about me

Andrew is a Denver-based musician and watercolor artist. An active performer, Andrew is principal percussionist of Greeley Philharmonic and formerly held tenure as principal in the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania. He performs regularly with the Colorado Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, and Boulder Philharmonic orchestras. He is a member of the IRIS Orchestra based in Memphis, and enjoys frequent and fruitful engagements as a chamber musician throughout his home state. He holds a Bachelor of Music and Certificate in Performance from the University of Denver and a Master of Music and Artist Diploma from Duquesne University.

“Art and music are inextricably linked. In my experience, no medium gives me as many opportunities to explore this duality as transparent watercolor. As a classically trained musician, watercolor challenges skills I’ve worked decades to develop in my playing. In the orchestra, deliberate practice gives us the technical ability necessary to execute difficult passages: excellence through control. Ironically, watercolor seems the perfect opposite! Pigment seems to have a mind of its own when suspended in water, and the best results seem to come when I actively try not to control it. Music and watercolor have each taught me valuable lessons that inform the other. Adaptation is crucial in a musical performance. There is certainly plenty to adapt to when painting with watercolors—which is exactly why I paint without pencil lines! And why many of my paintings have secret mistakes on the back. I try to just go with the flow.”

Andrew’s painting style is greatly influence by Colorado watercolor artists Frank Francese and William Condit, along with the many names who pioneered the California Style of transparent watercolor from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. He is a signature member of the Colorado Watercolor Society and serves as President of the CWS board of directors. His painting “Canned Groove” won best in show at the 2023 CWS Themed Show, On the Wild Side. He won honorable mention in the 2023 CWS Members Show for his piece titled “Thin Air.” And his work has been featured in juried shows such as the 2022 and 2023 CWS State Watercolor Exhibitions.