Category: News

A few weeks ago, quite by chance, my husband Bruce met a wonderful free-lance journalist named Ashley Jude Collie in a Los Angeles cafe and they started chatting . . .  and this story is the result! Check it out!   CONTRIBUTOR Ashley Jude Collie Journalist/Author/Scriptwriter/Blogger Ashley is an award-winning scribe (journalist/author/scriptwriter/blogger) who has written for Playboy, Toronto Star, Movie Entertainment, Sports Illustrated, Maclean’s and others. He’s interviewed various “artists” in their own fields, including: Oscar winners (Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Lawrence, Alicia Vikander, Jane Fonda, Mira Sorvino, Geena Davis, William Friedkin); Grammy winners (Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Ice Cube, Pete Townshend); and MVPs in the field of sports (Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Kobe Bryant). He has written non-fiction books for kids, several episodic TV shows, and appeared on…

Georgetown's Healy Hall in Pen and Watercolor Not so long ago I was commissioned to create a painting of this beautiful historic landmark. [caption id="attachment_6590" align="aligncenter" width="606"] Healy Hall, Georgetown University[/caption] I thought you might like to know more about the history of Healy Hall and Georgetown University.  I found the  Washington DC National Register of Historic Places  website to be very informative and much of the information below is from this source. Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic University in America. It has been administered by the Society of Jesus since 1805.  The first buildings were built around the "old quadrangle," including Healy Hall, which was constructed between 1877--1909. It was designed by Smithmeyer and Pelz.  Rev. Patrick S. Healy took on the Healy Hall project and…

Front Porch Contest Winner! Over the summer I partnered with my good friends Mary and Dave Morris of Front Porch Ideas and More and provided the winner of their Pleasant Summer Porch Contest with an original painting of their porch. This winning home is located in Waxhaw NC in a lovely rural setting.  I love the colorful flowering plants and greenery decorating this porch.   The porch, which extends along the full width of the house was  adorned with 4th of July color.     This is the photo I selected to use for the portrait. I made a few slight changes so it looked even more welcoming and vibrant.     And here is the completed painting! Don't you feel like sinking down into one of those chairs and having…

Atwater Village is a funky eclectic and artsy LA neighborhood and it was fun living there. Here is a write-up featured on the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council FB page with one of my Atwater Village paintings featured in their header. Check out what's happening in the Village! They have great restaurants, specialty stores and boutique art stores there. https://www.facebook.com/Atwater-Village-Neighborhood-Council-126009230754867/ Cheers, Leisa

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…

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

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

   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

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]