Anthony Collins

I tend to be inspired by pattern either that created by light and shadow or its interplay with color. I prefer to paint from life, taking my cue from nature. The more spontaneous my brush work, the happier I am with a piece. I find the more abstract my painting, the more exciting my brushwork, the more interesting my shapes, the happier I am with my art.

I was always interested with drawing as a child but did not seriously start to paint until 20 years or so ago. I try to spend as much time as I can painting from life. I can spend an entire day in a museum examining paintings. I also have a basement full of art books but am most inspired by the American impressionists William Merritt Chase, John Singer Sargent, Edward Willis Redfield, Childe Hassam and John Twachtman. Living painters that I view for inspiration include Richard Schmid, Quang Ho, Daniel Keys, Colin Page, and Lori Putnam from my home state of Tennessee. I also enjoy the more modern works of David Hockney, Alice Neel, and Lucien Freud.