Don’t Lose Your Valuable Memories. 

What's on your walls?

Are you part of Lost Photo Generation?

We are taking photos more than ever, but they’re nearly all digital files with very few tangible prints being produced. By now we know that digital never means safe, yet millions of memories are currently being entrusted to servers, clouds and phones. 

The risk could be felt by our entire generation, as we grow up without a printed, photographic record of our lives. The most photographed generation of all time could wind up being the next Lost Generation.

The Need for a Movement 

It’s not just affecting today’s youth. 42% of people between the ages of 30 and 44 will likely look back and wonder where photos of their childhood, holiday get-togethers, relatives and friends have gone decades from now¹, and, reportedly, 67% store their photos solely on a computer or phone. Statistics show that a staggering 53% of consumers have not printed a photo in more than 12 months, 70% don’t have photo albums, and 42% no longer print photos at all.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We know that everything from candles, bicycles and vinyl albums have survived the “disruption” caused by technological advancements. 

We have to remember the value and importance of printed, framed, and mounted photographs in our lives and for the generations after us. Children love to see images of themselves around the house, newlyweds have fond moments when they see their wedding photo on the mantle or walls, and our most beloved pets are sealed in time…all thanks to the power of print.   

The Wall of Happiness!

Recently I visited an older lady that has lived in Destin for years and she had this wall in her hallway that mesmerized me for the longest. It was full of framed photographs of her family. Her kids, her grandkids and now her great grands! 

I did not even know these people yet the images amazed me. We just don't see this anymore. Their lives reflected in the images, the moments frozen in time there for everyone to see and relive and experience over and over. You could just feel the love and joy! 

Where are your photos? Let us help you create your wall of happiness! 

        

The Joy of a Professional Canvas Wall Portrait from Your Digital Files

“When I come downstairs every morning I see my kid’s faces and it makes me so happy! It reminds me of summer, our vacation and fun…they are so joyful and truly loving in these images.” 

I recently visited a client’s home and she wanted to share with me the happiness and joy her beach portraits have brought her. “I am so glad we finally had these made…I love them!”

It was refreshing to hear how our work was still having an impact on her life years beyond the actual beach session and the experience of receiving the photographs. 

Yes, she ordered the digital files and shared them on Facebook, carries them on her phone and even ordered fun things for her home from the digital files, but she also took advantage of the added print discount that comes with the digital file purchase and bought canvas wall portraits of her three kids.

The desire for something tangible beyond the flash drive was her initial motivation for having the beach portraits made in the first place. She had grown up seeing wall portraits in other homes but her own Mother only displayed 8x10’s and small photographs so she wanted the look of real art in her home and her beach portraits were the perfect solution. 

She chose a special photograph of each child and then one of her family together for her living room wall. She even commented that one day she will give each child their canvas and was thrilled with the joy this moment would bring.  She also purchased a fine art print of her and her husband for their bedroom. What a wonderful way to think of your love every night before you go to bed.

So when clients ask me what they should get…I now say choose a few important timeless images to have printed into great wall art that you will cherish and enjoy for generations.

Our canvas portraits will fill that need and will be here long after décor and tastes change. Framed canvas will always be in style. Ask us about our print discount and order your canvas wall portraits so they become more than just fleeting moments…they become daily reminders of your family and the joy they bring! 

New Prices for Summer Beach Photography

Summer is just around the corner and we are getting ready for beach portrait season here in sunny Destin, FL! We have made some changes to our prices and products for the new year. Tired of being overwhelmed? Order just what you need. No packages...No stress!

Choose from Traditional, Canvas and Fine Art Watercolor Paper. Our classic canvas is mounted on masonite or choose the gallery wrap version. Portraits finished on our canvas will not fade, warp, or sag. 

Digital Files? Of course! Choose just the ones you want on your flash drive.  We can add professional retouching and enhancements to any image for an extra fee and you can even choose extra poses as we know it is hard to choose from so many wonderful poses.

Limited on wall space? Get our popular Beach Collage Print on watercolor fine art paper. It is simply stunning! Available in 13x19 size with up to 9 different beach photos ready to frame. Custom designed for each family. 

Helping you to choose the perfect beach photos for you and your family to fit your budget and wall space.

Art Show Is Big Success

The dates of the 2016 Seascape Art Show have been announced!

February 20 and 21, 2016 at the Seascape Conference Center located in the Seascape Golf Resort. 

Sharon Long, local watercolor artist and her fellow artists will be on hand with their art. I am happy to be showing my art at the upcoming Annual Seascape Art Show and Sale. It was a great success and is now in its 25^th year! I have only been in the show for the last five years but find it to be even better every year. The two-day event was recently held in the Conference Center of Seascape Resort in Destin, FL. www.slongwatercolors.com

Sharon Long, a local watercolor artist and my personal mentor hosts this annual event to promote the work of her clients and friends that participate in her watercolor classes. She estimates around 500 locals and tourists attend the two day event that features original art, prints, gifts, and cards from their watercolor creations. 

We will be on hand to meet the participants, show off our works and sell our creations. I love the interaction with the people as they view my work and share their comments and ideas. Of course I always get lots of comments on my Southern accent too!

This show is a much anticipated event for us and I just love mentoring many of these budding artists and helping them to prepare to show off their works in an art show. Our winter guests become much more than just class participants….they become our friends. I have a large group of friends that I paint with during the winter. We will not see them again until next winter when we will rekindle our friendships and begin painting together again. 

I was thrilled with the support the community showed us at the last show and look forward to making it even more fun this year.

If you are interested in watercolor lessons or thinking of a fun activity next time you are in Destin, let us know. Sharon and I would love to have you join us for a class and have you create your own piece of art from the beach!

You can see more of our work at the local art gallery “Retail Therapy” located on Hwy 98 across from the outlet mall in Destin, FL. It is a “Must See” for shopping in Destin…make sure you give yourself at least an hour to see it all! 
www.DestinFLart.com

Leslie's Beach Art at Local Art Gallery

Leslie's Beach Art & New Website

 Local Art Gallery Sales and Commissions 

Thank you to all the clients who purchased my local art this past season! I have been overwhelmed by the response to my original creations featuring Destin and the beach. My mermaid designs and vintage old Florida works have sold rather quickly often with days of being placed on the wall at the gallery! I am thrilled to be able to share my ideas and have others want to display it in their homes. I also have a new website of my work. www.DestinFLart.com

Another great surprise was the commissioned art works that have been created as a result of having the exhibit at Retail Therapy. 

One of my abstractions on the front wall of the gallery .

I have painted custom wall signs, furniture and pet portraits. I love getting calls from people who have seen my work and want me to create a special piece just for them.

One of my latest abstractions now on display at the gallery.

I am expanding my line to include custom gallery wraps of my designs...no longer is it just paper prints that are affordable art...now you own a gallery wrapped canvas of my work.My mermaids and sea life prints, wraps and note cards are selling like crazy! 

I invite you to stop by Retail Therapy the next time you are in town for a very unique shopping experience of the true taste of the beach and Destin. It features local artisans of all types and many of these people are creating art just for tourists and locals to enjoy. Sharon Long Watercolors, my mentor has a gallery as well and we will be teaching watercolor classes to tourists and locals all year long. Check out her art at www.slongwatercolors.com

For a perfect souvenir of the beach..shop at Retail Therapy and ask them where Leslie's booth is located and take home some of Destin and a piece of local beach art or at least some cards or an ornament!

New Website: www.DestinFLArt.com

Happy Travels!