29Jul 2015 by Leisa
My architectural coffee table book project

My architectural coffee table book project

News
Announcing: Art Inspiring Homes Across the USA! Over the years I have covered thousands of miles and have accumulated a portfolio of around 1500 portraits of homes and historic buildings in 46 states.    I always find it fascinating to see the changes in architectural form as one traverses the country. The reasons for those changes are as varied as local weather conditions, cultural diversity and available building resources.   As the old saying goes, "one's home is one's castle".  Imagine the stories if those walls could talk! In recent times I have been repeatedly asked by clients when I will be putting a book together that showcases my pen and watercolor home portraits. Finally I am taking their advise to heart and have started to work on my coffee table…
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17May 2015 by Leisa
Buster’s Cafe – a favorite in South Pasadena

Buster’s Cafe – a favorite in South Pasadena

News
Right in the heart of Old Town South Pasadena a few steps away from the Gold Line  is Busters Cafe. It's a funky eclectic local spot that has served the community here in So. Pas for 24 years. It is family owned and serves organic and local brews as well as a nice array of home made baked goodies.  It also has great ice-cream to match its cozy atmosphere. And here is what the train station looked like around 100 years ago.   And here is the pen and watercolor painting I did of Buster's corner. Over and out from So Pas! Leisa
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26Apr 2015 by Leisa
An Invitation to my greater Los Angeles Friends. . .

An Invitation to my greater Los Angeles Friends. . .

News
YOU'RE INVITED! To my Open Studio and "Annual Make Room for More  ART Sale!" 50% OFF THIS SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2015  5 - 9 PM  Coinciding with the South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival & Art Walk  Studio: 812 Fremont Ave, Loft 101. So. Pasadena CA 91030      Hope you can make it.  It's always great to see you!       Cheers,      Leisa
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16Apr 2015 by Leisa
Invitation to the next Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award Presentation!

Invitation to the next Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award Presentation!

News
   Community Invitation to an Award Ceremony Please join San Marino Heritage and artist Leisa Collins in honoring San Marino residents Joelle and Ben Grossi for the stellar restoration of their 1928 Spanish home on Lorain Road Saturday May 9th, 2015   11:00 am at 1862 Lorain Road, San Marino The exterior, interior and gardens have been lovingly preserved and celebrate the original architectural aesthetic of the home  The Grossi family will be presented with an original pen and watercolor painting of their restored home by the artist Leisa Collins  Joelle and Ben are graciously opening their home for your viewing and enjoyment Light refreshments will be served under the oaks For further info contact Shirley Jagels of San Marino Heritage  --  shirleyjagels@earthlink.net  #626-926-3126
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09Apr 2015 by Leisa
What are the stages in creating a Pen & Watercolor House Portrait?

What are the stages in creating a Pen & Watercolor House Portrait?

News
Here's how I do it... I am often asked what are the stages a house portrait painting goes through.Here's an example of a home in Annapolis Maryland. My technique is pen and watercolor as you can see here, starting with the main photo of the house to the finished house portrait! [caption id="attachment_5751" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The main photo I am working from[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5752" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The pen work is now complete[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5753" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Adding the watercolor to the pen drawing[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5754" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The final pen and watercolor house portrait![/caption]  
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26Feb 2015 by Leisa
Do Art Not Drugs Show a Hit!

Do Art Not Drugs Show a Hit!

Do Art Not Drugs, News
A light-hearted Art Show . . . with a serious message! This was a fun one!  Held during the South Pasadena Arts Crawl, I had a wonderful array of artists  joining me.  They included: Carl Christensen and his woodwork creations; Lena Quagliato and her paintings with "tea" as well as realistic nature paintings; Katie Dean and her beautiful line of handmade jewelry: Theodore Sveningsen, an accomplished artist who displayed his interesting etchings; photographer Christine Murphy and her lovely nature photos and Kayla Cloonan who displayed a number of attractive miniature abstracts in oil. Key to this exhibition was it's theme -- Do Art Not Drugs!  Why this theme? Because drugs stultify and destroy creativity!  And not just street drugs but equally as dangerous and "legal" pharmaceuticals that are handed out…
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29Sep 2014 by Leisa
My Open-Studio Event

My Open-Studio Event

News
We all need a chance to relax.... and enjoy ART! Everyone had a great time last Saturday. It was very laid back, a chance for people to drop by, have a wine, bring the kids and all that good stuff. A chance to talk to friends, clients and I received some good feedback on my new work. Hey, I even made a couple of sales. I'm going to have more of these....I will let you know. Leisa       
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04Jul 2014 by Leisa

My Arts & Crafts Style Show — You’re Invited!

News
Arts & Crafts Style Opening Reception right here in my loft -- Saturday July 19th.  5 - 9.00 pm. See the information on the postcard below. I am excited to be joined by three talented artists. It is going to be a fun show. For all my friends here in the Greater Los Angeles area, come along and bring your family and friends. It's always great to see you! Leisa  
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03Sep 2013 by Leisa

Official Ribbon Cutting for the Opening of My New South Pasadena Studio

News
On Wednesday, the 21st of August, I had the ribbon cutting of my new studio in South Pasadena. I was privileged to have the Mayor of South Pasadena Richard Schneider in attendance and who helped to cut the ribbon.  Annika Burman, a local artisan and representative of the  South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Barb Skoog, a local artist helped out, too. Just want to mention and thank Scott Feldmann,  the president of the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and Bill Glazier, the editor of the South Pasadena Review weekly newspaper, for also attending. The really nice thing is that my mother Melva Collins was in town for the event as she happens to be visiting from New Zealand.  She is an artist who did architectural art in NZ years ago…
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