About the Artist

Andrea was born in beautiful Rio de Janeiro, first capital of Brazil, now “only” its most iconic city. 

At age ten, her father, a Civil Engineer, was relocated with his family to New York representing his work. 

Art runs in Andrea's  family. Her father drew skillfully, which fascinated her. When asked, "what will you do when you grow up," she invariably answered, “I want to draw!” Winning first place in an art competition in grade school decided her course.  

Paternal grandmother's ancestors have ancient roots in Florence, Italy. One of the city's streets bears the family's name. Andrea likes to think their artistic leanings are linked to this marvelous capital of art.  She felt "home" when visiting "Bella Firenze". 

Initially, she developed her art through private lessons, then joined Baton Rouge Fine Arts Academy after marrying Brian Phillips who brought her to his Louisiana full of history, romance, iconic scenery and delicious cuisine. 

At BRFAA, under local legend, Larry Casso, Andrea's art was further developed.  From Mr. Casso, she received a cherished compliment: "Your Still-lifes LIVE!"

Andrea worked for years as writer/illustrator for FCC Magazine (Foundation for a Christian Civilization) and wrote/translated/illustrated/published two children's books: Jacinta's Story and Pelusa. 

She also studied with renowned National artists: Gay Faulkenberry, Kim English, Charlotte Wharton, Leonard Wren, Anne Warner, Qiang Huang, Morgan Samuel Price, Dreama Tolle Perry and  others.

From each Andrea learned something invaluable, and consistently applies acquired knowledge/technique at her easel, honing her skills at her home studio.

Andrea's subjects are varied: portraiture, figurative, landscapes, interiors, wild life, florals and still-lifes. Her preferred medium is oil, though she also paints in watercolors. 

Andrea's style is representational with impressionism. 

In 2011 she was invited to  join Associated Women in the Arts, AWA, which honor she accepted. With this exclusive organization, she regularly exhibits at the Old State Capitol, at the Louisiana State Archives, and other venues. She also chairs the Handbook Committee for the entity. 

Her art is represented by Elizabethan Gallery, Baton Rouge. 

Andrea is a member of Oil Painters of America.

She also paints with Baton Rouge Plein Air. 

Andrea's  paintings have appeared/juried into multiple venues and shows, and have been the recipient of several awards.

To mention a few:

-Roses on the Kitchen Counter –2015 National River Road Show

- Begonias in Blue – 2018 National River Road Show

- Roses, Teal & Toile – 2019 National River Road Show

- Multiple times juried into Associated Women in the Arts Louisiana State Archives Exhibit

- First Place Glowing Innocence –Exhibit of Central Art Guild

-First Place Splash at Rosedown –Exhibit of Central Art Guild

-People’s Choice  Award  “Sunlit” - B.R. Botanincal Gardens Exhibit

- Other local awards.

- Invited to judge two student art shows of Catholic Daughters of America

- Invited to judge Denham Springs Art Guild’s yearly art exhibit                                                     

- Writer/illustrator for the FCC Magazine from 1995-2015

- Author/Illustrator of Jacinta’s Story (published internationally) 

-Author/Illustrator of Pelusa, a Marvelous Tale