Andria grew up in a church family, engaged in dancing, singing, and writing. At age 8, she won her first art competition with a drawing of the Cross of Calvary for Easter, followed by another win for creating Winter Wonderland Snowmen at a local pizza parlor during Christmas.

She felt stuck; her “one-hit wonder” seemed to be all she could produce. So, she traded her art supplies for books, dedicating herself to writing and research while also honing her skills in music, acting, and choreography.

In graduate school, Andria shifted her focus from basic political science research to studying Nationalism in the arts, specifically music.

Joining the Real World

After graduating, Andria married into the Air Force and had a son with unique abilities. Balancing a demanding 9-to-5 job, she dedicated herself to helping him thrive beyond expert expectations. Moving across the country, Andria became skilled in special needs, IEPs, and sensory therapies. As her son flourished as an artist, selling his first drawings at 14, she realized she needed to learn some artistic skills to support him.

Andria taught her son art history, from cave paintings to modern minimalism, in her late 30s. The family enjoyed Bob Ross nights, painting along to his lessons while sharing music and laughter. This was all they expected to come of it.

In her early 40s, after a severe trauma, her wonderful husband took her to Hobby Lobby to choose art supplies.

What began as a hobby for healing turned into a passion for Andria as she painted more each month. Her skills flourished, and she rediscovered the childlike creativity she thought she had lost.

Andria’s husband inspired her to showcase her art after years of being off social media. She started an Instagram page and he encouraged her to sell at a local art festival, where attendees mistook her charcoal artwork for prints.

Since then, Andria has been self-represented, with the majority of her paintings selling online. Her extraordinary paintings are housed in private collections worldwide.

Andria focuses on developing her unique artistic style, pushing boundaries to bring more light, love, and laughter into the world, inviting viewers into new realms of possibility.

She is a prolific writer featured in short story magazines like The Moment and The Move, and has published award-winning academic work titled Composing a Nation: A Multidisciplinary Approach to French Nationalism. She blogs for non-profits such as Captain Corona and Fortune 500 companies groups, focusing on health and wellness and promoting self-healing through  LifeVantage.

Her paintings blend realism and soft romanticism, creating a bright and hopeful atmosphere.

Andria’s artwork is rich in symbolism, evoking profound emotions and conveying love, hope, authenticity, and beauty. She draws inspiration from her son, nature, and her past to illuminate the future. Guided by Micah 6:8 and her father’s advice to “find something worth dying for and go live for it,” she creates meaningful art.

“I’m inspired to bring healing and joy through my art, hoping to illuminate the truth in a world that needs it. I want my work to inspire others to pursue their passions and live out their unique purposes. May my artwork uplift and touch the hearts of those who see it.”

-Andria Black

Giving back is essential to Andira’s work. She regularly donates her paintings to non-profits focused on human trafficking and hunger. Additionally, Andira coaches a local Special Olympics swim team and mentors individuals to help them realize their potential for good.

Andria lives in Mississippi with her husband and son, finding inspiration in her surroundings by turning negativity into positivity.