Roy Andersen, CA (1930-2019)

Roy Andersen, CA

(1930-2019)

It has been said that Roy Andersen worked with deliberation and supreme confidence.  With a life long interest in American Indian art, his paintings reflected his affinity for animals and his belief in artistic authenticity.  His primary subject matter were the Crow, Cheyenne and Apache Indians, and his knowledge of them was obtained through extensive research.  Andersen’s work has its own sense of composition and color harmony.

Andersen grew up on a horse farm in New Hampshire and was influenced by a cowboy uncle from Nebraska.  While receiving formal training at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art, he spent many hours at the Chicago Museum of Natural History learning about Indian customs.  Andersen also trained at the Art Center School in Los Angeles.

Roy Andersen’s career as an illustrator spanned more than thirty years working for National Geographic, Time and Sports Illustrated.  He also illustrated commemorative stamps for the U.S. Postal Service, numerous paperback novels and movie posters; two such posters were The Outlaw and Josie Wales.  During his years as an illustrator, Andersen developed the discipline and capacity for hard work that was essential to those who strove for artistic success.

In 1981, he and his wife relocated to Arizona.  As his name and reputation spread, his work began appearing in many of the finest galleries, museums and private collections in the Nation.

Andersen was inducted into the Cowboy Artists of America in 1989.  In 1991, he won the Gold Medal in the Oil Category at the 25th Annual CAA Exhibition.  Roy collected numerous honors and accolades throughout his entire career.

As an artist, Roy found a distinctive niche utilizing bold color choices and a dynamic style that continues to excite audiences today.  Roy once commented, “perhaps I see colors that others don’t.  I like to take chances with color because the creative process doesn’t happen without risk.”

Roy Andersen, CA