I paint, because I have a compulsion to paint. In my studio, minutes become hours and my painting becomes my reality. Inspired by energy and colors found in nature, my work focuses on textured, abstract compositions.
I use acrylic paint and various mediums, choosing colors intentionally to add meaning. I use my tools (sponges, bamboo skewers, palette knives, etc.) in a relentless, repetitive way where the process becomes part of the painting. I enjoy adding and removing layers of paint, adding texture, and manipulating the surface of the canvas until I create an inviting, surprising new world for the viewer to enter.
Artist Biography
Born near Philadelphia, PA, Colleen studied drawing and painting at Moravian College and then continued her studies at Fleisher Art Memorial for the next 15+ years. While she was trained in various mediums including formal oil painting, acrylic painting is her passion.
She loves experimenting with the textures of various mediums and how color can appear rich yet nuanced on the canvas. Her work focuses on abstract color field paintings and is meant to encourage the viewer to look beyond the horizon and contemplate the forces of nature. Inspiration for her work comes from studying the color field paintings of Mark Rothko and the minimalist paintings of Agnes Martin.
Colleen exhibits her work across the United States and her work is part of private collections internationally. In 2000, she won Best of Show at Moravian College in their Celebrating Women show. In 2013, she won first place for her painting "Smoky Horizon" at The Plastic Club Gallery in Philadelphia, PA which was juried by Karen Baumeister. In 2014, she won first place for her painting "Puddle Dance" at Fleisher Art Memorial, juried by Shelley Langdale, Associate Curator, Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 2017, she received Honorable Mention for her painting "Untitled" at Fleisher Art Memorial. In 2018, she received second place for her painting "Going Coastal" at Fleisher Art Memorial, juried by Sophia Sanders.
Colleen believes that art is something that comes from within and is to be shared with the community. When not exhibiting her paintings or teaching classes locally, she paints in her home studio located near Philadelphia, PA.
Awards & Honors
2018 Reconfiguration, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA Honorable Mention for See the Forest for the Trees Juror: Rick Snyderman
Member/Student Show, Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA Second Place for Going Coastal, Abstract Painting Category Juror: Sophie Sanders
2017 Member/Student Group Show, Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA Honorable Mention for Untitled, Works on Paper Category (Painting Intuitively)
2014 Member/Student Group Show, Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA First Place for Puddle Dance, Painting Category (Painting Intuitively) Juror: Shelley Langdale, Associate Curator, Prints and Drawings, Phila. Museum of Art
2013 Scapes, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA First Place for Smoky Horizon, Juror: Karen Baumeister, Adjunct Professor at Montgomery County Community College and Faculty at Fleisher Art Memorial
2011 Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA Third Place, Best of Print
2000 Celebrating Moravian Women, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA Best of Show
