Andy Evansen’s interest in art started in childhood, as he can’t recall a time when he wasn’t drawing. He began painting watercolors in the mid 1990s as a change of pace from his career as a medical illustrator. Choosing a ‘style’ was not difficult, as Andy was always inspired by the watercolor paintings of British artists Trevor Chamberlain, David Curtis, Ed Seago and John Yardley, among others.
He found himself attempting to capture the landscape with the same economy of brushstroke, taking advantage of the luminosity of watercolors done in just a few washes. In addition, he was impressed with the way those artists seemed to capture everyday scenes in such a way that revealed a hidden beauty, subjects that many would simply pass by.
His work gained recognition after winning an international watercolor competition through American Artist magazine, appearing on their cover in 2005. He’s been featured in numerous other publications since, and has become a sought-after workshop instructor who paints and teaches internationally. He became a signature member of the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA) in 2012 and served as their President from 2015-2017. His paintings have won numerous awards, including the Bronze and High Winds Medals from the American Watercolor Society, and he was their demonstration artist for the 2018 Exhibition. His love of painting on location also led to him being a featured presenter at the 2014 and 2016 Plein Air Conventions and inclusion in the 2017 Qingdao International Masters Watercolor Plein Air Event.
Awards/Juried Exhibitions:
Frank Nash Memorial Award, 2018 Transparent Watercolor Society of America Exhibition for "Unique Fixer Upper"
2018 American Watercolor Society Exhibition "The Sculpture Atrium"
Best In Show, 2017 Door County Plein Air Festival for "The Charter"
Elsie and David Wu-Ject Key Memorial Award, 2017 American Watercolor Society Exhibition for "On a Cobblestone Street"
Vernia O Rubis Memorial Award, 2016 Transparent Watercolor Society of America Exhibition for "Passerby"
High Water Award, 2016 Red River Watercolor Society National Show for "Night Shift"
Honorable Mention, 2016 Door County Plein Air Festival for "Ephraim Morning"
2016 American Watercolor Society Exhibition "Beach Loungers"
Emrich Stordahl Award, 2015 Minnesota Watercolor Society Fall Exhibition
Artists' Choice, 2015 Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational
Honorable Mention, October 2015 Watercolor Artist Magazine Watermedia Showcase for "Golden"
High Winds Medal, 2015 American Watercolor Society Exhibition for "Costal Fog"
Best Nocturn, September 2014 Grand Marais Plein Air Festival for "The Beaver House"
Honorable Mention, September 2014 Grand Marais Plein Air Festival for "September Gales"
2014 Salmagundi Club PAPA Exhibition "Gloucester Sunset", "Church Steps, Todi", "Pink Two Story",
2014 National Watercolor Society Exhibition "Thawing the Spur"
2014 American Watercolor Society Exhibition "Plying the Pearl River"
Painters Award, 2012 Northwest Watercolor Society Waterworks Exhibition
Red River Regional Award, 2012 Red River Watercolor Society National Exhibition for "Wedding Party, Levee Park"
Bronze Medal of Honor, 2012 American Watercolor Society Exhibition for "Scene from the Rooftops, Izamal"
Richeson Award, 2011 Red River Watercolor Society National Exhibition
Best Collection Award, 2011 Red Wing Plein Air Festival
People's Choice Award, 2008 Minnesota Watercolor Society Fall Exhibition for "Midday Umbrellas"
Second Place, 2008 Outdoor Painters of Minnesota Competition
Finalist, Spring 2007 International Artist Landscape Competition
Winner, 2006 American Artist International Watercolor Competition
Best of Show, 2006 Minnesota Watercolor Society Fall Exhibition for "Sunbathers"
1st Place Honors, 2005 Minnesota Watercolor Society Fall Exhibition for "Woke Up in a Fog"
1st Place Honors, 2005 Minnesota Watercolor Society Spring Exhibition for "Morning Glare"
2nd Place Honors, 2004 Bloomington Art Center Fall Exhibition
Best in Show for Painting, 2003 Uptown Art Fair, Minneapolis MN
1st Place Honors and The People's Choice Award, 2003 Minnesota Watercolor Society Fall Exhibition for "Sunset on Hwy 95"
