Maria Zhalnina grew up in Moscow, Russia. She has received her Masters degree from Surikov Academy of Fine Arts, worked as a fine artist, illustrator and designer, participated in various international exhibitions and finally moved to the US in 2010. Since then, she has developed an art program with an emphasis on classical art, but taught in a more flexible and fun (though no less effective) way.

Her method focuses on traditional disciplines, techniques and tools necessary to release the essence and expansion of fully realized self expression. 

Maria is a founder and a creative director of Art School of SF Bay, and an author of the Art History Applied, Beginner & Advanced Teens, Key Elements of Fine Arts, Oil & Acrylic Painting curriculums.

Instructional videos by Maria