About | marta-collings-art

Landscapes of Northern California and Beyond

" Painting is meditation,". Being outdoors or in my studio creating art is my passion. I am always learning by using different brushes, or experimenting with the palette knife and changing up the colors on my palette. I prefer to paint outdoors or "Plein Aire" when possible. I also enjoy working in my studio from photos when the weather is not cooperating.

Majoring in art at San Jose State University and Chico State University has given me my fundamentals in color, light, technique and composition. The rest of my education is mostly self taught. Working with the many talented artists I've come to know in the Napa Valley has been a thirty year journey of discovery and self expression.

The earlier years were filled with raising two children and working in the travel industry. As my children grew older and more independent I began to paint again. My husband’s business was also growing and doing well. At that point I was able to move on to pursue my love of painting full time.

Preferring a wet on wet loose impressionist style, Working with watercolors or oils, I work quickly with large brushes or palette knives trying not to obsess with detail. I try to convey the feeling of the warm sunlight , the blowing wind, or the smell of flowers and foliage. My paintings are a moment in time, I want the viewer to be in the moment and appreciate the love of the landscape that I have embraced.

Now I travel with my husband and our black Lab "Louie". In the summer and fall we spend most of our weekends participating in juried art festivals up and down the west coast. My husband and I enjoy the support and camaraderie of all the artists we meet. We’ve never met an artist we didn’t like. When we travel, I am inspired by the changing landscapes throughout our country and beyond. However, we always come back to our beautiful home state of California with a renewed appreciation of the beauty around us.

Currently represented by:

Jessel Gallery

1019 Atlas Peak Rd

Napa CA 94558

707-257-2350

www.jesselgallery.com

Art Gallery Napa Valley

1307 1st St. Napa CA

707-254-2085

www.artnv.org

Studio Kokomo

1421 Lincoln Ave