Artist Gabriella Collier paints expressive, ethereal landscapes using acrylic and mixed media. Learn more about this artist by visiting her website.
![“Fluff” Acrylic, 40” x 40” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Fluff-Acrylic-40x40-2.jpg)
“Fluff” Acrylic, 40” x 40”
From a young age, I always had a keen interest in drawing. I had never really painted until I attended art college. It was there that I discovered that I was a painter.
![“Above and Around Me” Acrylic, 40” x 60” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Above-and-around-me-Acrylic-40x60-2.jpg)
“Above and Around Me” Acrylic, 40” x 60”
I studied a total of four years, which included a one year fundamental intensive program followed by a three year illustration diploma program.
![Artist Gabriella Collier in her studio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/X-artist-in-studio-2.jpg)
Artist Gabriella Collier in her studio
After graduating, I worked for more than ten years in graphic and commercial advertising companies, but always kept my own practice of painting at home.
![“Connected” Acrylic, 36” x 48” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Connected-Acrylic-36x48-2.jpg)
“Connected” Acrylic, 36” x 48”
When I began painting at home, I would paint landscapes. College was always geared towards design and conceptual and figurative studies for the commercial workplace, so when I painted at home, it was an opportunity to explore landscapes.
![“Creations of the Mind” Acrylic, 30” x 60”by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Creations-of-the-mind-Acrylic-30x60-2.jpg)
“Creations of the Mind” Acrylic, 30” x 60”
Having a home studio allowed me to paint every day. Since then, I have been creating landscapes, primarily beachscapes. My beachscapes came about from having a cottage on Wasaga Beach, which is north of Toronto.
![“Pompous Cloud” Acrylic, 12” x 24” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Pompous-Cloud-Acrylic-12x24-2.jpg)
“Pompous Cloud” Acrylic, 12” x 24”
I would I paint plein air, but I would also make quick drawings and take photographs. Now, I only use the reference from my on-location drawings to produce work in my studio.
![“Overlook” Acrylic, 36” x 48” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Overlook-Acrylic-36x48-2.jpg)
“Overlook” Acrylic, 36” x 48”
In my studio, I use mainly acrylics, but I also find myself mixing in pastels, graphite and other media to help me explore my images. To me, the image is the starting point but not the final goal.
![“Water Patterns” Acrylic, 40” x 40” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Water-Patterns-Acrylic-40x40-2.jpg)
“Water Patterns” Acrylic, 40” x 40”
I like to integrate texture and gestural qualities into the work to create movement. I also play with pouring colours and using drips to create interest. Changing the way I begin my paintings also keeps me exploring new ways of interpretation.
![“Scenic Contemplation” Acrylic, 48” x 72” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Scenic-contemplations-Acryic-48x72-2.jpg)
“Scenic Contemplation” Acrylic, 48” x 72”
It is the combination of these practices that I like to use in order to produce something a little bit different each time.
![“Reflective Beach” Acrylic, 30” x 30”by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Reflective-beach-Acrylic-30x30-2.jpg)
“Reflective Beach” Acrylic, 30” x 30”
Even though I am deeply rooted to the traditional image, my goal is to continue pushing towards abstraction. I think by pursuing this idea, it will give me more freedom and a chance to explore the media as well as the images.
![“At a Snails Pace” Acrylic, 36” x 36” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Snails-pace-Acrylic-36x36-2.jpg)
“At a Snails Pace” Acrylic, 36” x 36”
My inspiration comes from the interesting and quiet settings of landscapes that I encounter. I find myself in awe of the enormity and power that they hold. This is what I strive to capture when I paint.
![“Walking Buddy” Acrylic, 30” x 30” by artist Gabriella Collier. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Walking-buddy-Acrylic-30x30-2.jpg)
“Walking Buddy” Acrylic, 30” x 30”
My work is frequently used for commercials, movies, HGTV home renovation shows, as well as many home magazines.
Artist Gabriella Collier invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
I saw your beachscape work on HGTV. Nice!