About Heather Collins
My name is Heather Collins. I have always been an artist and my journey has lead me to the love of oil painting in the classical tradition and painting plein air from life.
At an early age I discovered I could draw, and this developed into the inspiration of capturing a likeness and the character of the human face. I worked for many years as a commissioned portrait artist. I also painted outdoor scenes from my father's professional photography, and I spent a period of time painting larger figurative works. Through my years as an artist, I also taught individual and group art classes in skill-based art and atelier training techniques.
I trained at Carlin Academy of Fine Art in realistic drawing and painting in the tradition of the old masters. Currently I am studying techniques in classical portrait painting, painting plein air landscapes, and creating still lifes painted fully from life.
I hope to always continue to study the old and living masters so I can learn and express the beauty of this life to the best of my abilities.
Life in the Studio
Working from life at the easel
A closer look at work in progress
With a finished commission
Plein air, Space Coast
Chasing the evening light
Still an active working artist, on and off the easel
Grounded in Classical Technique
Training in cast drawing, sight size figure work, and traditional oil painting methods.
Portraits, Figurative, Still Life and Sea/Landscapes are painted directly from life, with some artwork and commissions being combined with photo references.
Regular plein air practice along the Space Coast keeps color observation sharp for studio work.
Devotional commissions draw on the iconographic and traditional conventions of Sacred Art.