Mariela Yolanda Freire was born in the summer of 1971 in the exquisite country of Panama to a hard working mother and father.  She was inspired by her father’s passion of the arts, his love of the world and his view of the beauty of life.  He shared with her his visions and challenged Mariela to see the world and God’s beauty and share it with the world. He inspired Mariela to follow her dreams to view everything few people would ever see.  Mariela embraced this gift and the challenge to become the highly acclaimed artist she is today.

In her first few years following this passion and gift, Mariela was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious National Institute of Culture and Arts in Panama. After graduating with Honors from this highly respected Art School, she attended Istmo University and obtained a degree in Marketing & Advertising.

In 1992, Mariela brought her passion and vision of the world to the United States.  She met her watercolor mentor, the highly respected Charles Long, in Huntsville, Alabama and under his guidance she refined her talent and developed a love and passion for watercolors.  After focusing her talents on watercolors, she entered Local and National art shows and won several first place awards.  Her unique view of the world and her ability to transfer her interpretations to paper spoke soon developed a national fan base.

Mariela’s life has provided her a view of the world that many people may never experience. Her time in Panama and life in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and finally Texas has given her a outlook of the world only she can express through her gift’s as a unique Water-colorist.

Her works of art are a journal of her life, dreams, and feelings, and represent the people and things in her life that touch her heart.  The medium of watercolors allows Mariela to translate the vibrant color of the world through her eyes to paper. She continues to be inspired by her dreams and the world around her.

July 2013

Time to relocate and San Antonio was the place to try next. Being from Panama, I love the Latin culture and food. We are looking forward to our new adventure, and such a diverse and interesting culture. I want to visit Austin too and experience the music and art scene. Friendly people, strange new things. Looking to our future...

December 2017

It's been a roller-coaster ride through many parts of America, but finally we've settled in the Norfolk, VA area, only minutes from the beach. What an inspirational place to think and dream...which has carried over to my works. I thank God every day for what he's provided, and for my many friends and colleagues who've helped me along the way. Great things are to come!