Art Blog

The art of  the porch and outdoor patio ... One thing I love about living in South Pasadena is the interesting array of Craftsman and bungalow homes with their notably distinctive front porch design features. My love for porches further increased when my husband Bruce and I became familiar with a website called  Front Porch Ideas and More.  We also quickly became friends with its creators, Mary and Dave Morris, who we met for the first time last week when they came out to Los Angeles from their home in Nashville TN  to see family. [caption id="attachment_5925" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Dave and Mary with me and Bruce[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5926" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Mary and me[/caption] We had a really enjoyable time, chatting over lunch, and hanging out on our patio. Bruce and…

The story of the Commissioned Architectural Painting  A young couple in Georgetown DC decided that wanted me to create a large and vibrant painting of their house and street to hang on a brick feature wall in their home. The first step was the planning stage to work out the best angle and composition. [caption id="attachment_5814" align="aligncenter" width="500"] A rough sketch of the general lay out is the first step[/caption] Here is the main photo that was used, minus the cars of course! Love the colors of these homes. Georgetown, besides being one of the most historic neighborhoods in DC, it is also extremely popular as a tourist site and hang-out for just about anyone.  It's hard to believe that after WWI Georgetown became one of the worst slums in…

Watercolor home portraits for your enjoyment... Another fun and interesting week in the land of architectural art and unique homes. We'll start with the west coast. This is stately Spanish home is one of the first in my Valley Village house Portrait series.  Valley Village is a lovely neighborhood in the North Hollywood area. [caption id="attachment_5805" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Interesting Spanish home in Valley Village N. Hollywood[/caption] Now take a look at this magical home in Glendale. I chose this one as it reminds me of a fairy tail home with some wild English garden influences. And you should see the back of home.  There is more beautiful garden along with a fully outfitted "English Pub" called "The Edison.  I plan to go and take photos soon and will do a…

Win a house portrait of your home -- worth $500! As a homeowner myself, I know that there are a lot of expenses involved in keeping your home looking beautiful and sometimes purchasing a portrait of your house is not on the top of your priorities! I have decided to start a tradition to give back to homeowners of art inspiring homes. Every 6 months I will run a contest where the winner will receive a FREE pen and watercolor painting of their home as a thank you for having an art inspiring home!  The value of this painting is $500! Here's what you have to do to enter. 1. Select an existing photo of your home.  Or alternately walk outside and take a photo of it.  2. Go to…

To celebrate spring I am hereby announcing my Spring Sale!  That's 20% off any commissioned house portrait.   You may want to capture your gorgeous spring blooms in a second "spring portrait" of your home that can hang alongside your current painting or perhaps you have a house portrait gift idea for a friend or family member. Now is the time! Meanwhile, please enjoy some of my favorite spring homes! Forest St, Rockville MD   Del Ray, Alexandria, VA Kensington, MD   Here's to a lovely spring!  Leisa