My new Year Resolution

We are settling into a new year and it's hard to beieve that it's 2023. My new years resolution is to reduce screen time and increase "STREAM TIME"! You don't need to have a difficult resolution, a fun one is just fine.  Anyway, need a beautiful map of your favorite lake, river or bay? Well, not only do I love lakes and rivers and bays, I paint them too. 

My maps make great gifts and will bring back memories of those trips to that favorite lake. Don't forget to look for the hidden mermaid in the lake waters and other interesting things......

Check-out these other comments from our customers.

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!

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

I must be doing something right! I'm finally getting my ten minutes of fame, sort of. Interestingly, I got a call from, now get this.......a major studio in California. They are filming a new tv series for mid-season. They want to use one of my big lake maps as a prop in the series. It won't come out for a few months, but I'm hoping that it will be prominently displayed in the series. I will have more news about this later...... 

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. Lake maps will add beauty to your Lake House Decor! Find out more interesting facts about my treasured maps by going to LeoLakes.com. 

Lake House Christening

 I did this custom lake map a few months ago. As you can see, it tured out beautiful. It is a very simple map with few landmarks or landmarks, but I added as much interest as I could to the map.

First, I added the waterfowl flying over with the shadows. The waterfowl and shadows give the map depth. Next, I added fish jumping and ripples in the water to make you wonder what happen near the ripples. I also added a few sailboats because there is a yacht club near. Lastly, I titled everything that I know about the area. I try not to allow the map to become too busy. Interestingly, I add a tiny mermaid to the waters for folks to search for. Her name is Lois. LeoLakes.com

For years and years, folks have been christening boats as an invitation for the water gods to bless their vessel. Hanging a LeoLakes Map in a lake house, is kind of like chisining a boat. So, hanging that map is a call to the water gods to bless the lake house. Lake House Christening!

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  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. 

   

Great Blue Heron

I was lucky to take this photo in Florida of a young heron and its mother. After studying the photo, it almost seems as if they are communicating, so I added the caption.

Visit my website. I have hundreds of 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 LeoMaps.com. 

"As I look over this lake, The most amazing scenes appears in it wake,

The sun arises just above the shore, Giving grace and beauty to this place that I adore." LKO

Best Fathers Day gift for the lake lover!!

Here's the best Father's Day gift for the lake lover, a personalized vintage style map of their favorite lake, river, or bay. What a unique gift for the sportsman, lake lover, boat or lake house owner. Add those cherished photo's of that big trophy fish, fun family outing, lake house, favorite sail boat, lucky lure, or water skiing trip directly to their favorite vintage style lake map.

Folks are discovering that these personalized decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lakes waters, which make the maps even more interesting. I  hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. 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. 

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

Beautiful Lake House Maps

I often receive nice emails back from folks who have purchased one of my maps. It certainly makes one feel good when you get a comment like this one from a customer who purchased a Center Hill Lake Decor Map. 

"We received it yesterday and it is absolutely beautiful and perfect. What an artist! And I found the mermaids, finally! Thank You for an amazing work of art."

The Center Hill Lake Map has a nice vintage style look. I add waterfowl common to the lake flying over to give the map interest. I also include A few small fish and a tiny little mermaid.

I've added a close up section to give you an idea of the detail that I include. I have many folks who purchase my maps for birthday, fathers day, Christmas, lake house warming, and wedding gifts.

All maps 16x32 size and above, come with a Certificate of Authenticity, a poem, and a sheet covering interesting facts about your LeoLakes Decor Map. Here's the wonderful lake poem that my wife wrote about lakes, rivers, and bays.

"As I look over this beloved waterscape, The most amazing scenes appear in its wake, The sun arises above the shore, Giving grace and beauty to this place that I adore."  

To see if we have your lake, river, or bay, check-out my website LeoLakes.com. Enjoy

Great Blue Heron Painting

On the header of this blog, I feature a Great Blue Heron. Below is the painting that the Heron came from, which I was painted back in 2007.  I've always enjoyed watching the Great Blue Heron and it is one of my favorite birds. As you can see, there's more to this painting than what's shown on top.

What's the story behind the painting? First, I called the painting "Blue Monday Heron" to reflect the mood in the painting. Can you feel the mood... windy, storms on the way, and a fisherman lost his lucky lure? The old Heron is hunkered down and doesn't look none too happy with his feathers being blown around.  

The lure was lost by some fisherman who was casting for that trophy. Actually, that lure was my lucky lure as a  child. I dug it out of an old tackle box and used it as a prop for this painting. The painting was painted 7 years ago and the original has been sold, but it is still one of my favorite painting.  

Here's a picture of the lure, it certainly has seen better days. I don't fish with it anymore, but I might get another painting out of it. I have a 20"x24" canvas print of this painting hanging in my studio. It interesting how a favorite painting seems to warm a room with fond memories.

If you like my painting, then you may want to visit my website. 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 LeoMaps.com. 

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

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, or at least enjoy one on your wall.

Beautiful Rhodhiss Lake

Snuggled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a crystal blue clear lake with beautiful panoramic views. That lake is Rhodhiss Lake. Located about 1 hour away from Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina, making it  just far enough to keep it peaceful, yet close enough for the urban amenities.

The lake is fairly small with a surface area of 3,060 acres and 90 miles of shoreline. Boating and fishing are the main recreational activities. Rhodhiss Lake is becoming known as a tournament lake by the increasing number of fishing tournaments being held. What makes this a special lake? Probably, the sandy bottom, which makes for some crystal clear water and the beautiful mountain views. The decor map above, is a custom map that I did for a customer who lives on Rhodhiss lake. I paint lake, river, and bay maps, both custom and personalized. See more at my website www.LeoLakes.com. 

Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big screen!  

Lake House Gift

What's the best lake house 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.

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 xmas for their new lake house.  Thank you!

Go to www.Leolakes.com to see if we have your map. 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. 

Flying in for a landing, LeoLakes Maps

I add waterfowl to most of my decor maps. Normally, I place three Canadian geese somewhere cruising to the water, low and preparing to land.
My objective is to have them almost seem to float over the terrain. I also add a Great Blue Heron, Geese, Osprey, Sea Gulls, Pelicans etc... depending on the location of the body of water.

On canvas maps, after printing, I actually (touch-up) hand paint the waterfowl to make them pop and give the map an original painting effect. These details help sets Leo Lakes maps apart from others and give that personal touch. My ultimate goal is to provide a decor map that will become a treasured map. Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, or at least put one on the wall!



Click Here to see more decor maps.

Mr. Wiggles

Occassionally, I doodle about all things water and here's one of my masterpiece. This cartoon is about life vest. You see, my wife purchased an auto inflate life vest for me on our anniverserary date. So... I dreamed up this cartoon. 

 

Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, or at least put one on the wall!

 

Chautauqua Lake

I have had a few requests to paint a map of Chautauqua Lake. Before I paint a map of a lake, I always do some research on the lake to get a feel of the area.  Here’s what I have discovered. Chautauqua Lake is a beautiful lake. Located in western New York between the city of Jamestown and the village of Maryville, Chautauqua Lake is about 17 miles long and 2 miles wide. It is shaped like a finger lake; however it is not considered a finger lake. Interesting, if it were considered a finger lake, then it would be a thumb because it runs perpendicular to the eastern lakes.

I find it fascinating the meaning of lake names. Chautauqua has several intriguing meanings and the one that I think is most interesting is, Bag Tied in the Middle, which is referring to the narrow area about half way down the lake. The name comes from an Indian Tribe in the area.

There are many recreational activities at the lake such as boating, fishing and tourism. Chautauqua Lake is an excellent muskellunge lake. A major hangout is Chautauqua Institution, which has many shops, restaurants and live entertainment. Also, many boats can be found at Sandy Bottoms and Long Point State Park.

Here’s the finished décor map of Chautauqua Lake. I don't hide snapping turtles, but I do hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. 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 LeoMaps.com. 

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

Norfork Lake Map Painting

Just finished a large print of beautiful Norfork Lake, which is located in Arkansas on the North Fork River. I always add waterfowl flying over with shadows, which makes it appear 3-D. Also, on canvas printed maps, I touch up the waterfowl and others areas with paint to bring out the image.

Normally, I add a vintage plane flying over and if you look close you may see a mermaid or fish in the waters.

Here's the end result. This is the traditional style map and I also do a more creative style. It's difficult to show the detail and color on the internet. I try to have the golden colors come through like a crackling fire. Can you feel the warmth?

I hid a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters and folks love to search for her. I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure, like Norfork Lake. 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. 

A Musical Lake

What is lake music? Well, there is a lake near Music City (Nashville) that has a long history of lake music. There must be music in the waters because many, many country music stars and song writers live on or near the lake. Stars like Johnny Cash lived on the lake, Taylor Swift lived near the lake while going to high school and this is just to name a few.  The lake didn't create the stars, but it certainly seems to have helped. It must be those foggy mornings with a blue heron flying over and the sun just rising over the water that is a catalyst for great songs and music.  I just finished this beautiful art decor map of Old Hickory Lake the “Music Lake”. 

The lake is actually named after Andrew Jackson “Old Hickory” the 7^th president of the United States, but could have just as well been called the music lake. In fact, I hide a musical note in the waters to emphasis the lake’s music heritage. The lake is printed on canvas from a watercolor painting and the waterfowl is hand painted.

I don't hide snapping turtles, but I do hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. 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 LeoMaps.com. 
 

"Life is short, reduce screen time and increase stream time, get on a big stream."

Vintage Style Maps of rivers, lakes and bays.

I just completed this treasured map of Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama. It's a large 2 feet x 4 feet and printed on  canvas.  

My goal is for the map to almost glow. 

I hide things in the waters of the river, lake or bay.

On canvas prints, I come back and hand paint the waterfowl to make them pop and to appear as if they float over the map. I just noticed in this photo that if you look closely you may find something swimming in the water.

I don't hide snapping turtles, but I do hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. 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 LeoMaps.com. 
 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work click above.

Remember: Get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, if not, put one on the wall."

leomaps.com