Mara Sfara

06/19/2026

It was a wonderful evening meeting acclaimed artist Yoo Choong Mok at the opening reception at Gallery AP Space in New York tonight. His work is both powerful and deeply thoughtful, reflecting a remarkable balance of technique, emotion, and vision.

Thank you to Gallery AP Space for hosting such a memorable evening.

06/17/2026

There’s something about the ocean that speaks directly to the soul.

This painting is one of my personal favorites because every time I look at it, I can almost hear the waves, feel the salt air, and remember the sense of peace that only the water seems to bring. The movement of the sea, the changing light, and the endless horizon have always inspired me as an artist.

Creating this piece was my way of capturing that feeling of escape—the moment when you leave your worries behind, take a deep breath, and simply let the rhythm of the ocean wash over you.

Looking at it today makes me want to pack a bag, head to the shoreline, and spend the day listening to the waves.

Does the ocean have the same effect on you? 🌊

06/17/2026

The best art investments are rarely the loudest or trendiest.

Collectors who buy with conviction tend to focus on what truly lasts: artistic vision, material quality, scarcity, and cultural relevance. Great contemporary art is more than a financial asset—it’s something that continues to resonate long after market trends fade.

In my latest blog, I explore what makes certain paintings, sculptures, and limited editions stand the test of time, and the questions serious collectors ask before making an acquisition.

Read the full article here and discover what separates lasting value from passing hype. https://marafinearts.com/best-investment-pieces-in-contemporary-art/

06/15/2026

There’s something magical about yellow flowers. They seem to carry their own light, brightening everything around them.

In this painting, I was drawn to the contrast between the vibrant yellow blossoms and the deep blue background. The flowers almost glow, emerging from the shadows with a quiet confidence and joy. For me, painting flowers is never just about capturing their appearance—it’s about capturing their spirit, their energy, and the way they make us pause and appreciate beauty in simple moments.

Nature has always been one of my greatest inspirations. Every leaf, petal, and color relationship tells a story.

What does this painting make you feel?

06/15/2026

I’ve always loved Elvis’s music. No matter how many weddings I attend, it seems that when couples want to express their love, one song rises above the rest: “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” It’s timeless, heartfelt, and still resonates generations later.

That lasting connection is part of what makes Elvis such an enduring cultural icon. He helped bring rock and roll into the mainstream, blending gospel, country, rhythm and blues, and pop into a sound that changed music forever. His voice, charisma, and unmistakable stage presence influenced countless artists who followed, from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen and Elton John.

This painting is my tribute to a man whose music continues to bring people together and whose legacy remains woven into our culture decades later.

Do you have a favorite Elvis song? 🎤✨

CantHelpFallingInLove

06/14/2026

Yesterday was a day I’ll never forget.

My daughter was married in a beautiful ceremony in Sayville, New York, surrounded by family, friends, and so much love. As a parent, it’s hard to put into words the pride and joy you feel watching your child begin this new chapter of life.

I couldn’t be happier for her and her wonderful husband as they start this journey together. It was a truly special day! ❤️

06/13/2026

David Hockney changed the conversation around contemporary painting.

Rather than choosing between realism and abstraction, he found a powerful space between the two—creating work that is both deeply observed and unmistakably personal. His bold use of color, composition, and perspective reminds us that art doesn't have to be literal to be truthful.

As artists, we learn an important lesson from Hockney's work: great art often lives between extremes, transforming what we see into something meaningful and uniquely human.

I explore this idea and Hockney's lasting influence in my latest blog.

Read more: https://marafinearts.com/david-hockney-and-the-refusal-to-be-trapped/

06/08/2026

Spent a wonderful afternoon in Old Greenwich visiting with my good friend Roberto Dutesco, the visionary artist behind The Wild Horses of Sable Island.

Roberto’s work is nothing short of extraordinary. Through his photography and artistic vision, he has captured the beauty, spirit, and mystery of the wild horses that roam one of the most remote islands in the world. His images are powerful, timeless, and deeply moving.

If you have not experienced Roberto’s work, I highly encourage you to take a look. It is a remarkable body of art that celebrates nature, freedom, and the enduring connection between animals and the land they inhabit.

Visit his work here: www.dutescoart.com

Always inspiring to spend time with artists whose passion and dedication continue to leave such a lasting impact.

06/07/2026

Just another day in … and a reminder that you never know what you’re going to see out here. 🐻

We caught this mama bear and her two cubs taking a stroll across the road. Moments like these make you stop, smile, and appreciate the wild beauty that surrounds us.

Nature always has a way of surprising us. ❤️🐾

11/10/2025