Drawing On Color

She’s an artist and a young student. Who better to speak at an event called “The Beauty of Color” designed to benefit education?

The Friends of Concordia University in Irvine recently got what they wanted in well-known teen painter Alexandra Nechita.

The 13-year-old, who has been called “the petite Picasso” because of her use of color, spoke at a luncheon at the Newport Beach Marriott about character development in youngsters and the importance of education.

Alexandra says she wants to inspire her generation to embrace peace and be responsible. She told the audience that she puts bright sunflowers in her large canvases to symbolize faith and happiness.

When Alexandra was a toddler, she moved from Romania to Whittier with her parents. She began painting in preschool and had her first exhibit when she was 8--the same day she became an American citizen. Although she isn’t formally trained, her work is displayed in several galleries and has sold for six figures.

“I don’t consider my talent extraordinary; it’s just a passion I have,” Alexandra says. “I have a lot of fun with it. It’s play taken to a serious level.”

The Eagle Golf Classic, to benefit the university’s athletic program, will be held May 17 at the Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine. (949) 854-8002, Ext. 423.