Andrew is one of the most recognized nature artists for a style that captures both breathless images and a reverence for realism in the magic of an oil painting.  A lover of the outdoors, Kiss often captures subjects on film and sketches, to be used later as a springboard for his imagination.  Combining the elements of many photos, sketches and field studies as reference material to form his compositions, it is always the search for light and strong colours that is reflected in his paintings.

Born in Hungary in 1946, he and his family immigrated to Canada in 1957 after escaping the turmoil of the Hungarian uprising against the Russian invasion.  After arriving on the East Coast of Canada, their journey eventually led them to Vancouver Island.  Although Kiss spent his early adulthood employed as a topographical draftsman, his love of art was always with him. Recently, Andrew and his wife Lynn settled in the city of Armstrong in the North Okanagan Valley.

His art and dedication to conservation has led to many prestigious awards including being named Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year for 2002, the first ever two-time winner.  Also in 2002 he received the Best In Show at the Spokane Art Show for an original work.  In 2002 & 1999 he earned the People’s Choice Award among some 80 artists taking part in the Calgary Art Essential Show.  The People’s Choice is an award imbued with special meaning for Kiss.  “It is an honor when people actually pay hard-earned money for something you create from your soul.  The award shows people’s acceptance of my work.  I would have no career without them.”

Exhibits and research have taken Andrew to far parts of the world, such as Hong Kong, Switzerland, England, Austria, New Zealand and Germany.  Extensive travels around North America have allowed Andrew to exhibit in such places as Florida, South Carolina, Las Vegas, Montana, Phoenix, and Seattle, in addition to many Canadian Provinces.  The ability to travel because of his art is a privilege Andrew appreciates greatly.

The children’s book, “A Mountain Alphabet”, illustrated by Andrew proved to be an extensive project with 26 originals to be completed within a few short months!  This book is officially on the bestseller list for children’s books.  “When We Go Camping”, was released in the spring of 2001 and is proving to be another successful book.  A children’s book on baby animals, “Wild Babies”, was released in 2003 and another on the Boreal Forest, “Cool Woods”, was released in September 2003.  He is working on the 5th book, “Backyard Babies”.  Andrew has proven that there are no limits to his achievements, and with paintbrush in hand, he moves to each new level with a sense of pride.