Sunday, July 29, 2018

Lake house humor

To start off August, I decided to add a little lake house fishing humor to the blog. Here's a few oldies but goodies cartoons that I have done in the past. I bet that I've done 300 different cartoons over the last few years. Hope you enjoy!














Hey, check-out my treasured lake house maps. I got an idea, hang a lake decor map of the lake in the lake house!

Here's what my 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 gift for the fisherman, lake lover, lake house. Add beauty with lake cabin decor, lake decor, lake cottage decor, or buy as a lake 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!" 

Monday, July 23, 2018

A Nags Head Decor Map

A few weeks ago, I went to Nags Head N.C. on vacation. I found that Nags Head was a pretty cool place and enjoyed my visit. In fact, I enjoyed my visit so much that I painted a decor map of Nags Head. Here's a quick step by step guide to a map painting in progress. 

I carefully draw the map on poster board. While I'm drawing the roads, I think back when I was diving down these roads going to the beach, Jockey's Ridge, Duck, Kill Devil Hills etc....

After I complete the map drawing, I start painting the map using watercolors. Believe it or not, I only used blue, brown, and red colors. After I finish the painting the map, it is scanned into the computer and I use a graphic program to add detail, such as lettering, waterfowl, fish, and a tiny mermaid. Check it out!

The finished product! A beautiful canvas map of Nags Head. It turned out great. I like the colors and how it grabs your attention. Most folks are drawn to the map, scanning the map for a familiar places. 

Yes, this is me and my wife at Jockey's Ridge, Nags Head! Now that you have seen how I do maps, check-out my maps. They look great hanging in your home, lake house or office. Makes the best Gift! I have beautiful lake decor map of your favorite lake, which will look perfect above the fireplace. I even do custom maps of your favorite lake, river, or bay. LeoLakes.com
Unlike most maps, There’s a tiny mermaid hidden in the waters which folks love to search for and some say she moves around! You'll love the waterfowl which are hand painted (touched up) on the canvas prints to give that original look and each map is hand signed by Leo. For a personal touch, you can even add a small star to the location of your lake house or special place and add a few words such as "Evan's Lake House, Est. 2014" or be creative. The signatured Ruby Meridian, waterfowl and vintage plane have a story that’s included in the signed Certificate of Authenticity.  Leo Lakes treasured maps will make a cherished gift for that special someone. 

Monday, July 16, 2018

Leo knows waterways

You may or may not remember the old children's book, "Dick and Jane". Well, I do. I've used the same kind of retro-style for this cartoon. I titled it, " know your waterways". I remember trying to read the Dick and Jane books when I was in the first grade. I was one of those kids that liked the pictures better than the words because I'm a little bit dyslexic, which isn't bad due to the fact that I ended up with a lot of artistic and creative talent. Anyway, did any of my ten permanent follows notice something different about this post? No bobber cartoons!!! That's right, I'm taking a break from bobber cartoons for a while. I think it will be clear what I'm doing with this cartoon when you read it. Know your waterways........Enjoy!   






Now, you know your waterways...........Do you need a great gift for the lake house, lake lover, or fisherman? If you do, check-out my treasured decor maps ay LeoLakes.com


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


Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Hilton Head Safari, sort of.......

I went on a safari! Well, probably not a safari that you are thinking about with elephants and tigers. I went on a low country "photo safari" in South Carolina, near Hilton Head. It's where a Professional Wildlife Photographer is the guide and tours you around a waterfowl rich area in a boat. I've never done this before, but found it well worth the cost. Not only do you see and take photos of some great wildlife, the guide talks about the waterfowl and assists you with your camera setup to help take the best photos. I added these photos to give you an idea and of course, I had to add a little creativity with the pelican print!   










I hope you enjoyed. If anyone is near Hilton Head and is interested in a photo safari, the photographer I used was Eric Horan. I highly recommend a photo safari and Eric Horan!  Oh yeah, here is one of my vintage style maps of Hilton Head that I have on my website, LeoLakes.com, check it out.