Berkeley Lake Artist Dedicates His Work to US Armed Forces

The community of Berkeley Lake may be one of the county's smallest with a population of just over 2,000 residents but it's a town brimming with artistic talent. Over the past several months we've profiled a number of the artists in this Gwinnett enclave, today we focus on the work of Britt Taylor Collins.

When viewing Collins' art, his military paintings are so lifelike and dramatic; you immediately grasp his fervor for the courage, patriotism and heroism of the military - and the often-heartbreaking pathos that war represents.

There are just a handful of artists who have chosen war as their subject, and because of the stunning impact of Britt’s work and his consistent dedication, there is an ocean of appreciation shown by all those who have been privileged to share both his work and his incredible passion.

Having been raised in a military family, Britt was determined to serve his country, but was rejected because of his eyesight. But the museum quality paintings he creates carry as strong a message as that of many soldiers who engage in battle.

Says Britt; “My art is dedicated to the men and women of this country who have served.  We are free because of their diligence, persistence and their desire to serve. Their effort inspires me to portray their efforts the very best I can.”

A Communication Arts graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Britt studied graphic design, illustration and photography. His most influential professors just happened to be tops in their field. Ed Bedno became the Design Curator for the Air Space Museum and Phillip Meggs; History of Graphic Design is now the standard textbook in the field. 

Before graduating, Britt was recognized by New York’s Society of Illustrators for excellence in student achievement.  This put him well on his way to illustrating over 200 magazine and book covers working with every Christian publisher in America, in addition to free lancing for ad agencies and book publishers from Richmond to Chicago. 

After moving into the field of fine art, his limited edition prints were produced by Bendix and Boeing for the Paris Air Show Print Series.  He was asked to participate in the 2000 Celebrate Messiah event where his work was hung in the Jerusalem International Convention Center.  He is equally brilliant at painting nature and portraits as he is in his depiction of war.

 It was his father-in-law, Lt. Col. Edward S. Hamilton that pointed him in the direction of using the military as his subject matter. He then asked him to memorialize the 90^th infantry division’s final battles at Normandy. 

Closing the Gap will be in the permanent collection of the museum at West Point. The Limited Edition prints can be seen in the Musee du Normandie on Utah Beach, in addition to five military museums in France and the US. 

The Last Round is now on permanent exhibit at the Ft. Sill Field Artillery Museum in Oklahoma.  Since redirecting his career, Britt has worked for the Department of Defense, the United States Army and Army Reserve, The U.S. Marine Corp, WW2 Associations, as well as private benefactors both here and in Europe. His commissions and accomplishments are literally too lengthy to list.

 Britt’s most recent accolade came this month, when he was honored by a Georgia House of Representatives resolution for his extraordinary body of work and numerous accomplishments in portraying the selfless sacrifice of Americia’s Military heroes.

He is known for his We Gotta Get Out Of This Place and Boots on the Ground logos, Vietnam Image Collection and other productions.  

Britt has organized Veteran’s Day Parades, created the Operation Huey Ride Pilot program, served as squad leader for the AAHF Sky Soldiers Air shows, participated in WWII associations and served as the U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador to the State of Georgia. He recently retired from an Army/Civilian position as the Ambassador the Army Reserve for the State of Georgia. 

Britt and his wife Patty reside in Berkeley Lake where he just incidentally designed the community’s logo.  In addition to the gallerys and museums in France and Germany, his work can be found at the Gwinnett Gallery in Duluth.