SPEED artist Colin Atkins will showcase some of his work this weekend at an exhibition at Ellenbrook Arts.
Atkins has had a successful 45-year career as an artist, but has only held a handful of exhibitions due to the nature of his work.
He is best known for his ability to complete a painting in 15 minutes, which is usually done in front of an audience.
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READ NOWAtkins said he first got into speed painting in the late ‘70s in Melbourne by complete accident.
“I won a commission to paint a mural at the Melbourne Hotel and in those days they had strippers in the pub for entertainment,” he said.
“I was there one day working on my mural and the strippers didn’t arrive, and it was a packed house, so I got up and did a painting while everyone was watching and the barman bought it; I haven’t stopped since.”
He said a lot of his work was usually for theatre, advertising and charity events as entertainment.
“I have around 20 to 30 pieces on show and I’ll be doing a speed painting on the opening night,” he said
“My work ranges from landscape, portrait and modern art.”
Atkins is one of few speed artists in Australia and his work has taken him all over the world.
There will be live speed painting on the opening night and door prizes.
The exhibition will open Saturday at 6pm and run through until November 12 at Ellenbrook Arts.
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