Professional artist Andrew Tischler’s work is recognised internationally and is displayed in his recently opened Tischler & Co Fine Art Gallery in Wānaka showcasing his extensive works, many inspired by the South Island’s landscape. Born in Texas and raised in Perth he got his start as a professional artist early on after finishing a fine arts degree. 

“I made it in the art scene supporting myself as an artist by the age of 21,” says Andrew. “Eight years in I started hosting successful live art workshops  and discovered my love for teaching art.”Then my wife Rachel who is from the North Island and I decided to move to New Zealand where we set up a gallery in Lawrence which was a beautiful location to start in.”

Six months ago, they moved to Wānaka with their three-year-old son to set up Tischler & Co Fine Art Gallery.

“It’s been so well received along with our online Tisch Academy art school which has expanded rapidly with several Wānaka team members including top-notch videographer Nick Marris joining. Nick brings skills in capturing my work for our YouTube, socials and what I teach on the Tisch Academy.”

The gallery in Wānaka’s Northlake Drive showcases Andrew’s work and is the hub of the global operation.

“It’s amazing living here. My most chosen subject is the Matukituki Valley so to have this proximity is incredible. Being able to paint on location and take my video guy to capture it is a dream come true. My interest as an artist is capturing the raw, rugged beauty of this country and really celebrating that. I love the traditional techniques of the old masters which may sound lofty but that’s my life’s work.”

Andrew and his team haven grown the Tisch Academy’s subscription-based art classes to nearly 600,000 subscribers and with a hugely popular YouTube channel have an aggregated social media following of 1.2 million followers. His paintings have sold to buyers and collectors worldwide with some big named celebrities and influential people purchasing his art. He is humble about his success and thrilled with the Wānaka gallery response.

“The local market has shown up in full support with some interesting collaborations with local initiatives like Wai Wānaka who do much to protect and preserve this environment. Doing some good and raising funds for their cause has been fun and opened a lot of doors.”

“2026 is already completely booked out with commission work – my problem is being able to accumulate work because it doesn’t hang around. Literally my goal was to end up here, so it’s been a phenomenal start to the year.”

“People love to follow the video lessons and every week we are live streaming to hundreds of people around the world teaching them how to paint,” says Andrew. “I believe there is something special to art – we are happier when creatively fulfilled and at the academy we answer the call to paint.”