“The Watercolor World of Andrea Mancini” explores the journey and artistic philosophy of Florence-based painter Andrea Mancini. Known for his evocative watercolor portraits and a seamless fusion of traditional and digital techniques, Mancini presents his book Watercolor Stars, a heartfelt collection featuring iconic Hollywood figures, loved ones, and beloved pets. With a unique blend of spontaneity, emotion, and modern insight, Mancini reflects on his lifelong passion for portraiture, the unpredictability of watercolor, and the evolving role of technology in the arts.

Andrea Mancini is a Florence-based watercolor artist who recently showcased his book Watercolor Stars at an AUF-hosted event through the Palazzi Community Center. Mancini has grown his artistic portfolio over the years in a very impressive way. He has worked all over Italy as an illustrator which has allowed him to work on the screen for Netflix, on various cartoons, and also behind the curtain in the fashion world. Mancini uses both traditional and digital art mediums but tends to mostly work in digital art spaces now with a focus on the watercolor methods. Watercolor Stars is a collection of some of Mancini’s favorite pieces that he has created over the years. The entire book is filled with watercolor portraits of some of Hollywood’s most famous stars, people personal to Mancini’s own life, and even a few furry friends.

When speaking on why he chose the subjects he did Manicini answered, “All of these people I found significance and importance for me, not eventually for everybody, but my generation was accompanied by many of them.” This book is something very close and personal to Mancini since he was able to portray these individuals in the way that his brush allowed him to. Many of the pieces featured in Watercolor Stars came to fruition by being commissioned for Mancini to create, the others being made on his own personal accord. Despite the reasons why they were created, you can feel the personality that Mancini has brought into each portrait and how he has created characters from them.

Andrea Mancini has been an artist basically his entire life. When asked on his start he replied with, “Most artwork in my life was a portrait. I don't know why. The first thing I painted when I was very young, six years old, and for Christmas I received a little painter's tool and I remember the first thing I made was a portrait.” Ever since this Christmas year in the past, Mancini has not dropped the artistic abilities he so proudly possesses. As the years went on and Mancini’s passion grew to create art, he taught himself all that he could by studying what was around him. When asked what he studied he said, “I worked at myself so much studying simply a television, see my generation did not have ‘the Google search’, but with television, many many comics, animations, and movies, I was able to study and learn.”

Andrea Mancini has worked with all different artistic mediums over the years but now primarily uses the watercolor technique. When asked about his process when creating his paintings, Andrea Mancini discussed the unpredictable nature of watercolor compared to other techniques that allow for more control, and precision. Watercolor defies control due to its fluid nature.

“With oil on canvas you can control… you can go very slowly down or very quickly, using your brush,” Mancini says. In contrast, watercolor demands a different approach: “Watercolor, every time would be unpredictable. You can’t stop it, the water… you don’t know where and when your water will be dry.” Mancini, reflecting on this unpredictable nature of watercolor, explains that working with watercolor requires letting go. Mancini connects this to a deeper philosophy: “If you love watercolor, set it free. If you love somebody, set it free.” This is a refreshing standpoint because many artists crave control, while Mancini has a more free flowing approach. Mancini also discusses the quickness with which he works on his paintings: “I give the best of my art in the first 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, I’m a medium artist, in 30 minutes I destroy everything.”

This brings up an interesting idea that perhaps artists spend too much time obsessing over their work, and adding and tweaking things. This goes back to that idea of control, that doesn’t seem to be an issue for Mancini like it is for other artists. Mancini notes that most of his paintings are completed in under a half hour.

Andrea Mancini blends both watercolor and digital tools to create his paintings. He has mastered this blending of traditional and modern techniques beautifully. He began exploring with digital tools about a decade ago. He used Corel Painter, before Photoshop became dominant.