USA / AGILITYPR.NEWS / May 12, 2021 / Alarmed that hundreds of historic homes and buildings are torn down in the United States every week, architectural artist Leisa Collins embarked on a decade-long mission to honor the beauty and legacy of American architecture before it is too late. 

She has incapsulated her adventures in a coffee table book entitled, Hand Painted Homes: An Artist’s Pen and Watercolor Journey Across America, which will be released on May 15. Exhibiting 650 of her original paintings in all 50 states, Collins weaves stories behind individual house designs — and how geography, industry, politics, economy, available resources, and a melting pot culture shaped the face of architecture throughout the country.

From humble stone cottages, to historic row homes, to ornate Victorian mansions, to contemporary styles that blend into their natural environments, Hand Painted Homes also give the reader a glimpse of farmhouses, churches, town halls and iconic landmarks. Her work spans centuries: from the Acoma Pueblo (built around 1100 AD), to modern day residences.

“I could not stand by and see these beautiful old homes disappear from the landscape forever,” said Collins. “Once lost, they can never to be replaced. It is my hope that my book raises awareness of the importance of saving these historic treasures, so we may be proud of the legacy we leave behind. In this respect, the book is a collector’s item for anyone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of heritage architecture.”

Hand Painted Homes includes before and after images of historic houses saved from the wrecking ball, and tributes to the homeowner heroes who restored these structures to their original glory. Pen sketches and on-the-road watercolors add to the mix, as well as drawings of the oldest structure in every state.

An entrepreneur at heart, Collins funded her project by selling the original paintings of the homes she selected to their proud homeowners. In doing so, she created a niche market, and her commissioned house portraits are now in high demand across the country. 

“My book gives well deserved recognition to homeowners, so often the unsung heroes of historic preservation. Without their dedication and perseverance, this country would have only a fraction of its historic architectural gems.” said Collins.

Copies of the book can be purchased from the Leisa Collins Art Store

https://leisacollins.artstorefronts.com