Art Blog

In 2019, Time Magazine included Hearst Castle on its list of the world's greatest places to visit, stating, "few places better capture the opulence of early-20th century California than Hearst Castle." I attempted to visit the castle many years ago when my mother was here in the USA for a visit. We drove for hours through heavy rain, only to find out when we got to the entrance gate there was no further tours that day due to the storm. That was disappointing, but least I have now had the chance to capture its magnificence in this painting, the latest in my Iconic American Architecture series. [caption id="attachment_28750" align="aligncenter" width="1440"] Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California[/caption] Often called La Casa Grand (“The Big House”), Hearst Castle is the crowning jewel…

The latest in my Iconic America Architecture series! [caption id="attachment_28470" align="aligncenter" width="2179"] Leisa Collins painting of Biltmore Estate[/caption] The elegant Biltmore Estate is America’s largest home. This French Renaissance castle and grounds by Asheville, North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains is truly an architectural jewel. The French Chateau-style mansion was built as a grand retreat for George W. Vanderbilt III between 1889 and 1895. The 8,000-acre estate is home to forested trails and beautiful gardens. Visiting the Biltmore is an experience like none other. It includes the most-visited winery in the nation and there is shopping, dining as well as luxury accommodations. The home features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces! George Vanderbilt brought in the father of American landscape architecture, Fredrick Law Olmsted, to…

To those who gave their lives for freedom . . . I am honored to tell the story of the Battle of the Alamo with my pen and paint brush. My painting depicts the Alamo as it stands today, battle scarred and worn by the elements, with the Texan flag proudly flying. [caption id="attachment_27831" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, as it stands today with the Texas flag proudly flying[/caption] Today the Alamo serves as a symbol of freedom and a shrine to those who gave their lives to the cause. It is also an enduring symbol of Texans resistance to oppression and their struggle for independence, which they won shortly after. The famous saying, “Remember the Alamo!” was often heard in further battles that helped shape the…

New work unveiling! Here's “Brooklyn Bridge, NYC”!  It’s part of my growing Iconic USA collection which includes paintings and multi-media pieces I’ve created celebrating some of my favorite examples of historic American architecture. [caption id="attachment_27805" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Brooklyn Bridge, New York City[/caption]   This new piece is pen & watercolor on paper, 9 x 11.” The original painting is available for sale and I will soon make prints and art gifts available on my website. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable marvels of American engineering and it’s an iconic sight for those in New York City. 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…