Richard Collins, Artist Biography

He has been drawing and painting for as long as he can remember. “I have been an artist for over 55 years. Studied with many mentors both locally & internationally, it is what calls me, to be the painter, it is a privilege to take the time & too see the world newly, rather than looking at it. To be exploring and contributing, and being in the question, what is it that I can contribute to anther?

He has composed a richly layered portfolio, which includes traditional, contemporary & abstract; Sumi-e’ ZEN paintings, water colors, mixed media, oils & acrylics. Many hang in corporate & private residences in both the United States and internationally. His clients include Sports heroes, Music and Film celebrities, Heads of Corporations and people who prefer anonymity. He is most interested in paintings that light people up, inspire “igniting the spirit”; he is on a mission to keeping “it simple “ZEN like, and creating joy to his clients.

Born the youngest of 3 brothers of Russian, Polish, Irish parents and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where his is younger years where filled with many challenges and much Love. He would spend his free time visiting nature, the art institute of Chicago, and taking many cross country trips by car and traveled throughout the USA & Canada with his parents expanding his horizons & dreams. In his teens & young adult life he struggled with Art & Architecture putting aside his Art for a career in Architecture and to study with his mentor the wonder and refining his knowledge of art and architecture, who had been a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, encouraged to be bold and innovative in all aspects of the Arts.

Attending De Paul University & the Art institute of Chicago opened the way for a broad liberal Arts education where he became fascinated with Japanese art and Culture. Being a student of Ikebana, Bonsai, Go, Japanese Gardening and Sumi-e’, he became aware, that everything has its natural harmony and balance. After 32 years, he went back to formal studies, completing his 1st year of graduate studies at U.S.M. in spiritual psychology where a new door opened up. He stepped through it, to rediscover his passion and love for beauty and life, the essence, the spirit, the contribution. That “ART” touches the heart of the matter within us, that we can see, child like…newly.

Richard’s images are about impacting the human soul, “the human experience", (if we stop and take a moment we have the capacity to see) he explains. "My paintings are meant to take us the viewer into a new and wonderful space, creating a future that would not be possible unless we begin to take a stand for it; causing regeneration of the human soul, spirit and of the planet itself. This is who I am and this is what you can count on". Painting Images that create, a world where...people are inspired and are empowering each other’s visions.

What is it that I could be requested to paint for you that would inspire you today and tomorrow and the next moment to moment…?

Counter Point 10.5” x 13.5” Sumi-e’ Ink/paper