Bernard Collins

My paintings are a reflection of my desire to understand the human body and soul. As an African American artist I have had to balance my educational background which has been firmly grounded in European (traditional) techniques such as glazing, under-painting, etc. and my desire to capture the liveliness and innovation that is present in African American culture. The painted faces that have become important to my body of work represent the raw creative energy that pulses within all people of color. My models have always been my fellow artists, writers, poets, rappers, singers etc. In the future I want to expand this body of work to include some very young and elderly subjects. Their life experience will be reflected in the way I apply the paints to their faces and bodies.