Leisa Collins Art with a Message

Bungalow House Portrait in Del Ray, Alexandria

2011-08-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

One of the cutest!

This little bungalow at 1803 Commonwealth Ave, is one of the older ones in Del Ray, and it is still very much in it's original state. Here's a photo of the house and my house portrait.

These are some shots of the interior, showing an original cabinet
and window, the guest room and believe or not the original garage
out back.

Cheers
Leisa

More Del Ray House Portraits -- with the family included

2011-06-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

More in my Del Ray series and recent house portrait commissions

Here are some more paintings that were part of my show last Saturday at Show of Hands. These three scenes are located on Mt Vernon Ave, the main street of Del Ray.

Have some great home portraits as well that include friends and family.

More to come.

Leisa

Depictions of Del Ray - my upcoming art show!

2011-06-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

Del Ray House Portraits - New Series!

2011-05-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've always loved Del Ray Alexandria. I love it's eclectic blend of architecture and especially the bungalow homes, the artsy funky bright colors and most of all its true sense of community and family living. It reminds of growing up back home in New Zealand. These are the elements that inspired me to create the Del Ray Community Mural last year at the Mt Vernon Rec Center.

However, notice a difference with these portraits. They all include animales and PEOPLE! Let's face it, it wouldn"t be Del Ray with out these vital elements.

Below are homes and people on E. Del Ray Ave, Randolph Ave and E. Wyatt Ave. Del Ray.

Happy viewing and more to come....
Leisa

Garden Art Workshop this Saturday!

2011-04-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Let me know if you can make it... or if you have any questions.
River Farm is truly beautiful at this time of year. Hope to see you there!
Leisa

Commissioned Artwork in New Zealand

2011-04-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

Escaping to a beautiful summer in New Zealand

Instead of suffering the snow and ice in northern Virginia I made a trip back home to New Zealand. I saw my family --which is always a thrill -- spent time at Wainui Beach in Gisborne, attended the wedding of my nephew Troy and married my sister Simone in a lovely forest in Rotorua. And of course I did lots of paintings -- including commissioned artwork.

Here I am lazing in Drift Inn Wainui Beach with coffee in hand.

Here is the wedding of Paul and Simone and the painting I did for them as a wedding present, showing them walking up a sunlit path and into the future....

This is a commissioned painting I did while at Lake Waikaurimoana.

But it ended all too soon... and before I knew it I was back in Old Town Alexandria observing the very first signs of spring.

Leisa

Zooming into 2011!

2011-02-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

So much is happening and its been so long since I have posted. It's cold here in Virginia but I will shortly to be experiencing the New Zealand summer.. for the rest of this month.

Have continued to do house portraits here in Old Town Alexandria and further afield. Here is a portrait in the Fall and a wintery one from a couple of weeks ago.

Since last posting I have put out my first Old Town Calendar and note cards and finished a 60 foot mural about human rights and community spirit. I was recently appointed to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts along with my business and community partner, Camille Leverett (see story in Alexandria News) and have done tons of commissioned art work. Some fun portraits, among other things. Below is Lady BeautyFull, the mascot for BeautyFull Boutique.

You'll hear from me next in New Zealand!

Ciao for now, Leisa

Unleash your Creativity Art Lessons!

2010-10-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

The idea that creativity can be enjoyed only by a select few is FALSE! The greatest joy there is in life is creating. Sometimes however, we need a little help to bring out our creative abilities.

I have been asked repeatedly about giving art lessons and now that I have my new Creative Art Nexus space I have the perfect venue for this. Here's the info, but don't hesitate to get hold of me with your questions. I always love hearing from you.

Have a creative day!
Leisa

I've formed a new group, "Creative Art Nexus"!

2010-10-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Due to the huge interest generated from artists, youth and the community regarding the Del Ray Community Mural project, (see details in my posting yesterday) I decided to form a new group called Creative Art Nexus. (CAN) Our slogan is "Artists CAN bring change! Here's my logo.

My new home for CAN is located at 118 N. Fayette Street, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. I am sharing a wonderful 3,000 square foot space with Camille Leverett, the owner of a new store called the BeautyFull Boutique. Its a cool, artsy consignment shop for women size 14 and up. CAN will become a new local community art hub while providing an art mentorship program for youth. I will also give art lessons to both adults and children. The wonderful gallery setting of BeautyFull Boutique provides a perfect venue to showcase the work of CAN and to display my own art work plus the original art of other social minded artists involved with CAN.

Our Grand Opening is next Wednesday, 13th October. There is an Open House between 11 - 5pm and the ribbon cutting with local city representatives is at 3pm. Here is your personal invite!

Catch ya later,
Leisa

Thinking Big - 60 foot painting of Alexandria street scene takes form

2010-10-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

My latest project has been to organize a LARGE SCALE "pen and watercolor" of a street scene within the community spirited main street of Del Ray, Alexandria. The 60-foot mural shows how the city of Alexandria supports the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through the depiction of every-day activites in Del Ray --activities that are the very essence of any real community. The bulk of the painting of the mural took place last Saturday, coninciding with Del Ray's Art on the Avenue.

See article in Del Ray Patch.

Right now we are in the process of doing the finishing touches on the mural. Have a look at our "making of a mural" sequence below. . .

Cheers!

Leisa

My "On the Streets of Old Town" Show opening tonight!

2010-09-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

After completing over 30 Old Town House Portraits in my series, I am now painting Old Town street scenes as well. My first pieces can be seen in this show which is being held at a charming antique store on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, called Imperfections. Here are the details -- all are welcome!
Leisa

My Growing Old Town Historic House Portrait Series

2010-04-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

We're now settled into Old Town Alexandria and my series of historic homes is continuing to grow. There are currently eight paintings in the series, as displayed here in my new studio in North Alfred Street Old Town.

Here is one of the latest in my project: The Faces and Homes of Historic Old Town Alexandria -- Connecting the Past with the Present.

This charming home at 217 South Columbus Street, Old Town Alexandria, was built in the early 1800's.

It's current owner is Amanda Washburn who purchased it in 1986. Amanda has lived in Alexandria for 30 years. A passionate supporter of Old Town preservation, Amanda is responsible for the vibrant colors of the house and for keeping it's historic fabric in tact. Here's Amanda's statement as to why she loves Old Town: "Old Town exudes history. It's also a true community. The houses are so authentic, they're priceless. And most of all I love my cobblestone drive!"

More to come....

Leisa

Moving into Old Town -- Day One

2010-04-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to be right in Old Town! Last night, after loading the last of our stuff in our wagon and arriving at our new home/studio to unload, my husband Bruce and I were looking for a reason NOT to have to start the ascent of two flights of narrow and somewhat slanting 200 year old stairs with endless loads of heavy boxes and art bags. In Old Town we are quickly discovering there are wonderful diversions! Even though it was 9.30pm, we WALKED just 200 yards from the studio out on King Street and experienced the "nuevo Latino cuisine" of the Cafe Salsa. Wonderful meal! At that stage there was no further excuse and the last of our "work-out sessions" began.

At midnight we collasped into our air bed (how do you get a real bed through the door?) Today I am putting order into the chaos! Right now it looks more like a train wreck. These are my BEFORE photos...

And so you can see that my whining about the stairs is justified, check this out. Now that is one narrow entrance!

In the morning we watched the sun rise (from bed) over an Old Town skyline. Awesome! At 7.30am I went into my studio and stood at my easel -- this is the view I saw! Now THAT is inspirational! I'm dying to get at that empty canvas on my easel.... but I have my battle plan for the day and there will be no more deviations!

For now, it's back to work.

Leisa

My New Studio - Right in the Heart of Old Town Alexandria

2010-04-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here it is, my new studio and our new home! It's at 105 North Alfred Street, just half a block from King Street, Old Town's main drag. The building is the now the home to St George Gallery, which specializes in beautiful hand made Ethiopian furniture and decor accessories. The building is over 200 years old and has been granted a plaque by the Historic Alexandria Foundation for it's historic excellence.

We have the top floor. Lots of light, high ceilings... perfect. I'm itching to start painting!
Leisa

From Spring in Duke Street to Spring in Cameron Street Old Town Alexandria!

2010-03-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Continuing my House Portrait Series, The Faces and Homes of Historic Old Town Alexandria -- Connecting the Past with the Present

This next home is a one of the most untouched original homes I have seen in Old Town -- both inside and out. It could be transported to a museum site as so much of the historic fabric is in tact. The date it was built was 1796 - 1804 and it is called the Ramsay-Snowden House, named after the two original owners.

The current owners owners are Richard and Trish Klingenmaier. They were able to provide me with a wealth of information about the history of their home and Richard, I discovered, is quite a history buff when it comes to Old Town. He has become my "historical consultant" and so far there isn't one question he's not been able to answer!

Onto the next one!
Leisa

More Old Town Alexandria House Portraits in my Series

2010-03-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely home in Duke Street, owned by two lovely people, June and Bob Nemchin (see below). They are both retired now. June was in the interior design business -- you can tell as soon as you enter the house-- and Bob is a chemistry researcher and an impressive freelance photographer. The Nemchins are very fond of art and their home also serves as a gallery of original art and photography.

I chose their home as part of my house portrait series of Old Town Alexandria as I love the unique rose pink hues (that was June's creation of course) and the three flags in a row caught my eye. The Nemchins were granted a plaque by the Historic Alexandria Foundation which is proudly on display. They have kept their home very much to the original, complimenting it with antique furniture and a great patio garden out back where spring colors are now bursting forth!

My Lastest Old Town Alexandria House Portrait - Third in Series

2010-03-13T12:53:00.000-08:00

Here's my third pen and watercolor painting. A gorgeous home in Wolfe Street Old Town Alexandria. Love those spring colors! The original is now in the hands of the home owner, my new friend, Tom Amontree. He has decorated the interior beautifully, in vibrant but earthy complimentary colors. Tom gave me a tour and even showed me the trap door leading to the basement that was once part of a morgue -- that's right! Last century this building was an Old Town funeral home.

Here's Tom and his house!

That's all for now. Doing more homes. Can't get enough of Old Town!

Leisa

My First Two House Portraits of Old Town Alexandria Historic Homes!

2010-03-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Announcing My Old Town Alexandria Original Homes Series

I've finished my first two paintings and have now selected a further array of unique homes in Old Town that I want to include in my series. Once completed, I will be using this series to create a calendar and eventually put a book together. My compilation will be a little different, however, in that it will not just be a series of paintings of old buildings, it will be a melding of the glorious past with the equally interesting present. I'm not only fascinated by the history of these charming houses, I want to know about whose living in them now, in other words how did that old building become a beautiful unique restoration of the past!

Here are the first two, on Prince Street and Duke Street respectively.

Onto the next ones!
Leisa

My New Studio in Alexandria

2010-03-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

At this time my studio serves as a workshop as well as a place to display my paintings. It's a good start. Got to get back to work. . . it's art in action time! I'm busy on my first house portraits of historic homes in Old Town Alexandria. I've been walking the streets and selecting my subjects. What fun!

I'm about to finish my second Old Town house portrait. . .

Leisa

We Found Our Home in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia!

2010-03-07T02:10:00.000-08:00

Historic Buildings, Art in Action.... a Community with a Message!

Finally, after 25,000 (road) miles travelled across America and all over New Zealand in the last six months we have found the perfect location to call our home! Alexandria, Virginia is that place. It's a hip city but also a real community steeped in history. In fact Old Town has more beautifully maintained historic homes than anywhere else in the country -- a constant inspiration for house portraits! What's more folks smile and say hello as you walk down the streets of Old Town, Alexandria's hub. Washington D.C., an international city with its own regal charm, is only a stone throw away and the state of Virginia is lush and green and outdoor water and land activities abound. And hey, it also has seasons! Now that's exciting.

Here's a taste of Old Town Alexandria.

Next, I'll show you my new Alexandria studio!
Leisa

How to Create an Original House Portrait Painting -- Lesson Three

2010-02-04T11:07:00.001-08:00

Painting a House Portrait Lesson Three: The Final Stage -- the Watercolor Wash

If you have decided to paint house portraits, this series of lessons is your step by step guide.

Lesson #1 taught you how to plan out your house portrait, choosing your subject and taking photographs. Lesson #2 walked you through pen drawing stage. This final lesson teaches you to complete your work of art with a watercolor wash of the pen drawing.

As I stated in an earlier lesson, you can of course use any method you choose to represent your house -- from oil paints to pastels -- but from my experience, certain mediums work better than others for house portraits. My preference for house portraits is a pen drawing followed by a watercolor wash. The line drawing records the finer points of the house and the garden while the watercolor wash or painting really brings it to life. This enables you as the artist to create a detailed, attractive but subtle representation of the home and its garden surroundings.

Now that you have your house portrait drawn out, including all the lines and shading, so that it has contrast and dept, it is time apply the last step – the watercolor wash. There are specific skills regarding watercolor painting techniques and obviously the purpose of these lessons is not to teach you these, but give you the simple steps that you can take to produce your own house portrait. There are however there are many books, tutorials, and step by step videos available on watercolor painting.

Firstly lay out small amounts of the colors that you will need on your watercolor palette. Have your source photo at hand so you can clearly see the colors of your house portrait. You will need a container of water and different sizes of paintbrushes, finer for the details and broader for the larger areas such as the sky, lawn and garden areas.

As per watercolor technique one usually starts with the larger areas first. Once these areas dry, fill in the shadows, deeper tones and details to create contrast. You will find that with a straight watercolor painting, where there is no pen work to follow, you will need to do many more layers of watercolor to get the depth and detail needed. Remember however that while the pen lines and shading does a lot of the work for you, to make your painting attractive you still need to use those basic watercolor techniques. But don’t overdo the watercolor wash either. It needs to be translucent so you can still see the pen work underneath. Otherwise, what’s the point of doing the pen work in the first place? One tip I can give on translucency is the use of acrylic paint rather than watercolor paint. In this case, one uses acrylic paint -- which is water based of course -- in exactly the same way as watercolor paint, but simply adds a lot more water than is usually used for acrylic painting.

In summary, you want the watercolor wash to add character and capture the personality of the home. With the pen and watercolor wash technique you are combining two distinct art forms, pen drawing and watercolor painting and if done well the result can be a vibrant mix of detail, accuracy and color. Don’t forget that any skill or art form takes practice and patience.

Good luck in creating your first house portrait!

About Leisa Collins:
Leisa's artistic motto is Art with a Message. Her website stresses the importance of artists creating social change and includes an online gallery of landscapes and portraits. She specializes in house portraits, pet portraits, child portraits and original landscape paintings.

Contact Info:
Send an email
www.leisacollins.com

Posted via web from Art with a Message

How to Create an Original House Portrait Painting -- Lesson Two

2010-01-07T14:05:00.001-08:00

Painting a House Portrait Lesson Two: Choosing your Medium and Drawing the House.

If you have decided you want to do a house portrait painting, this series of lessons is your step by step.

Lesson #1 taught you how to plan out your painting, including working out the subject of your house portrait, determining the best angle and taking your photos. Now it’s time to decide on the best medium to use.

You can, of course, use any method you choose to depict your house -- from oil paints to pastels -- but from my experience, certain mediums work better than others for house portraits. It is important to include detail. If you were doing a portrait of a person, you would not leave out characteristic details of the person’s face. It is the same with a house. You want to include the details that show the unique personality of the home.

My preference for house portraits is a pen drawing followed by a watercolor wash. The line drawing records the finer points of the house and garden while the watercolor wash brings it to life. This enables you as the artist to create a detailed, attractive but subtle representation of the home and its garden surroundings.

You will need a good quality watercolor paper. These come in different paper weights (thicknesses) and are commonly available at any local art supply stores.

The first step is to draw out your subject in pencil. This requires an understanding of perspective so that the angles of the building are correct and look three dimensional. When doing a house portrait, nothing creates an amateur impression faster than crooked lines and a building that looks out of plumb. If necessary, study and master this skill before you draw your building. (You can find excellent books on perspective drawing in art stores, bookstores, libraries and on the internet.)

To make sure your drawing is accurate, use a tried and true method of dividing your main source photo into four quarters and then compare the content of each square with your pencil drawing (also divided in matching quarters) as you proceed. After you have done as many house portraits as I have, the pencil stage can be reduced down to broad strokes only, which includes making sure the drawing is correct compared to the source photo and the overall layout is balanced and attractive. At that point I move onto the pen work.

It’s up to you how detailed your pencil draft is and the big advantage is that you can use an eraser. But don’t go overboard with the eraser or you will end up scrapping off some of the surface of your paper in the process. What is important is that you feel comfortable with the pencil stage before moving onto your permanent pen drawing.

The next step is choosing the black pen you want to use. There are many different choices. Some artists like a fine ink stroke while others prefer the lines to be heavier. There is an abundance of quality art drawing pens on the market, most of them using ink cartridges, but with different size and types of nibs. Go to your nearest art supply store to get help in making your selection. Some artists prefer to use a thin tip felt pen or just an ordinary black ballpoint pen. If you plan to do a watercolor wash, make sure your chosen pen medium is water resistant. The only way to establish what works best for you is to try them out. That’s what I did many years ago and I established that my favorite tool is a simple black ballpoint. I found that one can perfect a fluid, more spontaneous look using a ballpoint, which is what I prefer.

Complete the pen work, starting with the main architectural lines of the roof and the walls. Then add shadowing and contrast, which is basically additional definition where needed. Use a set square or ruler on the key vertical and horizontal lines for a more professional final product. Include good contrast between differences in light and shadow to make your art work interesting and appealing. The standard I go for with my house portrait pen drawings is that the drawing is good enough to stand on its own as a piece of art, depicting the subject accurately and aesthetically.

In fact, some artists prefer to leave their pen drawing as it is rather than add a watercolor wash. Another option is to give the drawing a grey-tone wash. These creative choices are simply a matter of personal and artistic preference.

In my opinion, adding the watercolor wash adds life and character and helps to capture the unique personality of the home. With the pen and watercolor wash techniques you are combining two distinct art forms, pen drawing and watercolor painting, and, if done well, the result can be a vibrant mix of detail, accuracy and color.

My next lesson, Lesson #3, will cover how to apply the watercolor wash and complete your house portrait painting.

# # #

Posted via web from Art with a Message

How to Create an Original House Portrait Painting - Lesson One

2009-12-21T03:05:00.001-08:00

Painting a House Portrait Lesson One: Getting Started – The Planning Stage

“Fail to plan and you plan to fail”, as the old saying goes, is totally applicable to art. Sure, there is always that element of “spontaneous creation” but my best paintings have been ones that I planned out well beforehand. A lot of other artists who make their living at their craft will agree with me.

At the risk of stating the obvious, getting started on your house portrait first and foremost begins with having a suitable house as the subject of your painting. There needs to be some aesthetic or interesting element that inspires you to do the painting, but don’t lose sight of the fact that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If you are doing a house portrait painting for a friend or relative, think of what the painting will mean to them and it is amazing how good your work of art will turn out. For example, that ramshackle farmhouse that your mother was brought up in might not look like much but to her it is imbued with nostalgia and happy family memories. The ancient shaggy cedar tree that frames the house was where she and her siblings played for hours, swinging on an old tractor tire; the old wooden gate is what they would race to open when they were helping father bring in the cows before supper. These elements should be part of the portrait therefore.

Your first step is to work out the best angle of the house and take photos. Usually front on is not that exciting. It’s generally too boxy. It would be the same if you were to do a portrait of a person or a car for example. The two points to take into consideration when taking the photos are a) what is the most flattering angle of the house that shows off its personality and the surroundings and b) is there any foliage blocking a clear view of the home, in which case you may be restricted to one view only, i.e., the only one you can see.

As mentioned above, the garden and surroundings of the house are very important. These are part of its character, especially a home with beautifully tended gardens which are the pride and joy of its occupants. And remember that the great thing about doing an original painting as opposed to just taking a photo, is that you get to indulge in “artistic license” to some degree. Just like a portrait of a person, you can’t change or improve facial features but you can change or improve the environment your subject is in, i.e., the background of the portrait. It’s the same with house portraits. You can make the house more visible by “trimming” the surrounding trees, or tidying up an out-of-control garden or even putting flowers in bloom to add vibrant dashes of color.

Take plenty of photos from each angle. That way if you are in any doubt as to what will look best on your canvas you can solve this by reviewing the photos. Remember to also take close-ups of windows, doors and other details that you may not be able to see clearly when it comes to doing the painting. Of course, you can always sit outside the house and do it right on the spot, but this can often be challenging in terms of uncomfortable temperatures, changing light, wind, as well as the odd downpour. So good photos are an excellent back-up in these situations.

Once you have accomplished the above, the next step is decide on the medium you will use. My next article, Lesson Two, will cover that step.

Leisa Collins

www.leisacollins.com

Leisa Collins combines her artistic skills under the motto “Art with a Message.” Her website stresses the importance of the artist bringing about social change and includes an online gallery of landscapes and portraits. She specializes in personalized house portraits, pet portraits, child portraits and original landscape paintings.

Working with Tapuihikitia Marae to Create Children and Art Project

2009-12-21T02:54:00.001-08:00

I joined with a team of young people from the Tapuihikitia Marae (Maori center) and we created this painting of their Marae. We named it "Te Aroha" which means love in the Maori language and it's the name that is emblazoned above the door of the Marae meeting house. As you can see, the painting mainly includes a view of the Meeting House, the central point of the Marae, combined with swirling Maori designs drawn and painted by the youth team to convey the value of the marae within the Maori community and the unifying role it plays. The painting now proudly hangs at the Tapuihikitia Marae.

Here is an article that the local paper, the Gisborne Herald, ran about the completed project.

The Gisborne Herald
Monday, 7 December, 2009

Showing Aroha for Marae through Art
By Alice Te Puni

A splash of colour and generous strokes of aroha were the finishing touches of a painting crated through a youth programme at Tapuihikitia Marae, Puha, last week.

Artist and activist Leisa Collins took marae affiliates Jasmine Morunga, Stephanie Murray, Haami Turei, Chelsea Hawkins and Casey Ihe under her skilful wing to create an art piece to hang in a place of honor at the marae. The young artists painted a piece called Te Aroha, which is the name of the wherenui.

The painting includes a view of the marae combined with swirling Maori designs.

"The purpose of the painting is to convey the value of the marae within the Maori community and the unifying role it plays," said Ms Collins. "The non-profit project was a labour of love. The kids are very bright. They wanted the painting of their marae to represent unity and a coming together of the people."

Ms. Collins, born and raised in Auckland, recently began a full-time art career after two decades of social activism that took her to the four corners of the globe and gave her a firsthand view of diverse cultures and social inequities.

One of her first paintings of social injustices was of Bastion Point during the 1970's. She was an 18-year-old who witnessed the drama unfold.

She is now combining her activist and artistic skills under the motto of "art with a message" and frequently gives free art lessons to young people to encourage them to further develop their artistic abilities.

Prior to returning to New Zealand a few weeks ago, she completed a 11,000 km journey across the United States to promote art education for children.

Two weeks ago she gave an impromptu free lesson to the pupils of the Mt Cook-Aoraki School, a location she stopped at as part of a national painting tour to retrace her footsteps of a journey through the South Island 30 years earlier. At that time she abandoned formal art training and the confines of the classroom in Auckland, opting to learn her craft through capturing on canvas the beauty of the New Zealand landscape

Ms. Collins is staying with family in Gisborne, painting a number of house portrait commissions while also creating a series of New Zealand landscape and portrait paintings.

Her website stresses the importance of the artist bringing about social change and her Art in Action page includes her activities in this regard.

Her website includes an online gallery of house portraits, child portraits, pet portraits and original landscape paintings.

"Art is a powerful means of communication and is therefore a potent weapon to bring about change. Art for me is something that goes far beyond the walls of the studio," she said.

# # #

Leisa Collins
leisa@leisacollins.com
www.leisacollins.com

House Portrait Artist Supports Children and Art on New Zealand Tour

2009-12-03T18:26:00.001-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

House portrait and landscape artist Leisa Collins' most recent New Zealand tour stop was the Gisborne area where she visited family and tended to another artistic painting spree. “I toured 11,000 km across America on a painting tour before returning to New Zealand several weeks ago and I have since traveled extensively across both the north and south islands. I've been in Auckland, Rotorua, Gisborne, Christchurch, Mt Cook and more, but Gisborne takes top prize when it comes to homes and gardens with personality!” said Leisa. “I was so impressed I decided to selectively promote to Gisborne area homes and the response has been huge.” Collins just completed a pen and watercolor wash house portrait of a farm homestead on Wainui Road. “It was the first time clients asked me to include cows in a home portrait painting,” she said. “It was a lot of fun.” Leisa is currently working on two others commissioned works in the Whataupolo area of Gisborne.

Earlier on her New Zealand tour Leisa was at Mt Cook retracing her footsteps of a journey she took through the South Island 30 years ago. At that time she abandoned formal art training and the confines of the classroom in Auckland, opting to learn her craft by capturing on canvas the beauty of the New Zealand landscape. She celebrated her return to Mt Cook by giving an impromptu watercolor lesson to the pupils of the Aoraki Mt Cook School. Leisa enjoys combining children and art.

Leisa recently took up her paintbrush and full-time art career again after two decades of social activism that took her to the four corners of the globe and gave her a firsthand view many diverse cultures and shocking social inequities. She is now living in both New Zealand and the USA. She is creating her latest New Zealand series of paintings while at the same time fulfilling commissioned landscapes, child portraits and house portraits. “The first personalized paintings I did all those years ago were pen and watercolor house portraits of New Zealand homes, and its still a favorite,” said Leisa, “I especially like painting historic homes and buildings.”

Leisa is now combining her activist and artistic skills under the motto Art with a Message. Her website stresses the importance of the artist bringing about social change and her Art in Action page includes her activities in this regard. Her website also includes an online gallery, featuring semi-abstract as well as realistic landscape and portrait works. She regularly posts on her Art with a Message Blog and keeps her friends and clients ted through her newsletter, Art in the Making.

“Art is a powerful means of communication and is therefore a potent weapon to bring about change,” says Leisa. “Art for me is something that goes far beyond the walls of the studio.”

Contact Information:
Email: leisa@leisacollins.com
Website: http://www.leisacollins.com
House Portraits: http://www.leisacollins.com/house_portrait.html .

Posted via web from Art with a Message

Between House Portraits and Landscape Paintings -- A Bit of River Rafting Relaxation

2009-11-30T16:14:00.001-08:00

I have been very busy lately working on a number of commissioned Home Portraits and Landscape Paintings, but seeing as I am also in the beautiful outdoor world of New Zealand and enjoying precious time with family, I took a few hours out for a bit of relaxation with my husband and kiwi relatives -- a river rafting adventure on the Kaituna River near Rotorua that included a 7 meter high waterfall! Not all that relaxing but great fun! Thanks to the River Rats Adventure Professionals who provided us with everything we needed for a splendid afternoon on the river.

Enjoy the photo sequence of our rafting team going over the 7 meter waterfall and take note of the frame where the raft disappears completely -- that's the handle of my paddle you can see just barely poking out from the froth of the waterfall. You can see we nearly tipped at the bottom, too, but we made it safe and sound in the end! Another inspirational adventure completed!

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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House portrait of Mountaineer’s Café at Aoraki Village Mt Cook

2009-11-21T01:02:00.001-08:00

It was sad to leave Mt Cook and the cozy Old Mountaineer's Café nestled in Aoraki Village Mt Cook but it had to be done. We departed at first light this morning but it wasn't till last night as I sat in the café watching the last vestiges of light play on the mountain peaks that the bright idea struck me. I would capture the spirit of the café in a pen and watercolor house portrait and leave it as a gift for my friends Charlie and Mary Hobbs, the owners and creators of the café, for their incredible hospitality. And that's exactly what I did. Here it is.

Leisa

www.leisacollins.com

leisa@leisacollins.com

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Keeping an Eye on the Mountain... Returning to Mt Cook NZ and Supporting Children and Art

2009-11-19T23:00:00.001-08:00

Mt Cook National Park has always been one of my favorite places on the planet and here I am looking at that awe-inspiring sight once again. New Zealand has certainly changed in the last 30 years, the Aoraki Mt Cook Village has grown significantly but one thing that hasn’t changed a bit is Mt Cook itself.

I’m watching the mountain magically emerge from behind a thick blanket of cloud as I send this post while perched at a window table in the Old Mountaineer’s Café and Restaurant, a cozy mountain retreat in the heart of Aoraki Village. It’s owned and managed by my friends Charlie and Mary Hobbs and family. Charlie is a well known Kiwi adventure and mountaineer and his wife and co-adventurer is Mary, a writer and publisher. You will see us in the photo below with Mt Cook in the back ground.

I celebrated my return to Mt Cook by giving back to this wonderful community in support of children and art. Today I gave an impromptu watercolor lesson to the pupils of the Aoraki Mt Cook School.

But this time I won’t be away from my mountain home for so long. I’ll be returning in January where I will hold an exhibition at the Old Mountaineer’s Café and Restaurant and I’ll also give an art workshop. On a broader scale, I’m completing my latest New Zealand series of paintings while at the same time fulfilling a steady stream of commissioned work, especially house portraits, still one of my favorites.

Leisa

Information on Leisa Collins Art:

Leisa Collins Art is the artistic endeavor of New Zealand born visual artist Leisa Collins. The company motto is Art with a Message and the primary focus is on using art for social change by promoting art in action, especially working with women artists on projects concerning children and art education. Leisa specializes in commissioned art works of all kinds and especially loves doing house portraits. For more information contact Leisa by phone, e-mail or website.

Contact Information:

Email: leisa@leisacollins.com

Website: www.leisacollins.com

Information on commissioned art: www.leisacollins.com/leisacollins_commissions.html

Information on house portraits: www.leisacollins.com/house_portrait.html

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from artwithamessage's posterous

Enchanted Forest in New Zealand

2009-11-17T02:56:00.001-08:00

My first series of landscape paintings created in New Zealand.

This series is called Looking into the Enchanted Rotorua Forest, New Zealand

The forest is an elegant mix of Redwoods and native New Zealand bush. Walking into the forest you discover that everything is coated with an iridescent layer of green moss. It's totally magical.

This is what I have tried to capture with these paintings. The first painting is entering the forest, the second is observing an ancient log and the third is looking into the microcosm of one square foot of a moss covered tree trunk.

Leisa

www.leisacollins.com

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Return to New Zealand with Art with Message

2009-11-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

NEWS RELEASE

After two decades of social activism that took her to the four corners of the globe and gave her a firsthand view of diverse cultures and social inequities, Leisa Collins, has taken up her paintbrush again and recently returned to New Zealand and her full-time art career.

Leisa is now combining her activist and artistic skills under the motto of art with a message. Her website stresses the importance of the artist bringing about social change and her Art in Action page includes her activities in this regard. Her website also includes an on-line gallery, featuring semi-abstract as well as realistic landscape and portrait works. She regularly posts on her Art with a Message Blog and keeps her friends and clients updated through her newsletter, Art in the Making.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Leisa embarked upon formal art training at 17, however after only a few months she abandoned the classroom, opting to learn her craft through capturing on canvas the beauty of the countryside. Exploring every nook and cranny of New Zealand, she financed her adventures by selling her work as she went. “It’s great to be back in Auckland,” says Leisa. This is my old stomping ground. It’s where I had my first studio and held my first exhibit, and many other firsts as well.” Leisa is currently creating her latest New Zealand series while doing house portraits on commission. “I have always found that to be a very fun activity in New Zealand because so many of the homes here have serious personality!”

Before returning to New Zealand Leisa completed a 7,000 mile journey across the United States that marked her reemergence into the art world and captured the faces and places of America on her canvas. Entitled Across the USA from the Eyes of an Artist tour the tour started in Los Angeles on September 1 and ended in New York on October 15.

“Art is a powerful means of communication and is therefore a potent weapon to bring about change,” says Leisa. Art for me is something that goes far beyond the walls of the studio.”

Contact Information:
Email: leisa@leisacollins.com
Website: http://www.leisacollins.com/
Blog: www.leisacollinsartwithamessage.blogspot.com
Additional info on house portraits: www.leisacollins.com/house_portrait.html

Going wild with House Portraits in New Zealand

2009-11-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

Talk about Homes with Personality!

This was another thing that really struck me when I arrived back in New Zealand – something else that I had forgotten about. The unique character imbued into every square foot of so many of the homes here is pretty outstanding! I heard somewhere that Kiwis spent more time and money on their house and garden per capita that any other place in the world. I believe it. It’s become an observable trend in these parts.

I mean where in the USA do you find “Garden Cafes”? These are an amalgamation of very fancy garden centers with trendy cafes/eateries that are set in beautiful outdoors settings, sort of a cool coffee house in a mini-botanical garden.

OK, back to house portraits. Now take a look at this house here. That’s what I call personality! It happens to be where Bruce and I am staying right now, with my sister Michelle and her husband Paul. They converted this place 20 years ago from a one bedroom beach house (batch as they say here) to this super comfortable and artsy two-story four-bedroom home. Check out the view you get from the deck. This looks over Wainui Beach which is right next to Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the dawn every single day.

And here are a few other homes in Gisborne, just chosen at random, to give you an idea of what I am talking about.

I am producing my first house portrait right now, a lovely lakeside dwelling just outside of Rotorua. Actually, I’m doing three watercolors of this property in order to capture all its facets. I’ll show it to you when I’m done. . .

Leisa

Heading down New Zealand's North Island while looking out for Hobbits

2009-11-05T02:06:00.000-08:00

Its been quite a few years since I've been back home to New Zealand. In those years, the famous trilogy Lord of the Rings made its mark on the world stage, at the same time grabbing a fistful of Oscars and helping to put New Zealand's scenic wonders on the map.

Ttraveling down from Auckland through the luscious Waikato countryside, my outlook was completely different and I found myself constantly looking out for Hobbit homes nestled in the soft rolling hills or for Hobbits lumbering along the grassy farmland tracks. This Wiakato region served as the set for Hobbiton, the famous Hobbit Village depicted in the movie. Talk about green! That grass looked good enough to eat... and certainly some of the 60 million grass-chomping sheep I passed along with the way agreed with me.

Twenty Hours in the Air.... then Arrival in Godzone

2009-11-03T01:59:00.000-08:00

The point of departure was Michigan, USA, then it was onto Los Angeles. After virtually all day in a cramped plane Bruce and I would have been happy to collapse into bed … but that was out of the question. At precisely 15 minutes before midnight we were in the air again, this time heading for the “City of Sails” -- Auckland, New Zealand. Auckland is the largest city in NZ and it’s also my old stomping ground. It’s where I created my first art studio, had my first art exhibition and plenty of other firsts before that.

Fifteen hours later we entered Godzone. One of the first indicators you have arrived in this revered zone is when you walk outside the airport terminal and realize you can not SEE what you are breathing. It’s safe to take long depth breaths, despite being in a large city. My Mum, Melva Collins was there at the airport to meet us of course.

Auckland sprawls out over an isthmus, which is a narrow piece of land surrounded by water, lots of water. This is the view from my Mum’s house in Western Auckland. You can see two of the most famous landmarks of Auckland in this shot, the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto Island, once an active volcano but now extinct. The funny thing is that no matter where you are in Auckland, Rangitoto always looks the same. That’s because it is shaped like a flat round pancake with a little peak in the middle, the point of volcanic eruption many moons ago.

Well, I have to say, it’s great to be back in New Zealand – a land of endless inspiration for an artist...

Art in Action in New York -- Final Destination of USA Tour!

2009-10-29T02:33:00.000-07:00

After Pennsylvania came New Jersey, where pumpkins also abounded!

From TV and movies I had always thought of New Jersey as one big grimy dilapidated inner city projects area. I found that it was nothing of the sort. In fact, I discovered they have some of the most beautifully restored and well maintained historic homes in the country! The friends I stayed with, Diane and Steve Workman, were no exception. Their century old house, nestled in the quiet New Jersey suburb of Glen Rock, inspired me into action and I created this pen and watercolor painting as a gift for their hospitality.

While in New Jersey I also visited the Ability School, a wonderful place for kids both scholastically and in terms of teaching and promoting the arts. I snapped this shot as a group of students were busily creating Halloween artwork as an after school project.

Then it was time for The Big Apple! New York City. I have always loved New York. Day in, day out, the city in continuously teaming with life. One can simply stand in Time Square (where the photo was taken) and see just about every type of person, from street musicians to mothers with their children in tow to men in Wall Street suits. At the same time you can hear dozens of languages from people all over the world. You simply can’t get any more international than New York!

I had a very productive meeting with Sarah Smith, the Arts and Cultural Coordinator with the New Zealand Consulate. We discussed joint art projects both in New York and New Zealand, where I am heading at the end of the month.

I met with Broddie Sigurdarson, a Coordinator for Cultural Affairs with the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous People. Originally from Iceland, Broddie works with indigenous people from around the world and helps them promote their art and cultural roots. I showed him my indigenous series paintings and found out how I can best help in upcoming UN indigenous events.

While the tour was now officially over, there was still another 600 miles to go to join my husband Bruce in Michigan. It was a beautiful morning as I took off through Upstate New York. I had told myself that there would be no more photo stops now, the tour was over. But I couldn’t resist one last stop to photograph this beautiful scene -- perfect for a painting. I looked back fondly at our trusty Volkswagan Passat Wagon. With an average milage of 32 miles per gallon throughout the trip, it never missed a turn and held the road firmly every inch of the 7,000 mile journey.

But there was no time for nostalgia; I needed to move on. The open road stretched out before me, full of the promise of future adventures, new friends and unforgettable experiences. I got in the car and began to drive.

Leisa

www.leisacollins.com

leisa@leisacollins.com

Art with a Message USA Tour - Two Thousand Miles to Go!

2009-10-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

The final Michigan to New York leg of the US Tour I did solo while Bruce stayed in Michigan to help his family with a home renovations project prior to us leaving for New Zealand. The main change I noted being on the road again was the beautiful fall colors now imbuing the landscape as far as the eye could see.

Heading south from Lansing, I crossed into Indiana and stopped into see my friend Mahiah and deliver a commissioned work I created for her of the rugged coastland of Ireland. I also checked out Indiana’s largest paintball field, White River Paintball Field. Mariah’s boyfriend Ben started the venture 10 years ago and its now is a growing enterprise, sprawled out on 125 acres of picturesque Indiana woodlands. I was given the grand tour and it certainly opened my eyes to what paintball is actually about.

Next it was time to head westward and visit Ohio where I encountered softly undulating farmland and well cared for fields of corn and other crops. This view here is very typical.

By mid-afternoon I was through Ohio and into Pennsylvania. Autumn-toned trees now occupied the landmasses dotted with patches of green pines and rocky outcrops. I took the turnpike west and wound around the Appalachian Mountains heading for the North Eastern corner of Pennsylvania, Allentown. My attraction to the city was the fact that my sister and brother-in-law live there with their delightful 5 and 6-year-old daughters, Ashleigh and Samantha, whom I had never met. Besides getting to know them, I squeezed in a painting of their human-like dog Einstein for Samantha’s birthday.

Needless to say, Allentown was a fun experience. I also joined them and a group of enthusiastic youngsters for a very American occasion, a “pumpkin patch” event on Byler’s Farm where you select your own pumpkin for Halloween.

But it was time to move onto New York, the final destination for the tour...

Leisa

www.leisacollins.com/

leisa@leisacollins.com

More Art in Action - Open Air Painting and House Portraits in Illinois and Michigan

2009-10-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Illinois and heading down a country road lined with corn we entered the city of Standard, population 300. Spotting a sign that read “4 Family Garage Sale”, we stopped in to check out it out and bought a few items to support the sale. It’s a tight farming community and these are some of the family members tending their garage sale.

We discovered a little known park in Illinois called the Starved Rock National Park which consists of walking tracks through beautiful virgin forest. We drove down to the lake and I was inspired to set up shop and paint the landscape view before me.

And then it was onto Michigan, the Great Lakes State. Just across the border on the southern shores of Lake Michigan we visited the quaint beach community of New Buffalo. The vastness of the lake amazed me. I could have sworn that we were on the edge of the sea rather than an inland lake. Everything about the scene communicated this “ocean” - white sand, waves, harbor inlet. Bruce, a native of Michigan, took it all in stride. This was normal to him, rather than unique.

In Lansing, the capital city of Michigan, we spent quality time with family and I ventured out to explore the city, its historic buildings in particular. I fell in love with the Turner-Dodge House where the “founding fathers of Michigan” resided while they fought for reforms and a better future for the citizens of the state. The Turner-Dodge House is also a great example of a government supported project to preserve historic landmarks. I decided to show my support by creating a pen and watercolor painting of the house and presenting it to the coordinator of the Turner-Dodge House as a gift to the city of Lansing.

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Art with a Message USA Tour Continues - from the Geysers of Yellowstone to Endless Cornfields

2009-10-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Our next stop was Yellowstone, Wyoming. Famous for its geysers, hot springs and fossil forests, Yellowstone has over half the thermal activity of the whole planet!

We stopped into the city of Cheyenne, the colorful cowboy capital of Wyoming. It’s population of 50,000 mirrors the fact that the entire state only has around half a million inhabitants. The city was named after the Cheyenne nation, one of the most famous and prominent tribes of the Native North Americans that once thrived on the western Great Plains. Along with the Sioux they were instrumental in the defeat of Custer and his forces in the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Next was the state of Nebraska, that continued the cowboy tradition of Wyoming. Vast plains and low-lying hills surrounded us. Bruce and I stopped into the town of Ogallala and mingled with the locals.

Our introduction to the state of Iowa was the watercolor pink hues of sunrise on a crisp foggy morning. The barren plains of Wyoming were replaced with rolling green hills and lush farmland.

Once the morning sunlight had penetrated through the fog, we realized that we were surrounded by 380 degrees of corn!!!!

There was no time to waste however as we sped on our way through this picturesque state.

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Art in Action - Launching an Online Forum for Children and Art

2009-10-06T08:46:00.001-07:00

Working with children in the field of art is always an inspirational endeavor. Quite often, however, when young artists complete works of art they don't have a forum to show their art on a broad scale and let the world know how talented they are!

That’s why I created a new blog called the Leisa Collins Online Art Gallery for Kids; and I hereby dedicate it to the children of the world and encourage them to create art. After all, it is their creation that will bring about a brighter future for everyone.

This blog was conceived at a painting session and free art lesson I conducted on the lawn of the State Capitol building in Sacramento, California, USA. As you can see from this article in the Capitol Weekly the purpose of the event was to protest the slashing of school art funding and promote the responsibility of artists and parents to fill the void. Below are photos taken at the event.


Leisa and Sarah


Leisa and Angela

My Message to Young Artists:

If you are between the ages of 3 and 15 years old and would like your artwork to be part of this online gallery, scan each piece of art or take a close-up digital photo and email it to me at leisa@leisacollins.com. You must also include the following information so it can be included with your work:

a) Your full name

b) Your age

c) The city, state and country that you live in

I look forward to seeing YOUR creations and including them in this special online gallery for young artists!

I am proud to present the two works below by aspiring young artists from the Sacramento area who took part in the free art lesson at the State Capitol. These works of art are the very first exhibits to be placed in our online gallery for kids.













Sarah Benessini, 10 years old, Sacramento CA


Angela Miller, 10 years old, Sacramento CA

Share this link to my new blog - Leisa Collins Online Art Gallery for Kids - with your friends and family, young and old, to give an opportunity for other young artists to display their works through the online gallery as well as more kids art projects to come.

Leisa Collins

www.leisacollins.com

Art with a Message Lands on the Moon and Discovers Cowboy Land!

2009-10-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

There was a marked change in the landscape as we cruised along the Oregon side of the Columbia River. We discovered unique rock formations, some square and jagged while others were rounded and “sponge-like”. Union Pacific trains chugging by from time to time made things even more interesting. Now this, I thought to myself, is art in action!

As we drove east toward Idaho the alpine trees disappeared and a golden landscape of rolling hills extended as far as the eye could see. They call this stretch of road the Oregon Scenic Highway. The message emblazoned on the slope in the photograph below -- Keep Your Forests Green -- shows how passionate Oregonians are about protecting their environment!

We crossed the border into Idaho and shortly thereafter pulled over into a scenic turnout that overlooked a lush valley. Way below we could see what was once called the “Old Toll Road”. In former times it was the main stagecoach route to Idaho City, which at that time was the foremost settlement in the state. If you look closely down into the valley you will see a distant winding road. We followed that trial to Idaho City, now a well preserved historical site.

My husband, Bruce, and I had always considered Idaho to be just one big farm with fields of potatoes and corn and little else. We couldn’t have been more wrong. While there is farming on the plains, we learned that Idaho has more national park acreage than anywhere else in the lower 48 states. One such park was the beautiful Challis National Forest.

Once through the forest we found ourselves in a sort of twilight zone. The surrounding landscape looked as though monstrous farm ploughs had been busy that very morning! We scrambled for the map. Where were we? Craters of the Moon National Park. Those huge mounds of dirt were in fact dried molten rock, the result of massive volcanic activity eons ago.

We learned that Idaho is an eclectic mix of just about everything. When we finally reached civilization we found ourselves in Pendleton -- Cowboy Land! Home to the famous USA made Pendleton shirts. We stopped into a local saloon for lunch and made friends with these local gentlemen. When asked if they were retired their response was “yep, retired and workin”. But on that sunny day they were simply taking it easy and having a friendly afternoon chat over drinks. The prior week, however, had been a different story. Our new friends and the entire community of Pendleton had just hosted an annual rodeo, one of the largest and most famous rodeos anywhere. Hats off and cheers to Pendleton and its residents -- towns like this are what make America a great nation.

With the last light of a long day we spotted the Sawtooth Mountains in the distance and knew that Yellowstone Park and the state of Wyoming were not too far away.

Catch you on our next art with a message action adventure... pardner!

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Art with a Message along the Border of Washington and Oregon

2009-10-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

Being that our trip through Oregon and the southern part of Washington was conducted in darkness, we decided to go back down the coast so as not to miss anything! We made our way along curving roads, hugged the coastline, noted sheer drops below and marveled at the wonders before us. So much so that it somehow wasn’t surprising to see this “Bridge of the Gods” connecting the beautiful landscapes of Oregon and Washington across the inspirational Columbia River.

As we emerged from a coastal tunnel, before us was a breathtaking view of the Columbia River Gorge from Cape Horn, a massive basalt cliff outcropping on the Washington side of the river. We immediately pulled over into the lookout. Humorously, all four cars that we had been traveling with in a line pulled over in unison and everyone poured out of their vehicles and started taking photos and video footage! The view was an irresistible magnet.

Crossing over the Columbia River from Washington into Oregon, we met a friend, Jason Suess, in the town of Hood River. Born and bred in Washington, Jason is a young retired school teacher who lives in White Salmon and works from home three days a week as an executive representative for ACN, the largest direct seller of telecommunications services in the world. He spends the rest of his time with his wife and two children enjoying life in the great Pacific Northwest. Jason took us to a chic restaurant and pub overlooking the Columbia River, then showed us the community sights of Hood River, which in one short afternoon became one of our favorite cities -- it integrates small town life with lively city activities such as cool locally run stores, cafes, eateries and art galleries. There was even a movie theatre integrated into a pizza restaurant. Order pizza, take it into the theatre with wine and refreshments, and sit on sofas in the front row! We talked to the manager who said his new venture was doing very well!

As darkness fell we headed over to Vancouver, Washington where we spent the night at a friends house before heading east toward Boise, Idaho the next morning.

See you in Idaho!

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Art in Action in Seattle and the Evergreen State

2009-09-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Continuing our Art with a Message USA Tour, after an all night drive, this majestic sunrise welcomed us into the Evergreen State of Washington.

Highway rest area with signs for “Free Coffee” intriqued us. We pulled into investigate. I spoke to the couple who were running a coffee and cookie stand. Well that was certainly a first! They are part of a group called the Shelton Moose Family Center. The government has a program where they allow selected charities to set up in the rest areas in exchange for donations from the public. Amazing! We helped the cause and grabbed some coffee and homemade cookies for the road.

As we entered the greater Seattle area, we saw these amazing cloud effects. And then the city was before us.

Seattle is a great city. While it has all the bustle and life of a big city one doesn’t loose sight of the beautiful surrounding countryside.

We visited our friends Berndt and Rena Mottl in the Sheepskin and Alpaca store they manage in the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington, at the north end of Seattle. I fell in love with the soft warmth of Alpaca and a beautiful wrap they had in their store. So we did a barter deal -- original paintings for Alpaca garments. You can see Bruce and I modeling our new wares in the store, which is filled with great sheepskin and alpaca gifts. Feel free to e-mail Berndt Mottl.

Rena then suggested we go to an Alpaca farm to see the real thing! This became one of the highlights of our Seattle area experience -- a visit to the Casa de Arboles Fine Fiber Farm, an Alpaca and Goat farm to the northeast of Seattle in Monroe, Washington. The owner of the farm, Maggie Di Ulio, is a creative and energetic woman. She runs the farm with her husband, Jim, a skilled veterinarian and an avid fisherman. In addition to Alpaca sales, Casa de Arboles also offers boarding and breeding services, training and mentoring in the Alpaca business, and even Juniper post and timber products. Maggie gave us a top-to-bottom tour of the property. Their custom built log cabin is spectacular, both inside and out, and we learned first-hand that Alpacas have individual personalities. They are dignified and curious creatures and each one is unique, even their hairstyles! Maggie has a great repoire with them as you can see from the photo where one of the Alpaca is giving her a kiss!

There are also goats at Casa de Arboles, including Billy Goats -- “The Colonel” and “Satan”, aptly named studs, are kept well away from the females... most of the time.

The experience inspired me to create “The Personality of Alpaca” painting which is now on display in Berndt’s and Rena’s store.

Maggie commissioned me to do a pen and watercolor painting of her home, which was enormously fun. I also created a painting from one of Maggie's favorite sunrise photos which she routinely captures from the balcony of her log cabin.

The day before we left I presented Maggie with her house portrait!

New places, new friends. We continue to meet creative, energetic people everywhere on our USA Tour, and we treasure each and every one of our new friendships. What makes life rich and rewarding, after all, is the people with whom we live and share it.

See you on the next leg of our trip...

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Art with a Message Makes Tracks in the Pacific Northwest

2009-09-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Continuing our USA Tour, we left Sacramento and made tracks for the fast lane, intent on carrying our Art with a Message and Art in Action mottos up the coast into the great Pacific Northwest and the scenic beauty, both coastal and inland, of Northern California, Oregon and Washington. Dry and relatively barren landscape gave way to lush evergreen wonders.

Our first mission was to find a nice spot to eat our packed lunch. Mission accomplished at Clear Lake. Wonderful spot which we had all to ourselves except for plenty wild life such as this majestic white Heron.

In the late afternoon we stopped for dinner in the delightful community of Arcata on the Northern California coast. The town is a pleasant blend of hippy, retro and alternative life styles. It’s the epitome of northern California living and one thing is for sure... it’s seriously laid back. We chose the Wildflower Café for its interesting menu of vegan home cooking. We ordered a healthy salad and a thirst quenching Amber Ale -- very amber and very tasty! After polishing off the salad and ale we walked directly across the street to the Muddy Waters Coffee Company and bought a large soy latte for the road... and some yummy-but-healthy bakery treats.

The following morning, after admiring the sunrise, it was time for a coffee. We stopped into a little town at the northern edge of California: Willits, the “Gateway to the Redwoods”. We thought Arcata was hippie. It didn’t even come close to Willits. Fascinating stores, psychedelic signs and clothes made for a interesting time. We talked to some of the locals and chatted to a wonderful mother and daughter team in the coffee shot. The elderly mother had a broach pinned above her breast pocket -- a peace symbol, of course! You can see it in the photo below.

The next stop was the beautiful Redwood National Forest. Known as the “tallest cathedral in the world”, this is a wonderful stop if one wants to reflect on life and marvel at nature. In the damp green depths of the forest I felt the same spiritual ambiance as when I walked into the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

We drove through Oregon in the black of nigh, but don't worry, we'll be back very soon for a jaunt along the Columbia River Gorge and a visit to Hood River, Oregon. As dawn broke, we entered Washington, the Evergreen State! It somehow felt like home! Just like New Zealand, it was green, lush and cloudy!!!!

Not long after crossing the border we reached the delightful town of Chehalis. We found a wonderful store called Book n’ Brush where I stocked up on painting supplies. The manager and shop assistant run a wonderful art in action program where they have local artists teach their skills to other locals. They provide inexpensive classes in a wide variety of art media and from the samples I saw there is some real talent in the area.

As I said goodbye and left the store I found a free button which I pinned on immediately because it was an apt message for Americans everywhere: "I Refuse to Participate in the Recession". The pins were made up and distributed compliments of Bald Eagle Cleaning, another local business.

Being that it was early morning and we had more driving ahead of us, we had to visit the bakery and café on the main drag... and I couldn not believe what I found. New Zealand licorice and sweets! We snapped a photo of Sarah in the café displaying the goods. Yum!

Well, we have to get back on the road now, but we love the Pacific Northwest and we're not done with it yet! We're headed to Seattle and the Puget Sound region, then back down to Vancouver, over to White Salmon, and across the Columbia River back into Oregon where we'll spend some time around Hood River.

Care to come along?

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

My Children and Art Event at the State Capital in Sacramento, a City of Art in Action

2009-09-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

After Yosemite National Park, my husband and I continued our USA Tour by traveling to Sacramento, the capital city of the Golden State. We enjoyed our weekend there and found the city to have a quiet charm and beautiful architecture, both old and new. Especially engaging were dozens of colorfully painted “Victorian Houses” built mostly around the beginning of the 20th century.

We had wonderful hosts in Sacramento, Noelle and Paul and their daughter Sarah, who made us very welcome and introduced us to Sacramento’s monthly Second Saturday Art Walk, where the whole city comes alive to celebrate fine wine, fine food and fine art. During these monthly art walk days, stores and businesses throughout the downtown area open their doors to the public and show the works of artists. The showings and festivities spill into the streets and alleys with live music and dance and artisans displaying their handiwork. It’s one of the most happening city art programs I have seen anywhere. It was a live and vibrant scene. The entire city, young and old, participated in a celebratory and festive fashion!

We also went to one of Sacramento's farmers markets on Saturday morning and enjoyed the art of local musicians, winemakers (yes, wine making is an art!), and an array of tasty fruits and vegetables, nuts and honey, and herbs and flowers.

I wanted to do some kids art projects while I was in Sacramento and on Sunday morning I held an open air painting session for young artists on the front lawn of the State Capitol Building. With state funding for art education being slashed and 40 percent of elementary school children going without art teachers, we communicated the message that children and art are vital for the growth and future of this nation. It was truly an art in action event and I also announced the launch of the Leisa Collins Art with a Message Online Gallery for Young Artists. The children and art created during the Sunday morning session will be the first to appear in the online gallery.

As we continue our USA Tour it is evident that where we find beauty and art and creativity we also find a higher quality of life being lived with pride and joy. Join us at our next stop -- the California Redwoods.

Leisa

www.leisacollins.com

leisa@leisacollins.com

Art in action on Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park

2009-09-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Following our fabulous Mammoth experience we cruised past Mono Lake and the other natural wonders in that vicinity before entering the Yosemite National Park. The park itself, it roads, trails and grounds are extremely well kept and signposted and there are dozens of trails and campsites for those who unlike us, had time to stay. Add to this breathtaking views every few minutes, crystal clear lakes and colossal white mountain forms and you have a real winner.

As the setting sun was beginning to turn the mountain tops on the shores of Teneya Lake a golden yellow, I couldn’t resist getting out my easel and “setting up shop”. As we lost the light I packed up my gear and we were on our way, catching a dusk view of Half Dome, a notable Yosemite landmark.

Then it was on the road again heading for Sacramento, Capital City of the Golden State!

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Mammoth Lakes -- Fine Food and Wine, Cool People and Dogs, and a House Portrait of The Far Side

2009-09-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Continuing our journey northward through California, it was mid-afternoon when we left Bishop heading for Yosemite National Park via Mammoth Lakes. We intended to stop briefly in Mammoth Lakes for a “quick drink” with a lady I met that day while doing my best to paint landscapes of Bishop in a park near the center of town. As we drove into Mammoth, it’s alpine village setting reminded me of my time in Switzerland. I huddled over a map, navigating as Bruce drove, and we wound our way up a steep incline, marveling at the magnificent views all around us. We finally came to a Swiss-style chateau perched at the top of the road, the home of Chris and Tom House, which they call The Far Side. What we didn’t know is that it is also the home of four huge, lovable and extremely well-mannered Burmese Mountain Dogs!

We were soon chatting with Chris and Tom as if we had known them for years. They are a delightful couple who have been married for 50 years and have traveled and lived in all corners of the world. They told fascinating stories and with a keen sense of humor - dry and wry. We drank a beer and ate cheese and crackers as we watched the sun set over a stunning view from their living room balcony. About that time Tom correctly observed that it would be dark by the time we reached Yosemite. He further noted that it would indeed be a tragedy to waste an opportunity to see that glorious landscape in full daylight. Chris urged us to stay the night. No arm twisting was needed. We ate a delicious meal, drank red wine (as Tom put it - "now that you are not driving...") and shared hours fabulous conversation before retiring to our guest bedroom with a private balcony and panoramic mountain view.

We woke up to a beautiful sunrise and I immediately set to work creating a pen and watercolor wash painting of The Far Side as a gift to Chris and Tom for their remakable hospitality. Being that their dogs are part and parcel to the family, in the finished house portrait one Burmese Mountain Dog is poking his head up over an upper balcony. We made an official presentation to Chris and Tom - and the dogs, of course - and after heartfelt farewells we were winding our way down the mountain, on the road again, headed for Yosemite National Park.

Care to join us?

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Need Directions to Mammoth Lakes? Paint Landscapes in Bishop!

2009-09-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

As we cruised northwest through California headed for Yosemite National Park we marveled at the beauty of this state. We also marveled at the fact that we had lived in Los Angeles for 25 years and yet had not seen even a fraction of California’s natural wonders. And since those wonders include the people as well as the places, we spontaneously decided it was time to experience small town living in California – at least for a day.

The town we chose was Bishop. Located in Inyo County, elevation 4147 feet, population 3000, the town was named after Samuel Addison Bishop, a settler in the region. Bishop is well known in the rock climbing community and attracts visitors from around the world. It’s also a hub for hiking, fly fishing, bike riding and camping.

Needless to say, we didn’t do any of that -- not this time at least -- but I did partake in my own “outdoor painting adventure” after deciding I would paint landscapes while my husband got lost in a local book store. The subject of my painting was a small creek that runs through a park near the center of town.

It was there that I met local resident Derik Shilling-Hill, a 16 year old high school student who told me how much he enjoys his art classes.

Here's the finished painting...

Another local we met was Robin Hansen. He told us how he was born and bred in Bishop but moved to San Francisco where he worked on mainframes in the early days of computers. Upon retirement Robin and his wife returned to their roots where they now live and enjoy life with other family members and friends. Not surprisingly, Robin loves Bishop, CA. His friends, including Dick, love ribs!

We found an array of interesting stores and eateries in Bishop, and art clearly features high in this community, including kids art projects. With community values that include health and fitness, children and art, nature and beauty, Bishop is truly a wholesome place to visit or live.

Wildlife abounds on the outskirts of town including llama who watched us suspiciously as they silently grazed and munched away.

We saw beautiful homes in Bishop, especially in the area of McLaren Road, so we felt obligated to launch an Art Inspiring Homes of Bishop Contest. Check out these contestants...

You may be wondering about the title of this blog entry. Well, with the road calling us, it was time to continue on and our previously planned course of action was to head for Yosemite National Park while taking in the Mammoth Lakes region quickly on the fly. However, a wonderful new friend I met during my Bishop painting session earlier in the day changed those plans. It all started with an invitation for my husband and me to stop in “briefly” for a drink in Mammoth Lakes before traveling on to Yosemite. Little did we know that our connection with Yosemite, a mere 60 minutes away, would not occur for well over 24 hours.

But that’s a story for my next blog entry.

Meanwhile, our USA tour adventure continues, capturing the places, faces and homes of America on camera and on canvas.

Don’t miss the next installment,

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Art in Action - Spreading Art with a Message in Nevada

2009-09-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Traveling back from the Grand Canyon through Nevada to California was a memorable experience. Being that Nevada is primarily one endless expanse of desert, makes the people and places along the way really stand out. They are folks who have stood the test of time, battled with the elements and generally approach life with good humor and a laid back attitude that is quite infectious. In fact, I compare the people of Nevada – and I am deliberately leaving out Las Vegas here – to the desert flowers one sees occasionally, and marvels at, when passing through the state.

Despite suffering from a severe bout of road weariness after our all night drive and my midday painting session under the blazing sun on the western rim of the Grand Canyon, Bruce and I opted to leave Las Vegas well along, and began looking for a quieter and more relaxing spot to pitch our tent. We found such a place about 40 miles out of “Sin City” in the tiny community of Indian Springs. We stayed at the “Indian Springs Motor Hotel” which is attached to a small casino, restaurant, gas station and convenience store. It was a comfortable, affordable and hospitable experience. Add a military base and a few more stores on the same stretch of road, and a community population of about 1300, and that appeared to be the extent of Indian Springs. I soon learned, however, much to my surprise, that Indian Springs has a history as an artist colony. I was delighted and kept up the tradition that evening when I spent some time applying paint to canvas.

The next morning we got to know a number of the Indian Springs locals, including Mary, the friendly multi-tasking manager of the casino/restaurant/motel. Mary lives and works in Indian Springs and wouldn’t change it for the world. We also met Cameron, a young and very talented local man who hand paints custom designs on cars and motorcycles.

Here you can meet Mary...

And Cameron...

And us...

Then it was back on the road again, heading for California. Here are some of the delightful places we passed along the way!

See you at the next stop!

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

Art in Action - How to Paint a Landscape at the Grand Canyon

2009-09-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

On the 2nd of September, as we continued our USA Tour, we departed beautiful Lake Arrowhead and headed for the west end of the Grand Canyon. Maybe it was the alpine twilight but as we left Lake Arrowhead we were hit with the sudden inspiration to drive through the night and watch the sun rise in Arizona as we approached the Grand Canyon.

And that’s exactly what we did. Seeing streaks of white light illuminating vast desert plains and alien shaped mountains was a captivating experience. In the foreground stood stalwart Joshua Trees, their branches looking like hands groping toward the light as they stood silhouetted against the dawn.

Turning off the main highway, Bruce and I travelled another 30 miles on a winding gravel road (mid construction) until it abruptly ended. We were surprised with what we saw. High wire fences topped with barbed wire surrounded a gathering of simple wooden structures. The scene looked somewhat like a military encampment. No trespassing signs were liberally posted and inside the buildings were a meager array of commercially produced souvenir items. We were told we could either take a tourist tour bus or fly in a helicopter - at great expense - otherwise we could go no further.

My desire was to paint a landscape of the Grand Canyon - not just the vista laid out for tourists and sightseers but rather an artful acrylic portrait of the stark grandeur of desolate mountain forms painted live from a point in the middle of that remote wilderness. On the deserted gravel road back we stopped the car, I got out my paints and easel and canvas and Bruce and I trudged into the desert until we found the perfect spot. Bruce was the photographer and the video cameraman, practicing with our newly purchased camcorder. It was a unique experience, painting in utter silence, interrupted only by the cry of a hawk or the call of a desert bird and the slight rhythmic sigh of a hot desert breeze. What a beautiful and inspiring way to paint landscapes!

After our breathtaking experience in the grandeur of the desert we headed back west, out of Arizona and back into Nevada. Over 100 miles of virtual emptiness. With only a few clumps of life along the way, this strawberry pink church in the middle of the desert really said it all.

So we drove off into the sunrise...

Happy Trails!

Leisa
www.leisacollins.com
leisa@leisacollins.com

USA Painting Tour on the Road Promoting Art for Change

2009-09-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

The following is a recent news release on my USA Tour to promote social change through art and kids art projects. - Enjoy, Leisa

USA Tour raises funds and awareness for children and art education

In a journey marking the re-emergence of USA-based visual artist Leisa Collins into the art world after two decades of global travels and social activism, Lake Arrowhead was the first stop of the Across the USA from the Eyes of an Artist tour. After launching her artistic career in New Zealand 1976, she abandoned formal art training and opted to learn her craft by capturing the beauty of the New Zealand wilderness on her canvas. Today, her focus is on promoting art for change.

Culminating in New York near the end of September, the USA tour promises to be an action-packed adventure and a captivating view of the American canvas from the eyes of an artist.

Hosted by a couple with roots that go back three generations in Arrowhead, Leisa and her husband and co-adventurer, Bruce, were given a scenic tour of the lake by boat. “Having the opportunity to see Arrowhead from the water at sunset was an inspiring experience,” said Leisa. “I am now using this materials for paintings of this lovely spot.”

The afternoon cruise provided an opportunity for Leisa to select the best of an array of lakeside homes for her house portrait contest. “As we travel from city to city throughout the tour, I will be selecting contenders for my Art-Inspiring Homes Contest. There are so many incredible homes in Arrowhead however, it is difficult to narrow it down to just one contender for each of the contest categories, “Most Elegant’, ‘Most Eclectic’ and ‘Most Unique’’. The three national winners will receive a free original portrait of their homes at the end of the tour. House portrait contenders will meanwhile be placed on Leisa’s website at www.leisacollins.com.

In addition to recording the scenic beauty and people of of America through photos and paintings created by Leisa on the road and promoted through her Art with a Message Blog, Leisa will organize kids art projects along the tour to promote and raise funds for children and art education. In this regard, Leisa has partnered with Free Arts for Abused Children so as to get this message across.

Following Arrowhead, the tour heads for the Grand Canyon, then back west via Las Vegas and Death Valley to the Sierra Nevada Mountain Regions of Sequoia and Yosemite. Next is San Francisco, the famous Redwood Forest and up the coast to Oregon and Washington. Yellowstone National Park and the Badlands in South Dekota follow, then Sioux Falls City, Minneapolis/St Paul in Minnesota, Green Bay and Milwaukee in Wisconsin. Crossing to Illinois they will visit Chicago and move onto Lansing and Detroit in Michigan. Next stop is the Niagara Falls, and the Pennsylvania cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and the final destination, New York City.

A native of New Zealand, but international in scope, Leisa is now combining her activist and artistic skills under the motto of art with a message. Working mainly in acrylic and watercolors, Leisa is diverse, painting landscapes one day and house portraits and face portraits the next. She also works with other women artists and specializes in art for change projects; in both the realistic and semi-abstract genres. You will find the USA tour route under the Art in Action page of her website and her Art with a Message Blog follows the action of the tour. Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Art in the Making from her website.

Across the USA Tour Day One - Leaving the Fiery Ravages of Los Angeles

2009-09-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

As we headed out of Los Angeles for the Across the USA from the Eyes of an Artist tour, I felt somewhat nostalgic, leaving the city that has been home base for the last 25 years. However, after a week of raging fires, billowing spirals of smoke and raining ash, I was glad to get away from the chaos. We originally planned to go straight to the Grand Canyon but Bruce (my husband and co-adventurer) and I decided to detour to Lake Arrowhead to meet with our new friends Julie and Daniel Rodriguez. Being that I have always wanted to do paintings of the area, their offer to show us Lake Arrowhead from their boat was irresistible.

We were welcomed into their lovely home and offered fine wine and cheeses. At the same time I gave a mini showing of my original art. Then Bruce and I jumped into Daniel’s cool Hummer which is decked out nicely with graphics that turn it into a mobile Mona Vie advertisement. Daniel and Julie are successful Mona Vie reps and the graphics advertise the new Mona Vie energy drink, Emv. We were taken to their equally cool power boat, which is also done up graphics in the same Mona Vie logos and colors. Check out this pic of Daniel and Julie…

http:/www.theactiondrink.com/drod

As the sun began to set we had a glorious tour of the lake’s pristine waters and alpine setting with Julie and Daniel pointing out local landmarks. I took loads of photos, collecting bountiful material for paintings. Here's a few of the photos...

Additionally, an array of graceful lakeside homes, best viewed from the boat, provided ample contenders for my Art-Inspiring Homes Contest USA, which I will carry out throughout our journey. I will be selecting the best homes in the categories of “Most Elegant”, “Most Eclectic” and “Most Unique”, with the three winners receiving a free original portrait of their homes by the end of the tour.

Next stop… Grand Canyon!

Leisa

www.leisacollins.com

leisa@leisacollins.com

Tour Partnership Formed with Non-Profit Group to Support Children and Art

2009-09-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

On the eve of my Across the USA from the Eyes of an Artist tour, I formed a partnership with Free Arts for Abused Children, an effective non-profit group dedicated to providing an opportunity for every child in the USA to learn and create art.

The alliance was inaugurated at the group's LA headquarters when I presented an original painting entitled "The Loneliness of Abuse" to the Executive Director of Free Arts for Abused Children, Karrah Lompa. I created the painting to communicate the emotional isolation and despair suffered by an abused child, thereby stressing the important role that the arts can play in healing a child.

Leisa presenting her original painting, "The Loneliness of Abuse", to Karrah Lompa

Having now set out from Los Angeles with my husband, Bruce Goodman, I promise you an action-packed adventure and a captivating view of the American canvas through the eyes of an artist. The journey will culminate in New York City near the end of September. Currently, we are approaching the Grand Canyon...

Support Children and Art

Free Arts for Abused Children is a non-profit group steadfastly dedicated to using art to help children recover from abuse and violence. You can help! Give your support by purchasing an authenticated print of The Loneliness of Abuse and 50% of the proceeds will go directly to Free Arts and their kids art projects.

In fact, I will expand upon this with this offer: From now through the last day of September I will donate to Free Arts 50% of the proceeds from the purchase of ANY original paintings or prints through my website.

E-mail today me for details or questions at leisa@leisacollins.com.

The Loneliness of Abuse

Can the Arts Save the World?

2009-08-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”

So stated John F. Kennedy, a strong supporter of the arts, on behalf of the National Cultural Center, which would come to bear his name in November, 1962.

Art can thrust out a communication, a message, it can tell stories - both astounding and true - that put a human face on incidents. Art can transform shock into emotion and inspire action. It can sooth a troubled spirit, awaken desires and bring disparate peoples together.

Art can also raise awareness of important social issues. Take Michael Jackson. With his passing he left a philanthropic legacy almost as large as his cultural one. As a master of showmanship his song, “We Are the World”, which he co-wrote with Lionel Richie in 1985, helped combat famine in Africa and set a trend of social consciousness that was followed by other artist celebrities.

Historic examples of artistic revival abound, the most dynamic being the Renaissance, which transformed the existing civilization and its values. These literary and cultural movements in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries began in Italy and eventually expanded into Germany, France, England and other parts of Europe. Their thinking was influenced by the concept of humanism, which emphasizes the worth of the individual. Renaissance humanists believed it was possible to improve human society through classical education.

In the last century music and the performing arts played a major role in the civil rights movement and in many cases Black artists broke the barriers of racial discrimination and segregation, setting the stage for cultural and social change not only in the USA, but around the world.

The last five years have seen an unprecedented blossoming of eco-awareness and activism through the arts. From giant multiplexes to 50-seat fringe venues, from theatres to intimate galleries, artists are talking, performing, writing and painting about the planet's relentless drift toward disaster.

Artists' actions to bring change tend to fall into two categories: works that remind us how nice things are and the shock approach which paints an alarming picture of humanity's future. One positive thing to come from increasing artist activism is improved dialogue between artists, politicians, scientists and civil servants. The dream of the artist is to inspire a work so powerful that it provides an impetus to action - without something horrible having to happen first. One recent example is Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, which helped change public understanding of global warming.

So can the arts save the world? The answer is yes, if artists work hand in hand with politicans and responsible leaders. After all, it’s the arts that remind us that it’s possible to save the world and give us the hope and courage we need to keep striving forward.
About The Author...
Leisa Collins, has recently re-emerged into the art world after two decades of social activism that took her to the four corners of the globe and gave her a firsthand view of diverse cultures and social inequities. Her motto is Art with a Message and her website is www.leisacollins.com.

Support the Women of Afghanistan

2009-08-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

My latest painting, entitled... Enough!

I have been following closely the issue of women's rights in Afghanistan. I was outraged to learn yesterday that a repressive law has now been put into effect which gives Shiite men in Afghanistan the legal right to starve their wives if their sexual demands are not met and women must obtain permission from their husbands to even leave their houses “except in extreme circumstances”. The new law was signed by President Hamid Karzai.

While the situation has improved somewhat for Afghan women since the fall of the Taliban, Afghan women and girls need our help to secure their freedom and equality!

Here are some facts about the plight of women in Afghanistan:

• Women and girls are routinely sold or bartered to meet clan obligations, a practice that is technically illegal but widely tolerated.
• One in eight women die from pregnancy related causes, compared to one in 4,800 in the U.S.
• Most woman remain “invisible” and do not participate in public life.
• Although one million girls returned to school in 2002, some are still being attacked by militants who believe they should not be educated.
• 87 percent of Afghan women are illiterate
• Only 30 percent of girls have access to education in Afghanistan
• One in every three Afghan women experience physical, psychological or sexual violence
• 44 years is the average life expectancy rate for women in Afghanistan
• 70 to 80 percent of women face forced marriages in Afghanistan, some as young as eight.
• Rape and domestic violence are endemic.

Support the Afghan Women Empowerment Act of 2009 (S. 229) which was introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and provides critical resources for Afghan women:

• Literacy education
• Technical and vocational training
• Health care services that would reduce maternal and infant mortality
• Programs to protect women and girls from sexual and physical abuse
• Programs against abduction, trafficking and exploitation
• Emergency shelters for women and girls who face danger from violence

Send an email or letter in support of this act and do your part to empower the women of Afghanistan! Take Action Now!

Art Inspiring Homes Contest Launch

2009-08-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

As the old saying goes – “Your Home is your Castle”.

Imbued by fond memories of childhood and family, houses tend to take on personalities of their own. That’s why I decided to add original house portraits to my repertoire of commissioned original art work. I posted sample house portraits in a photo album on my Leisa Collins Art page on Facebook and on the Commissions page of my website.

Finding that special home that inspires artistic creation is something to be treasured as an artist. As such I truly appreciate the care and creation that so many home owners take to make their homes and gardens aesthetic, charming and artistically stimulating!

Therefore, I am hereby launching the Art Inspiring Homes Contest!

As we travel on our Across the USA from the Eyes of an Artist tour I will be carefully selecting the most art inspiring homes along our journey. The contest categories are:

1. Most Elegent

2. Most Eclectic

3. Most Unique

However, if you or a friend have a house anywhere in the USA that you feel should be given due consideration, you can submit your art inspiring home for inclusion in the contest by simply sending at least three photos to leisa@leisacollins.com.

The winner in each category will receive a FREE house portrait original painting of their home!

The style I use for these house portraits is black pen with a watercolor wash. Below I illustrate how I create a house portrait using a scene from Venice, Italy, one of my favorite cities:

1) Photograph

2) Pen Drawing

3) Pen and Watercolor Wash

LET THE CONTEST BEGIN!

Love,

Leisa

Where will we pitch our tent you ask?

2009-08-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Since the launch of my site I have been deluged with emails and positive response to my art. As an artist, this is very encouraging, so thank you very much for your feedback! There are two questions that stand out in the many emails I have received and I will address those questions here:

a) Where is your studio currently based?

Currently, my temporary studio is a cramped apartment in Los Angeles which my husband Bruce and I share with a mountain of boxes, suitcases, travel gear and art materials. By the end of the month we will head out on our cross-country tour - Across the USA from the Eyes of an Artist. We will be traveling from LA to NYC and the studio will be “on the road...”

Thankfully, we are so busy with the website launch that it takes our minds off the nightmarish fact that we can only cram about 10% of our “stuff” into our VW Passat Wagon. Yikes! Maybe it’s time for a yard sale.

b) Where will you be permanently located?

Although we haven’t made a final decision yet, we are leaning toward a permanent location on the east coast. Bruce and I have always wanted to do a scenic, cross-country drive and we decided to take advantage of our upcoming tour to first SEE and EXPERIENCE some of the many beautiful communities in America before deciding on our permanent location.

The real purpose of the tour, however, is to promote and raise money for youth art education. The future of any community, country or continent on this planet depends utterly on its artists and the quantity and quality of the artists and art in the society begins with the education or our children.

As with any reconnaissance tour, though, we won’t be pitching our tent immediately. Following our cross-country adventure, we will spend time with Bruce’s family in Michigan and at the end of October head to New Zealand for a 3-4 month working holiday.

Bruce and I will be re-tracing my original journey through the intoxicatingly beautiful countryside where I first learned to paint many years ago. We will also be seeing family and visiting old friends, and I will paint and do art exhibitions at the same time.

So that’s our immediate agenda. And one of these days, in the not too distant future, we will be holding a real AND virtual grand opening for my new studio and gallery – I will make sure you are all invited!

My motto is Art with a Message. My game is social change through art. Your feedback on this is valuable to me. Contact me by e-mail at leisa@leisacollins.com.

Love,

Leisa

My entrance into the blogasphere

2009-08-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

As I stand here re-inventing myself as an artist I decided to enter the blogasphere in the same way I first entered the world of art over two decades ago. It tends to be the way I do most things in life... take a deep breath and jump in!

Come to think of it, it’s the way I tackled scuba diving years ago. I put on the wetsuit, air-tank and weights and jumped over the side of the boat. True, I nearly drowned because the ill-fitting face mask filled up with water and the weight-belt dropped me like a 10 ton anchor, but guess what, I sure learned to scuba dive in a hurry!

Today is a triple-release day on which I am debuting three things at once: my new website - www.leisacollins.com, my new weekly newsletter - Art in the Making, and my new blog (my personal diary) - Leisa Collins, Art with a Message Blog.

It didn’t start out as a triple-release. I simply intended to put a handful of paintings together, throw them up on a website and see if anyone liked them. However, I decided that my on-line gallery needed some substance for viewers to see what I do. The simple one-liner on my home page - "Commission me to do a special original painting for you” - became its own Commissions page with details and examples of what I do and how I go about doing it. My Art in Action page demonstrates the extension of my art beyond a studio and gallery walls.

As my site neared completion, it struck me that I really wanted to interact with other artists and people who love original art and believe it can bring change, hence I constructed this blog.

Likewise, I created my Art in the Making newsletter for those who don’t think they could stand hearing from me more than once a week. My first newsletter explains how it all began.

So what is the point of all this? As stated in my website, “Art can thrust out a communication, a message. It can tell stories that put a human face on incidents. Art can raise awareness of important social issues and inspire action. It can sooth a troubled spirit, awaken ones desires and bring disparate peoples together.” These words are not just idealistic fantasizing, I wrote them from personal observation.

In short, this is my “jumping in” point. There is lot’s more to say and plenty of upcoming adventures, like my Across the USA, from the Eyes of an Artist live tour which is covered in the Art in Action page on my site. Then in late October I’ll be back in my homeland of New Zealand, re-tracing my journey through mountain and lake wildernesses, where I first taught myself to paint.

Well, time to end off for today. Check out my website, take a leisurely browse through my gallery, support a living artist and buy an original. Or contact me about creating a special commissioned art piece for you. But most importantly, look at my Art in Action page and let's work together to make a change in the world.

I’d love to hear from you. Contact me by e-mail at leisa@leisacollins.com.