Martin Collier, also known as Marcol from ArtistAffect, is an artist driven by a love for painting and an insatiable curiosity about the materials he works with. His journey into art is personal and hands-on—Collier doesn’t just create paintings, he explores the very pigments that bring them to life. Frustrated by a supplier’s lack of communication about an order, he decided to take matters into his own hands, venturing into making his own oil paints from raw pigment. This desire for control over his materials speaks to his deep connection with his craft.
His approach to art is both thoughtful and instinctual. Inspired by artists like Stefan Bauman, Collier understands that painters are performers in their own right. Their work must be seen, shared, and experienced by an audience. But at the core of it all, he simply loves to paint. His enthusiasm for the process, from mixing paint to placing brushstrokes on the canvas, fuels his creative practice.
The Fence from Imagination
One of Collier’s works, The Fence from Imagination, reflects this passion for painting without limitations. The piece is a landscape—one that doesn’t depict a real place, but instead comes from within his mind. The painting features a wooden fence in the foreground, separating the viewer from an expanse of open land. Wildflowers dot the grassy field, their yellow hues standing out against the earthy tones. Beyond the field, a dark, rich stretch of soil contrasts with the vibrant greenery. In the distance, a mountain rises, partially covered in foliage, with the sky opening up above, soft clouds drifting in the blue.
It’s a simple, quiet scene. But the key detail is in the title—it’s from imagination. The landscape doesn’t belong to any one place, and that’s what makes it engaging. It’s not about recreating a specific location but rather capturing a feeling, a sense of space and openness. There’s a familiarity to it, as though it could be anywhere, yet nowhere in particular.
The textures in the painting add to its organic quality. The brushwork in the grass is loose and expressive, giving movement to the wildflowers and plants. The mountainside is built up with layers of color, rough and uneven, mimicking nature’s unpredictability. The fence, though simple in its structure, serves as a grounding element, guiding the eye into the painting.
A Hands-On Artist
Collier’s dedication to his craft extends beyond just putting paint on canvas. His interest in making his own oil paints highlights a deeper investment in the medium itself. Many artists work with store-bought supplies without questioning their origins, but Collier is willing to experiment, learn, and take control of his materials.
This hands-on approach is reflective of his broader artistic philosophy. He values exploration—whether it’s testing new techniques, engaging in artistic communities, or learning from fellow painters. His time on platforms like YouTube, where he follows artists such as Stefan Bauman, reinforces his belief that art is meant to be shared.
While many artists struggle with visibility in an oversaturated world, Collier embraces the idea that artists, like performers, need an audience. His presence on art forums, social media, and other creative spaces is part of his journey, a way to connect with like-minded individuals and grow as an artist.
The Joy of Painting
Ultimately, Collier’s story isn’t about following traditional paths or rigid expectations—it’s about the love of painting. His work, like The Fence from Imagination, is a reflection of that passion. It’s about creating something out of nothing, exploring new methods, and continuing to develop as an artist.
Whether through experimenting with pigments, learning from fellow creators, or simply enjoying the act of painting, Martin Collier exemplifies what it means to be an artist who paints for the sheer love of it.
