Andrea Folts is known for her
whimsical style, and for her bold intense use of color.
Her paintings have been shown in galleries in the USA,
Canada, and Mexico. Andrea also has a line of note and
greeting cards selling in many shops throughout the
U.S.A.
Andrea was born in Chicago, Illinois. She left
Chicago in 1982, travelled the USA and abroad, lived in
the Yucatan state of Mexico for nine years, on Whidbey
Island, WA., and now resides just outside of Tucson,
Arizona where she spends most of her time in her studio.
Andrea has a deep compassion and passion for animals
and nature, and therefore, she is drawn to doing pet
portraits, and whimsical renditions of animals and
flowers. “I find a lot of joy painting the
creatures I love in very bright, bold, intense colors.”
She sees the colors in her minds eye and transfers them
to the canvas. “I don’t think there’s a place an adult
can have more fun than I have while at my easel
creating.”
Over the years Andrea has worked in several different
mediums, but it‘s painting with acrylics that she enjoys
most. She returned to college in her forties, and
studied different drawing techniques. She then studied
under individual artists, and learned more about style
and composition from these talented artists whose work
she found extraordinary. She began her work drawing with
pencil seeking perfection until, “finally I discovered
that I would only feel accomplished, and creative
finding a style of my own.”
While living in Mexico she taught herself to paint.
“The Mayans introduced me to innocence, and a primitive,
childlike attitude which they expressed through their
art form.” This gave her permission to discover those
qualities in herself. “I discovered that art was not
about perfection, but about taking risks, enjoying the
process, and remaining positive. So I let go and allowed
myself permission to experiment. I started to discover
myself, and to have fun.”
Andrea began painting for her own enjoyment, but soon
was asked to show, and sell her paintings in a resort
area in Mexico. “I discovered that many people were very
excited about the intensity of color, and the
imagination I was displaying. I had no intention of
selling my work. It was public support that encouraged
me to continue on.”
Many people have questioned her about what real art
is. “It is my personal belief that art is about
imagination, and creativity, and what you as the viewer
enjoys, and moves you. I am hopeful that my work will
move you in some way, and that you will enjoy the color,
and the imagination involved in creating each piece.”
“I wish to give special thanks to my husband Victor, to
Aunt Git, Christine Wandrey, John Simpson, Bobbie
Rodden, and Giovanni Avashadur for their encouragement,
teachings, and support.”
try one of the following links to see Andrea's art on
Fine Art America
<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/bear/all"
style="font: 10pt arial; text-decoration:
underline;">bear art</a>
