A few years ago, right in the middle of the Great Recession, I wanted a decor map of a river that I grew up fishing on. After some research I found that nice decor maps of these waterways did not exist. There were navigation, road, and topography maps, but no really nice, vintage style decor maps of lakes & rivers. This led me to paint my first map of that beloved river and this was the beginning. I guess you could say something good came out of the Great Recession, Leo Lakes Treasured Maps. Maybe I should call them "The Great Recession Maps?" They make great gifts! Do we have your map? Go to my web site to find out www.LeoLakes.com
Great Sacandaga Lake Vintage Style Decor Map
Fact #1: I hide a few fish and even a 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 over time.
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 flying over the water, with each having a story. When completed, I found that others liked it so much they asked for copies and a hobby was born. Well, that was 200 lakes, rivers and bays ago.
Gaston Lake Antique Style Decor Map
Fact #2: I call my maps Treasured Maps because every treasure has a Ruby and so do my maps, each has a Ruby Meridian.
I paint each lake, river, or bay in the vintage style too hopefully bring back those wonderful memories. Included with each print is a Certificate of Authenticity that explains the meaning of each symbol.
Lake Mead Vintage Style Decor Map
Fact #3: 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."
Before I paint a lake, I do a lot of research. Great Sacandaga Lake in New York was an interesting lake. Did you know that the North American record for the Northern Pike was caught in this lake, 46lbs 2oz. in 1940. Actually, Great Sacandaga Lake is a Reservoir. What's the difference between a reservoir and a lake? A reservoir is man-made and a lake is naturally made, however, lakes and reservoirs are not always titled appropriately.
Beautiful Lake Tahoe Vintage Style Decor Map
Fact #4: I add a vintage plane flying over my maps to signify an adventure to your treasured lake, river, or bay.
Sometimes, while doing research, I wonder how they come up with the names of features around lakes. Lake Winnipesaukee has many islands and one such island is named Rattlesnake Island, were there lots of Rattlesnakes on the island, maybe?
Lake Winnipesaukee Vintage Style Decor Map
Fact #5: 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.
Now I feel like Forrest Gump who kept running and running and running in the movie, except I paint lake maps and paint lake maps and this is no movie. I have painted a lake, river, or bay in 35 states with hopes of covering all 50 states.
Fact #6: Did You Know that you can always tell that it's 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 east, then its morning. Oh yeah, I have had folks tell me that they change through the day, but don't believe them.
I can now print large 4ft x 8ft canvas maps for Marinas, Restaurants or large rooms. Also 16" x 32" canvas for home and office, which have become a popular choice and small 10"x20" fine paper prints. I just finished my largest map yet, a huge 4'x8' of Pickwick Lake for a customer who has a home over looking the lake.
Fact #7: Did You Know that Leo Lakes Treasured Maps are great for your home, office or lake house and make great gifts. Personalize your map by adding photos of that trophy fish, family outing or be creative. Great Gift for the lake lover or fisherman.
Do we have your lake? Find out below by clicking LEO Lakes below.
Table Rock Lake Vintage Style Decor Map
Fact #6: Did You Know that you can always tell that it's 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 east, then its morning. Oh yeah, I have had folks tell me that they change through the day, but don't believe them.
I can now print large 4ft x 8ft canvas maps for Marinas, Restaurants or large rooms. Also 16" x 32" canvas for home and office, which have become a popular choice and small 10"x20" fine paper prints. I just finished my largest map yet, a huge 4'x8' of Pickwick Lake for a customer who has a home over looking the lake.
Fact #7: Did You Know that Leo Lakes Treasured Maps are great for your home, office or lake house and make great gifts. Personalize your map by adding photos of that trophy fish, family outing or be creative. Great Gift for the lake lover or fisherman.
Life's short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream. If not, hang one on your wall !
No comments:
Post a Comment