While summer color fades. . . a summer house portrait lasts a lifetime
We enjoy life’s garden. Life is the flower for which love is the honey.
— Victor Hugo
I hope you are enjoying the magic of this time of warmth, color and growth.
Being that I have now painted portraits of homes and historic buidings in every state across the USA, I can say that a pretty garden, lush trees and and lovely landscapng, makes all the difference when creating a portait of a home. It is also often the thing that first attacts me to select a home to paint as part of a series I am working on.
To celebrate over a decade in painting glorious summer house portraits, for the first time ever, I am giving away an original hand-painted house portrait oo ONE winner (Value approx $600.) Click on the link at the end of this article to find out what you need to do to qualify to enter!
The following portraits are some of my favorite garden homes and I think they illustrate how gorgeous gardens make a home and property even more beautifull and give us so much joy along with it. Take this classic Victorian cottage in Chicago for example which is draped in color and life.
I am delighted to see that there is a growing trend in the USA to create native gardens. Not only are they bright and colorful, they often have a wild and carefree flair to them. You may not be aware that native plants have many other advnantages: They can significantly reduce water runoff and consequently, flooding. Native plantscapes do not require mowing and they help reduce air pollution. These homes in various parts of the country, are great examples of native gardens.
Then there is the more traditional garden for eye-catching Queen Anns, Tudors and Cape Cod homes. I like the fact that I have the chance to capture all these different houes portrait styles in my house portraits.
Adding unique fences and patterned walkways leading to the front door gives any home a very welcoming feel. This Craftsman styel house in Fort Worth is a favorite in this regard, in adition to the glorious garden, surrounding trees and a wide open porch that is to die for!
Many older homes built in the 1800s, have smaller garden space so it is a matter of utilizing every square inch and planning our your garden carefully. This home in Washington D.C.is a great example of this. They chose to grow an array of roses, being that this side of the house gets lots of sunlight.
In addition to adding curb appeal to ones home, colorful gardens bring relaxation and joy to the back of the house as well. This is a great example in Portland OR.
That’s it folks. Short, sweet and super summery! I hope you enjoyed seeing these wonderful homes with their vibrant creative gardens — which in themselves are works of art!
As mentioned above, for the first time ever, I am giving away an original hand-painted house portrait oo ONE winner (Value approx $600.)
Click here to find out how to qualify for the House Portrait Give-Away!
If you are already planning on having me create a portrait for a holiday season gift, now is the time to get in touch. . . before the rush. Get in touch with me and let me know what you have in mind.
Or just get in touch to say hello, I always love to hear from you and get your feedback.
Cheers and enjoy the rest of this sizzling summer weather!
Leisa
