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 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

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.