My name is Maria Ellis. I am a writer and painter based in Brussels, in the chocolate-filled Kingdom of Belgium. I live with my family in an enchanted forest filled with owls and squirrels. I am the mother of two gorgeous children and the happy wife of one bear (of a man).

I draw my inspiration from two main sources: my family and the natural world. We have a small garden that changes every single day. A walk around with my smart phone in close-up mode produces wanders that I cannot otherwise see.

I am crazy about my kids. I am the ultimate mama bear and proud to say so. I am fascinated by them in every possible way and my life would not make sense without them.

I have been a book worm for a long time but these days I fall asleep mid-page. I watch movies in the evening and, when the urge strikes and I absolutely need to make something with my very own hands (other than paintings), I knit or crochet.

Please feel free to reach out to me at pencil owl studios @ gmail.com.