My first watercolor painting of “floating architecture”
In late November last year my husband Bruce and I took a few weeks to visit New Zealand. We spent part of the time in Auckland, the city where I grew up and launched my art career. While there I held an artist workshop, was part of a panel discussion about art and creativity with community leaders, and I also presented my Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award to leaders of the Toroa Preservation Society (TPS) for their ongoing efforts to restore and make sea-worthy Auckland’s only surviving steam-powered ferry boat. While I have been involved in the promotion of historic preservation for many years in the United States, this is my first maritime subject. My award was this original pen and watercolor painting featuring the 100-year-old Toroa sailing into the…
Watercolor Painting of iconic Mud House Coffee House, St Louis MO
Instead of clamoring for awards, why not give one instead? I know this is a whole new way for artists to look at things, but many years ago I observed talented artists constantly entering competitions and then waiting for the judges to make their pronouncements. Being that I have always found it more rewarding to give and to serve than to receive and hope for recognition, I decided to create my own award. So in 2013 I launched the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award as my way of giving back to those who work tirelessly to preserve the architectural legacy in this country. And since moving to Benton Park in St. Louis a couple of years ago, I have been working to honor and build this neighborhood and city, through…
More Than a House Portrait — A Personal Handwritten Touch
Make someone’s mailbox the best part of their day. We live in a crazy, uncertain world, but despite everything, one thing we can agree on is that our home is our safe place. I hope you are continuing to enjoy the house portrait I created of your lovely home. After all, your home is a place filled with memories, milestones, and meaning. What if you could share it? In a digital world, a handwritten card stands out. It’s tangible. It’s intentional. It’s unforgettable. I truly believe in the value of handwritten notes. In fact I love receiving things in the mail -- besides bills and junk mail that is! [caption id="attachment_55369" align="alignleft" width="350"] I love to write notes to friends on my personal notecards that have my own house…
Hand-Painted House Portrait – Oldest B&B in California!
Living History: Pen and watercolor painting of 1852 Gothic style home Hello my art-loving friends! For those of us currently housebound by snow, ice, and bitter cold, I wanted to share something a little uplifting: architectural images and hand crafted house art that radiates warmth and reminds us that spring is not as far away as it seems. Recently, I was honored to be asked by the new owners the Shaw House Inn to create a house painting of this charming beauty. Nestled in the heart of Ferndale, California, the Shaw House Inn isn’t just a place to stay — as the oldest Bed & Breakfast in California, it’s a living piece of history. Ferndale itself is a beautifully preserved Victorian village, and the Shaw House stands as its oldest…
Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award in the Island of Aruba!
Acknowledging a hidden treasure in Oranjestad, Aruba I was honored to presented my latest Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award on August 28, 2025, to Pancho Geerman, the Director of the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba, for the museum’s “outstanding contribution to historic and cultural preservation in Aruba, and for the rich educational service they provide both in Aruba and for all international visitors.” Here is the award, an original pen and watercolor painting. My portrait features the entire museum venue as well as the restored historic dwellings. These include the original 1867 cunucu (native) homes and the 1929 colonial mansion, in addition to an integrated modern structure. [caption id="attachment_53216" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award which was presented to the Director of the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba[/caption] As…
House portraits of treasured childhood homes throughout the USA
The Timeless Value of a House Portrait: I Love to Honor the Heart of Your Family's Story In every family's journey, there is one constant—the place where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and life quietly unfolds. Whether it's the creaky-floored farmhouse you grew up in, the city townhouse where your children took their first steps, or the cozy cottage that welcomed years of holiday gatherings, your family home holds stories that no photograph or written memory can fully capture. [caption id="attachment_53205" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Des Plaines, IL, Craftsman house portrait of family home with their old vintage car[/caption] In essence, home is where life happens. It’s where your children took their first steps, where holidays came to life, and where everyday moments quietly turned into treasured memories. But homes change,…
Watercolor Portraits of Porches, Patios and Garden Scantuaries
Bringing the outdoor in. . . There’s a quiet magic in the spaces that lie just beyond our doors—places where the indoors meet the open air, and life slows to a gentler pace. Porches, patios, and outdoor gardens may be simple in design, but their impact on our well-being and happiness runs deep. They’re not just architectural features or landscaping choices—they’re invitations to reconnect with nature, with others, and with ourselves. [caption id="attachment_52863" align="aligncenter" width="1293"] Pen and watercolor portrait of Craftsman porch with wicker furniture.[/caption] Porch Portraits to die for . . . The front porch has long been a symbol of welcome and connection. It’s where neighbors wave hello, where the morning paper is retrieved with a cup of coffee in hand, and where rocking chairs creak to the…
Altadena House Portrait of Home Lost to Eaton Fires
Original portrait of home to capture special family memories. . . A home isn't just a structure—it's where memories, routines, and identity are formed. Losing it can feel like the death of a loved one. It is one of the most traumatic and destabilizing experiences a person or family can go through. The impact ripples across multiple dimensions of life. When the deadly Eaton Fires swept through Altadena CA last January, it's impact was profound. Over 9,000 structures were destroyed, including homes, beloved businesses, and historic landmarks. This mangled fire-charred Altadena home was one of the sad casualties. My client, Trafton, contacted me recently saying that this was the home he and his siblings grew up in and that he would like me to create a house portrait of the…
Working on my Dunedin House Portrait Collection
My Dunedin Connection. . . Growing up in New Zealand, I always longed to visit Dunedin Scotland. Although I have since travelled all over England, I still haven't made it there. But ironically, Dunedin, New Zealand, was one of the first cities I explored on my travelling artistic adventure throughout NZ in the late 70's. [caption id="attachment_52345" align="alignleft" width="400"] Dunedin, New Zealand has same coastal vibe as Dunedin FL[/caption] Since then I have to come to realize that Dunedin Florida has some stark similiarites. They are both situated on the coast, and both have very interesting architecture, which for me is always a main draw. Dunedin NZ, the oldest city in the country, was founded by Scottish settlers and its name also derives from the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh,…
