Artists Julie Collins

In my painting I bring the outside world into my work. I walk on the cliff top where I live and have a great interest in the sea, landscape, garden and plants. I will often sketch and paint on the beach. I love to spend time in the outdoors which is a great leveller, and it is here that I begin to form ideas that are worked out in the studio. I usually work in a series where one piece will help to inform another, like a family working together. My subject matter is nature, whether it is a landscape, figure plant or birds and I love to work in paint for its versatility, delicacy and strength. Each painting is made from several subtle layers of paint where a history and interest are built up. For me paint is wonderful and can be transformed into a story on paper, panel or canvas.

Julie has won many prestigious awards for her paintings including ING Discerning Eye London, RWA Bristol and the Royal Watercolour Society London. Her work has been selected for exhibitions in London by Sir Peter Blake RA, Albert Irvin RA, Art critic Brian Sewell and Frances Carey from the British Museum. She studied painting at the University of Reading in the early eighties. Her work is exhibited regularly at the Mall Galleries London with the SWA, Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and the Discerning Eye. Julie was elected full Member of the Society of Women Artists in 2022 and then invited to join the Council where she works to promote the Society and helps organise their prestigious Exhibitions. To date Julie has written ten art books and specialises in colour. Her latest book Colour Mixing Companion can be found in the Tate Modern & Tate Britain shops.