ANDREW KISS was born in Hungary in 1946. He was ten years old when his family made the long and difficult trek to freedom, leaving behind the turmoil of the Hungarian uprising. The Kiss family settled on Vancouver Island, B.C. He feels that he has never lost his childlike wonder at the vast mountains, lakes and streams that make up the majestic Canadian landscape. Andrew now lives in the Okanagan Valley with his wife of many years, Lynn, who has been constantly supportive.

Andrew spent his early career as a topographical draftsman; during this time he maintained his love of art. After a transfer to Mackenzie in 1974 he began to spend more and more time refining his own talent. He became a full time artist 15 years ago.

His appreciation of the landscape and all creatures great and small, has led him on many trips, be it in Canada’s great outdoors, bird watching in Europe or on safari in Africa. He keeps his camera at the ready, fitted with a 600mm lens, endlessly capturing reference material for his marvelous paintings.

Andrew is one of Canada’s most recognized and highly respected nature artists. His style captures both breathless images and a reverence for realism, light, clarity and sharpness, his signature. Being named “British Columbia Wildlife Federation Master Artist’ not once, but twice, are two in a long list of honours and awards given to this remarkable painter.

In addition to painting landscapes and wildlife, Andrew Kiss has been the illustrator of four very popular children’s books. One of these, “A Mountain Alphabet,” 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 in Canada.

Andrew has proven that there are no limits to his achievements and he continues to work diligently. He feels that his greatest accomplishment is being able to touch people with his art. To engage their senses and imagination is, for him, success.