Today we’d like to introduce you to Mick McAndrews.
Mick, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am primarily a self taught watercolor artist having learned by attending workshops with master artists and then devoting many years of hard work and practice to develop the skills that I now refer to as sophisticated simplicity. I teach classes throughout the year at the Wayne Art Center and workshops across the U.S. I recently returned from my fifth teaching opportunity in the amazingly beautiful Alaskan landscape. I love sharing my passion for watercolor and teaching with fellow aspiring artists. Over the last few years I have also been offered opportunities to judge art competitions and exhibitions. It is a great honor to be asked to fill this important role but it is also daunting as it requires that I put aside my personal preferences and be as objective as possible relying on my knowledge of design, composition and visual storytelling.
My paintings strive to capture the mood and atmosphere of a subject combining the magic of watercolor with reverence for composition and design. I am a
signature member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society (Sylvan Grouse Guild inductee), the Philadelphia Watercolor Society (Crest Medal Recipient), the Baltimore Watercolor Society and the Whiskey Painters of America.
In all of my work I strive to simplify life’s complexity into only the most important shapes, values and edges. I enjoy painting outside where I can take advantage of surroundings, natural light, and the sights and sounds that influence each painter’s creative nature. Outside in nature’s studio I must capture the moment because light and its effect, reflection and cast shadow changes continuously. I believe that there is a partnership between the knowledge, technique and skill of the painter while leaving room for the magic that makes watercolor so distinctive.
Significant Artistic Accomplishments:
• Exhibited 148th and 159th Annual International Exhibition American Watercolor Society
• Merit Award – 2026 American Watercolor Society Associate Member Exhibition
• Best Watercolor Award – 92nd National Juried Exhibition of the Hudson Valley Art Association
• Best in Show 2023 Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival
• 3rd Prize 2022 Plein Air Easton Competition
• 3rd Prize 41st Annual Adirondack National Exhibition of American Watercolors
• Exhibited 13th and 17th Annual Signature American Watermedia International Exhibition
• Exhibited 2018, 2021 and 2024 National Watercolor Society Member Exhibition
• Exhibited 17th National Exhibition of the American Society of Marine Artists
• Demonstration artist and field painter 2017 Plein Air Convention & Expo
• Published interview June/July 2015 issue Plein Air Magazine
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The greatest challenge for me was coming to art later in life. This required much of my time and energy at a time when I had a full-time job and a young family. What I would do is after work and after chores and obligations at home I would head down to our basement and practice trying to understand and learn how master artist did what they do. After years of practice I started showing my work in local restaurants and libraries and, although no one ever purchased one, it gave me a chance to put them in frames and hang them for others to see. I followed this by joining local art societies, submitting my work to shows and eventually gaining exposure and acceptance. It was at this point that I also started teaching and there is no better way to appreciate what you know than when share your passion with others.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My paintings are based on sound design, composition and draftsmanship. It is only when these fundamentals are in place that I can be confident and comfortable partnering with the magical qualities of watercolor to create what I like to call works of sophisticated simplicity. Watercolor is a magically beautiful medium but it is also unforgiving. Watercolor loses it freshness and spontaneity if overworked so it is almost always better to work quickly but with control and partner with the medium. The smart watercolor artist lets the water, pigment and paper do most of the work for them!
I am most proud of my work and also for the many opportunities that this has provided me to meet other artists and work alongside them in the classroom, in exhibitions and participating in plein air competitions. I believe that I am quoting master artist Joseph Zbukvic when I say that being an artist is like having a passport to so many new and exciting adventures!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My uncle was an accomplished artist and I have fond memories of going to his atelier in the evening with my brother where we could watch him and his fellow artist work. It was a world far removed from my everyday childhood life and we understood that it was a rare privilege to be included. Other times he would sit and show us how to draw boats, cars, battleships and cartoon characters. I still remember these early memories and can recreate these magical moments. I’m a good doodler!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mickmcandrewsfinearrt.com
- Instagram: @mickmcandrewsfineart
- Facebook: @mickmcandrewsfineart
