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Painting came to me later in my life.  However it came with a vengeance.  Everywhere I looked, I saw a painting peeking at me - I painted in my sleep and saw everything in a different way and I embraced it.

In the beginning, I painted in the traditional style using different brushes along with painting mediums, always waiting for the paint to dry.... I am not a patient person.  Truthfully, I am very implusive and that is my style of painting.   I was  looking for something else. Something that would say "that's a Rene Collins".

One evening with no thoughts whatsoever about painting,  I had a very strong urge to try a textured painting.  No image of a painting came to mind just beautiful heavy oil paint.  I had never seen anyone use a knife nor did I know of anyone locally that produced knife paintings.  My only logical explanation is  ... God  whispered in my ear "use a knife"

Immediately, I  headed up to my studio.  I was a lady with a mission; I wasn't questioning what I was doing.  It was a feeling that this is what I have been looking for  - it just felt right.  After squirting sap green paint on my palette, I picked up my knife and the instant my knife sliced into that gob of paint I knew .....this is what I want to do.  I proceeded to complete a 8 x 10 painting of a vase of violets.   I can't explain the joy I felt laying down that paint with my knife.  No more waiting for paint to dry.  Wet on wet of pure beautiful paint - I loved it.  I have never looked back.  Now I know;  it is more than the knife that makes my art, but discovering the knife was pivotal in the growth of my work.

 I thank God everyday for that little whisper that has allowed me to add"KnifePainter" to my name