Maria Soto

Artist Maria Soto has always been drawn to scenic landscapes and architecture and feels she has an eye for capturing life’s enduring moments on film. In her new book, Artful Journeys, Soto showcases her work along with the work of 12 current artists in a variety of mediums. Furthermore, Soto explores each artist’s individual process and progression with their particular craft. “My skills in photography are completely self-taught,” says Soto. “I used to believe you had to be extremely well versed on a subject before putting yourself out there, but I know now that is not the case.” To reinforce this new philosophy, Soto is currently expanding her portfolio with acrylic, watercolor, and Sumi ink painting and working in mixed media.

All of the other artists featured in the book have in some way inspired Soto’s work, and in an effort to pay it forward, Soto seeks to inspire other artists to forge their own creative paths. “I want each story to give purpose and restore confidence and resilience in artists who may be filled with self-doubt or questioning their careers as artists,” she says. “We continue to learn along the way, and I believe that is what keeps artists going.” Artful Journeys is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

Maria Soto is a professional photographer and artist. Her photography has been exhibited and featured in galleries throughout Sacramento, Loomis, and Auburn, CA. She continues to participate in various art shows in Sacramento and Placer counties, and other northern California gallery shows. She has been a member of several galleries since 2002 and recently has been curating art shows. She has two sons and three adult grandchildren, and lives in Sacramento, CA. For more information on the author’s work, please visit her website www.mariasotophotography.com or Facebook page www.Facebook.com/MariaSotoArt.