From San Antonio, Texas, he was one of the founding members of the
Watercolor Gang, a Director of the San Antonio School of Art, and
president of the Artist and Designers Society. For many years he was an
instructor at Trinity University, the Jewish Community Center of San
Antonio, and the San Antonio Art Institute.
After his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, Collins Joined the
Pitluk Group in 1953 and worked for them until he retired in 1988 as Sr.
Art Director. He designed the Major Brochure for "Hemisfair-1968". This
elaborate brochure was printed in large quantities and was distributed
throughout the world. His most noted piece of art that has been seen by
millions is the symbol that he created for the San Antonio Spurs. He
developed many corporate symbols including those for Zachry, La Quinta,
Market Square, and many more advertising designs.
Finis
Collins loves helping developing artists. For over 25 years, he spent
his evenings as an Instructor of Art. He was Owner and Director of the
San Antonio School of Art. (1964-1968) At one time, he directed a staff
of 13 teachers covering every facet of Commercial and Fine Art. He was
an Instructor of Advertising Art and Design at Trinity University. He
also instructed at the San Antonio Craft Center and the San Antonio Art
Institute. For over a dozen years he held Watercolor Classes in Fine Art
at the Jewish Community Center. He now paints full time.
Although Finis
Collins is well known for his transparent watercolors, he is also
proficient in brush and pallet knife in oils on canvas.
Collins has held the Office of President of the Artist and Designers
Society (1964) and the President of the Texas Watercolor Society (2003).
He has earned, through his many awards in fine art, the honor of
wearing the prestigious TWS Purple Sagebrush Pin. He has been honored by
many Art Galleries with numerous Shows. Collectors throughout the world
have purchased his original paintings and Limited Edition Prints.
Finis is one of the Founding Members of the Watercolor Gang. (
Established over 43 years ago) The Gang has painted America from coast
to coast, Europe five times and Mexico many times. These five artists
are considered one of the oldest and finest Plein Air painting groups in
America. Finis and his artist wife, "Edie" love to travel
and paint together. They have toured and painted in over one dozen
countries in Europe and traveling in their RV they have painted, (with
the exception of six states), all of the Continental United States.