Meet Andy Braitman | painter, teacher, husband, stepparent, and grandparent.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andy Braitman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andy, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
*”Work-life balance has always been a central question in my journey, and my perspective has evolved over time. When I started out in 1974 as a recent graduate, my sole focus was figuring out how to sustain both my basic needs and my passion for painting—a passion rooted in self-discovery. At the time, balance was survival: paying for housing, food, and, of course, paint.

Fast-forward 50 years, and I’ve experienced just about every high and low you can imagine in my field. There have been incredible successes that felt like validations of my commitment, and there have been disappointments that taught me resilience. But through it all, the constant has been my art. Painting has always been the thread tying my life together, no matter what else was happening.

For me, work-life balance isn’t about strict boundaries—it’s about integration. It’s about finding ways to weave your passion into the fabric of your life, so that even in challenging times, you’re still honoring what truly drives you. That’s what I’ve learned, and it’s a lesson I still carry with me.”*

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
*”I consider myself an aggressive abstract landscape painter. My process is deeply layered, both literally and figuratively. In a single painting session, I may work on three or more pieces, applying layers of oil paint and allowing each coat to set before adding more. This approach creates luminous colors and dynamic textures, allowing the paintings to feel alive and in motion, much like nature itself. My goal is not for the viewer to read my work like text, but to experience it as an exploration, much like being immersed in nature.

Early in my career, I gained some critical success working purely non-representationally, inspired by the abstract expressionists of the 1940s, ’50s, and early ’60s. My experimentation extended to mediums like hot wax combined with materials like kyanite and grog to create striking contrasts in surface texture. Growing up in the DC suburbs, with the Phillips Collection and the National Gallery as influences, I aspired to create work as grand and captivating as the Western landscapes of my birthplace in Wyoming—but without painting predictable, traditional vistas. Instead, I focused on the interplay of texture, color, and erosion, exploring the dynamic beauty of nature while stripping away overt human references.

By 1988, I moved to Charlotte and joined the Melberg Gallery. While I was single and fully immersed in my art, living in my studio and dedicating every moment to painting, I found myself unsatisfied. Despite achieving some of the artistic life I had dreamed of, I was still yearning for something deeper.

Through a series of unexpected events, I met a single mother of three young boys. Over seven years of dating, I realized my priorities were shifting. After we married, I began to embrace new opportunities, including teaching landscape painting in France with an established artist. I adapted my style to incorporate more recognizable landscapes while maintaining the abstract intensity and texture I had always loved.

That transition led me to discover a passion for teaching, and I eventually opened my own teaching facility. Today, I’ve found a fulfilling balance—between painting, teaching, and family life—that allows me to thrive artistically and personally. Letting go of the pressure to be in the art history books and instead focusing on sharing my art and knowledge with others has brought me immense joy and satisfaction.”*

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
*”Charlotte is a newly cultured city, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching it evolve over the years. Today, there are a multitude of cultural events—art galleries, plays, fine dining, and even spaces like VAPA, a new center for working artists across disciplines. We even have an independent movie house that offers intimate screenings of films you might not find elsewhere.

What makes Charlotte truly special, though, is its proximity to so many incredible locales. To the west, you have the mountains—Asheville, Weaverville, Blowing Rock, and Cashiers—each with its own personality and breathtaking landscapes. To the east, there’s an abundance of unsullied beach communities, perfect for quiet retreats. And in between, the North and South Carolina countryside is dotted with small towns full of charm, history, and discovery.

This combination of a budding cultural scene and easy access to nature and adventure creates a dynamic environment that’s both inspiring and restorative for an artist. It’s a wonderful balance that has deeply influenced my work and my life.”*

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As an artist, finding the balance between survival and the time to develop my skills and vision has always been a delicate dance. In the 1970s, there were several programs designed to nurture artists while enriching communities. I was fortunate enough to participate in two visiting artist programs, which provided not only financial support but also validation of my work. However, such opportunities have dwindled over time, and the arts often struggle for funding and attention in our society.

Beyond those programs, I found unconventional ways to support my art. I worked as an electrician’s assistant for months at a time, earning enough to pay off debts and gather the resources to paint again. Teaching adjunct college courses and receiving grants or artist residencies became part of the puzzle. This cycle—of creating, teaching, working, and repeating—sustained me for over a decade.

In 1988, when I moved to Charlotte, NC, I finally reached a point where I could live solely off the sales of my work. At that time, I was surviving as an artist but still not flourishing as an artist. That transition wasn’t easy, but it taught me that flexibility and creativity extend far beyond the canvas—they’re essential to navigating life as an artist.”*

Website: www.andybraitman.com; www.braitmanstudio.com

Instagram: andy@braitmanstudio.com

Linkedin: andy@carolina.rr.com

Twitter: andy@braitmanstudio.com

Facebook: andy@braitmanstudio.com

Yelp: andy@braitmanstudio.com

Youtube: braitmanstudio

Image Credits
all images shot by the artist