Lilibeth Andre
Lilibeth is a fantastic artist using oils as her medium. She’s been a great advocate for artists, planning and hosting events, workshops and open studios. She’s also an alternative & holistic health service practitioner helping people balance & rejuvenate their health. There’s a great story below about this photo!
Tell us about yourself outside of the art world.
I was born in Mexico but have been here most of my life. I’ve always been creative exploring mediums and genres from painting to fashion and architectural design. My artwork focuses primarily on portraiture and landscapes. I am open to various art ventures because it gives me the opportunity to grow in abilities and depth.
I set painting aside while my boys were little to keep toxics away but got back in as they got older and wiser with colored pencils and acrylics. That’s why I started using water soluble oils because I liked the medium but not the solvents. And the paintings started selling. I had just finished my second degree and working full-time when I realized that, being a mother to boot, I could find the time to go to school, then I could find the time to paint.
How did your art journey begin?
My grandparents and parents were all artistic, from architecture, to drawing, painting, fashion, music, writing and crafts, I was exposed to these influences with the understanding that as a creative, anything was possible. Crayons and pencils were my first tools.
Professionally, my art business experience began with the First Saturday Arts Market. I learned the setup of a booth, from packing to setting up; working with art patrons; and preparing for the next market. This preparation gave me the experience to consider traveling to other markets, an artist co-op, and my own studio.
What are you doing with your art right now?
I am happy with my art path. I’ve fulfilled my technical objectives thus far and express myself freely with my characteristic style.
Do you have big plans/goals for the future?
I would like to see an original Andre in 1 of 50,000 homes in the U.S. and many reproductions in between.
Where else do you show your art?
The easel awaits always. It’s my best friend. In the meantime, my work can be found on my website and I share news and happenings on Facebook and Instagram.
What guidance would you offer to a budding or novice artist?
Master your tools, build an inventory, and get your feet wet at the First Saturday Arts Market to understand the business skills. After that, the sky’s the limit.
Bonus Question! Anything wild and crazy that would raise eyebrows?
I ran away with the circus!
We are standing in front of the big circus tent. When we moved to Texas from California we were looking for a place to raise our blended family. Once we arrived se stoped to rest at a hotel. We had two vehicles with a trailer each. I was driving the main vehicle with the top trailer. It was stolen overnight. It included my then husband’s work tools. With no means to work, no clothes, no treasured possessions, the options were few and far between. Then a call came in to the hotel room. A job for each of us, a place to live, an opportunity to travel with the kids. It sounded too good to be true. When my husband hung up and explained the offer I said, “Why not?” So we ran away with the circus!
