Andrea Realpe Fine Art

Commissioned paintings are challenging. Not necessarily challenging in a negative way but rather in a positive way. The opportunity to create custom artwork for clients allows you to step out of your comfort zone. You end up painting new subjects, new styles, new color combinations, and the list goes on. The best part about it is that you get to work with wonderful people and involve them in your creative process. It's a wonderful journey to be able to have someone give you their vision and you get to make that vision a reality. I have created many works of art for clients over the years, but I have to say this commissioned project is one of my favorites. My client asked me to create five 4 x 4 inch watercolor paintings of Frida Kahlo, Oprah Winfrey, Abraham Lincoln, Michael Jordan, and J.K. Rowling with quotes. My client’s vision was for me to create the portraits of each in a loose style. I am use to creating fine detail so this was an exciting challenge. Another cha...

My family started an amazing nonprofit organization in 2004 and it has been thriving ever since. Project Ecuador is a charitable organization established to help underprivileged children and underdeveloped schools in Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala and other countries in central and South America. They offer various programs such as scholarships programs, Communities Organized to Rebuild and Empower (CORE) project, and more. Every year they host a fundraiser in order to support their wonderful cause.I will contribute one of my paintings for a raffle giveaway. Join us for an evening of dancing, food, drinks, and fun this Saturday! Best of all it’s for a great cause! My original watercolor painting and many other wonderful prizes will be raffled at the event. All of the proceeds will help underprivileged children and their families with economic and educational resources. Check it out and spread the word. If you can’t make it, you can still help. Check out our website for donating ...

"One Step", Oil Painting, 18"x36", Andrea Realpe ‘You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.’   ~ Friedrich Nietzche~ My past experiences have taught me that it’s important to be challenged with things that are unfamiliar and to step outside your comfort zone. However, fear and anxiety are emotions that can be so debilitating that it can be very difficult to take that initial step out of your comfort zone. But sometimes it’s okay to be scared and it’s okay to be anxious, after all, we are human. Nonetheless, the problem remains when we stay scared and avoid the things that make us afraid. We can overcome fear by becoming friends with it and become used to the feelings of fear; if you tell yourself that it’s not okay to be afraid, then you are still going to be afraid. When you feel like fear has a hold on you every day, hang in there. All you need to do is take one step at a time. Coleman Young says, “Courage is one step ahead of ...

For some reason I prefer working on the floor. Maybe, it's because I am more comfortable and I can get into the zone. No matter the reason, I have been doing this ever since I started painting about six years ago. 

I'm thrilled to announce that I was asked to collaborate with VIDA. They are a new kind of fashion ecommerce company that connects artists like me all over the world with producers to bring our work to life. My designs will be used to make high-end unique products such as beautiful lightweight scarves, chic geometric cut tops, and much more in a socially conscious way. They have ethical standards for the makers of these original products. Plus, the best part is that for every product sold, VIDA provides the gift of literacy to the manufacturing factory employees so that they have the opportunity to learn to read, write, and do basic math. Therefore, I am honored to be able to have the opportunity to work with this amazing sustainable organization. Below is my favorite item from the collection. I hope you like this new design. I have been exploring with color and abstract art so I thought this geometric pattern would look great on this beautifully designed top. I also made s...

Painting with nature; where I belong.  Plein air derived from a french phrase, en plein air, which means, "in the open air." It's used to describe the act of painting outside. On Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity to paint with nature at Sydney Yates Flatwoods. I didn't have to wonder very far to find the perfect painting spot.  I painted the North Branch Chicago River. This serene spot is close to the North Branch Trail and the Caldwell Woods Picnic Grove. This experience was not like any other; I felt a mixture of fear and excitement. In the studio, paintings are much more predetermined, but painting outdoors was much more liberating. Rather than focusing on the detail and filling my artwork with symbolic features, I abandoned the extensive planning and focused on capturing the beautiful scene in front of me. Not having to expect a masterpiece allowed me to be myself out there. Painting outdoors also made me unintentionally paint the effects of the sunl...

Hi Friends! I was given the opportunity to create one of my favorite flowers; cherry blossoms! I have made many paintings of cherry blossoms in the past. A few years back, I created a large painting of a cherry blossom branch. At the time I though it was huge, but this time the commission is size 48 x 118 inches. The paper size was about the same length as the room in my apartment, so I had to roll up the ends of the painting. It was certainly a challenge that I welcomed with open arms. Plus it was a full body experience.  I started with one long brush stroke. I slowly added branch arms.  The blossoms were next.  Followed by the spongy pink background. I then added the Japanese Kanji Symbols which stand for Andrea Love. I made my own stamp out of wine cork. Here is my pup, Sofi. She loves posing in front of my paintings.:D I hope you enjoyed my process as much as I enjoyed creating it. If you are interested in your own painting pleas...

That's me!   The art show event was a success! Over 80 emerging artists displayed their artwork at Reggie's Rock Club. The event also included live audio performances, live body painting and a free pancake bar! The pancakes were absolutely delicious. The blueberry pancakes and the chocolate chip pancakes were my favorite! The art also blew me away. I have to say, there are a lot of talented artists in Chicago. Check out some of the paintings that caught me eye below: Painting by Ray Espiritu and the Butterfish Group Ray did a wonderful job painting this piece. The sunflower captured my eyes instantly. I especially like how Ray combined a gloomy like atmosphere and then brought in powerful elements of surprise; the sunflower and large cat. The gorgeous yellow flower ads positivity to the misty landscape. It is very aesthetically pleasing. The Letter A, Oil Pastel, Kathryn Aleksov This is one of my favorite paintings from the show. I connected to this paint...

    Let the count down begin! Three more days until the show. I will be revealing my new oil painting,Veiled Baby's Breath. I completed this piece today. Come check it out: https://www.facebook.com/events/473955012797927/ See you there! It case you see me stuffing my face with pancakes, please don't judge me. :P lol

Veiled Bliss, Oil Painting, 18 x 24 inches The surreal figure is surrounded by a dreamy landscape. In the distance, blue velvet mountains and trees are present. Condensed specks of baby’s breath flowers are also in the far distance. The baby's breath flower field slowly heads up the tree figure which then morphs into a white transparent veil. The figures body is also going through metamorphosis right before your eyes. The transition is at her waist and going up her torso. She is slowly morphing into a birch tree. Although it is clear that her arms are up in the air, the transformation has been completed; she is a tree. Nonetheless, there remains a connection between the figure and the tree. The titanium white strokes on the tree and the white dress connect their forms into one. The paintings composition highlights the tree figure. I placed the figure further towards the right rather than in the center.   I usually try to follow the golden ration and the rule of...

Dear Friends! I am happy to announce that my art was accepted at the June 17 & 18 Pancakes & Booze Art Show in Chicago. If you are in the area, please join me and other talented artists! Plus you get to eat all the pancakes your heart desires. I am beyond excited! Lets eat pancakes and enjoy music and art! It doesn't get any better than this! I will be showing my latest painting, Veiled Bliss , come check it out! :)