Art Blog

USA Historic Preservation Tour – Old Homes and Buildings Across Rural Iowa

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Old Homes, Buildings and Barns Our next stop is the small rural town of Woodbine, on the western edge of Iowa, a drive of just over 300 miles. Statistics show that Iowa's population has grown increasingly urban in the past decade as residents continue to leave rural counties and flock to a handful of larger cities. The indicators can be seen in the architecture. While we passed a number of beautiful old Victorian and Craftsman farmhouses, others, like this long forsaken home, were in ruin. Iowa, a huge corn producing state, is part of the Corn Belt, a region of the Midwestern United States where corn is the predominant crop.  The U.S. produces 40% of the world crop.  With spring fast approaching, the fields were tilled and ready for the…
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My First Historic Preservation Award Presentation

My First Historic Preservation Award Presentation

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
And the Award Goes to Dave Muylle of Lansing, Michigan! Chilly weather conditions and even snow, could not dampen the enthusiasm regarding historic preservation from the Lansing community on this day!  Around 80 people attended, enjoying the presentation, refreshments and then touring through Dave's restored homes at 139 and 141 Leslie Street to see for themselves Dave's fine craftsmanship.  Many stayed at length to chat and enjoy the comradery of fellow supporters of old home restoration. My award to Dave was a framed and plaqued painting of 139 and 141 Leslie Street, two of the Craftsman homes Dave has completed within the last year. Here it is! I would like to thank Lansing Council President, Carol Wood and 1st Ward Councilmember, Jody Washington who joined me in honoring Dave as…
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Old Homes made New!

Old Homes made New!

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Restoring Old Homes and Preserving the Past! I have always been a believer in preserving the character and charm of beautiful old buildings that were built in former times when quality and craftsmanship were cherished and even expected!  That's why the majority of the homes I have painted around the country are historic homes. I also know the work, time and money that has to be poured into these homes.  One can see the love and pure creation oozing out of these old homes. Here are two examples of two homes in Lansing that serve as classic examples of such restoration. In each case I chose them as house portrait subjects last year when my husband Bruce and I were in Lansing, and I put the finishing touches on them…
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Repurposing a Lansing Michigan Treasure

Repurposing a Lansing Michigan Treasure

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Clara's, a Wonderful Example of Historic Preservation Even though I have driven past Clara's for years, I tragically had never gone inside. That all changes when Preservation Lansing Director Gretchen Cochran suggested we have lunch there this week.  All round, a very good experience -- including the food, ambiance and of course the company! [caption id="attachment_3080" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Former Train Depot, now Clara's Restaurant[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3083" align="aligncenter" width="464"] Restored entry to the historic Clara's Restaurant in Lansing[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3085" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Inside Clara's Restaurant[/caption] Here's a bit of history about Clara's. Built in 1903, the “Union Depot” on Michigan Avenue was known as an entertainment spot for Lansing locals whose loved to watch the iron horse pull in each day. It’s rumored this station was also used as a backdrop…
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Announcing the First Recipient of my Historic Preservation Award!

Announcing the First Recipient of my Historic Preservation Award!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
Lansing craftsman brings old homes back to life! I believe that beautiful old buildings, with true craftsmanship should be preserved and maintained so that they can continue to serve an example of what QUALITY architectural design and construction is all about.  In my opinion, such homes and buildings are art forms -- that's what inspires me to paint them. The award is my way of recognizing individuals who have been instrumental in preserving the historic buildings of their area.  Naturally the award I present is a framed pen and watercolor painting of the awardees latest historic project. The first recipient of my Historic Preservation Award therefore will go to Dave Muylle, a person who epitomizes true craftsmanship and quality restoration. Being that I am in Lansing currently with it being the…
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My New Historic Preservation Award

My New Historic Preservation Award

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award
I have traveled around the country and had the joy of painting many remarkably preserved historic homes in many diverse locations and in many styles. In speaking with the owners, I have always been moved by their care and thoughtfulness in meticulously restoring and upholding the timelessness of their grand works of art. I have seen that it is the individual, the homeowner, the community leader who is the main cheerleader and caretaker for saving and preserving beautiful historic homes and buildings. And, in the main, I have found that most do not undertake such care just for themselves and their families who live in them but have a larger eye towards keeping whole the historic fabric and beauty of their communities. I have decided because of this that such…
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House Portraits in 37 states across the USA!

House Portraits in 37 states across the USA!

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Twenty-five different architectural styles so far. . . It is so much fun receiving house portrait commission requests from all over the USA and I love the challenge of tackling every architectural style imaginable -- from an adobe Spanish bungalow I discovered in Arizona, a log cabin in Colorado, a historic Dutch Colonial Bed and Breakfast in Annapolis, Maryland and  a modern river house on the Mississippi in Wisconsin. Take a look at my new slide show on my House Portrait page which consists of 55 images highlighting the range of historical and regional styles I have so far depicted through my favorite house portrait mediums, pen and watercolor.   My goal to create architectural paintings of homes in every state in the USA was born from a  inspirational 12,000…
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Our Visit to the Historic Stickley Farm in Morris Plains, New Jersey

Our Visit to the Historic Stickley Farm in Morris Plains, New Jersey

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Gustav Stickley – A Founder of the Arts and Crafts movement in the USA Heading  home to Alexandria Virginia, we only needed to veer slightly to the east in order to experience one of the most notable Craftsman Farms in the USA.  We weren’t disappointed.  I took lots of photos as I plan to capture the site with pen and watercolor. Craftsman Farms is the former country estate of noted turn-of-the-century designer Gustav Stickley, a major proponent of the Arts and Crafts movement in decorative arts, home building and furnishing styles.  Stickley combined the roles of designer and manufacturer, architect, publisher, philosopher, and social critic. He is best known today for his straightforward furniture, sometimes called “mission” or “Craftsman” furniture. [caption id="attachment_2846" align="aligncenter" width="493"] Welcome to Stickley Farm[/caption] Around 1905…
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East Aurora, the home of the Roycroft Movement

East Aurora, the home of the Roycroft Movement

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A Magical Stay at The Roycroft Inn The Roycroft Inn, the Roycroft Campus, and indeed the Roycroft way of life and its story began in 1897 with Elbert Hubbard, a legendary man of vision who founded the American Arts and Crafts Movement in East Aurora NY. For more than 20 years, the Roycroft Campus was a center of entrepreneurship, creativity and learning. It was a hub of activity with over five hundred working artisans and craftsmen and drew visitors from faraway places. [caption id="attachment_2832" align="aligncenter" width="543"] Roycroft Campus Copper Shop[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2833" align="aligncenter" width="543"] Original buildings of the Roycroft Campus[/caption] In 1905 The Roycroft Inn was opened to accommodate visitors and artisans looking to experience this emerging community and style. The Inn became a center of activity for this community.…
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Commissioned Tudor House Portrait in Michigan

Commissioned Tudor House Portrait in Michigan

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Pen and Watercolor Painting in Grand Rapids Here is one of the paintings I dropped off to the owners of the home who commissioned me to the do the painting.  This is definitely one of the nicest Tudor homes I have painted.  The vibrant colors of summer really set off the grey brown tones of the stone and brick. [caption id="attachment_2817" align="aligncenter" width="764"] Grand Rapids Tudor Commissioned House Portrait[/caption] So how would one describe a Tudor home?   I think they are a fascinating architectural style. They are easily spotted by steeply pitched roofs and exterior timber frame walls.  Tudor revival homes often resemble a medieval castle, yet have the old world charm of an English country cottage. Originating in England, the style gained popularity in America in the 1920s and 30s…
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