Cynthia is a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana where she earned her Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Advertising Design. Her father, who is also an artist, encouraged Cynthia's interest in painting at a young age. She followed in his footsteps by making the study of painting her life's passion.
Cynthia is well known for producing art that fuses the innocent and the provocative. Her recognizable "kiss" portraits pop off the canvas with an explosion of lips in juicy colors and vibrant hues. Regarding her kiss paintings, Agora Gallery in Chelsea, New York remarks, "Instantly disarming, fun loving, and affectionate, Cynthia Colis woos audiences with paintings that feature young women with pouting lips poised for kisses. There is an endearing quality in each painting found in the innocent expectation of reciprocal affection from the viewer. Her exquisite brushwork and painterly modeling of flesh tones adds to the air of exuberance and joy in the work focused around the full, red lips of each woman."
Most recently, Cynthia studied with internationally recognized and award-winning Slovenian artist, Joze Ciuha, in Sipan, Croatia. Inspired by her trip and Ciuha's mantra of letting go, her newest “kiss” pieces reflect a fluid style. As for her subjects, Cynthia explains, "I love to capture on canvas intimate, happy moments--like the feeling of a first kiss. I find beauty in these moments, and I am drawn towards them as subjects for the positive impact they have on the soul."
THE MEANING OF ART
Cynthia hesitates to express herself verbally, preferring to use her paintings as a means of communicating her thoughts and feelings. She is passionate about expressing herself in this way and doing so gives her a comfort and peace that can be seen in her work. She could be anywhere in the world, but if she is painting at her easel, then she feels at home. In the past, she produced works of art that demonstrate the fusion of the innocent and the provocative. Her most recognizable portraits nearly pop off the canvas with an explosion of lips in juicy colors and vibrant hues. The jazz and blues musicians that she honors with her brush and palette radiate the energy and the emotion of the music that they play. Her desire to express herself through art challenges her. Yet, the more difficult her task becomes, the more she appreciates the challenge. To her, art is about endurance and faith, and the challenge is crucial. Because she puts so much mental and emotional exertion into each painting, she is sensitive and almost materialistic towards her artwork. Yet, she realizes that she still has much to learn, both in life and art. As the old adage goes, learning is a lifelong process, and Cynthia welcomes any new wisdom with open arms.