Colette grew up in West Vancouver with the ocean, mountains and forests as her constant backyard. She has always been surrounded by artists, architects, scholars and collectors. They have educated and cultivated Colette’s appreciation of both Western and Asian art, which included works by B.C. contemporary artists as well as modern 20th Century Chinese paintings. Creativity has been part of her life through study, painting and design. Colette has travelled to China and Hong Kong experiencing many cultural venues. All these influences have shaped the personal aesthetic, philosophy and creative energy that she brings to her paintings.
Colette went to the University of British Columbia for her Bachelor of Arts (history honours) and law degree. She practised law in Vancouver. Eventually Colette wound up her law practice to pursue her creative path and evolve as a committed artist, as well as to engage in the arts community. She completed a Fine Art Certificate program at Emily Carr University of Art & Design. She has served on the boards of the Vancouver Art Gallery, the West Vancouver Community Arts Council, and the board of The Gordon & Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists. Colette paints in her studio in West Vancouver.