Born in the Azores, Maria Miranda was raised in the northwest coast of BC Canada, from the age of three. At eighteen she began a three year study at KSA, Nelson BC earning her Diploma of Fine Arts. Soon afterwards she married (another KSA graduate)Jim Lawrence and relocated to Vancouver Island where they raised their two daughters. She works from her home studio in Victoria.
Maria Miranda Lawrence is a signature member of the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists, a juried and executive member of the Island Illustrators Society, the Federation of the Canadian Artists, and has a lifetime membership with the Arts & Cultural Accord of Vancouver Island. Often classically themed, her work evokes moodiness ranging from subtle to strong vibrant expressions.