My Most Impossible House Portraits EVER!
See how they were transformed into pen and watercolor house portrait paintings . . . Many people think that it’s the intricate detail or size of buildings that makes creating paintings of them really difficult. I would disagree. The most insurmountable aspect is when you can’t SEE your subject, due to obstacles, messes or poor visibility. All I can say, is that it’s a good job I like challenges! Just for fun, take a look at this short video with my most impossible house portraits . . . along with the final outcome for each of them. If you've ever wondered whether a favorite home could be painted despite trees, landscaping, renovations, or an imperfect photograph, I hope this video shows that almost anything is possible. Of course I would love…
Stunning House Portraits of Denver, Colorado
The Architectural Heritage of Denver Homes I'm enjoying expanding my series of Denver home paintings. After all Denver's neighborhoods tell the story of the city's growth, prosperity, and changing architectural tastes. Walking through the Mile High City is like taking a journey through more than a century of residential design, where Victorian mansions, charming bungalows, sturdy Denver Squares, and elegant Tudor homes stand side by side. Many of the homes that inspire my original pen-and-watercolor house portraits were built during Denver's great building booms of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Each home reflects a particular moment in the city's history and the people who helped shape it. [caption id="attachment_57285" align="aligncenter" width="600"] This winter house portrait of a Denver historic home captures the snowy magic of the season[/caption] Victorian…
House Portrait as Father’s Day Gift
Hello friends, Here's the good news. . . It's not too late for a unique, one-of-a-kind Father's Day gift! Fuel the love affair that a favorite man in your life has with his home. Not only that, it is a gift that you and everyone else can enjoy as well, displayed on the wall for all to see. Let's face it, that man in your life is likely to already have everything imaginable. Is there anything you could give him that is truly original???? The answer is YES! Order a custom House Portrait Gift Certicate . . . So don't worry that you have missed the boat on an original portriat as a Father's Day gift. . . with a House Portrait Gift Certificate (as seen above) we can work together to create a true work…
House portraits and rural setting providing creative inspiration
My pop-up rustic country studio. . . I have always lived in the city, while occasionally staying briefly in the country. Other artist friends have told me how a peaceful rural setting plays a significant role in their creative process. So finally I decided to try it out. From the gentle soundtrack of birdsong in the morning to the golden glow of sunset across a canvas in the evening, I've discovered this tranquil rual setting at the family farmhouse in northern Michigan does offer an environment where art and nature exist in harmony. A Unique Artistic Voice I am not sure how long I will last here in this placid environment, without walkable coffee houses, favorite cafes and coffee planning sessions with friends, but it certainly doesn't hinder artistic productivity…
House Portraits of Traverse City Michigan. . . that preserve the soul of the city
On a beautiful summer day, 14 years ago, when I had only just launched my artist career, I briefly visited Traverse City in northern Michigan. That day I realized I wasn’t simply documenting buildings — I was preserving memories. Due to my short stay in 2012, I only captured three Traverse City homes with my pen and watercolor, as featured in this post. However, each of these three painitngs taught me to slow down and truly observe the details that make historic homes special. The curve of a porch railing, the texture of aging cedar shingles, the shadows beneath mature maple trees — these are the elements that give a home its soul. And this is why I am now back in the beautiful Traverse City area, but this time…
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…
