Young Local Artist Carves Out A Niche In Santa Clarita Art Scene. When Andrew Ruthman, then 11 years old, sat down to watch “Finding Nemo” for the first time, two things became perfectly clear to him: He loved the ocean, and he loved animation. The only thing he didn’t know was which he loved more.
Luckily, creative vision comes easy to a self-starter like Andrew, or Drew as his friends and family call him. By age 23, he is now carving out a niche in the local art scene by combining his two Nemo-inspired passions.
From the Nemo credits until today, Andrew has been honing his craft and learning everything he can. Largely self-taught, Andrew wasn’t formally educated in fine arts until he enrolled in the Computer Animation program at College of the Canyons. Up until that point, he learned everything from hours of practice and self-study – and a little from YouTube.
“Ever since I was little, I would keep practicing and practicing,” Andrew said. “I took a couple classes here and there, and I learned from this really cool painter, MuralJoe on YouTube.”
Over the years, Andrew’s original love for animation evolved into a talent for drawing and, later, painting. His two main artistic styles, however, seem opposite when you take a cursory glance at his work.
“I have two main styles: cartooning and realism,” Andrew said. “Depending on the style, I paint, draw or do 2D animation.”
Why the dichotomous pairing? It gives him the freedom to express his vision in whatever medium best fits that particular piece. If Andrew felt in the mood for a portrait, he’d choose to draw because he portrays people best through pencil. If he wanted to convey the magic of marine life, he may choose a cartoon – or he may even paint, a skill he developed later in his artistic career.
“That way, I can do portraits for residents or paint ocean murals for businesses or homes,” he said.
Though Andrew’s talents grew as his he did, his vision still remains true. His affinity for marine life eventually expanded to include all animals, but the subject of his artwork hasn’t strayed much from his first artistic love. Andrew focuses on underwater scenes, animals and paradisiacal settings. Why? It’s what he loves.
“I want to amaze people and create something they’ve never seen,” he said.
Now a recent college grad, Andrew has taken his art to the community, and he’s been pleasantly surprised by the reaction he’s received. Through word-of-mouth, Andrew has picked up a number of local freelance jobs, including home and business murals, portraits, paintings, web-based cartooning, and even some work on a clothing line.
“You just take baby steps, and little by little, you get there,” he said, a mix of relief and excitement in his voice. “Seeing my art out there is such a privilege – it feels like I’ve done something good in life.”
And that sense of accomplishment, combined with an unquenchable passion for art and ocean, keeps Andrew moving toward his ultimate goal: to be a self-supporting professional artist. So he keeps on practicing.
“Most days, I just listen to my music, keep an open mind, and focus on the pictures,” Andrew said. “That’s how I do it. You dream it; I can paint it.”
For more information about Andrew Ruthman or his work, find him on Instagram or Facebook, or call him at 661-904-6043. Search drewzdesignz on www.society6.com to view his portfolio.
