Andy Collis is a distinguished fine artist and art academic whose vibrant and expressive works have captivated audiences across the globe. With a career spanning several decades and continents, Collis has made significant contributions to the art world through his innovative paintings and dedicated teaching.
Early Life and Family Background
Andy Collis was Born in 1956 in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, Andy Collis exhibited a passion for art from a young age. He pursued this interest academically, earning a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Fine Art Painting and Printmaking from Sheffield University in 1978. Following this, he obtained a teaching degree from Liverpool University. These formative years laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in both creating and teaching art.
Academic Pursuits and Teaching Career
Collis’s academic journey is marked by a commitment to both learning and imparting knowledge. After completing his studies, he lectured in Art History and Painting & Drawing at various tertiary institutions in the UK. In 1989, he emigrated to Australia, where he continued his teaching career. He became a full-time lecturer and later a senior lecturer at Avondale College in New South Wales, teaching Painting & Drawing, and History of Art & Design to undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 1999, he earned a Master of Arts in Creative Arts from Wollongong University, further enhancing his academic credentials.
Demonstrating a dedication to continuous learning, Collis pursued a PhD at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia. His doctoral research focused on the value of the artist-sitter relationship in contemporary portrait painting, culminating in his thesis titled “The Human Touch? What is the value of the artist/sitter relationship in contemporary portrait painting?” He was awarded his PhD in March 2015.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
As an expressive painter, Collis is known for his bright and contemporary color palette. While he is a traditional portrait painter at heart, he possesses a natural energy for experimentation with new media, methods, and styles. His work is modern, bold, and colorful, often reflecting representations of mood and aesthetic. One of his most popular series, the “Colour Layer” series, involves the layering of splashed contrasting pigments and mediums on canvas, resulting in expressive abstract compositions. This technique has garnered worldwide attention and is reminiscent of Pollock’s famous drip paintings and the intense work of Milton Resnick.
Throughout his career, Collis has exhibited extensively, both in the UK and internationally. Notably, he participated in the Royal Academy Summer Show in London. In Australia, his works have been showcased in various galleries, including the Gosford Regional Art Gallery, where he held solo exhibitions. His painting “The Beehives at Avoca; Morning Light” was awarded the People’s Choice Prize at the Gosford Wood Glen Art Show.
Teaching and Mentorship
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Collis has made significant contributions as an educator. For 25 years, he lectured in Visual Arts at Avondale University, influencing a generation of artists and designers. In recent years, he has also been teaching part-time at Central Coast Adventist School (Primary), finding the experience tremendously rewarding both spiritually and artistically. He aims to share his passion and understanding of creative art practice with young hearts and minds, hoping to instill in them an appreciation for artistic practice and its holistic contribution to their education and lifestyle.
Personal Experiences and Philosophy
Reflecting on his own childhood, Collis recalls a pivotal moment when, at the age of 10, an artist visited his primary school and recognized his potential. This early encouragement sowed the seed that motivated him to pursue art more seriously. He describes the creative practice of art-making as totally absorbing, a process that, while not without its stresses, offers a deep awareness of the world around him. For Collis, making art is not about creating pleasant pictures but about experiencing life and expressing those realities, allowing him to gain a glimpse of the richness of life that he believes God has provided to each of us.
Factors Driving His Success and Growing Prominence
Several factors have contributed to Andy Collis’s success and growing prominence in the art world:
- Dedication to Craft: His unwavering commitment to both creating and teaching art has established him as a respected figure in the artistic community.
- Innovative Techniques: His willingness to experiment with new media and styles has kept his work fresh and relevant, appealing to a broad audience.
- Academic Contributions: His extensive teaching career and academic research have not only enriched his own practice but have also influenced countless students and artists.
- Authentic Expression: His honest and spontaneous approach to art-making resonates with viewers, offering them a genuine glimpse into his perceptions and experiences.
Conclusion
Andy Collis’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and continuous learning. From his early days in Nottinghamshire to his current endeavors in Australia, he has remained committed to exploring and expressing the human experience through art. His vibrant works and impactful teaching have left an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring both peers and students alike.
FAQs
What is Andy Collis known for?
Andy Collis is known for his expressive paintings characterized by bright and contemporary color palettes. He is also recognized for his extensive teaching career in visual arts.
Where has Andy Collis exhibited his work?
He has exhibited extensively in the UK, including at the Royal Academy Summer Show, and in Australia, with shows at venues like the Gosford Regional Art Gallery.
What is the “Colour Layer” series by Andy Collis?
The “Colour Layer” series is a collection of abstract paintings where Collis layers splashed contrasting pigments and mediums on canvas. This expressive technique creates vibrant, dynamic compositions reminiscent of Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings and Milton Resnick’s intense work.
What impact has Andy Collis had as an educator?
Collis has influenced generations of artists through his teaching at Avondale University and other institutions. His mentorship and guidance have helped many students develop their artistic voices and appreciation for creative expression.
What is Andy Collis’s artistic philosophy?
Collis believes that art is a deeply immersive process that allows an artist to experience and express life’s richness. For him, creating art is not just about making visually pleasing images but about capturing emotions, thoughts, and the essence of human existence.
