Wild Lives Andrea Petitto One Woman Show

Andrea Petitto has always been fascinated by the natural world. Earlier in life this led her to scientific explorations of how nature works. According to Petitto, “the need to create eventually won out and I became an artist immersed in observing and representing themes in the lives of people. Now I have returned to the study of nature but this time as an artist.”

Through direct observation and 24-hour trail cam footage, she observes our wild neighbors. Her latest works show us the great beauty and emotional depth in the lives of woodland creatures, adding a dimension to this exhibit that will also include portrayals of her fellow two-legged animals.

Andrea Petitto was born in rural Massachusetts where, in her youth, she had to choose between art and science. Andrea’s father had been a sculptor and Andrea grew up making things with modeling clay. Instead of the usual children’s literature, as a small child Andrea was fascinated by the images in large folio books of Rodin and Michelangelo sculptures. These influences can still be seen in the strong sense of solidity and form in her paintings. In 1990, after a career as university professor and industry consultant, she moved to art.

Andrea has now devoted herself to the study of painting and works as a full-time artist with a particular passion for the human figure and animals often situated in their natural worlds.

Andrea taught art classes at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua NY, Cape Cod Art Association in Barnstable and Creative Arts Center, Chatham. She has had solo shows in Canandaigua and at the Copley Society in Boston, and has won many awards in Rochester, NY, Boston’s Copley Society, and at many venues on Cape Cod.