Gail Collins
PAINTER
Artist Statement
I’m a contemporary visual artist with a lifelong passion for animals and the natural world. Working primarily in acrylic, I specialize in animal and wildlife art, creating vibrant, lifelike portraits that celebrate the spirit and individuality of my subjects. From majestic horses to quirky farm animals and beloved family pets, I aim to capture not just their appearance, but their character and presence.
Raised in Markham, Ontario, and now based in the beautiful town of Port Perry, I am an active member of the Port Perry Artists Association and the Scugog Council for the Arts. My studio practice is shaped by over four decades of creative experience, including a deeply rewarding career at the Ontario Science Centre. There, I worked as a studio artist and graphic designer, producing murals, exhibition graphics, and visual content for a variety of public-facing platforms. I retired in 2023 as the Manager of Exhibit Fabrication, ready to return full-time to my own artistic journey.
My commitment to animals extends beyond the canvas. I am proud to support the conservation and promotion of Canada’s National Horse, Le Cheval Canadien, and contribute my time and skills to preserving this remarkable breed.
These days, I paint for the pure joy of it. Whether I’m working on a commissioned piece or exploring the local landscapes and waterscapes that surround me, I find endless inspiration in the world around me. I continue to create every day, always seeking to connect with others through my work.
To view more of my art or inquire about commissions, please visit my website at stickchickenstudio.com.
Gail Collins’ Story
Gail Collins is a contemporary visual artist specializing in animal and wildlife art, known for her vibrant and lifelike acrylic paintings. Born in 1962, and raised in Markham, Ontario Collins now resides in Port Perry Ontario and is a member of the Port Perry Artists Association and the Scugog Council for the Arts.
Collins’s work is characterized by its detailed and emotive depictions of animals, including majestic equine portraits, quirky farm animals and beloved pets. Her mastery of acrylics allows her to create rich textures and dynamic compositions that bring her subjects to life on the canvas.
Spanning over four decades, Collins’s career includes a significant tenure at the Ontario Science Centre, where she worked as a studio artist and graphic designer. During her time there, she created numerous murals, exhibition graphics, social media content, and in-house promotions. Her remarkable career at the Science Centre concluded in 2023, when she retired as the Manager of Exhibit Fabrication.
In addition to her studio practice, Collins is committed to the conservation and promotion of Canada’s National Horse, Le Cheval Canadien, and generously donates her time and skills to the preservation of this incredible breed.
Gail Collins continues to live and work in Port Perry Ontario where she is enjoying creating art for pure joy and continues to produce new works every day. She is open to commissions and is also exploring local landscapes and waterscapes, drawing inspiration from whatever captures her imagination.
stickchichenstudio.com