Andy Collis is a name that resonates with authenticity, expression, and dedication in the world of contemporary art. Born in 1956 in Nottinghamshire, England, he has built a prolific career that spans decades and continents. A painter, academic, and philosophical thinker, Collis stands as a vital bridge between traditional fine art and modern visual communication. His deeply human approach to portraiture and landscape painting reflects a lifetime of study, observation, and teaching. While many artists focus solely on aesthetics, Andy Collis goes deeper—exploring emotional connection, psychological presence, and the value of human relationships in art. This article delves into his life, artistic journey, academic contributions, and creative philosophy.
Early Life and Education
Andy Collis’s journey began in the quiet countryside of Nottinghamshire. Growing up amid England’s rural charm gave him a profound appreciation for landscape, nature, and solitude—elements that continue to surface in his work. In 1978, he graduated with a BA Honours in Fine Art Painting and Printmaking from Sheffield Polytechnic. The foundation he gained during this time shaped his artistic sensibilities, focusing on disciplined drawing, colour theory, and composition.
Determined to share his love for art with others, Collis pursued teacher training at Liverpool University. This phase of his life laid the groundwork for his long-standing career in art education. The balance between creating and teaching became a lifelong theme—one that he embraced wholeheartedly.
Emigration to Australia and Career Shift
In 1989, Collis moved to Australia, a decision that would not only shift his geographical setting but also redefine his creative direction. Surrounded by the vibrant natural landscapes of New South Wales, he found new inspiration in the coastal vistas, harbours, and subtropical flora. The move marked the beginning of a distinctly Australian chapter in his career.
By 1994, he had joined Avondale College as a lecturer in Visual Communication. Over the years, he has become a respected figure in Australian academia, teaching painting, drawing, and art history to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. His influence on generations of emerging artists is notable, especially through his participatory, hands-on approach to instruction.
Advanced Studies and Doctoral Research
Andy Collis never stopped learning. In 1999, he completed a Master of Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong, further deepening his understanding of creative expression. However, it was his pursuit of a PhD at the University of Newcastle that marked a pivotal intellectual contribution to contemporary art discourse.
His doctoral thesis, “The Human Touch? What is the value of the artist/sitter relationship to contemporary portrait painting?”, examined the psychological and emotional dynamics between artists and their subjects. It explored how this interaction enriches the outcome of portraiture. His conclusion—that genuine connection enhances creative authenticity—remains central to his ongoing work.
Artistic Style and Influence
Collis’s style is bold, energetic, and filled with expressive colour. He straddles the line between realism and abstraction, always favouring emotion over perfection. His brushwork is confident, his colour choices intuitive, and his compositions deeply human. Unlike hyperrealist painters who focus on minute details, Andy seeks to capture the essence of his subjects—their mood, spirit, and presence.
His landscape works often depict the natural scenery around his home in Saratoga, NSW. He paints en plein air, meaning he works directly in the landscape, absorbing its light, wind, and movement. This approach allows him to create pieces that feel alive and immediate.
In his portraiture, the human face is more than just a likeness; it becomes a field of emotional exploration. His subjects—ranging from everyday people to cultural figures—are treated with dignity and a painterly respect that goes beyond surface appearance.
Major Exhibitions and Recognition
Andy Collis has exhibited widely in both the UK and Australia. In the UK, his early works were shown in notable venues like the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, and in regional galleries across Sheffield, Bradford, and Mansfield. These early shows affirmed his potential and positioned him as a serious emerging artist.
In Australia, his work has been exhibited in leading venues such as the Gosford Regional Gallery, Lake Macquarie Regional Gallery, and the University of Wollongong. He has also participated in the prestigious Gosford Art Prize and was a semi-finalist in the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize—one of the richest portrait prizes in the world.
Among his most acclaimed works is a portrait of Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, a subject of intense historical and cultural resonance in Australia. This piece underscores Collis’s ability to engage with subjects who embody complex public narratives.
The Colour Layer Series
In recent years, Andy Collis has gained attention for his “Colour Layer” series. These works feature layered pigments, abstract overlays, and textured surfaces. They combine his traditional drawing skills with experimental mark-making and composition.
This series demonstrates his evolution as an artist who is never content to remain static. It reflects a deeper inquiry into how colour, space, and perception interact. The Colour Layer series is contemporary, yet grounded in Collis’s firm grasp of classical art fundamentals.
Academic Contributions and Teaching Style
At Avondale College, Collis has cultivated an environment where experimentation is encouraged and failure is viewed as a vital part of the creative process. His teaching goes beyond theory; it invites students to connect with their subjects, explore materials fearlessly, and develop their own artistic voice.
He frequently engages his students in plein-air painting sessions, live model drawing, and studio critiques. These real-world exercises align with his belief that art must be lived and felt—not just theorised. His dual identity as both artist and educator gives him a unique edge, offering students insights grounded in lived experience.
Collis has also contributed to academic publications and conferences, sharing his findings on art education, portrait theory, and visual storytelling. He is a strong advocate for process-driven learning, emphasising that outcomes are only as meaningful as the intent and effort behind them.
Personal Philosophy on Art
Andy Collis views painting as a deeply human act. For him, the value of art lies not in decoration or technical brilliance, but in authentic connection—between the artist and the subject, the viewer and the artwork. He rejects the idea of art as a commodity and instead frames it as a conversation, a shared space of vulnerability and insight.
His portraits are not meant to flatter or stylise; they are meant to reveal. They reflect quiet intensity, emotional depth, and above all, respect for the human spirit. This philosophy is echoed in his landscapes too, which seem to breathe with atmosphere and memory.
Life in Saratoga, NSW
Collis lives and works in Saratoga, a serene town on Australia’s Central Coast. The coastal surroundings provide him with daily inspiration. Whether it’s boatshed reflections on still water, the changing colours of Bangaloe’s lily pond, or the distant mist on a eucalyptus hill—nature remains his most trusted muse.
His home studio is both a workspace and a sanctuary. Visitors describe it as filled with sunlight, paint, books, and the quiet hum of artistic contemplation. Here, Collis continues to create new works, reflect on his journey, and inspire others to embrace art with integrity and curiosity.
Representation and Public Engagement
Andy Collis is represented by KAB Gallery in New South Wales, where his work is exhibited regularly. The gallery also hosts live painting events and artist meet-and-greets, allowing collectors and admirers to engage with him directly.
Despite being a seasoned professional, Collis remains approachable and down-to-earth. He believes that art should be accessible and believes in demystifying the creative process. His public engagements are always honest, educational, and laced with humour.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
At 68, Andy Collis shows no signs of slowing down. His recent works suggest a continued hunger for experimentation and storytelling. As both a painter and mentor, he leaves a lasting imprint not only through the canvases he creates but also through the students he shapes and the conversations he begins.
His art speaks to something timeless: the search for connection, truth, and meaning in a rapidly changing world. In a culture often dominated by superficiality and speed, Andy Collis stands as a rare voice of depth, care, and contemplation.
Conclusion
Andy Collis is much more than a painter—he is a chronicler of human feeling, a teacher of visual integrity, and a philosopher of creative life. From the art rooms of Sheffield to the studios of Australia’s Central Coast, he has forged a path that is distinctly his own. His contributions to both the artistic and academic landscapes continue to inspire artists, collectors, and students alike. In every brushstroke, Collis invites us to pause, feel, and truly see.
