Follow your Dreams......in 2018

A few years ago, I got to follow my dream, a dream of having my own studio and creating the art that I love. After some wandering around on exactly what I wanted to produce, then putting all my creative and artistic ability in to it, I can now say that I have found it, "producing creative decor maps of places that folks love." I think this email below, from one of my customers pretty much sums it up, I have found my calling!" 

I received my custom, Hammock Lake decor map yesterday and was like a kid opening it on Christmas Day.  I could not wait to see it, and it definitely did not disappoint! It it stunning!!  Thank you so much for working with me to create this amazing focal point of my home. Your work is gorgeous and is just what I had been looking for!! I absolutely love the barn wood frame!! Thank you also for your promptness on answering your emails and for the super quick delivery.  Your business is more than 5 star and is so much appreciated!!! Thank you again and have a GREAT 2018!!

Have a very "Happy New Year" and remember "Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream."

Christmas Time Poem for the fisherman......

A few years ago near Christmas time, I went to one of my favorite lakes to fish and kayak. This particular lake was stocked with "Rainbow Trout" the day before. My goal was to catch a few. Here's a poem that lets you know, just how well the fishing trip went.

Not a fish was stirring not even a carp!

T’was the night after the "rainbows" had been stocked in the lake, I went fishing to see what I might take,

The flys were hung in the tackle box with care, in hopes that a big rainbow would soon be near.

As I paddled out on the lake, there arose such a clatter, I sprang up in my kayak to see what was the matter.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, a just fallen tree near a old whitetail deer.

I found not a fish was stirring, not even a carp, so I paddled my Kayak back to the park.

When I arrived home, fun was had by all, as my wife had just arrived from the mall.

That pretty much sums up my fishing trip. Apparently the trout, being new to the lake had pissed off everyone and nothing was biting.

Visit my website to see more. I have over two hundred lake, river and bay maps on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalized lake, river or bay maps, too. If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoLakes.com. 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work, click here www.LeoLakes.com. 

Remember, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream!

Lake House idea, Beautiful map of the lake

I just finished this beautiful family heirloom lake map of Logan Martin Lake. It's canvas and framed in barnwood. Check-out the Canadian Geese, they actually look like they are flying over the lake. 

After printing, I come back and high light the waterfowl to bring them to life. In all of my lake prints, I hide a tiny mermaid and a few fish. Folks love to search for them. 

Here is a recent comment from one of my customers: 

"Hi Larry, I received the maps yesterday and they are beautiful.  Thank you for shipping them so quickly. I’m sure the folks I give them to will treasure them.

Thanks again, Evelyn"

Makes a great Christmas Gift for the Lake House! I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. These maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes lake, river or bay maps, too. Here's what makes my maps so interesting.

• I hide a few fish and even a tiny mermaid in the waters of my lakes. They're hard to find, but if you look close you will see them. Folks just love'm especially the kids. You might even think they move around overtime.
• I call my maps Treasured Maps because every treasure has a Ruby and so do my maps, each have a Red Ruby Meridian.
• You will find no road names, county, or state lines on my maps. I have found that folks enjoy traveling the roads with their eyes, while trying to get their bearing. I call this the "Leo Lakes gaze."
• I add a vintage plane flying over my maps to signify an adventure to your treasured lake, river, or bay.
• You will find wildlife in all my maps. These signify the natural beauty of your treasured lake, river or bay. I use wildlife that is common to the subject lake, such as Canadian Geese, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagles and others.
• Did you know that you can always tell if its morning or evening on a Leo Lakes map? Just look at the shadows cast by the wildlife, is the shadow on the east or west? If it's on the west, then it’s morning time. Oh yeah, I have had folks tell me that they change through the day, but don't believe them.

If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoMaps.com.

Big Lake Maps for the Lake House

BIG LAKE MAPS for the lake House, I did this big map of Center Hill Lake for a customer that has a lake house over looking the lake. I like the photo of the Canadian Goose flying over the lake! Oh yeah, the studio is kind of messy, but it is the season! 

Paddle over to my website, LeoLakes.com. I paint beautiful lake, river and bay decor maps. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great Christmas gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.  Orders are picking up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

Just remember: "Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream".

My Happy Place, this beach.....

This is my happy place......This is a photo of beautiful Lemon Bay, which is located between Sarasota and Ft Myers, Florida, about 30 miles south of Sarasota Fl.   I always plan an annual trip to Manasota Key/Lemon Bay. On top of my "to do list" is a little fishing and some other exciting activities. That's my father-in-law on the dock fishing. There's nothing better than walking on Manasota Key beach enjoying the waves and searching for sharks teeth that have washed up.

Speaking of Shark!!! SHARK, in lemon Bay?...............Nope, it's a bottlenose dolphin. Dolphin have been known to swim under a fisherman's boat and grabbed his catch of the day. 

I enjoy this area so much, I did a decor map of the area. Take a look below. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them.

Paddle over to website to see my Lake, River, and Bay Maps. I have hundreds of maps on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes vintage style lake maps, too. Bay maps will add beauty to your Beach House Decor. Makes a great gift! Find out more interesting facts about my treasured maps by going to LeoLakes.com. 

Click here: LeoLakes.com

Table Rock Lake Map

Just finished this 2ft x 4ft canvas map of Table Rock Lake and it will be hanging in the customers lake house soon. LeoLakes.com

Interestingly, I often get comments about the tiny mermaid hidden in the waters of all my maps. Folks love to tell me about the search for the mermaid. They say the children really enjoy hunting for her and are thrilled when they spot her in the waters. Oh yeah, some folks tell me that she moves, but I'm not sure that I believe that. LeoLakes.com

Most folks add a star to a special place on the lake such as a lake house or where they caught that big fish. I've been doing lake, river and bay maps for approximately seven years. Over the years, I have experimented with different elements of map art in order to provide the best and most unique map on the market. Folks will be drawn to the map like a crackling fire on a cold winter night.  I try very hard to make my maps special by adding interest to the maps. LeoLakes.com

Also, each framed map or map over 16x32, comes with a certificate of authenticity, lake poem, and interesting facts abut the map. 

I have hundreds of maps on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalized vintage style lake maps, too. Lake maps will add beauty to your Lake House Decor! Find out more interesting facts about my treasured maps by going to LeoLakes.com. 

A Great Lake House Christmas gift!

A Great Lake House Christmas gift! A beautiful canvas map of the lake that the lake house is located on, of course. This makes the perfect gift for the  lake house owner, or lake lover. A great Christmas gift, check-out these comments  from our customers. Oh yeah, don't forget to look for the hidden mermaid in the waters of your favorite waters!

The map arrived right on time and it was a sensational hit.  Thanks so much, this was exactly what I was looking for and was even better than anticipated. Nate

I just received the map, it looks beautiful! Thank you for helping me put together such a spectacular gift and I will definitely keep you in mind for future gift ideas. Have a wonderful Sunday!

It arrived safely and looks great. Thank you so much for everything! Thanks again!

Arrived safe and sound this afternoon and looks great!  I can't wait to give it to my parents for Christmas for their new lake house.  Thank you!

We have many popular lake maps such as the Lake Winnipesaukee map, Great Sacandaga Lake map, Lewis Smith Lake map, Pickwick Lake map, Greer's Ferry Lake map, Lake Sidney Lanier map, Lake Sinclair map, Table Rock Lake map, and Lake Wallenpaupack map. Also, we paint custom maps and have personalized maps for that special someone. We have size 10"x20" and up and as low as $44.95.

Paddle over to my website, LeoLakes.com. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great Christmas gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.  Orders are picking up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

Lake Christmas Christen

I worked hard to come up with a clever ad for my maps. Here's the results "Hanging a Leo Lakes Treasured Map in a lake house, is like christening a boat with a bottle of champagne!" Think about it! If you have a lake house, then you should have a nice decor map of the lake that the lake house is located on, right? 

Hey, got an idea, make it a Christmas Christen at the lake house! 

Check-out what customers say:
"The  map looks great! Thanks so much.  We are visiting my brother this weekend at Lake Chautauqua and I know it will be a great addition to their new lake house.  Are you able to do waterways that are not listed.  My husband and I own a cottage on a lake in Maine and would love a picture like this."

"Larry, We  hung the map above our bed at the lake house. We absolutely love it.  We have a water ski headboard and the map works perfectly. Plan to enjoy it many years to come!

Anyway, paddle over to my website, LeoLakes.com. I paint beautiful lake, river and bay decor maps. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. 

Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. Also, you can personalize your lake map with a star where your lake house is located.  I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great Christmas gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, lake house. Add beauty with lake cabin decor, lake decor, lake cottage decor, or buy as a lake gift. Order soon to avoid the rush! Makes the best 2017 Christmas Gift.

As you can see, my lake maps make a great gift.  Orders pick-up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

Remember: "Hanging a Leo Lakes Treasured Map in a lake house, is like christening a boat with a bottle of champagne!" 

Hilton Head Beach Walk

Last weekend, I was in Hilton Head S.C. for a few days. The weather was absolutely perfect for October. This is what I've learned while walking on the beach....

I can wrestled an alligator and not get hurt. Here's how I did it! 
I wrestled an alligator at Hilton Head, sort of....Well, my shadow did.....Boy was I brave!

You find amazing things on the beach. One interesting thing that I was not expecting while at Hilton Head, was discovering a 13,000 lbs. buoy in the middle of Coligny Beach.  I did a little research and found it was the after affects of Hurricane Irma. The buoy, No 8 was washed from the mouth of Port Royal Sound about eight miles away. The Coast Guard is planning on removing the buoy at some point in the future by ship or helicopter, yes a heavy lifting helicopter.

Incredible pictures can be found at the beach, old buoy no. 8 makes a great back drop for a beach picture. Yep, that's me....

Humans and dogs love the waves! I met these "Beach Dogs" while strolling down the beach. There's no doubt that these dogs like the beach as much as I do! 

I've learned .....  "When Oysters Riot, you don't see it on CNN."

I've learned that the plume coming from a shrimp boat is often flying seagulls....

Here's the most important thing that I have learned while walking on the beach, "Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream."

Checkout, my Hilton Head Treasured map:

Paddle over to my website, LEOLAKES.com. I paint beautiful lake, river and bay decor maps. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a gift for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.  Orders pick-up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com fo

Boat Galley Table Lake Map......

For a lake lover, the glow of a boat cabin on a spring night is the same as a crackling fire in a log cabin on a cold winter night! Well maybe, but you have to admit that the glow of light from any cabin does give you a warm feeling.....read on!     

If you look closely, you may find the objective of this photo. One of my customers send me this photo and it is to show a clever way to display a lake map on a boat. The photo is actually showing a LeoLakes Maps on the table in the boat galley. What a great place to display a map of the lake that you cruise. As you know, boats have a minimal amount of space to display wall maps, but the table top is ideal. 

The map has been epoxied to the table with other interesting items such as, a compass, calipers, coin and small anchor.  I think it is adds a personal touch and conversational piece to the cabin. 

You know, the map is like adding a crackling fire to the boat cabin. How's that? Because everyone will sit around and gaze into the map as if it were a fire, sort of. Anyway, beautiful work Brendan and thanks for the photos.

Hey, if you want to add a fireplace to your boat. Check-out my vintage style lake maps. They make a great gift. Click here, Leolakes.com to see if we have your map. We have many popular lake maps such as the Lake Winnipesaukee, Great Sacandaga Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Greer's Ferry Lake, Lake Sidney Lanier, Lake Sinclair, Table Rock Lake, and Lake Wallenpaupack. Also, we paint custom maps and have personalized maps for that special someone. 

LeoLakes Ten year Anniversary

Ten years ago, I started OldField Studio. That was October 2007. In the beginning, OldField Studio was focused only on wildlife art. I painted in acrylics on Masonite Art Board. My art had a blurred background, which was done with an airbrush. This gave the picture a 3-D look.

Folks enjoyed my wildlife art, but I discovered that the market was oversaturated with wildlife art, even though I did okay with it. During this time, I wanted a decor map of a river that I grew up on as a kid. After some research, I found that nice decor maps of waterways didn’t exist. There were navigation, road, and topography maps, but not a really nice, vintage style lake, river or bay map that would look great hanging in a home or office.

Luckily, with my artistic talent and creativity, I decided to paint my own map of that treasured river. I experimented with different colors and styles to finally settle on a vintage style that gave the painting a golden look. I added a few symbols such as the ruby meridian, wildlife and vintage plane.  

Once completed, I found that others liked the map so much that they asked for copies. This gave me the idea to paint additional rivers, lakes and bays for others to treasure their favorite waters. After a year and a half of experimenting, Leo Lakes Treasured Maps was born, which is part of Old Field Studio. It's hard to believe that its been ten years and I'm still in business. That's pretty much the story of Old Field Studio and LeoLakes in a nutshell.

Here's a photo of my studio.......

Hey, my maps make great Christmas gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house owner. 

Orders are picking up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

Humor for the lake house

Here's a little Christmas Lake Humor that I have come up with. Did you know that it's only 100 days until Christmas?

I paint beautiful lake, river and bay decor maps. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps makes the best 2017 Christmas gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.  Orders pick-up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

How to Christen a Lake House?

The only way to christens a lake house is with a Leo Lakes Treasured Map hanging on the wall. Yep, check out my clever ad. I worked pretty hard on this and I think that it came out nice! Anyway, check-out my beautiful lake, river and bay maps.

My maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes lake, river or bay maps, too. 

I have maps of Lake Champlain, Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Tahoe, Lake Sinclair, Norfork Lake, Pickwick Lake, Lake Bob Sandlin, Lake Conroe, Lake Winnebago and many others. Oh yeah, I hide a tiny mermaid in the waters of all my maps that folks love to search for. Find out more interesting facts about my treasured maps by going to LeoMaps.com. 

Oh yeah, this is part of my studio, "here a map, there a map, everywhere a map, map!"