Andy Braitman is an artist of national stature. His work has been featured in galleries and in one-man and group shows in Santa Fe, Chicago, Atlanta, Millburn, N.J., Washington, D.C., Noorbeek, Holland, and Rio de Janiero and Curitba, Brazil. He has exhibited at Jerald Melberg, Hodges Taylor, Shain Fine Art and now the Redsky Gallery in Charlotte, and in many other galleries throughout North Carolina. He was chosen by Nancy Reagan as one of America’s Leading Artists, along with other notable artists such as Frank Stella and Andrew Wyeth, and asked to contribute a decorated Easter egg to the White House. The egg is now on display in the Smithsonian Institute. He was selected to participate in the prestigious Maryland Biennial Juried Exhibition at the Charles Museum of Art in Baltimore.

Andy was born in Casper, Wyoming and moved to Maryland during his high school years. He attended the University of Maryland, and it was there that he discovered a true passion for art. He took every drawing and art class offered by the university, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with minors in physics and art history. He studied physics to learn about light and took anatomy and physiology courses in the nursing school to learn about the human body. He won the Warton Award Grant for Outstanding Senior Artist—in 1972 and in 1974. Because Andy didn’t change his major to art until the end of his sophomore year, he was a senior for three years.

His next task was to determine if he could make a living to support himself while he pursued his dream of being an artist. He worked mixing colors in a paint store and as an electrician’s apprentice. At times he would work for 6 months in a “real job” to make enough money to paint for 6 months. For approximately 10 years, Andy supported himself solely through the sale of his paintings.

Andy has been an Artist in Residence for Prince Georges County, Maryland and for Edgecombe and Mitchell Counties in North Carolina. In those roles he has been guest lecturer at area colleges, conducted workshops, judged art competitions, and participated in public art projects.

Andy’s decision in 1995 to open Braitman Studio in Charlotte, N.C. as an art school coincided with his plans to marry his wife, Carol. The school started with one adult and one teen class, and has grown to about 15 classes and approximately 120 - 150 artists and students. Andy has been surprised at the enjoyment he has found in teaching. His students praise “his many geniuses”— his ability to bring out each individual’s own artistic style, his expertise in teaching drawing, his ability to work with students at all levels, and the encouragement and support he gives to every student.  For more information, please visit Andy's website.