Born in 1943 in Amsterdam, Holland. His parents were naturalized American citizens of Italian and European origins. After graduating from University of Amsterdam, Andre headed for New York City and classes at Columbia University.

 He then enlisted in the Army, his tour of duty took him back to Europe. After discharge, he moved to Capri, Italy, and started to paint. He painted landscapes and facades the way the old masters did. He returned to the United State and continued paintings as a full-time artist. 

He selected Santa Barbara, California, for his permanent residence. "I put so much of my heart and soul into each of my paintings that a part of me goes with each one", Andre claims. "In fact, I hate to see them and have never released a canvas with which I was not thoroughly satisfied."