Art Blog

Introducing another piece in my abandoned building series

Introducing another piece in my abandoned building series

Historic Perservation, House Portraits, New Art, News
Happy Spring my friends! It is no secret that I am passionate about saving historic buildings.  I consider them works of art and after all, architecture is about people. Our built history is created by people and it is people that give life to brick and mortar. Instead, one of the key reasons I created my coffee table book, Hand Painted Homes - An Artist's Pen and Watercolor Journey Across America,  (which I released in 2021) was to raise awareness of the fact that hundreds of historic homes and buildings are being torn down every day in this country.  I decided to document beautiful vintage structures before it was too late. Sadly, many of the homes that I feature in my book, no longer stand today. Last August I moved…
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My Latest Historic Preservation Award goes to . .

My Latest Historic Preservation Award goes to . .

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, New Art
Awardees Jenifer and Ivan Garcia! As Jenifer and Ivan Garcia, the founders of Garcia Properties, state on their website, they formed their enterprise with one driving desire -- to leave whatever they touched a little better. Two decades later, after renovating and otherwise bringing back to life almost one hundred individual properties across St. Louis, they have indeed kept to their word. The award presentation took place on May 23, in the upstairs lounge of the Golden Hoosier Restaurant and Bar on South Kingshighway in South St. Louis.  The Alderman for the 10th Ward, Joe Vollmer, joined me in honoring the Garcias. [caption id="attachment_33858" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Unveiling the award painting to Jenifer and Ivan Garcia[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_33859" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] 10th Ward Alderman, Joe Vollmer, joined me in honoring the Garcias.[/caption]…
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The Despair of Abandoned Homes

The Despair of Abandoned Homes

Historic Perservation, House Portraits, New Art, News
Happy Valentine’s Day friends! It is no secret that I have a love affair with saving historic buildings.  I consider them works of art and after all, architecture is about people. Our built history is created by people and it is people that give brick and mortar life. I moved to St. Louis seven months ago knowing that one of the biggest problems confronting this city is abandoned homes and buildings.  And while the city and preservation advocates have worked diligently over the years to improve this situation, today out of a total of 129,500 properties, a whopping 25,000 are considered vacant and abandoned. As I drive around the city, it breaks my heart to see crumbling and discarded buildings, however their beauty and form can still be seen behind…
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My Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

My Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Historic Perservation, New Art, News
The birth home of a truly great American Last year, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, I painted this portrait of the Atlanta, Georgia home where the great orator, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and leader of the American civil rights movement was born. I wanted to pay my respect and celebrate his life and legacy the best way I know how — with my paintbrush.   Martin Luther King Jr. (originally named Michael Jr.) was born on the second floor of this clapboard Victorian house on January 15, 1929, and he lived there for the first twelve years of his life. His home was a happy one, and he once said, “I grew up in a family where love was central and where lovely relationships were ever present.” Located…
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2022:  Year in Review

2022: Year in Review

New Art, News
Hello friends, Now that the whirl of the holiday season is over, I decided it was time to stop for a minute and reflect on achievements of 2022, before I become completely engulfed in the activities of 2023! My husband, Bruce, and I spent the first part of the year in Lansing, Michigan, helping Bruce's Mom, Crystal, who sadly passed away in early May.  At 89 years of age, Crystal lived a happy and fulfilling life and most importantly she went on her own terms, without suffering and even won at the casino that very last day.  She will always be an inspiration to me in terms of living life to the fullest. By August we were on our way to our next adventure and by September we had settled…
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The Joy of Living in a Historic Neighborhood

The Joy of Living in a Historic Neighborhood

Historic Perservation, Historic Preservation, New Art, News
Painting a local bookstore and cafe. Just two blocks away from our home, sitting right on the edge of Benton Park with a tranquil view of the lake from the outdoor patio, is Spine Bookstore and Café. [caption id="attachment_32691" align="aligncenter" width="1483"] The latest painting in my Benton Park neighborhood series, Spine Bookstore & Cafe[/caption]   I has provided a nice walkable respite for me when I need a break – and a good coffee.  One can often find the owner, Mark Pannebecker, behind the bar and he is always good for a yarn and a laugh. In the evenings, Spine offers open mic, live music, book readings and poetry and you can grab a beer, wine or one of their cocktail specials. In fact, Spine was voted Best Indy Bookstore…
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New Home and Studio in St. Louis!

New Home and Studio in St. Louis!

News
Leaving Michigan . . . . It was a blustery summer day and finally all signs of city life were now behind us. I was at the wheel. Bruce seemed to be aimlessly flicking through his phone. Lush green trees and fields dotted with red barns, farmhouses and haystacks lay before me. This was pure Michigan at its best!  We were headed due south for a welcome break in Florida and planned to make camp for the night in German Village, Columbus.  We had promised ourselves a nice hotel and I was dreaming about the hot tub that awaited us. . . Suddenly, the idyllic silence was broken.  "I found it!" exclaimed Bruce excitedly.  "It's just been listed - it's the house we've been looking for!" We had already decided…
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Featuring a Historic Preservation Hero!

Featuring a Historic Preservation Hero!

Historic Perservation, Historic Preservation, News
Highlighting the woman behind the transformation of a historic Grand Rapids MI Church into a community art center [caption id="attachment_30664" align="alignright" width="491"] The painting of what will become a vibrant art center on Hermitage and Diamond in the East Hills neighborhood[/caption] This is a project I am honored to be involved in: the ongoing transformation of a once vacant and crumbling historic church which is now being turned into a vibrant art center that the entire Grand Rapids community can enjoy. Just over a year ago, I created this painting of the church at 1009 Hermitage St SE in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids, in support of the renovation efforts.  My painting depicts how the church will look when fully completed, freshly painted, a new roof and restored windows…
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Watercolor House Portraits Celebrating Autumn

Watercolor House Portraits Celebrating Autumn

House Portraits, News
Welcome to Fall!  It is now officially fall, and while we hate to say goodbye to summer, there is so much magic to be found in Autumn!  Homes surrounded in golden color are so artistically inspiring. I stopped and thought about what I love most about Autumn and why it is so enchanting. I’ve also collected some of my original house portraits from all across the United States that truly celebrate the beauty of the season. This is what I came up with… I love the way the earth is transformed from lush green to golden shades of Autumn color. I love the falling leaves and the sound of crisp leaves rolling against the pavement. . . [caption id="attachment_31696" align="aligncenter" width="1990"] Bristol, VA[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_6561" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Kensington, MD[/caption] I love…
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