ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born in North Carolina, Jean Collins attended St. Mary's Junior College and Salem College, where she majored in Fine Art. Following a move to San Diego, California, Jean began a 30 year career as an ASID accredited interior designer. A turning point came for her in 2002 when she traveled to France on a painting trip. Since then, painting portraits has become her primary focus. She has studied with Ken and Stephanie Goldman and Debra Babylon of San Diego, and with Linda Kyser Smith at the Andreeva Portrait Academy in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Additionally she has studied with artist Everett Raymond Kinstler at the National Academy of Art in New York City. In her constant quest to refine techinique, she studies the art of John Singer Sergeant, Joaquin Sorolla, and John Howard Sanden and attends workshops throughout the country. Although Jean is adept at portraying subjects of all ages, she is especially fond of painting children. Capturing the innocence of youth brings her great joy and creates a lasting work of art for generations to come. She is a member of The Portrait Society of America and the San Diego Portrait Society.