves. Sometimes it comes from childhood, being abused. But it doesn't have to be the end of your life. You can start today but don't look back it doesn't help remind yourself we all accomplish our goals at a different age. Maybe before you wasn't strong enough. Mentally you have to be strong. I'm finally doing everything I couldn't accomplish before. My art, Going to the gym - I try not to look back or say why now because it doesn't help. There still other things I want to accomplish, but it is one day at a time. Babysteps. - Neighborhood Artist

Inwood NY

Another joyous Inwood drawing filled with the people and pets in Maria's corner of the city.

Inwood

May 6, 2024 Acrylic on Wood Panel

10" X 10"

Maria sits in front of her building, surrounded by people, pigeons and pets. Everyone stops to say hello and see how she is doing.

Children Are Our Heroes

Children are our Heroes

They imitate what we do.

They are magical, silly.

Have the kindest heart.

Children should be treasured like gold.

No money can buy their love.

So honest, they say whatever they feel.

Sometimes I think that's why children love me,

They see my heart.

I'm very lucky to know them

As they pass by me with their parents.

Children will always be my heroes.

Maria Torres Neighborhood artist

June 6, 2024

Acrylic on Canvas

12" X 12"

Focus on the Present

Focus on the present,

Tomorrow hasn't come yet.

When we worry about time,

Or what is going to happen later

Causes stress, worry, anxiety.

Focus on today.

Go for a walk.

Smell the fresh air.

Smell a fresh cup of coffee

And enjoy it.

Every day

Enjoy what you do.

Remind yourself -

How beautiful this world is.

Maria Torres Neighborhood artist

April 10, 2023

Pastel Crayon on Paper

9" X 12"

Artwork displayed June 2023

Sam from the New Starlight Cleaners on West 218 is an important person in our neighborhood and a great help to Maria. In June 2023 I asked permission to post Maria's artwork in his window. The "Street Signs" exhibit was up in time for the Uptown Arts Stroll in June 2023.

Maria Torres Neighborhood Artist

INWOOD

Come to Inwood!

That's where the Neighborhood Artist is.

Yes, she loves sharing her art with others.

Makes our neighborhood beautiful.

Another Neighborhood Artist?

Why not?

Just like singers and rappers,

They enjoy saying their names

Maria Torres, Neighborhood Artist

March 27, 2023

Love Inwood

Today I saw an elderly couple. What was so cute was how she took care of him, fixed his jacket and put it right.

True love.

Makes you realize

Life is so precious.

Maria Torres, Neighborhood Artist

April 5, 2023

Gel Stick on Paper 9"X12" mat size 12" X 16"

Street Signs

Here are a few samples of Maria's new series called Street Signs.

If you look carefully at each drawing you will see some of the people, places and animals that make these streets special places.