19Jul 2026 by Leisa
You are invited. . . .

You are invited. . . .

News
I am proud to announce there will be a special event this Saturday, July 25th, honoring the L. Ron Hubbard Site in Elizabeth New Jersey! On this day, I will be unveiling and presenting an original painting of this beautifully restored former home of acclaimed humanitarian and author L.Ron Hubbard. Following publication of the ground-breaking book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health in May 1950, the first Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation was temporarily quartered here in L. Ron Hubbard’s Elizabeth residence at 42 Aberdeen Rd, Elizabeth NJ. This is where Mr. Hubbard presented the first public Dianetics lectures and demonstrations. Now completely restored to its 1950 appearance,  this site now stands as it once did—complete with original furniture, vintage crystal doorknobs and refinished wood floors with mahogany Celtic pattern…
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19Jul 2026 by Leisa
Announcement: Historic Preservation Award event in Elizabeth NJ!

Announcement: Historic Preservation Award event in Elizabeth NJ!

Historic Perservation, News
Pen and watercolor painting of Elizabeth Welcome Center now completed!  In honor of the 250th Anniversary of America, I am pleased to present this painting of the newly restored historic train depot in Elizabeth -- which is now the Elizabeth Welcome Center and Museum! The event will take place next Thursday in the Welcome Center and all area welcome.  Here are the details of the event.
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29Jun 2026 by Leisa
My Most Impossible House Portraits EVER!

My Most Impossible House Portraits EVER!

House Portraits, News
See how they were transformed into pen and watercolor house portrait paintings . . .  Many people think that it’s the intricate detail or size of buildings that makes creating paintings of them really difficult.  I would disagree. The most insurmountable aspect is when you can’t SEE your subject, due to obstacles, messes or poor visibility. All I can say, is that it’s a good job I like challenges! Just for fun, take a look at this short video with my most impossible house portraits . . . along with the final outcome for each of them. If you've ever wondered whether a favorite home could be painted despite trees, landscaping, renovations, or an imperfect photograph, I hope this video shows that almost anything is possible. Of course I would love…
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05Jun 2026 by Leisa
House Portrait as Father’s Day Gift

House Portrait as Father’s Day Gift

House Portraits, News
Hello friends, Here's the good news. . . It's not too late for a unique, one-of-a-kind Father's Day gift! Fuel the love affair that a favorite man in your life has with his home. Not only that, it is a gift that you and everyone else can enjoy as well, displayed on the wall for all to see. Let's face it, that man in your life is likely to already have everything imaginable. Is there anything you could give him that is truly original???? The answer is YES!  Order a custom House Portrait Gift Certicate . . . So don't worry that you have missed the boat on an original portriat as a Father's Day gift. . . with a House Portrait Gift Certificate (as seen above) we can work together to create a true work…
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31May 2026 by Leisa
House portraits and rural setting providing creative inspiration

House portraits and rural setting providing creative inspiration

House Portraits, News
My pop-up rustic country studio. . .  I have always lived in the city, while occasionally staying briefly in the country.  Other artist friends have told me how a peaceful rural setting plays a significant role in their creative process. So finally I decided to try it out. From the gentle soundtrack of birdsong in the morning to the golden glow of sunset across a canvas in the evening, I've discovered this tranquil rual setting at the family farmhouse in northern Michigan does offer an environment where art and nature exist in harmony. A Unique Artistic Voice I am not sure how long I will last here in this placid environment, without walkable coffee houses, favorite cafes and coffee planning sessions with friends, but it certainly doesn't hinder artistic productivity…
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24May 2026 by Leisa
House Portraits of Traverse City Michigan. . . that preserve the soul of the city

House Portraits of Traverse City Michigan. . . that preserve the soul of the city

Historic Perservation, House Portraits, News
On a beautiful summer day,  14 years ago, when I had only just launched my artist career, I briefly visited Traverse City in northern Michigan. That day I realized I wasn’t simply documenting buildings — I was preserving memories. Due to my short stay in 2012,  I only captured three Traverse City homes with my pen and watercolor, as featured in this post.  However, each of these three painitngs taught me to slow down and truly observe the details that make historic homes special. The curve of a porch railing, the texture of aging cedar shingles, the shadows beneath mature maple trees — these are the elements that give a home its soul. And this is why I am now back in the beautiful Traverse City area, but this time…
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17Mar 2026 by Leisa
My first watercolor painting of “floating architecture”

My first watercolor painting of “floating architecture”

Historic Perservation, Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, News
In late November last year my husband Bruce and I took a few weeks to visit New Zealand. We spent part of the time in Auckland, the city where I grew up and launched my art career. While there I held an artist workshop, was part of a panel discussion about art and creativity with community leaders, and I also presented my Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award to leaders of the Toroa Preservation Society (TPS) for their ongoing efforts to restore and make sea-worthy Auckland’s only surviving steam-powered ferry boat. While I have been involved in the promotion of historic preservation for many years in the United States, this is my first maritime subject. My award was this original pen and watercolor painting featuring the 100-year-old Toroa sailing into the…
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05Mar 2026 by Leisa
More Than a House Portrait — A Personal Handwritten Touch

More Than a House Portrait — A Personal Handwritten Touch

News
Make someone’s mailbox the best part of their day. We live in a crazy, uncertain world, but despite everything, one thing we can agree on is that our home is our safe place. I hope you are continuing to enjoy the house portrait I created of your lovely home.  After all, your home is a place filled with memories, milestones, and meaning.  What if you could share it? In a digital world, a handwritten card stands out.   It’s tangible. It’s intentional. It’s unforgettable. I truly believe in the value of handwritten notes. In fact I love receiving things in the mail -- besides bills and junk mail that is! [caption id="attachment_55369" align="alignleft" width="350"] I love to write notes to friends on my personal notecards that have my own house…
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31Jan 2026 by Leisa
Hand-Painted House Portrait – Oldest B&B in California!

Hand-Painted House Portrait – Oldest B&B in California!

Historic Perservation, News
Living History: Pen and watercolor painting of 1852 Gothic style home Hello my art-loving friends! For those of us currently housebound by snow, ice, and bitter cold, I wanted to share something a little uplifting: architectural images and hand crafted house art that radiates warmth and reminds us that spring is not as far away as it seems. Recently, I was honored to be asked by the new owners the Shaw House Inn to create a house painting of this charming beauty. Nestled in the heart of Ferndale, California, the Shaw House Inn isn’t just a place to stay — as the oldest Bed & Breakfast in California, it’s a living piece of history. Ferndale itself is a beautifully preserved Victorian village, and the Shaw House stands as its oldest…
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21Oct 2025 by Leisa
Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award in the Island of Aruba!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award in the Island of Aruba!

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, News
Acknowledging a hidden treasure in Oranjestad, Aruba I was honored to presented my latest Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award on August 28, 2025, to Pancho Geerman, the Director of the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba, for the museum’s “outstanding contribution to historic and cultural preservation in Aruba, and for the rich educational service they provide both in Aruba and for all international visitors.” Here is the award, an original pen and watercolor painting.  My portrait features the entire museum venue as well as the restored historic dwellings. These include the original 1867 cunucu (native) homes and the 1929 colonial mansion, in addition to an integrated modern structure. [caption id="attachment_53216" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award which was presented to the Director of the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba[/caption] As…
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