Leonard Murray Collins
Artist CV

Born in Benoni, South Africa in 1947

Matriculated with Latin and Fine Arts as major subjects

Studied part-time at Fine Arts and History of Art in the 60’s and 70’s

Worked in various jobs to finance studies

Left IBM in 1973 and worked as professional artist after a stint overseas in London and Spain

Became renowned for large mural work and decorated Theatres in Johannesburg and Discotheque in Swaziland with large African style murals

Received a number of similar commissions but focused mainly on portraiture

Taught drawing and painting privately for 10 years

Developed Surrealist/Expressionist style interpreting topical events/social commentaries through distorting elements of the human body

Developed a painting style in order to underscore the natural elements of life and draw attention to social anomalies and other aspects of 21st century life

Currently involved with social commentary translated graphically with symbolism onto canvas

Held 7 exhibitions between 1972 and 1977. Won People’s Choice Award at Serpentine Gallery, Lismore in 2010. Submitted and was mentioned in Gallipoli Prize in 2011

Due to personal circumstances, entered business and used artistic prowess in Marketing and Advertising culminating in a successful business to date

Continued to paint prolifically throughout and develop my chosen style

Works in oils, acrylics and mixed media and completely fluent in line  drawing and other graphic forms