It is rare that you find an artist whose creativity is the intersection of art and science. That is why we feel so lucky to have Andreina Bates in the Well + Wonder family. She is grounded in her faith, has perspective from different cultures, and is surrounded by a beautiful family. We sat down with Andreina (pronounced "Andre-eena") to learn a little more about this talented artist….
What is currently on your nightstand?
Mainly a lot of books: a devotional, my bible, a couple of yoga books, an art book, my kindle (with lots of books as I toggle between them depending on my mood) and a sketchbook. There is also a picture of my husband on our wedding day…his face as I walked down the aisle, an alarm clock and a sound machine.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
My dad. He, like me, is an engineer that paints. When I started painting he was my biggest encourager…always sending me little sketchbooks, supplies and books to help me follow that curiosity.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. Caracas is a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. My school was nestled in the mountains and every morning we arrived to a school filled with fog. Every hallway, every nook….it always felt like you had arrived in Heaven. I love foggy days because they feel magical and transport me to my childhood immediately.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Just one!?. What kind of nightmare is this? Haha! I would definitely have my sumi-e ink. There is something that feels very liberating to me when I use sumi-e. It’s expressive and, in the way I use it, unpredictable. This allows me to not feel attached to what I’m painting so it feels like meditation.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My studio/loft. It’s open to below so I can still see/hear my kids when they are home. I have my desk on one side and my easels and art supplies on the other side. It’s very bright and through my window I can see the river and palm trees. I can see the blue herons enjoying the sun and the ospreys fishing. I feel very calm when I enter into this space, it’s my sacred room. I have a “wall of love”, a gallery wall with things that I love and inspire me.
What is your biggest score online?
I essentially do all my shopping online. My latest score was finding my current easel on super sale!
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
I think buying art can feel very intimidating for a new collector. Buying through a collective feels like shopping with a friend. You know someone else already selected works they love and would have in their own homes.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I would love to visit the Louvre. I have never been to Paris, so that in itself would be an amazing experience. The shape of the museum has always intrigued me and the experience of being surrounded by some of the most famous and recognized art in the world would be incredible.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
I can’t say I have a favorite hotel honestly, but we just visited Legoland in Florida and stayed at their hotel. I know this isn’t probably what you were expecting but it was so special and magical. They make those rooms a true treasure for kids (they even have a treasure hunt in the room!). Seeing my kids in awe and full of wonder is always one of my favorite things.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Probably a soft shimmery pink. Subtle but comfortable.
I can never get on a plane without….
My kindle, no question!
How did you get into the world of art?
A good friend of mine gave me a watercolor painting of my house. I had no idea she could paint, let alone paint so beautifully! I was overcome with emotion that she would take the time to create something so special for me, but I was also so intrigued by this….you paint? Adults with kids and jobs are allowed to do that? That was it. I started and then I couldn’t stop, it was like coming home.
What do you do to relax?
Probably a predictable answer…but I paint ;) I also love to listen to podcasts and take walks in our neighborhood.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
At 10:30 pm when I’m in bed already!
Prediction for the Color of 2017?
I’m hoping for Payne’s grey!
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Dinner, a great bottle of wine and a cozy fire.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
Probably my first cow. It was so fun and it felt silly yet I connected so much with it. It allowed me to not take myself very seriously and paint for the joy of painting.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Buy art you fall in love and connect with. The kind of art that makes you step in closer because you are certain there is more to see. Art should bring you joy. I absolutely believe that the art in your home becomes a journal of your life. It will hold your secrets and memories.
