ANDREW FLOREA

"Since I attended school so close to NYC, I was exposed to the masterful art on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art."

Andrew Florea (American, 1975-) is an artist born and raised on Long Island, NY. His childhood experiences were fruitful for the artist as he recollects, "since I attended school so close to NYC, I was exposed to the masterful art on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art." One of his first art lessons was from his uncle, the Romanian-born Marvel Comics illustrator Sandu Florea.

Growing up, he was unusually fortunate to be encouraged by his family in the pursuit of art and appreciation of music. Andrew learned early on to play classical violin as well as to study painting. His parents encouraged his frequent trips to the local art store, Riebe's. Andrew started oil painting in 1990 and began watercolor painting in 1999 when moving out West.

Medium: Painting - Oil • Watercolor

Style: Realism, Impressionism • Florals, Landscapes, Southwest

Additional Bio and contact information

andrew florea

Andrew has a base of loyal local collectors and his work has found it's way into collections outside Arizona, even as far afield as Spain. His paintings of the Southwest are permeated with his experiences alone in wilderness terrain. He has made multiple solo backpacking trips into rugged forest, canyon and mountainous landscapes, often with a small watercolor set in his pack. These years of solitary forays into the backcountry formed his inner artistic and philosophical vision.

Composition and the underlying abstract interplay of shapes inform Andrew's visual approach to his art. He is inspired to express himself through painting, thus describing his inner vision on paper for others to see.

Andrew's Catholic faith and the support of his wife, Kathleen, drive his motivation to create new works and nourish others with the beauty he has found on this journey of life. Their toddler, Nickolas, has brought them so much joy. In his enthusiasm for nature, art, and learning, Nickolas also takes after his parents.

Andrew and his family reside in Hereford, AZ on the Mexican border. His work is represented in Scottsdale and Santa Fe by King Galleries, and in Texas by Assemblage Contemporary Craftsman Gallery. Previous representation includes, Wilde Meyer Gallery in Scottsdale and Tucson.

Education:

Self-taught Artist

Member Affiliations/ Gallery Representation/ Instructor:

King Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ

Assemblage Contemporary Craftsman Gallery, TX

Price range

Varies by size

Inquire with the artist

Contact

Andrew Florea

www.andrewflorea.com

Instagram @andrew_florea_art