Coloring Worlds one person at a time | Deb R Collins

Italian Spring by Deb R Collins

Capturing a special moment in time that allows the viewer to not only see, but also feel something in the artwork is a special skill that all artists strive for.

Most artists begin work on a piece by finding a subject that evokes their own emotions ultimately with the goal of helping others see and feel the subject as the artist sees and feels it. That ability; to see something special that others may not, then reveal that to the viewer is such a special skill. It’s why I feel that ALL artist are truly wonderful teachers.

My artwork is bold and vibrant and in your face. For me, it’s about showing you what I see and hopefully evoking the emotion of happiness!

Like so many other artists, my love of art began at an early age.  My father was a mechanical draftsman whose drawings were very precise and perfectly lettered. My mother repaired antique artwork with an artistic touch that still bewilders me. There were always art supplies on hand and I always experimented. As a rebellious teen I spent time looking for a genre that kept me as far away as possible from the dark and monochromatic works of my parents.

Regardless of my choice in color, my mother always encouraged me to play with art. She told me that because I was left handed, I was the right side brain "creative one". And I believed her.

I drifted in and out of art and I worked in acrylic paints for years, but was never really satisfied with it. Several years ago, I happened upon a set of watercolor paints. Determined from that point on to learn watercolor painting, I decided I would paint until the paints ran out. 
The paints never ran out because I loved it so much that I kept buying more paint! Watercolor paint is a fickle medium to work with. Watercolor can be "controlled" but the fun of the medium is in the "un-controlled" results!

For years I've successfully worked technical jobs behind a computer. I admit that I loved the technical aspect of computing, but drawing on a computer and drawing with your hands on paper is not the same. 

Sunrise by Deb R Collins

A gleaming example of why I paint happened not that long ago. A sunrise that I had planned to keep in my home above my front door caught the eye of a friend. She admired the painting and how bright and cheerful, she felt when looking at it. She asked if she could purchase the painting to give it to her 16 year old niece who had been recently diagnosed with cancer...to cheer her up and help her through the tough road ahead. 

Painting makes me feel good, it elevates me. When I paint the world around me (my world) is perfect. 

As I began to realize that painting was a healthy obsession, I turned my focused on creating a cohesive body of work that I could present to the world. As my living room started to fill up (and my husband, bless his heart, started asking where I was going with this) I began the search for a place to display my artwork. And so it began.

I find it pretty easy to be inspired by the beauty around me. I get a lot of inspiration from the ocean and redwood forests in the area that I live. Sometimes, though, ideas come from a dream. If they subject make sense, I'll go ahead and draw it out on paper. 

SunriseII by Deb R Collins

When I'm not painting or working, I spend time outside exploring the Santa Cruz Mountains with my husband.

I hope that you enjoy my artwork and most of all, I hope that it makes you smile!

Warmly,

Deb R Colllins
www.debrcollins.com