Serenity Now
Up to 15 works
Mountain Trails Gallery
301 Main Street, Park City, UT 84060, (435) 615-8748 www.mountaintrailsgalleries.com
We could all use a little peace and tranquility these days, and nothing gets you to that meditative state quite like the work of Troy Collins. Starting December 18, Mountain Trails Gallery will be displaying Collins colorful, serene paintings of trees.
Collins has no shortage of inspiration, with his studio location in the mountains of
Hamilton, Montana, surrounded by 20 acres of land. “People often ask me how I get my inspiration,” says Collins. “It’s not tough. I walk about my back door and I’m right in the middle of aspens and cottonwoods, and I look out my window at the Bitterroot River.”
When Collins first started painting, it was all about aspen groves “because of their character and white bark,” Collins says. “Having lived in Montana for most of my life, I’ve always been drawn to them.”
While trees are Collins main focus, he’s evolved his work to also include florals, figurative work and animals such as big horn sheep and buffalo displayed on a white backgrounds. Some of these new themes will also be displayed at the show, alongside his infamous trees. In addition, viewers can expect to see a different approach to his work than in past collections.
“What I’ve been doing lately, ever since Covid, is slowing down and not painting as many pieces,” Collins explains. “Instead, I’m taking them further than I use to, maybe because I’ve been getting pickier about what I’m representing to the public, but I’ve been working on higher quality paintings; taking more care and creating stronger work.”
Viewers should also take note of his unique style and technique on what he likes to call “finger painting.” This entails grabbing piles of paint with his hands and working it with his fingers and palette knife on the canvas, to then create edges and design. Collins also utilizes traditional paint mixing on a glass palette and applying with a palette knife.
Despite the recent state of affairs, Collins remains happy and focused, partially due to the continued support and encouragement of his wife and family. “I’m happy and I think it contributes to what people may sense in my work,” says Collins. "Part of it is due to the color in the paintings but also my personality. One of the biggest compliments I get, is that my pieces bring people peace and joy."
Join Mountain Trails Gallery in experiencing the serenity from December 18 through December 28, with an opening reception December 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.