Underwood, Colleen

Colleen was born and raised and has lived most of her life in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia.

She started painting as a decorative artist and quickly became involved with the National Society of Decorative Painters. This society, headquartered in Kansas, has a world wide membership of over 30,000 members. Colleen’s knowledge of the business, people skills, and attention to detail were assets as she served on their various committees and executive. It was through this society she traveled yearly to their national art convention to study and take art theory classes. Colleen also served as president of the Canadian Decorative Artist Network.

Through the last 20 years Colleen has taught art classes and has been invited to teach across Canada and the USA. From 1995 to 2002 she was co-owner and operator of an annual art convention which took place every spring in Toronto Ontario. This convention, the largest of its kind in Canada, brought in hundreds of art teachers and exhibitors from all over the world for one full week of classes; art related events, as well as a trade show. The demands left little time to enjoy her own art so in 2002 Colleen decide to fulfill her desire to work full time as an artist.

Colleen works primary in oils and enjoys still-life, florals, and portraits. Her painting background taught her classical realism using techniques of the old masters to achieve realism in her work. Currently she has been exploring encaustic painting (painting with beeswax and damar resin) and continues to grow her artistic skills.

Inspiration to paint comes from seeing beauty in all that surrounds her.

She has exhibited at Painter’s Palette Gallery, Teichert Gallery (Art Gallery of Nova Scotia) Maples Gallery (Bedford), The Craig Gallery (Dartmouth.) Art Port Gallery (Halifax International Airport) and Warp & Woof in Chester Nova Scotia

She presently exhibits her original work, as well as reproductions; with a co-op of artists who manage the gallery Art 1274 Hollis Street, Serendipin Gallery St. Andrews N.B. and Cobalt Gallery, Saint John N.B.

Colleen’s work has sold across Canada as well as internationally and she has been selected to appear in publications through North Light Books. Colleen works from her home studio creating new works of art as well as commission work.