Colin Christie is a Scottish artist working in landscape, still life and portraiture. He recently developed an innovative angle to his practice, wedding portraits completed during a couple’s reception. They are a unique and special record of the event. For these occasions he has turned to working with Atelier Interactive because this paint dries fast like other acrylics but gives him the freedom of technique he requires.

Colin has contacted Chroma,U.K. and written, “With the Interactives the
paint behaves even better than the Alkyd oils I use – absolutely tremendous. Plus the ability to go back and soften transitions and edges makes it a real pleasure to use. The flexibility is exceptional…”

He studied at Edinburgh College of Art and the Glasgow School of Art then went on to work in Graphics and Architecture until 1984 when a career change saw him join the staff at the then Napier College of Edinburgh. He has lectured and then worked freelance in Interior Design, Computer Aided Design, Graphics and Technology. In 2006 Colin took up a physical paint brush, setting aside his graphics computer for an easel. He exhibits in many Scottish galleries and paints commissions in a variety of genre. Having such a background in visual art and design has allowed him to build up a formidable repertoire of skills.

For these commissions Colin attends the reception and gets the couple (or sometimes it's just the bride) to pose for a few photos of his own, usually just after the official photos have been taken. In addition he needs his tools of trade and a few square feet of floor space. It takes him around 2 hours to paint the finished piece and the portraits are ready to take away at the reception’s close. There is no disruption to the proceedings and the live painting of a portrait is a big draw for the guests, sometimes it takes a little longer with interruptions. A finished portrait including the frame is about 60 x 80cms.

The main portrait shown, Wedding 2 –was painted with Interactives. Christie says that, “for a live portrait on Saturday – (it) worked a treat - 2.5 hours start to finish and everyone (was) over the moon.” A few other examples of his work are also shown below.

Colin Christie’s contacts in the U.K. to discuss his work his are 01506 880 529/ 077 077 51840 and c.christie@gmx.co.uk

To view further samples of his work go to his website at http://www.chrisart.biz.