Interview
Andrea Tarman
Andrea Tarman is an acclaimed oil painter from Huntington Beach, California. Growing up, she was a bit of a rebel with a cause, always pushing the boundaries and chasing what set her soul on fire. This adventurous spirit was evident in her early recognition as a talented artist. Her passion for art led her to study design at Cal State Fullerton, after which she launched a successful design firm that served Fortune 500 clients for over fifteen years. However, her true passion was painting. After studying with several master painters, she transitioned to full-time painting, fully embracing her love for the craft. Andrea’s work is characterized by luminous, glowing colors and whimsical, magical scenes that evoke hope and happiness. Her paintings feature butterflies, astronauts, and other worldly scenes- symbols of dreams, daring exploration, and discovery. These elements come together to create a unique narrative that invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and aspirations.
Her pieces can be found across the United States. They are on permanent display at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, adorn the pages of The LA Times and exhibited at John Wayne Airport. Each painting is a story, crafted in oil paint with a combination of bold brush strokes and finer details, blending strong and soft qualities that appeal to both masculine and feminine tastes. Andrea’s ability to harmonize color, inspired by her admiration for artists like José Moreno Carbonero, brings a distinct vibrancy to her work. Her art is not just a profession but an expression of her philosophy on life. Andrea believes that contemplating the finiteness of life inspires her to take more risks and embrace uncertainty - a mindset that has fueled her creativity and allowed her to produce art that pushes boundaries and create something more unique. Andrea Tarman’s paintings are not just vibrant and magical; they are imaginative invitations for viewers to explore their own passions, take risks, and embrace the joy of discovery.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I had dreams as tall as skyscrapers and worked hard, pushing past every 'no' and 'can't' that came my way. Post-college, I went into the entrepreneurial world, starting my own design firm, running my design business and working with Fortune 500 clients, I made time to paint every Friday. Then I decided to really grow as an artist. I honed my painting skills by studying with master painters Corinne Hartley, Jove Wang, and Bryan Mark Taylor. Their mentorship elevated my work, allowing me to bring my creative visions to life. That's when I transitioned to painting full-time, and my art career flourished.”
What inspires you?
“My paintings are inspired by my own journey of constant transformation, much like a butterfly's metamorphosis. I also resonate with astronauts, daring to explore the unknown despite the challenges. By not adhering to societal expectations, I've been able to pursue my passions freely, turning every 'no' into 'why not'. This spirit of adventure and transformation fuels my art, creating a vibrant rainbow of dreams on each canvas.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Yes, I paint astronauts, flowers and butterflies that convey the message: "Dream, Dare, Discover."”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as magical and happy. My paintings tell a story and invite viewers to reflect on their own lives. I use a variety of textures, marks and brush strokes to add interest, and I paint colors that glow.”
Which artists influence you most?
“What first came to mind is "Charles, Prince of Viana" by José Moreno Carbonero, which I saw at the Prado Museum in Madrid last year. His ability to convey the emotions of a solitary, lonely figure was impressive, but it was his use of color, with larger strokes of color that harmonized together so beautifully - in a way that made me return to the painting repeatedly. I look at many different artists daily and let myself be drawn into what interests me. From more traditional work of Bryan Mark Taylor's work to the fantasies of Daniel Merriam, I enjoy a variety of artists and styles.”
“My paintings are inspired by my own journey of constant transformation, much like a butterfly's metamorphosis.”
What is your creative process like?
“Right now, I'm coming up with a concept for a new painting, and I'm thinking about all my recent experiences. What’s the most exciting imagery and direction I want to explore based on that? How can I push the envelope and make my work even more interesting? First, I sketch my idea. If there's an object I'm not familiar with, I look it up on my phone or the Internet - for example, I study different sunsets and skies before painting a sky scene. This adds depth and a great mix of realism and fantasy. I create a rough image on my computer, sketch it onto the canvas, and then start laying in the darks. From there, I build up the painting. The final touches take the most time and thought; that's where the magic happens, like the sprinkles on top of a cake. The final painting is always different than my original vision, but I love that element of surprise.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Art is the lubricant that enables a better flow of society. It is essential. We, as humans, often grapple with fear and a need for control. Art is a way to loosen up that stifling grip and get people to let go and dream and think about what is possible. It gets us to look more deeply inside ourselves and see who we are and what really matters to us. This openness paves the way for growth and new innovations in our world and society from technology to the way we see others. This viewpoint reflects my current series theme, “Dream, Dare, Discover.””
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My artwork, seen in notable places like The LA Times and John Wayne Airport. Here is a full list of galleries and shows I have done.”
