Podcast 29: A House Portrait Painting Makes a Wonderful Gift
With Guest Leisa Collins, Professional Artist
A house portrait painting is a work of art -
and what a wonderful way to celebrate a special place than to have it painted by a professional artist.
That is why Dave and I were very excited to find Leisa Collins who does custom house portraits in watercolor.
She has been commissioned to do hundreds, if not thousands, of these paintings and each one of them is unique and meaningful to the recipient.
Her work starts out as a sketch that she shows her customers.
Then she turns the sketch into a detailed pen and ink drawing and finally a watercolor house portrait painting that is perfect for matting and framing.
Listen to Our Audio Program: 00:29:26
Podcast Highlights
An example of Leisa's beautiful work is this wonderful farmhouse
Our special guest and professional artist, Leisa Collins, shares with us the story of how she became an architectural artist.
She draws, then paints from photographs to create beautiful and unique custom house portraits for her customers.
She has painted 35 different architectural styles for customers in 43 states.
An entrepreneur who hails from New Zealand, Leisa has been an artist since a teenager.
Listen to our podcast to hear how excited and passionate Leisa is about her work.
She explains the many reasons her customers commission her to create house portrait paintings:
- To celebrate and remember the house they grew up in
- To serve as a memory of different homes where a family has lived
- As a special gift to yourself to celebrate the pride you have in your home
- As a gift to your parents to celebrate a special anniversary
- As a closing gift from a realtor to the new homeowners
- To have watercolors of your home in all four seasons!
Leisa also paints other places that commemorate special occasions - places where something meaningful and memorable took place.
So, for example:
- Like the church where a couple was married
- Or the place where they became engaged
- Or the college you graduated from or the elementary school you attended
- And landscapes, too. Like your favorite beach or mountain scene. Or the street you grew up on.
Program Excerpts: Custom House Portraits
With Leisa Collins
Reasons Why People Love House Portraits
"People put so much time, money, love, blood, sweat and tears into making their homes beautiful.
It is where they raised their family.
Often times their home is passed down from their family so it has all those beautiful memories and fun times.
They want to capture all that and in as much as they love their home, they wouldn't dream of hanging a photo of it on their wall.
That's just a bit tacky.
However if somebody captures all that beauty and turns it into a piece of art and then it is a beautifully framed piece on their wall, then they will enjoy it every day.
I am always getting emails from people telling me that."
Who Are Your Customers?
"About a third of them feel they have put so much into their house that they just deserve a house portrait as a gift to themselves.
Another third would be people giving it as a gift.
Usually to their spouse.
Usually it is a surprise gift so there is a certain "skulduggery" going on.
The other third is kids who have grown up in their home, or it is their parent's home.
It's their childhood home and may not even be their home any longer.
There are also a lot of people that once they have their own home, they want art of their earlier homes.
They want a series of all the homes they have lived in."
More Examples of Leisa's House Portrait Paintings
We bet this family home holds many sweet and happy memories
Lovely home in springtime
Cozy log cabin in winter snow
We have more pictures of Leisa's house portraits, too.
Have Leisa Paint for You!
Just fill out our simple form below if you'd like Leisa to get in touch with you about painting a house portrait for you.
What a treasure whether it be for yourself or to give as a gift.
Leisa will write back to you within one business day.
Or alternatively you can call her at 703-598-7360 and let her know you found her through Front Porch Ideas.
Please tell her that you found her by visiting Front Porch Ideas.
While we earn a commission if you purchase a painting from Leisa via our referral, the cost is the same to you.
We may earn a commission but at no extra cost to you.
Listen to Our Audio Program: 00:29:26
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Meet the Artist

Leisa has been creating art nearly all of her life and in recent years she took it up again as her full time profession.
As a native of Auckland, New Zealand, she has traveled the world extensively.
She has been commissioned to paint house portraits in 35+ architectural styles and in all 50 states.
Not only that, but Leisa is also very supportive of homeowners who preserve their historic homes.
And she helps other artists who wish to create a full time living from their work.
Three ways you can get in touch with Leisa:
(1) At her website, LeisaCollins.com and please tell her you found her via Front Porch Ideas.
(2)Or you can call her at 703-598-7360.
Please let Leisa know that you found her through our website, Front Porch Ideas.
(3) Through our form. Just fill it out and Leisa will reply back to you.
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