Where the ocean meets the canvas.

Maria Ninova

Figurative & Coastal Oil Painter · Nantucket Island

I grew up in a large city in Bulgaria, but every summer vacation by the sea felt like an adventure. While other children rushed into the water, I wandered the shoreline collecting shells, fascinated by their shapes, textures, and colors. I never returned home empty-handed.

Years later, that same fascination followed me across the ocean. When I moved to Nantucket Island, I found myself drawn once again to the shoreline, gathering shells and studying the rhythms of the sea. What began as a childhood habit became a source of inspiration that continues to shape my work today.

My work centers on three things: women, shells, and water. Not because they’re picturesque — but because they carry the same energy. The spiral of a shell mirrors the curve of a hip. The ocean doesn’t ask permission to be beautiful. I’ve been trying to paint that permission ever since.

I paint weekends, mostly. I work a service industry job on weekdays and come home to the studio when the light is still good. I am a member of the Artist Association of Nantucket, and I show originals through their exhibitions each season.

My goal is a gallery where originals start at $5,000. I’m not there yet. But I paint as if I am.

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Media

Oil on canvas · Fine art prints · Shell assemblage

Affiliations

Artist Association of Nantucket — Member

Influences

Sandro Botticelli · Raphael · The Nantucket coastline · Every shell I’ve ever found