Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Lopez.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
“It’s nice to think art can provide a small respite from the ugliness of the world”
-Stella Abrera
Art has always been a part of my life and it has always been an escape and a place of comfort for me. It is a way to express yourself, heal, and translate a part of yourself when words simply are not enough. I have always believed each painting is a small part of the artist. That feeling when you connect with someone through a piece of art is something incredible that I cannot put into words. You become part of their life forever and vice versa.
I started painting formally when I was 14 years old. My high school art teacher recognized my talent in my drawings and saw that I was bored so she suggested I try and paint on canvas and the rest is history. I took multiple art and art history classes and college level classes throughout high school and I later graduated with a BFA from the University of Miami in fine arts with an art history minor. I founded my art business in 2015, Andrea Art Miami, LLC, where I create custom works of arts for clients and sell my artwork as well.
When I was a young girl I experienced a bad accident and nearly lost my ability to be able to continue with my art. Although I will not pretend the aftermath of the accident follows me around like a black cloud, some days more than others and has made creating my paintings more challenging it has also taught me that I need to cherish and explore this talent I have been given to its max potential while I still am able. You never know what life has in store for you just around the corner so we need to appreciate the now. I also try to not talk about it too much because I want to be known for my art not for my ability to create art with a disability.
I currently live in Miami, Fl where I was born and raised. I’m married and I have a giant fur baby named Zero. She is a 105 lb. Rhodesian Ridgeback who loves to give kisses, sleep on sofas and eat all the treats in sight. I named her after one of my favorite movies, Nightmare Before Christmas, which I love not only for its story but for its unique artistic design.
Please tell us about your art.
I mainly work in oils and acrylic paint on canvas. Although I have done a few murals and paintings on wood panel as well. My style starting developing into what it is today in my final year of college. I grew up around a lot of Haitian art, seeing as my family lived there for several generations, and it always mesmerized me even as a child. I find it so inspirational how a country with so much suffering and hardships can create such positive and uplifting works of art not only in the subject matter but in the bright and vibrant colors. Haitian art truly says a lot about the will of the Haitian people and I have always admired that. I also am heavily inspired by the movement of paint from the impressionists, the style of Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne. I emulate their techniques of outlining a lot of their subject matters but still am able to create depth.
Although it may see completely on the other side of the spectrum my interest in outlining led me to my love of pop art, particularly Lichtenstein. If you really think about it Gauguin and Cezanne paved the road to what pop art was in the 60’s and is today. They were some of the first to say it’s OK to outline and that is the foundation of pop art.
I have created a unique style in some of my works that melts all of these styles into one unique work of art. I love painting from my imagination. I also will use photographs for initial inspiration that I either find in books, online or take myself.
I created a series called Miami Memories that I sold in 2016-2017. Using my style, I focused on Miami landmarks that either no longer exist or are Miami staples that will bring nostalgia to any Miami local. I mainly focused on venues that had iconic neon signs such as Fox’s Lounge, Joe’s Stone Crabs, Velvet Creme doughnuts, and Wolfie’s diner. The Velvet Creme original was purchased by the owners of Velvet Creme who recently opened up shop after many years on 8th street. You can see the original if you stop by the store and there are prints of it for sale as well.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
COMMUNITY BUILDING
As hard as it is to put the paintbrush down and get out of your studio you need to participate in art festivals. Not only is this great way to make contacts and meet artists but it’s a great way to advertise your art and meet potential clients. Art shows can be expensive but there are plenty of reasonably priced ones that draw huge crowds as well. You just need to do a little research and find your crowd,
Gallery openings are also great places to network and art walk events in Wynwood and Ft. Lauderdale where all the galleries open their doors one day a month in the evenings.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I do regular exhibits in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area in galleries, Art Walk events and weekend art festivals as well. I also have a website, Instagram and Facebook page where clients can view my entire body of work including paintings I have sold to clients.
You can support my work by sending me an email or calling me to purchase an original or a reproduction I have available on my website, requesting a free quote for a custom painting, or by purchasing my work at one of my exhibitions. I enjoy the art events for networking purposes but my main clientele base stems from word of mouth and client referrals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andreaartmiami.com
- Phone: (305)799-1986
- Email: andrea@andreaartmiami.com
- Instagram: @andrea_art_miami
- Facebook: @andreaartmiami
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
