16Jan 2023 by Leisa
My Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

My Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Historic Perservation, New Art, News
The birth home of a truly great American Last year, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, I painted this portrait of the Atlanta, Georgia home where the great orator, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and leader of the American civil rights movement was born. I wanted to pay my respect and celebrate his life and legacy the best way I know how — with my paintbrush.   Martin Luther King Jr. (originally named Michael Jr.) was born on the second floor of this clapboard Victorian house on January 15, 1929, and he lived there for the first twelve years of his life. His home was a happy one, and he once said, “I grew up in a family where love was central and where lovely relationships were ever present.” Located…
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08Jan 2023 by Leisa
2022: Year in Review

2022: Year in Review

New Art, News
Hello friends, Now that the whirl of the holiday season is over, I decided it was time to stop for a minute and reflect on achievements of 2022, before I become completely engulfed in the activities of 2023! My husband, Bruce, and I spent the first part of the year in Lansing, Michigan, helping Bruce's Mom, Crystal, who sadly passed away in early May.  At 89 years of age, Crystal lived a happy and fulfilling life and most importantly she went on her own terms, without suffering and even won at the casino that very last day.  She will always be an inspiration to me in terms of living life to the fullest. By August we were on our way to our next adventure and by September we had settled…
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01Dec 2022 by Leisa
The Joy of Living in a Historic Neighborhood

The Joy of Living in a Historic Neighborhood

Historic Perservation, Historic Preservation, New Art, News
Painting a local bookstore and cafe. Just two blocks away from our home, sitting right on the edge of Benton Park with a tranquil view of the lake from the outdoor patio, is Spine Bookstore and Café. [caption id="attachment_32691" align="aligncenter" width="1483"] The latest painting in my Benton Park neighborhood series, Spine Bookstore & Cafe[/caption]   I has provided a nice walkable respite for me when I need a break – and a good coffee.  One can often find the owner, Mark Pannebecker, behind the bar and he is always good for a yarn and a laugh. In the evenings, Spine offers open mic, live music, book readings and poetry and you can grab a beer, wine or one of their cocktail specials. In fact, Spine was voted Best Indy Bookstore…
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09Nov 2022 by Leisa
New Home and Studio in St. Louis!

New Home and Studio in St. Louis!

News
Leaving Michigan . . . . It was a blustery summer day and finally all signs of city life were now behind us. I was at the wheel. Bruce seemed to be aimlessly flicking through his phone. Lush green trees and fields dotted with red barns, farmhouses and haystacks lay before me. This was pure Michigan at its best!  We were headed due south for a welcome break in Florida and planned to make camp for the night in German Village, Columbus.  We had promised ourselves a nice hotel and I was dreaming about the hot tub that awaited us. . . Suddenly, the idyllic silence was broken.  "I found it!" exclaimed Bruce excitedly.  "It's just been listed - it's the house we've been looking for!" We had already decided…
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26Oct 2022 by Leisa
Featuring a Historic Preservation Hero!

Featuring a Historic Preservation Hero!

Historic Perservation, Historic Preservation, News
Highlighting the woman behind the transformation of a historic Grand Rapids MI Church into a community art center [caption id="attachment_30664" align="alignright" width="491"] The painting of what will become a vibrant art center on Hermitage and Diamond in the East Hills neighborhood[/caption] This is a project I am honored to be involved in: the ongoing transformation of a once vacant and crumbling historic church which is now being turned into a vibrant art center that the entire Grand Rapids community can enjoy. Just over a year ago, I created this painting of the church at 1009 Hermitage St SE in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids, in support of the renovation efforts.  My painting depicts how the church will look when fully completed, freshly painted, a new roof and restored windows…
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13Sep 2022 by Leisa
A Happy Ever After Story of a Home. . .

A Happy Ever After Story of a Home. . .

Historic Perservation, House Portraits, News
From train wreck to grand painted lady! I get to meet a lot of great houses with my occupation, but I also have the pleasure of meeting many wonderful homeowners. This is one such homeowner in Wilmette, Illinois. The beginning of their “once upon a time’ story was July 7, 1995, when Tim and his wife Pam took on a dilapidated Victorian built in 1893. The home had unfortunately been stripped of virtually all its charming Victorian “gingerbread” features. And like others who tackle such a herculean task, the couple battled through whatever was thrown at them to make their home beautiful once more – while bringing up a family at the same time. Here's how their home looked when they purchased it.  [caption id="attachment_31468" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The forlorn looking…
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29Aug 2022 by Leisa
Helping Artists Succeed!

Helping Artists Succeed!

News, The Flourishing Artist
Creating a Niche Market for your art. While in Lansing MI a couple of weeks ago, and before heading down to St. Louis, I had the honor of facilitating a workshop for a dozen extremely talented local artists. I am an affiliate member of a wonderful arts administration firm based in Lansing called Opportunity Arts LLC, and the founder of this organization, Mike Mariott, organized the event. The workshop took place at the famous Lansing heritage landmark, Turner-Dodge House, and the theme was how to create a niche market for ones art. I also gave tips regarding how to making your living as an artist as well as creating consistent reliable income as a career artist. What a great group of artists, all with their own creative skills and diverse…
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26Aug 2022 by Leisa
Meet me in St. Louis … the house that was

Meet me in St. Louis … the house that was

Historic Perservation, News
The sad demise of a historic beauty . . . Most of us know the famous song, "Meet me in St. Louis" sung by Judy Garland. It's the theme song of the movie of the same title which was released in 1945. Being that I am now here in St. Louis, I decided I had it was time to get in the swing of things so I watched this old classic. It's hard to imagine life actually being the way it is depicted, but never-the-less it was certainly entertaining. The movie is based on author Sally Benson's collection of short stories which she wrote for The New Yorker. Benson's maiden name was Smith, and she wrote about her life on Kensington Avenue, St. Louis in the late 1800s and early 1900s.…
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17Aug 2022 by Leisa
Our New Adventure Begins. . . in St. Louis, Missouri!

Our New Adventure Begins. . . in St. Louis, Missouri!

News
  As is well known, my husband Bruce and I have lived in all parts of the United States.  In fact in 2017 we moved to St. Louis for a few months, and while we loved it there we decided that Florida would be a better choice. So off we went. How wrong we were and the grand old city of St. Louis --with its myriad of art, history and cultural diversity-- called us back. So it's now official and to prove it, we have even purchased a beautiful 1911 home in Benton Park, one of the most historic neighborhoods in the city. Strangely, almost every time we announce the fact we have moved to St. Louis -- even to locals -- their first response is, "Really?" and their next response…
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26Jul 2022 by Leisa
Update: Historic Grand Rapids Church Transforming into Art Center

Update: Historic Grand Rapids Church Transforming into Art Center

Historic Perservation, Historic Preservation, News
This is a project I am honored to be involved in: the ongoing transformation of a once vacant and crumbling historic church which is now being turned into a vibrant art center that the entire Grand Rapids community can enjoy. Just over a year ago, I created this painting of the church at 1009 Hermitage St SE in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids, in support of the renovation efforts.  My painting depicts how the church will look when fully completed, freshly painted, a new roof and restored windows with all the original stained glass beauty fully in tact once more.  At the time I lived only a few blocks away from the church. A couple of weeks ago, a Grand Rapids friend asked me how the project is coming…
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