Art Blog

31May 2026 by Leisa

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…

24May 2026 by Leisa

House Portraits of Traverse City Michigan. . . that preserve the soul of the city

Historic Perservation, House Portraits, News

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…

17Mar 2026 by Leisa

My first watercolor painting of “floating architecture”

Historic Perservation, Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, News

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…

10Mar 2026 by Leisa

Watercolor Painting of iconic Mud House Coffee House, St Louis MO

Historic Perservation, Historic Preservation, Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, New Art

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…

05Mar 2026 by Leisa

More Than a House Portrait — A Personal Handwritten Touch

News

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…

31Jan 2026 by Leisa

Hand-Painted House Portrait – Oldest B&B in California!

Historic Perservation, News

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…

21Oct 2025 by Leisa

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award in the Island of Aruba!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, News

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…

20Oct 2025 by Leisa

House portraits of treasured childhood homes throughout the USA

House Portraits, News

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,…

26Aug 2025 by Leisa

Watercolor Portraits of Porches, Patios and Garden Scantuaries

News

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…

29Jul 2025 by Leisa

Altadena House Portrait of Home Lost to Eaton Fires

News

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…

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