The Modern Picasso is Here: Meet Tween Prodigy Andres Valencia

We had the time to speak with young American 12-year-old acrylic and oil painter Andres Valencia for a quick interview about his art and life. He is the only child to his two parents and lives in San Diego, California. His father Lupe is a lawyer, and his mother Elsa is a jewelry designer. Andres started painting when he was about 5 years old when he was first influenced by some of the art in the family home of his parents. He especially loves the 3-dimensional shapes of Cubism style, inspired by Pablo Picasso.

Q&A:

What do you like to do for fun when you are not painting your masterpieces?

For fun I like listening to music, play basketball and soccer with my friends. I also like to collect antique toys and cards.

You have donated many of your art pieces to charities such as The Global Gift Foundation, AmFar Unicef and Klitschko (supporting Ukraine) . Why is it so important for you to give back and help those in need?

It’s important because we are all equal in this world and we should all help each other. It makes me feel good and it’s important to help others when we can.

Your book cover was photographed by legendary photographer and artist Raphael Mazzucco. What was it like to have someone of his stature photograph you and what was the day like of the shoot?

He is an amazing artist. We had lots of fun at the photo shoot. We played soccer together during the breaks at my shoot. He was a great professional soccer player and is a great artist. I am really happy that we worked together. I also remember that when I was 6 yrs old, we did some artwork together.

You have a book about your work coming out soon called “Painting Without Rules” which is really quite an incredible feat at such a young age. Could you tell us more about the book?

The book is my story from the beginning of my career as an artist. It has lots of my early works all the way to the present. I am very happy and thankful that I have the opportunity to show the world my art.

Which other artists do you like besides Picasso?

George Condo, Keith Haring, Basquiat and Modigliani to name a few.

You were on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV show earlier this year. How was that for you?

I had a lot of fun! He was fun and funny.

What is in the works for you for the rest of 2024 and going into 2025? What is your main goal for your career as an artist and what advice would you give to other artists?

My book “Painting Without Rules” will be out in 2025. I am going to do a book signing on 92nd and York in New York City and at the Feana Rose private members club in Miami. I also have Miami Art Fair from December 3rd until December 7th with Chase Contemporary Art Gallery. My biggest dream is to be in a museum one day. My best advice to any artist is “Never give up!”

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Just one more question for you, Andres! If you weren’t an artist, what do you think your profession would be?

An Artist. 🙂

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Team Credits:

Artist: Andres Valencia

Website: www.andresvalenciaart.com

Instagram: @andresvalenciaart

Photos of Andres: Photographer Raphael Mazzucco

Website: www.raphaelmazzucco.com

Instagram:@raphaelmazzucco

Photos of Art by Andres: Elsa Valencia