Painting with abandon and freedom, Troy Collins seemingly has the world captured and eagerly waiting to become one of his beautifully-crafted works of art. As unabashed and free-spirited as a seasoned impressionist can hope to become, Collins has truly grasped his creative genius and has applied that inspiration to canvas. In doing so, he has produced many of his greatest works to date.
Troy’s style of painting, which focuses on both vibrant color and the effect that light and shadow have on his subject, have truly graced each of his pieces in profound and delightful ways. His passion and ability to pour his whole being into his own has allowed him creative license to produce a visual experience that is undeniable as it captures each viewers soul and allows them to connect with the colors, texture, and design elements in an intimate way, which is completely unique and unforgettable. Blending impressionism and expressionism is a spiritual process for the artist. “I pour my heart into each composition as a celebration of the miracle of creation”, says Collins.
Working mainly with a palette knife, Collins often paints images from memory sometimes composing a scene based on the best elements from reference photos that he takes. He prefers aspen trees he says because, the characters of aspens are so different. They’re like people. They have unique character. I have never seen two aspen that look alike…they are like snow-flakes.
Watching Troy Collins paint is a spiritual experience in itself, and highly recommended for any and all art aficionados. After all, the essence of art is to convey beauty and to allow an audience to be moved and inspired by what they see on the canvas. Troy definitely has that skill perfected in every regard. He effectively uses his talent to create art that’s soul has an inner meaning for all to enjoy. By putting brush to canvas, he is able to renew our own underlying need for beauty in our lives and the longing to understand nature as spiritual beings.
1. Clay – Chavant Le Beau Touche. Get the regular clay, not HM (high melt).
2. Clay warming devices, a metal bucket with a clamp on heat lamp or 100 W bulb works great.
3. Tie wire.
4. Aluminum foil.
5. Scissors.
6. Favorite sculpture tools.
7. Plank of wood (pine) approximately 8″ x 8″ x 2″.
Bring as many planks as you wish…the wood is used as the base for your sculpture.
8. Plumber’s pipe, 1/2″ threaded: Bring several different lengths…up to 10″…not PVC pipe.
Plumber’s pipe T joint.
Plumber’s pipe couplers.
Plumber’s pipe flange.
9. Screws and screwdriver to secure the flange to wood…this may be done before you arrive. (Place flange in the center of plank)
10. Wire cutters
11. Needle nose pliers
12. Rubber mallet.
13. Spatula
14. Measuring devices such as rulers, measuring tape, dividers, and calipers.
15. Because we concentrate on BIRDS IN FLIGHT, live models in the classroom are more distracting than useful. I will demonstrate the technique of constructing a cantilevered bird armature that can be used for many different bird species and will show you how to assemble shapes to capture the “gist” of the specific bird.
16. Bird field guides such as Peterson, Stokes, Golden, or Sibley. Sibley’s Guide to Birds (not Sibley’s Guide to Bird Life and Behavior) is best if bringing only one field guide. This popular book can usually be purchased at any bookstore.
17. Bring your laptop to the class if possible.
18. Bring your sketchbook.
1 Lake Circle Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
broadmoorgalleries.com