about

I live and paint in my studio, in the heart of the Scottsdale Quarter, in Arizona. I paint primarily with acrylics on canvas, paper, and board – both small works and large pieces that you can almost walk into. I love to create abstract designs, but they are always grounded and inspired by natural and urban landscapes, and sometimes the human form. My painting is physical and messy. I paint a bit like a sculptor, moving, adding, and scraping paint around the canvas. I find that technique results in striking contours made of heavy, opaque color and texture against thin, filmy transparency. I also make many of my brushes for effect, using feathers, ropes, springs, wire, and other desert, beach, and urban findings. One of my favorite painting tools is a butcher knife I grabbed from the kitchen over 20 years ago.

curriculum vitae

I’ve been lucky to gain the attention of local and international venues, public works and private collectors. My current exhibitions for 2020/2021 include RAM&M National, Rockport, MA; In Motion In Stillness, a solo and safe virtual walled gallery exhibition - exhibiting new work created during the COVID corridor curated by Artists in Arizona. Other's include Artist in Residence, Helios Renaissance Chorale,

Photographed by Elaine Kessler

My art is a transference of a soul journey. Kiki umami...you can't really explain it, you just know it makes you feel warm and good and is just right.

Like skinny dipping,

In glimmering pools of art,

My soul is exposed.

In art, Joan

Phoenix, Arizona; public works at the Mayo Clinic Loaned Artwork Program Phoenix, Arizona through May 2020; Free Arts, Art from the Heart Auction, Saks Fifth Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona Fall 2020; SWING, Winter 2021, a co-exhibition with photographer Elaine Kessler. She is currently a top finalist in the “Impressions of Arizona” online exhibition and was a Juried Artist for SeeMe Digital Exhibition, The Louvre, Paris, France; and Xanadu Gallery, Online Showcase, Scottsdale, Arizona. My other solo and group exhibitions include Urban Ethos at the Olney Gallery in Phoenix, Arizona (2019). Harumi Yoga+ Community Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona (2017); Desert to Sea, my first international showing with co-exhibitor, and Irish artist Majella O’Neill Collins, in Inchydoney, West Cork, Ireland (2016). Sonoran Arts League Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour, Cave Creek, Arizona (2007-2015); Gallery on First, Phoenix, Arizona (2002); UN3 Gallery, Phoenix, Arizona (2002).

As part of service in the art community, I’ve served as a Chairman and Vice President of the Board of the Sonoran Arts League from 2011-2014. I also designed and taught a series of art sessions titled “Strength in Women,” from 2012-2013, for women housed in a Phoenix, Arizona based women’s shelter. I studied sculpture at Scottsdale Community College, drawing and painting at the Scottsdale Artists School, and hold a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University.

Please contact: Joan Maureen Collins; +1480-540-9530 mobile; absractartbyjoancollins@gmail.com email; www.artatblackmountain.com web.