About Me, Colleen Overend

Like so many of us, I have had a lifelong passion for art. Primarily I am a self-taught artist. From the time I was a small child, I have had a strong interest in people and aptitude for portraying them. Although practical considerations led me to choose a different path, I never lost interest in my art.

In 2004 I began a full-time career as a portrait artist. Since then my work has been displayed in regional, national, and international juried exhibitions. My portraits hang in homes throughout southern Ontario.

Portraits are my first love. They are the most challenging and the most rewarding. The subtleties of expression and all that can be read in the eyes hold an infinite fascination for me. Trying to go beyond technical skill to capture those elusive qualities that make each of us unique and tell the story of the individual being portrayed, is at the heart of my interest in portraiture.

My choice of medium is coloured pencil. Colour is slowly built up using layer after layer of different pencils until the desired effect is achieved. They can look like a painting or drawing. Using various techniques they can take on the appearance of pastels, watercolours, or oils. I am constantly amazed at what the humble little pencil can achieve.

In 2006 I discovered ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions and Originals - 2.5" x 3.5") and have been addicted ever since. ACEOs are such fun to create and have allowed me the priviledge of selling my art worldwide.

Art, to me, is all about passion, fulfillment, and just plain feeling good. I think feeling good is entirely underrated. If one of my paintings brings a smile to your face, then I have succeeded.