Happy Holidays!
Wishing you the joy of family, the gift of friends and the best of everything in 2020! One of the real joys for me this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you for your support of original art. Best wishes, Leisa
News Flash! My Brand New Online Art Store!
Announcing my new LEISA COLLINS ONLINE ART STORE STORE OPENING SPECIAL: 25% off all items for a limited time with coupon code LCA25OFF I am very excited to "unveil" to you my new online store that includes over a hundred pieces of my art, most of which have never been viewed before. A number of the pieces available in the store are original works and ALL those on display are also available as prints in various sizes. As you know, architectural art is my artistic passion, so not surprisingly this is the theme of the majority of the work. So please dive in and take a look at my art store and I would love to hear your feedback. Let me know what work you liked best, as well as what you think…
Completion of One Hundred Historic Homes of Portland Series!
Portland Craftsman Homes, Bungalows, Tudors, Colonials, Cape Cod, Victorians and more form my Portland House Portrait collection. I have always enjoyed spending time in Portland. It's reputation of being quirky, cool, weird and green all at the same time, makes life very interesting. Its architecture follows the same mold. One of first things I noticed about the city as we ambled through it's unique neighborhoods -- stopping for coffee far too often -- is the number of solar panels on homes. And not just new homes, historic ones as well. That is always a good sign. I learned that Portland is a leader in the green movement, incorporating this trend into its urban planning over a decade ago. I discovered a feast of architectural styles and well preserved and maintained…
My Chicago Historic House Portrait Series!
Chicago Architecture is one of a kind! I am proud to display these paintings of my Chicago Historic House Portrait Collection. It is a well known fact that the architecture of Chicago has influenced and reflected upon the history of American architecture. Chicago's architecture displays the city's fascinating history and it's multicultural heritage. It features a variety of styles, designed by many prominent architects. Sadly, in the downtown area, most structures were destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 (the most famous exception being the Water Tower), therefore Chicago buildings are mainly noted for their originality. But my series of paintings goes beyond the downtown area and its towering skyscrapers. I wandered through the vibrant neighborhoods and drove down leafy residential streets and soon discovered why Chicago uniqueness is…
Summer is gliding away. . . but custom summer house portraits last for ever
Looking back on my favorite summer home portraits and gardens In the words of American Poet, Sarah Helen Whitman: "When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and, like a dream, glides away." I hope you all have had a wonderful summer and have enjoyed the magic of this time of warmth and color and growth. And while the season may now be disappearing, the good news is that art lives on! As do these portraits of an array of gorgeous homes and gardens in various parts of the country. Please enjoy this short selection of summer homes and gardens, starting with this delightful Portland bungalow -- first from the front, but you will not believe what the back looks like! (Keep scrolling...) [caption id="attachment_12787" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Portland…
Newsflash! New York Times Article
I hope you are enjoying some lovely summer weather. I wanted to pass on some good news in the form of this article which recently ran in the Real Estate Section of the New York Times, entitled, Why Take a Picture of Your Home When You Can Paint it Instead I am featured with a couple of other architectural artists in different parts of the country. I was really happy that my painting below of the famous New York Times Plaza Hotel was included in the article as there is such a great story behind it. I was commissioned to paint this by a client as a gift for her husband for their 50th wedding anniversary. This is where they honeymooned all those years ago after their spring wedding. Now isn't that…
Father’s Day House Portrait Special!
In celebration of all Dads everywhere, I am offering a 15% discount for any original house portrait commission this Father's Day! This is a big thank you to the man of the house and to all my friends and clients who have renovated, painted and maintained their homes over the years, keeping them beautiful and art inspiring! I also provide beautiful Father's Day Gift Certificates -- customized if desired -- which can be presented on this special day. Here are but a few paintings of homes of fathers and clients who I happen to know have put a lot of time and creativity to make their homes both practical and enjoyable for their families. Ranch home in Arcadia, California Cottage in Rockville, Maryland Italianate home in Alameda, California Tudor in Burbank, California…
Spring House Portrait Tour Across the USA!
Spring may look different is various parts of the country . . . but it always warm one's heart There's something special about spring! After those long cold dreary days, the sun bursts forth, new buds grow and vibrant colors come to view. It's finally safe to go outside, have a picnic and revel in this wonderful time of the year. Being that I have lived all over the USA and travelled to every corner, I can appreciate the different forms of spring in every region. I often hear people say that Florida, Southern California, New Mexico and even parts of Texas don't really experience spring. Not so. It is just a matter of looking... Allow me to take you on a meandering spring house portrait tour across the USA…
Meet my Latest Historic Preservation Hero!
My latest recipient of the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award is . . . Mary Beth Grey of Grand Rapids MI for her historic renovation of 268 Paris Ave SE, Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, MI Awarded on a beautiful spring day on this now open and welcoming porch, friends, neighbors and preservation supporters gathered to honor Mary Beth and her latest restoration project. Since starting her home renovation business 2 1/2 years ago, Mary Beth has brought eight historic homes back to life in the greater Grand Rapids area. The majority have been in the City of East Grand Rapids, however this is her first Heritage Hill home and her most recent labor of love. It's also her most extensive project to date. Mary has a very hands on approach…
Announcing my Grand Rapid MI Historic Preservation Awardee!
Meet my Grand Rapids MI Preservation Hero! INVITATION TO THE COMMUNITY I will be presenting my next Historic Preservation Award to East Grand Rapids resident Mary Beth Grey for her historic renovation of 268 Paris Ave SE, Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids Since starting her home renovation business 2 1/2 years ago, Mary Beth has brought eight historic homes back to life in the greater Grand Rapids area. The majority have been in the City of East Grand Rapids, however this is her first Heritage Hill home and her most recent labor of love. It's also her most extensive project to date. Mary has a very hands on approach with all her projects and it took her several months to bring this beautiful Victorian to a state that is now close to…