Monroe Louisiana, Local Art.

C. D. (Darlene) Collins See things differently than the rest of us.  Where we may see an old house, historical landmark, or even a fun memory, C. D. sees character, struggles, defining moments, highlights, milestones, good times and bad.  In other words, C. D. sees life.

And it is through the use of a color palette composed of primary colors plus black and white, the layering of those select colors, and a free expressive style, she is able to take the viewer on a journey, an insightful, "soulful" journey into the past.  A person can envision his or herself sipping lemonade, a mint julep, or bourbon at sunset.  The bell of the streetcar can be heard as it clanks down the track toward its stop.  One can hear the buzz and excitement generated by opening night of the county fair with the carnival music playing and vendors urging one and all to partake in everything from cotton candy to games and rides.

Art attracted C. D.  at an early age.  After success in some elementary school art contest, she decided to make art a career following taking an art class her senior year in high school.  With influences around her saying the only way to make a living at art was through graphic design, she pursued and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northeast Louisiana University in 1986.  Graphic design work left her feeling shallow and unfulfilled.

With a desire to make a difference in the world, she spent 14 years teaching elementary, middle and high school art.  There was still something missing, the freedom to create her own work.

A new style had emerged during her time in the classroom which combined her graphic design and rendering skills with the depth of color flowing from her soul.  Now she is able to express and share her gift of insight and painting with a much wider audience. 

Check out C. D.'s Work @

See C. D. (Darlene's)  Work in Person @

Newberry Antique Mall & Gallery                            

Newberry, South Carolina                                                                    

( Ask for Hamilton)

 Ouachita River Art Gallery

308 Trenton Street

 West Monroe, Lousiana   

  The Attic Gallery        

 1101 Washington St.

 Vicksburg, Mississippi

 (Ask for Leslie)

Cinematic & Elegant Productions Studio 

130 North Second Street

Monroe, Louisiana