COLLINS, ARLENE D.

Arlene’s love for art began at a young age, sketching wildlife scenes and admiring the beauty of the surrounding landscapes in Cannonville. Arlene began painting in the early 90’s; first experimenting with acrylics then preferring oils because of better control and a truer color.

Arlene’s love for wildlife and nature scenes is her first passion as she captures their beauty on canvas with precise strokes.  Many of her ideas come from watching wildlife in her area, and with the aid of a camera she usually finds her next subject.  Although the majority of Arlene’s work is wildlife, she has painted landscapes and seascapes as well.  Now, with eight small grandchildren, Arlene is inspired to capture the innocence and joy of childhood in her work.  She also keeps busy with custom work, mainly homesteads and family pets.

Arlene is a self-taught artist and experiments with new techniques and subjects.  With her children grown, Arlene is now able to spend an immense amount of energy in her work, perfecting her techniques, exhibiting in galleries and art shows, and showing her collections in her gallery.  She and her husband, Corlas, spend a lot of time matting and framing her prints, using only high quality materials to produce a fine product.

Arlene is a member of Visual Arts Nova Scotia.  In 2003, one of her pieces, “Autumn Woody,” was selected by Ducks Unlimited as a sponsor print.  In 2008 Ducks Unlimited selected her piece “Maple Nell” in their National Art Portfolio.  Her artwork won awards at the Nova Scotia Wildlife Society Festival in 2003 and many painting donations helped to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness, AIDS Coalition, Shore Drive Community Development, Parrsboro Schools, Department of Natural Resources, Children’s Wish Foundation, Christmas Daddy’s and many others.  

Her paintings can be viewed in her Gallery in Diligent River, NS or on her website at arlenecollins.com.   Her work has been shipped across the country as well as internationally.     Email:  ac.collins@ns.sympatico.ca