I paint as a profession. I paint because it is and always will be my passion.
About Dan
My love of art was nurtured from a young age, starting with art competitions in elementary school, and then later in high school in my hometown of Crystal Lake, IL. There, my talented instructors inspired me to follow my passion for art at Illinois State University, where I obtained my B.S. in Fine Arts. The most creative time in my life was my college years. Everything from life drawings to sculpture, ceramics, painting, and lithography; captured my attention and expanded my interest. College gave me a chance to test many different mediums, but as time passed, I always found myself returning to canvas.
I started Dan Collins Decorating, LLC in 1982. For nearly 40 years, I have been fortunate to work with many clients, updating exteriors and interiors, and utilizing my artistry for a number of murals, faux finishes, and commissioned pieces. I continue my painting, both in my professional decorating business and as a freelance artist.
My wife, Maureen, and I reside in Ellison Bay, WI. We have spent the last 35 years visiting and vacationing in Door County and finally decided to call it our home in 2021. Relocating here has been a dream for us for many years, and we love the community we have here. We’re looking forward to meeting more of our neighbors and enjoying the beauty of Door County.
Artist Statment
The beauty of the rural landscape has been a constant inspiration for me – first the farmland that surrounded my hometown of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and now in the wild spaces of my adopted Door County home. Recently these landscapes have focused on the shorelines of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. I find the challenge of depicting the transparency of water, and the rugged beauty that surrounds it, extremely satisfying.
I paint in the style of Photorealism, working primarily in acrylic on large-scale canvases. I chose this process for its great impact on experiencing the vastness of a scene. My paintings are influenced by those of Harold Gregor, my professor and internationally known artist at Illinois State University. It was there that I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts.
I really like what I do.
Dan has an exceptional eye for color and endless ideas to help maintain your home – inside and out. From interior/exterior updates to one-of-a-kind fine art paintings and wall murals, Dan approaches every project with passion and professionalism.
Get in Touch With Dan
Book a free consultation with me. I’d love to chat!