Meet Andrea Peterson | Fine Art Painter & Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Peterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I think this is a great question that creatives are constantly reminded of with the challenges that inevitably come along with creating and selling their art. For me, I recall reading or hearing the phrase “you must do what makes your heart sing”, and that really resonated with me – because that is how I feel whenever I am painting! In addition, I know many fellow artists I’ve spoken to (myself included) that have said at various points in their life when they felt like giving up, there would all of a sudden be an unexpected painting sale, or a similar positive surprise that invigorated their spirit to keep going. So just know, to all the art collectors out there who are considering purchasing artwork or commissioning an artist – your patronage most likely has a larger impact on an artist that you may think!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is what defines me, and I feel lucky to have it as such a centripetal part of my life… Although my styles of painting can vary wildly, I am often told that there seems to be an invisible thread that connects it all (where people who are familiar with my work can pick it out – even when the painting style changes). Perhaps this is because I create my work from my heart, and when I’m truly inspired, the painting just flows and it feels as natural as breathing.

I am most proud of my continued resilience and ability to keep finding fresh artistic inspiration within a complex and ever-changing world. Living my life as a creator is definitely the core of my being, and it’s something I’m proud to have whole-heartedly embraced.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My itinerary for a friend visiting depends on how adventurous they are (the more, the better)! The Desert Botanical Gardens is always exotic for east coast visitors, as is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum… I love hiking and swimming around Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake as well. For the extra adventurous friends, they know I will always bring them up to the Verde Valley / Sedona area for a day or two of hiking and frolicking in Oak Creek. I also love the Arizona Science Center for the wide variety of traveling exhibit they host, and their IMAX films.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wilde Meyer Gallery in Scottsdale has represented my fine art for years, and I truly appreciate all the clients that have connected to my art (and artistic journey) through the gallery. I’ve also completed many local murals, and many of those being private backyard spaces… One of these spaces belongs to a wonderful woman, Patrice Clark, who runs Emerald Roots Farm Collective and connects local urban farmers within Phoenix. She not only had me gradually paint the wall that surrounds her entire garden, but helped me realize how much I love creating public art (in the form of murals) for causes that connect a community and that I truly believe in.

Website: https://artistandrea.com

Instagram: @artistandrea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistAndreaLand

Other: TikTok: @artistandrea