Art Blog

15Oct 2024 by Leisa
Family Homes turned into Original House Portraits to preserve those special memories . . .

Family Homes turned into Original House Portraits to preserve those special memories . . .

House Portraits, News
I hate to turn away a person who needs my help in capturing their family home and all those treasured memories. No matter how insurmountable the task is, my goal is to memorialize the house the way it looked when they, their siblings, or parents grew up there. A house portrait will be in the family for generations, so it's important to me to honor the true spirit of that special home. The circumstances are always different, but in many cases the home has now been sold to new owners and no longer looks anything like it did in the past. Or worse, the home, with all its happy family memories hidden within it walls, has been torn down with no trace. Often, the only existing photos are faded and…
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07Oct 2024 by Leisa
My most challenging house portraits . . . only possible with original hand-crafted art

My most challenging house portraits . . . only possible with original hand-crafted art

House Portraits, News
For over a decade, I’ve received requests for custom, hand-crafted, watercolor house portraits from across the USA. Some prospective clients are concerned that their home has too many obstacles that would deter me — like problematic landscaping, street construction, less-than-ideal weather, visible power lines, neighbors’ homes, etc. I assure them that I don’t let these stand in my way in depicting the home’s best view! While certain obstacles may keep you from taking the perfect photo of your house, that won’t stop me from painting a lovely portrait of your home. Take a look at this video and you will get the idea... Impossible portraits are only possible with hand-crafted original paintings What do I mean by this bold statement? Try changing a season, removing unsightly cars and make a generally…
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06Aug 2024 by Leisa
How I Choose My House Portrait Subjects: 12 traits that make a home art inspiring!

How I Choose My House Portrait Subjects: 12 traits that make a home art inspiring!

House Portraits, News
As an artist, I am lucky to receive new commission requests for house portraits every week. However, I also choose my own subjects. Sometimes I make my choices based on a series I'm creating about a specific architectural style (ie. Tudor Homes or Victorians) or an individual city or town (ie. San Francisco, CA or Clayton, MO). The owners of these selected homes often ask how I came to choose their house. I thought about what inspires me to select an architectural subject for one of my paintings. I've come up with twelve "art inspiring" traits depicted in many of my favorite portraits. How many art inspiring traits does your home have? The home is obviously loved. It’s well maintained and often has unique and intriguing features attached to the…
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04Jul 2024 by Leisa
Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

News
Announcing My American Heart Collection The 4th of July commemorates the day the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Second Continental Congress in 1776. It was on this day, 248 years ago, that the original 13 colonies separated from Great Britain and became a new nation. I couldn’t think of a better day to announce my latest series, which I have proudly named: My American Heart. This new collection celebrates the spirit of America. [caption id="attachment_43314" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Independence Day at the Farm[/caption] While I will always cherish my New Zealand roots, the United States is where I have spent the last four decades. I will always be grateful for the opportunities that this country has afforded me, as well as other entrepreneurs and freedom lovers. My coffee table book,…
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20Jun 2024 by Leisa
Announcing Summer House & Garden Portrait Competition!

Announcing Summer House & Garden Portrait Competition!

New Art, News
Happy Summer Solstice 2024! June 20th marked the first day of summer and it seemed like the perfect time to announce my first ever Summer House & Garden Portrait Competition 2024! The winner of this competition will receive a free Leisa Collins original pen & watercolor painting of your home, based on the photo that you provide. Here's how the competition works: * To enter, email me a good quality photo of your home AND summer garden. It does not have to be from this year! Along with a high quality photo, please provide your name, email and mobile number. You must send your photo by email only (not via DM on social media), to ensure the best quality. Send the photo to: leisa@leisacollins.com * Who can enter? Anyone can…
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10May 2024 by Leisa
Historic Preservation Award given in Ste. Genevieve Missouri

Historic Preservation Award given in Ste. Genevieve Missouri

Historic Perservation, News
Pen and watercolor painting presented in Ste. Genevieve. The setting was a warm and blustery Saturday in the quaint and peaceful city of St. Genevieve MO, which is home to the oldest structure in the state, the Bolduc-LeMeilleur House. I was honored to present my Historic Preservation Award to French Colonial American (FCA) for their dedicated historic preservation efforts in St. Genevieve, and in particular to the circa 1810 Gemien Beauvais Linden House. Not only did they fully restore the home, but they made it into a living history museum for the benefit of the entire community. The award, an original framed pen and water portrait, was presented to board member Tandy Thompson of FCA. Tandy and I then presented a copy of the painting to David Orthwine, who was…
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12Apr 2024 by Leisa
Springtime St. Louis Art Show . . . and you’re invited!

Springtime St. Louis Art Show . . . and you’re invited!

New Art, News
  Color, Form and Rejuvenation -  A Springtime Art Show MEET FOUR BENTON PARK ARTISTS Please join us in welcoming Spring for our 2nd annual Art Show. We are four Benton Park artists, Scott Bean (oil painting), Leisa Collins (watercolors & ink), Phyllis Terry Friedman (assemblage), and Don Morgan (photography), with Shawn Hoven (wood art) as our 2024 guest artist. The springtime show is located at Atelier 1879, a historic building in Benton Park that is full of charm and personality. Sunday, April 21, 2024 12-7pm Atelier 1879, 2210 Pestalozzi St, St. Louis, MO 63118 We would love to see you at our wine and cheese reception and social hour at 6pm. Learn more about the artists: Scott Bean https://www.scottrbeanartist.design Phyllis Terry Friedman https://phyllisterryfriedman.art Leisa Collins https://leisacollins.com Don Morgan With…
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05Mar 2024 by Leisa
Unlocking the Artistic Gift: Commissioning a House Painting is the Ultimate Present!

Unlocking the Artistic Gift: Commissioning a House Painting is the Ultimate Present!

New Art, News
Hello friends! I’m quite often asked to help folks find the perfect artistic gift for their loved ones. Imagine this – it’s a special occasion, like a wedding anniversary, a housewarming party, or a milestone birthday. Maybe it’s Mother’s Day or Christmas and you’re searching for that perfect. last-minute gift, something for the person who seems to have everything. You want a present that captures the essence of home that encapsulates memories and emotions. This is why I often suggest a commissioned house painting – the epitome of thoughtful gifting. Commissioned house paintings elevate gift-giving to an art form. They transcend the ordinary, offering a personalized touch that resonates deeply with the recipient. Unlike mass-produced items that are a dime a dozen, I craft these paintings with incredible care and attention to…
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01Mar 2024 by Leisa
Hanging your house portrait in your home

Hanging your house portrait in your home

House Portraits, New Art, News
Look at these creative places to hang an original house portrait! My clients often ask for suggestions as to the best place to hang the portrait of their home.  The answer is practically any place in your home where  the painting can be seen and enjoyed.  Most portraits I create are smaller in size, as this is the most popular.  Many of my clients have lived in their homes for many years and  lack wall space, however I contest that there is always room for another original work of art if you are creative about where to hang your painting. Here are some great examples that show spaces in your home you can utilize for our orignal house portrait. Iin my opinion, t's better to group your art than have…
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