Art Blog

03Apr 2013 by Leisa

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…

23Mar 2013 by Leisa

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…

15Mar 2013 by Leisa

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…

06Mar 2013 by Leisa

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…

07Jan 2013 by Leisa

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…

06Jan 2013 by Leisa

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.…

04Jan 2013 by Leisa

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…

02Jan 2013 by Leisa

House Portrait in the Snow

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Grand Rapids Tudor Home Portrait Sometimes homeowners or potential clients balk at the notion of me doing a portrait of their home in the winter and want to wait till spring or summer. I often disabuse them of this idea. The snow has beautiful soft reflections and the filtered lighting makes the home and its setting look quite magical. I especially love winter sunsets as they look like muted watercolor paintings with their translucent colors and purple shadows. This portrait of an elegant Tudor home on Floral Ave, Grand Rapids Michigan, is a great example of this. Built in 1928, the interior color and design of the home is just as lovely as the outside, with soft muted tones and strong design lines. [caption id="attachment_2812" align="aligncenter" width="637"] Grand Rapids Tudor…

30Dec 2012 by Leisa

48 Hours Later. . .

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On our way to Michigan Driving through the snow and experiencing a slight contrast in temperature. Just a mere 80 degree drop! We are on our way to Michigan to spend the New Year with Bruce’s family, deliver some commissioned house portrait paintings and finish some others. It’s Sunday with little traffic on the road. Here’s some photos of the winter wonderland countryside on the way. [caption id="attachment_2802" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Driving in the snow[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2804" align="aligncenter" width="282"] Ohio countryside[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2803" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Almost there...[/caption] We were definitely glad to arrive to Bruce's parents warm inviting Lansing home later that evening! Leisa

13Dec 2012 by Leisa

Victorian Cottage House Portrait in Auckland

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Back home in Auckland - My Old House Portrait Stomping Ground! Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and it is also my birth place and is where I started my art career. I had my first art studio in Auckland and did my first portraits of historic buildings. It's a wonderful harbour city but with the glamour and convenience of a bustling modern city . I am featuring this restored Victorian cottage in this post as it is a classic historic home in Auckland. This one is in the historic suburb of Parnell. [caption id="attachment_2750" align="aligncenter" width="578"] House Portrait of Historic Victorian Cottage in Parnell, Auckland NZ[/caption] Leisa

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