Rene Collins

Rene Collins life as an artist began with a simple act of mixing paint with her pallet knife. A creative process was unleashed, the brush of a craftsman was put aside and the artist within was freed.

Her process of wet on wet speaks with the strength that is matched by the fearless use of color. Young in the measure of artistic time but relentless in her effort to improve. Over the last 10 years she has devoured every opportunity to absorb, her studio amassed with every book, paper and illustration of interest allowing her to claim with pride, self taught.

Rene has found only the painting knife allows her to deliver the strong, deliberate strokes and the contrasting feather-light touch of wet on wet. The energy she extends through her work over the last ten years has attracted widespread international attention to her artistry that now hangs in private and public collections throughout North America. Rene has exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions, both juried and invitational. She has been the recipient of several awards for her work.

She is represented by Citadel Gallery, Saint John- Heron Bay Gallery, Shediac and La Traz Gallery in Moncton.

She is a lifelong resident of Saint John and presently resides in Martinon with her husband Stan.

SOLO SHOWS AND EXHIBITS

2008 IMPERIAL THEATER,
SAINT JOHN ART CENTRE,
SUNBURY SHORES

2007 KLAUSEN BACK WALL,
CITADEL GALLERY

2006 HERON BAY GALLERY

ARTIST STATEMENT
My painting takes me to another place. Here, there is no concept of time; hours turn to minutes; stress is left at the door and the pain of standing for hours will not be felt until a later time. I have no need for social conversation; this is a time that belongs to me and I don't want to share it. It is probably the only selfish part of me. Every painting is a walk down a new path. One that is filled with twists and turns and sudden surprises, there is no end, only beginnings.

Hopefully my solitary walk will result in a piece of art that will take the viewer to another place; one that shows the beauty that can be found in the simple things that surround us everyday.