Art Blog

03Feb 2025 by Leisa

House Portraits: The Realtor Gift that Keeps on Giving . . .

An extrodinary realtor with her own client House Portrait collection! I would like to introduce you to a wonderful realtor client called Paige Rhodes. I first met Paige in 2013 when we both lived in Alexandria Virginia, which is where I launched my art career. Paige wasn't even a realtor then. We both moved on and life marched forward. My husband and I moved to the west coast and beyond and Paige and her family moved to Daniel Island, close to Charleston in South Carolina. From my humble beginnings in Old Town Alexandria, I went on to create house portraits and paintings of historic buildings in every state across the USA, and released my coffee table book in 2021 which documents this journey. Paige went on to become a top-selling realtor…

30Jan 2025 by Leisa

My latest project to honor American homes

News

Based on the success of my national coffee table book, entitled Hand Painted Homes: An Artist’s Pen and Watercolor Journey Across America, I am proud to announce that I have now launched the next phase of my awareness campaign to stop wanton architectural destruction before it is too late. While my national book covered the overall scene, featuring homes and historic buildings in all 50 states, I have now began work on a series of art books which will give a more in-depth look at the “fascinating and eclectic mix of architectural residential styles that can be found in cities such as Chicago, Portland, San Francisco, Tampa and Alexandria VA. As with my national book, the books will feature my original paintings and include architectural history about each area. Most…

27Jan 2025 by Leisa

House Portraits of Lost Homes: In Memoriam

Historic Perservation, House Portraits, News

I have long campaigned against the loss of historic homes to the dreaded wrecking ball, however over the years -- and especially within the last year -- I have had many requests for commissioned house portraits to memorialize homes that have been destroyed due to natural disaster. The horror of losing one’s home in disasters like fires, hurricanes, or flooding is both profound and multifaceted, leaving physical, emotional, and psychological scars. A home is not just a structure—it represents safety, stability, and personal identity. The loss of it can be devastating in so many ways. As I wrote this, the ravaging wild-fires in the Los Angeles area are still not fully contained, and thousands of Angelenos remain on edge, while thousands more are facing the horrifying aftermath of lost…

20Jan 2025 by Leisa

Give the gift of art this Valentine’s Day

News

Hello art lovers! With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you may be concerned about finding a meaningful present to give your sweetheart. I truly believe that art is one of the most personal gifts you can give. Not only that, but commissioning a unique, original house portrait for Valentine's Day is like sending a love letter to your home AND those who live in it! This year, I'm offering two specials for the holiday... 1. If you are interested in having me paint an original house portrait as a Valentine's Gift, I am offering 15% OFF for the holiday! 2. Until February 14th, I’m offering a handful of gift certificates for 15% off. Reply to this email ASAP if you’re interested in this discount. Once you make the purchase, I’ll email…

03Jan 2025 by Leisa

2024: Year in Review

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, News, The Flourishing Artist

Hello friends! I hope you had a lovely holiday season and happy 2025 from St. Louis Missouri! As 2024 began winding down, I started to reflect on what the year looked like. I always find it therapeutic and it helps me in looking ahead and setting my goals for the coming year. This year was significant as I celebrated my 40th anniversary of living in this great country. Sure, the USA has its fair share of problems and imperfections but being that I have travelled to dozens and dozens of countries around the globe, from 15 countries in Europe to India, Africa and New Zealand, as a self-taught artist, I am grateful for the opportunities and freedoms this nation has provided me. It goes without saying that I continued to…

14Dec 2024 by Leisa

House Portraits with Christmas Decorations

House Portraits, News

The joy of a festive Christmas house portrait Decorating your home for Christmas can have many meaningful and enjoyable benefits. You can keep the joy alive by capturing it in an original house portrait, just like these clients have done. Following are a few reasons why people love to decorate their homes for the holiday season and bring to life the joy of the holiday season! [caption id="attachment_49001" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Christmas house portrait, Lansing MI[/caption] Create a Festive Atmosphere Christmas decorations set the tone for the season and help transform your home into a cozy, magical space. I find that capturing the home at dusk in a house portrait is the best way to show it off. The twinkling lights, festive colors, and holiday scents create an environment that feels…

03Dec 2024 by Leisa

House Portraits on the Water

House Portraits, News

Why we love watercolor house paintings by the sea or lake. People are often drawn to homes on the waterside because of the unique combination of beauty, tranquility, and lifestyle that waterfront living offers. Combine those elements in a beautiful home portrait and you have a piece of art that lives on it time, reminding you of all those happy memories. Whether it's an ocean, lake, river, or canal, these views create a sense of openness and connection to nature, which many people find calming and inspiring. The beauty of sunrise and sunset over water is often a major draw and can captured in an original custom house portrait. Here are some key reasons why people love these types of homes: [caption id="attachment_48827" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Michigan Lake summer house portrait[/caption]…

18Nov 2024 by Leisa

Unique merchandise, only for my house portrait clients!

News

First, I want to thank all my clients for your support of my original art. I consider it an honor to create paintings of beautiful and unique homes, and am proud to have the portrait of your home as part of my USA collection. As you know, I keep a library of high-resolution images of my paintings, should anyone request prints be made of their original house portrait. In addition to the prints you can order at any time, I am so excited to share with you a service I offer my clients. I am able to create images of your house portrait on a variety of mediums such as: Ornaments Tote bags Jigsaw puzzles T-shirts Magnets And more! You can also opt to have a print made of your original house portrait. I offer…

06Nov 2024 by Leisa

Watercolor House Portraits Celebrating Fall

House Portraits, News

Vibrant fall custom house portraits It is now officially fall, and while we hate to say goodbye to summer, there is so much magic to be found in Fall! House 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_36894" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Vibrant fall house portrait in Glencoe IL[/caption] [caption…

23Oct 2024 by Leisa

Inspiring Iconic American Architecture: The Brooklyn Bridge

New Art, News

Once a month, I will focus on an iconic example of American architecture that has inspired me over the years. During a very recent trip to New York City, I was able to revisit one of my favorite spots in the country: the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a breathtaking blend of architecture, engineering, and history. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City About the Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable marvels of American engineering and is iconic worldwide. The bridge (opened in 1883) spans the distance between Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. The bridge’s suspension towers were built in the Gothic Revival style. They’re 278 feet tall and built from granite, limestone and cement. One of my favorite things to do when I’m in the…

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