Andre Chaney is a Philadelphia based contemporary painter, illustrator, author, and teaching artist from the City of Philadelphia. Andre began Illustrating at a young age. He is best known for the illustrations he created for the “I Can Read So I Can Lead” Childrens book. Chaney found himself fascinated with the artistic style of painter Ernie Barnes from the acclaimed television show “Good Times” which led to his appreciation of art at an early age. In his adolescent years he would focus on developing a stylistic approach to his drawings seeking guidance from local art organizations such as Moore College of Art and Design, and Mural Arts Philadelphia. In 2016 Andre would travel from his hometown in Philadelphia to San Francisco California to study at the California College of the Arts to further his artistic ability. During his time there he would develop a style that combined realism and Impressionism into his original paintings; and begin working digitally to create works of art that were inspired by books and graphic novels he loved as a child. In 2020, he decided to combine his passion for art and reading by illustrating his first children’s book “I Can Read So I Can Lead” and has illustrated four books to date. He’s found an immense love for illustrating children’s books because of the messages they can convey and the experience it creates for both the artist and the reader! The various mediums and visual styles that can be utilized to tell a compelling narrative based story while blending imaginative writing is a perfect combination for bringing people together Chaney believes. His books are housed in schools and libraries across Philadelphia and other states such as Nevada, Georgia, and California. He has even featured on the “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to discuss his artwork along with his children’s books. He intends to continue leaving positive narrative shifting messages within his children’s books and original paintings.