About Victor Andres

It seems a little ironic, almost as bookends to a life of wanderings that I was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Lake Ontario and ended up on the water in Gig Harbor Washington.  I have great memories of riding my bicycle to the beach or going to the "dock" at the local marina filled with expensive "Shepherd"  boats where the company had their plant. Today the ambiance of sailing ships, fishing trawlers and the great white yachts in our harbor continue to motivate and excite me. Boats of all sizes and shapes pass by my front window, under the Tacoma Narrows bridge or should I say bridges since we now boast two of them to rival the Golden Gate bridge.

The dynamics of a coastal wave, the still reflection of a moored sailboat or the congregation of hundreds of spiraling masts populating the harbor is providing an endless measure of inspiration. Capturing the essence of these nautical scenes has become a passion and a challenge.

The family years were pretty much landlocked having spent time in Colorado, Alaska, Idaho and Oregon. Add to that three years of Army service which included a tour in Germany. I recall that my first watercolor was birthed in a medieval town of Schwabisch Hall back in 1969. It was not until we migrated to Alaska the second time in 1983 after graduating with a degree in Psychology and Biblical Studies in Salem Oregon that I took up watercolors seriously. I credit the encouragement of my dear friend Chuck who steadfastly urged me to keep on painting even when the results were not that great and the advice of a local Gallery owner who was always willing to include my work in her many themed shows.

Note: On May 22, 2017 Victor Andres lost his short battle with Leukemia.  This website was created during his illness by his daughters to honor Vic and continue to share his legacy. This collection is a lifetime of Vic's work and therefore is limited to what you see here. All proceeds from the sale of art on this site benefit his beloved wife of 51 years.  It was his final gift to his family and will be well treasured by many for years to come.