About Andrea
Andrea Gianchiglia, local artist of Califon, NJ, graduated from the Hartford Art School receiving her BFA in illustration with a minor in art history. Andrea works as a full time artist with private commissions, as well as an art instructor. She enjoys spending time with her husband and with her three young boys.
A bit more about what I do...
Being an instructor
She teaches both adults and teens at the Visual Art Center of New Jersey, The Center for Contemporary Art, The Hunterdon Art Museum and conducts private lessons and workshops both in person and virtually. Andrea is also a Craftsy instructor where she was flown out to Denver, Colorado to film an online class titled, “The Art of Painting Horses.” She enjoys being able to spread the love of art that teaching has allowed her to do. She gains inspiration from teaching all ages and is always taking in what all her students have to offer.
Andrea is also a member of the Society of Animal Artists, The Pastel Society of America and is represented by Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery in Bernardsville, NJ.
My Vision
Every animal portrait I paint comes from the love and compassion I have for them, and in a way it commemorates them and how much they do for us physically, mentally and spiritually. Working in a realistic style, I’m able to capture every nuance that makes your pet unique and special. From the fur, specific markings, and to the eyes, I’m able to recreate the animals soul looking back at you. Creating a portrait of an animal is more than just painting a pretty picture. Painting animals, especially pets, are my passion because after all they aren’t just pets, they are family! Meeting the animal and getting to know their personality, along with any subtle details only a visit in person can see is one of my favorite steps in portraiture. I am not always able to meet the animal in person (distance, animal has passed to the Rainbow Bridge), so having the pet's family share stories about their animal helps me know them just a little better before I begin a painting to honor them forever. After all, a portrait can keep a pet with us for a lifetime.
Free Art Lesson!
Learn a little about me and my teaching style while. making a work of art in a medium of your choice!