04Apr 2023 by Leisa
A Greek Revival treasure saved from demolition in the final hour

A Greek Revival treasure saved from demolition in the final hour

Historic Perservation, New Art, News
One of the gems of St. Louis architecture I have been concentrating lately on my Love Me Don’t Leave Me series in order to shine the light on the plight of abandoned buildings, many of which are now sadly teetering on the brink of final death and destruction. However, I decided I needed a break to put my attention onto creating a painting of a stunning historic building that instead has a happy ending.  It was saved from demolition in the final hour, and now, 60 years later it serves as a house museum in St. Louis. Allow me to introduce to you my latest painting, the Chatillon-DeMenil House, one of the gems of St. Louis architecture! [caption id="attachment_34298" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Chatillon-DeMenil House[/caption] Although the Chatillon-DeMenil House sits right in…
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03Apr 2023 by Leisa
Introducing another piece in my abandoned building series

Introducing another piece in my abandoned building series

Historic Perservation, House Portraits, New Art, News
Happy Spring my friends! It is no secret that I am passionate about saving historic buildings.  I consider them works of art and after all, architecture is about people. Our built history is created by people and it is people that give life to brick and mortar. Instead, one of the key reasons I created my coffee table book, Hand Painted Homes - An Artist's Pen and Watercolor Journey Across America,  (which I released in 2021) was to raise awareness of the fact that hundreds of historic homes and buildings are being torn down every day in this country.  I decided to document beautiful vintage structures before it was too late. Sadly, many of the homes that I feature in my book, no longer stand today. Last August I moved…
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03Mar 2023 by Leisa
My Latest Historic Preservation Award goes to . .

My Latest Historic Preservation Award goes to . .

Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award, New Art
Awardees Jenifer and Ivan Garcia! As Jenifer and Ivan Garcia, the founders of Garcia Properties, state on their website, they formed their enterprise with one driving desire -- to leave whatever they touched a little better. Two decades later, after renovating and otherwise bringing back to life almost one hundred individual properties across St. Louis, they have indeed kept to their word. The award presentation took place on May 23, in the upstairs lounge of the Golden Hoosier Restaurant and Bar on South Kingshighway in South St. Louis.  The Alderman for the 10th Ward, Joe Vollmer, joined me in honoring the Garcias. [caption id="attachment_33858" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Unveiling the award painting to Jenifer and Ivan Garcia[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_33859" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] 10th Ward Alderman, Joe Vollmer, joined me in honoring the Garcias.[/caption]…
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14Feb 2023 by Leisa
The Despair of Abandoned Homes

The Despair of Abandoned Homes

Historic Perservation, House Portraits, New Art, News
Happy Valentine’s Day friends! It is no secret that I have a love affair with saving historic buildings.  I consider them works of art and after all, architecture is about people. Our built history is created by people and it is people that give brick and mortar life. I moved to St. Louis seven months ago knowing that one of the biggest problems confronting this city is abandoned homes and buildings.  And while the city and preservation advocates have worked diligently over the years to improve this situation, today out of a total of 129,500 properties, a whopping 25,000 are considered vacant and abandoned. As I drive around the city, it breaks my heart to see crumbling and discarded buildings, however their beauty and form can still be seen behind…
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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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14Jul 2022 by Leisa
My Iconic Architecture Series of New York City!

My Iconic Architecture Series of New York City!

New Art, News
Of all the cities in the USA, I have more iconic paintings of New York architecture than any other location. That’s not too surprising when you consider that there are probably more recognizable American icons in NYC than any other city and famous landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge immediately come to mind. In this article I include my six New York City iconic paintings! History of New York City But first a little history of this great city.  It was given its name in 1664 when the British seized New Amsterdam from the Dutch. The population of New York City grew larger and more diverse over the next century and by the 1800s New York was one of the nation’s most…
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21Jun 2022 by Leisa
Celebrating Summer and Getting Out and About

Celebrating Summer and Getting Out and About

New Art, News
Summer Scenes with House Portrait Backdrops. For those of us on the east coast, the warmer weather and longer summer days are truly a blessing. These paintings are a celebration of summer and getting out and about. They include simple, enjoyable, every-day activities that we should never take for granted. From kids playing in the streets, to walking the dog and an inquisitive boy checking out a free little library.  All have architectural backdrops that represent life and people in the city -- weather in urban areas or quiet suburbs. [caption id="attachment_17352" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Kids playing in Alexandria, VA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17353" align="aligncenter" width="1724"] Ball game in Philadelphia, PA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17356" align="aligncenter" width="1717"] Phone conversation in Brooklyn, NY[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17359" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Surprise flowers in Washington, DC[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17358" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Walking…
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14Jun 2022 by Leisa
Hot off the Easel: Vibrant Community Series Old Town Lansing, Michigan

Hot off the Easel: Vibrant Community Series Old Town Lansing, Michigan

Historic Perservation, New Art, News
My brand new technique to show off lively historic communities. These are the first three paintings in this series where I am exploring new techniques and mediums. Old Town Lansing, Michigan, and its artsy historic vibe, inspired me to explore its interesting urban vistas and along the way I discovered some enticing nooks and crannies. Introduction to Old Town Lansing: Lansing, the capital city of Michigan, was incorporated in 1859 and the city was formerly a major center of the automobile industry. The historic homes and neighborhoods around the city tell the story of its rich past. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Town Lansing is located in the northern end of Lansing.  It overlooks the Grand River and a winding walking and biking trail.  The district was established in the mid-19th…
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