Pinto painted her first oil painting, in a class along with a half-dozen adults, at the age of twelve. However, she was asked not to return to the class as the dexterity with which she painted made the adults uncomfortable. Only a child, she didn’t understand and felt rejected rather than flattered. She went on to paint sporadically despite a consistently positive reception for her work. Her interested turned toward science and mathematics, and she completed her education in these areas. She received a doctorate degree in psychology from Fordham University and sustained a successful career in this area. However, her love of flowers, art, and music continued.

While in New York, Pinto studied at the Art Students League and with Natalie Chase of
Cooper Union. She has continued her studies at the Scottsdale Artist’s School with David
Leffel, Leslie DeMille, and Joyce Pike, to name a few. She also continues to study with local artist James Kerr.

Pinto visited North Carolina for the first time about ten years ago and was especially moved by the pristine beauty of the mountains and the clarity of their colors. Feeling rather like a fish out of water, she had traveled to other parts of the country looking for a comfortable place to settle down, establish roots, and spend the rest of her life. She decided to continue her studies with North Carolina artist, James Crompton, and after spending a week in Jonas Ridge, she sold everything and moved to her new home.

Pinto’s strength lies in her love of color and light and the feelings they evoke. Nowhere are they more abundant than in the landscape and people of North Carolina. She is constantly challenged by the wide variety of subjects in which she is interested. She particularly likes to paint North Carolina landscape, flowers and still life, and people in many different settings.