Latest updates from my art studio ....

Hello my lovelies,

As February is almost over and so many things are happening in my studio, I feel like my blog is not getting as much attention as I'd like.  I'm busy traveling, doing custom paintings and working on new collaborations with my clients.  So, I will have to be very brief with my posts and latest updates.

More new original paintings inspired by my forever love of Paris are posted in my shop: lanasart.etsy.com  Get a slice of Paris for your wall! These new large prints are absolutely amazing ... love the texture, colors and the look stays very true to the original!  I'm so excited to add them to my shop - for a limited time only!

My IG circle is growing (most of the time I find it even more convenient than any other social media tool, I don't even know why it took me so long to get started :) ... with new daily updates @lanasartstudio 

Commissions have always been a part of my art life, although I'm doing fewer and fewer due to my work load at the moment.  As a painter for 25 years I've had numerous clients (from larges churches, investment companies, largest collectors of art, etc.) and I never take for granted the love and joy these projects bring and the loyalty of my many returning clients.  I would like to share a recent email with you here and I must admit it brought tears to my eyes (I'm very sentimental if you have not guessed yet:) "I received my two prints late yesterday.  Thank you SO very much!  I love them both;  I was beyond delighted to receive "tulipmania" in a larger size!!!!!  I waited all January for you to return from vacation!!!!!  I had wanted that print for ages!!!!!  I absolutely love all of your work, and even have some things in my cart to order in March!  I am a (......) young interior decorator, who is trying to "do" a bedroom on  a budget!!!!!  Not an easy task in Arkansas!!!!!  At any rate, thanx again and you will be seeing another order soon!!!!!  -V.

Last but not least, I'm so excited to give you a hint of another new collaboration with White House Black Market for their Fall Collection, but this is in the process of development, so stay tuned for more updates on this very exciting project....

As always, thank you for visiting and please be kind to leave me your comment,
with love, Lana

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Romantic Bliss Continues ...

Hello My Friends! It is seems like Valentine's Day is just around the corner and today I have a special treat for you. These new pieces are from my Romantic Bliss collection for this special occasion and may be just what you like. If you interested in seeing more, please go to my shop 

I must be feeling sentimental lately ... all my new art pieces are filled with nostalgia and a sense of romance.  I posted this new piece last weekend and it has already sold. This Parisian inspired painting found a landing place in the beautiful state of Kentucky.  It 's so nice when my work finds a permanent home.  They are better out in the world, hopefully brightening peoples spaces and bringing back some happy memories!  Safe travel dear "French Kiss"!

If my work inspired you to ask about a custom piece - This is how the custom portrait process works: You send me an email from here or convo from etsy shop telling me as much about your idea as you want to - every little bits help: personality, stories, colors, all that. You can send photographs if you like.  Depending on my current schedule, it can take up to 2-3 weeks after you buy the listing for me to complete the piece and mail it to you. You will receive one 10 x 14 or 16 x 20 sized original watercolor.  The piece will be signed by me unless you request otherwise.

Check the images above to see if you like my style. As you can see, I work in a loose, semi-abstract style, so you will NOT have an exact reproduction of your photograph, but rather a loose interpretation based on what you told me about your subject and the images you sent me. 

As always my hugs and sweet wishes to all! What is your favorite Valentine's Day memories? 

xx, Lana

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Goodbye 2014... Hello 2015!

Today is the first Monday in January and my first post of 2015.  I made a new year's resolution and I will be starting a year long project " tips and tricks of blogging for artists" ... and I hope you will come along for the fun and we all learn some new things along the way ... stay tuned!

My Etsy Shop

I realize that I'm not a professional blogger ... and it's not to in my plans to be such.  I love to just do art, but creating art is not the only thing artists have to do.   As any professional artist will tell you - there are many hats to be worn.  So, this year I will share my blogging tips and tricks on a monthly basis with the goal of helping new artists or bloggers with the challenges they might face.

I don't like to be predictable in my blog posts, but I would like to be more cohesive with my postings schedule.  Last year I tried to post weekly and sometimes failed and it brought guilt, then disappointment ... so this year I will commit to twice monthly postings.  Also, as you noticed, my blog is about my art and the things that inspire me.   I will continue to post my museums trips, and my personal work ... all of which will be seen thru my life experiences and my personal travel plans.  Right now I have 3 destinations in my plans for this year : San Francisco in early spring - I'm looking to create a series of romantic pieces and hope to be inspired by the things that I see and feel there.  A European tour in May (Paris included!) ... I'm certain that many new memories and inspirations await me there!  I hope to end the summer in Russia with my mother and enjoying her delicious cooking.  So until then I continue to plan and dream and of course hope for many surprises and opportunities to come along as well!   So as my 2015 begins, I'm reminded that the journey is not about the destination, it's more about enjoying the ride! :)

Lana Moes Umbrella

Last year I had amazing opportunities work with the White House Black Market team. You never know who might be seeing your work online! As you see from my FB or Instagram posts, WHBM has created several items based on my Paris related art that are now appearing nationwide in their stores and I'm so extremely happy and thankful for this great collaboration with WHBM.
 (Credit for photos below belong WHBM website )

As for my friends and followers - May your coming year be filled with magic, joy, and great memories! I hope you kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful ... and don't forget to make some art - draw, or write, or build, or live as only you can.  And I hope somewhere in the next year, you will surprise yourself. May you have a peaceful and focused week ahead and see you around! with love, Lana

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Grateful month of December - Happy New Year!

In the spirit of it being Christmas week, I'm feeling deeply grateful .....

Via

Living life as an artist is a dream come true and I'm grateful for every single day.

I'm grateful for every single person who is moved to purchase my art.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my art and experiences with other artists and entrepreneurs who might want to live their own dream too.

I am so grateful to share my artistic creations with people all over the world.

I'm so grateful for God's guidance that has made me who I am in the world.

I'm mostly grateful for the support of family and friends who believed in me and my dream and tirelessly support my life.

... and this year I can say I am grateful and excited to carry my dream to the next level.

This year has been groundbreaking for me professionally, with my art available to customers in several unique and exciting ways!  And I may have broken a record here at Lana's Art Studios for most sales in one month this month alone!  But the most special thing is the people behind all those sales.  So this is my love and gratitude back - THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart and I hope to see you all in 2015!

Thank you thank you every single one of you who has touched my life in so many ways through my blog, shop and personal reach....

Enjoy your holiday my friends! and I hope all your lovely wishes will come true!!! My biggest hugs!

Cheers 2015! xx, Lana 

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Merry Christmas!!!!

Hello my dear friends!  How was your week?  First of all I like to say all of you thank you so much for your kind messages about my beloved Nikki last week. It means a lot to me.  Many of you have pets and you know how hard it is to say goodbye from your personal experiences.  But now on to the magical time of Christmas and I will be enjoying it with loved ones.

I opened my Instagram account @LanasArtStudio couple of days ago, and I'm probably the last person to join it :) ... I found all of my friends from FB, Etsy, and Pinterest happily sharing their lovely pictures with the world already!  I have tons of questions and more ideas ahead .... but now hear from the pros how to avoid mistakes there .... so far I found this week:

• An Instagram account I wish I'd thought of: Wenevermet. Pictures of strangers (who aren't facing the camera) and tiny, imaginary caption stories of their lives. Here
• I found a printable (free) WOODLANDS gift tags I may be using for my presents here
• Ultimate guide for my new Instagram adventure here
• Came across this site  for you friends with cats - Top 10 toys for your holiday!

 And, last but not least I would like to sharing my weekend small getaway to a lovely old city St. Augustine with Nights of Lights. This is our yearly holiday tradition and I'm so happy to sharing it with you.

 During Nights of Lights, St. Augustine glows with holiday magic - from the ground to the rooftops. Selected by National Geographic in 2011 & 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights feature millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city.

Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s 449-year history and illuminates the beautiful setting for lasting holiday memories.
 

The best way to enjoy the popular holiday lighting display is to park in the Historic Parking Facility located off Castillo Drive and enjoy the sights in one of many different ways – on foot, by bicycle or pedicab, on the Old Town Trolley or the Ripley’s Red Train, or by horse and carriage. - via  

Christmas only a few days away and I'm looking forward to spend this days with a quiet and restful last minute cooking and enjoying time with my family! Merry Christmas to All and Lovely Sweet Wishes!

With Love, 

Lana

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Happy December!

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you had a blessed week and nice family celebration during this Thanksgiving week (at least for those of you in the US).  Now it's time to start preparing for a lovely holiday season and getting ready for more joyful times with family and friends!

As for me I'm going to be short and sweet this week, because I'm swamped with custom orders, sales, packing and last minute freelance work.  Also, I'm really excited about my recent collaboration with large retailer ....  I cannot wait to reveal!  This is will be a lovely surprise just before the New Year!

my commission for a lovely client packed and ready to be shipped

Getting away this holiday season?  Next year I would like to return to Paris and spend a week in Provence ( but I will have to wait till June so see the beautiful  lavender season :) so in the mean time...

Paris in bloom from my trip this year

- little sparkles from Tiffany's for Christmas ... in my "Santa's list".... a girl can dream  - N'est-ce pas?

New Tiffany's store in Manhattan 

- it never hurts to dream about a far away destination or shopping on 5th Avenue in NYC

New Custom Illustration for client I completed last week

.... What is your dream destination? Share with me.... and for now my favorite quote:

" Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks" - Plutarch.

I hope you can see my story from my paintings... my dreams, and my inspiration... so go ahead dream up your next vacation, and make it happen! - xx, Lana

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Monday Morning ... new day, new week, new start ....

Hello Monday! My brain is running at a slow pace, in need of a second cup of coffee to kick in ... (now already), and I'm slightly sad that the weekend is gone. So, I'll take a few hours to browse my favorite blogs, online magazines and pretty pictures from my trips, and read up on my friends' blogs .... all to inspire me.

via

So you are a creative professional and this is you life sources. Embrace it and make some time for it! Without inspiration you have no fuel in the tank, and that will lead to nowhere. Most of the time I'm working on a series of pieces ... so it is easier for me. But every Monday when I have Monday-brain, I need something to get me excited and to spark my creativity again. So often my Pinterest inspiration board gives me a kick in the rear end. As an artist I need my creative juices to flow freely .... so it is great to start this morning with a giant cup of coffee, and let those couple hours visually trigger my brain. This is a part of my creative process!  So, I'm taking time and adding this to my Monday routine! I hope this will be inspiring for you as well!

1. Just a few of the many things I love about Paris  here  ...  nearly daily posts of a life in Paris and the Paris lifestyle .... I think the writer behind the blog reminds me of myself and my love of the city from the first time I set foot in the City of Lights. 

An inviting café scene from my Paris trip

2. learn more from the blogger pro here . Go to her Press section .... she really has a creative and knowledgeable approach of  social media business .... I learned something new from her lately.  

3. here is more from my Pinterest  board ( I think it is about time to think about White Christmas ... inspiration is everywhere.... sometimes you don't even have to leave home to be inspired:) 

4. and here if you in design or home decoration.... lovely posts from my favorite design blog.  

5. last but not least, to celebrate another successful business year selling online I am happy to giveaway one print of my original watercolors of your choice! This is first time I have used the generated raffle, so we'll see how well it  works. In the mean time I wish everyone best luck and cheers! xx, Lana

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Quotes of the Week - November Inspiration

How are you lovelies?
I hope November treats you well. I can never come up with what to say by the end of the week... ( no wonder :) so here are some words lately I found that inspire and move me forward:

"When it comes to art, buy with your eyes, not your ears. I try very hard not to "decorate" with art. Art should be reflective of your personality and what is going on in your head - not reflective of the colors of a sofa". - Hotelier Jason Pomeranc

"Collect things you love, that are authentic to you, and your house becomes your story."

 - Erin Flett 

Ring the bells that still can ring 
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in....
-Leonard Cohen

via

Do you have any favorite words, quotes, or sayings to move your forward?

Share them with me in comments.  I would love to hear from you. And for now I wish you a lovely weekend and many great memories to fill :)  
xx, Lana

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Flower in Her Hair ... Flowers Everywhere..... I love the Flower Girl.

I saw her sitting in the rain
Raindrops falling on her
She didn't seem to care
She sat there and smiled at me

And I knew (I knew, I knew, I knew, I knew)
She could make me happy (happy, happy)
Flowers in her hair, flowers everywhere

I love the flower girl
Oh, I don't know just why
She simply caught my eye
I love the flower girl she seemed so sweet and kind.
She crept into my mind.

I knew I had to say hello (hello, hello)
She smiled up at me
She took my hand and we walked through the park alone

But I knew (I knew, I knew, I knew, I knew)She had made me happy (happy, happy)
Flowers in her hair, flowers everywhere

I love the flower girl
Oh, I dont know just why
She simply caught my eye
I love the flower girl she seemed so sweet and kind
She crept into my mind

Suddenly the sun broke through (see the sun).
I turned around she was gone (where did she go).
And all I had left was one little flower from her hair.

But I knew (I knew, I knew, I knew, I knew)
she had made me happy (happy, happy).
Flowers in her hair, flowers everywhere

I love the flower girl
Was she reality or just a dream to me?
I love the flower girl
Our love shall lead the way
To find a sunny day

I love the flower girl
Was she reality or just a dream to me?

More via  - (i Love) The Flower Girl Lyrics - My inspiration for new watercolors 

Lanasart.etsy.com

Happy November! Happy new week and hello to a busiest season.... I know that many of you think I’ve been purposely added summer inspired pieces here and teasing you a lot about my Florida weather. The truth is that it’s not something I do to tease, it is just always surrounded me and inspired me most. So I’m happy to share some of my new watercolors with you. I hope you like it.... xx, Lana

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Dior, Chanel... and More - Fragrance of Paris!

Hello My Friends! I hope your October is treating you well!  In fact, I hope it's downright inspiring!

Inspiring still life - Miss Dior 

You see, I love October because it means I'm in the home stretch.... I can celebrate my accomplishments over the last 10 months, and kick myself into gear to make the best of what's left of 2014!

Oh ...and of course, fall is my favorite season. When my dearest friends celebrating with sweaters, leggings, and everything pumpkin in New York,  I'm sweating it out on the prettiest beaches of Florida in sunglasses still. 

Cheers to a happy October, wherever you might be!

Fragrance of Paris

Dior Inspired Collection

Lana's Art Studio - French Connection 

• New collection in my etsy store " Fragrance of Paris "
• Latest treasury I created - Paris inspired: Secret Garden  

• I've always enjoyed guest posts about artwork  at Apartment  Therapy great info and lots of helpful tips/ sources there. 
• I found this articles on blogging.... if you use the social media in your promotion please share with me which one works better for you. I'm still trying to figure out :)

and, as always, leave a comment and let me know what's going on with you! Happy Weekend my friends!!!! xx, Lana 

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Tips for increasing the chances of your ART to be found online - my experience

Hello lovelies, I know this title has nothing to do with my gallery/museum tours as I promised before.
But wait a minute, really?  The reason I created this post is because I've received a lot of questions on a topic that I know is important to most of you.  How do you find buyers, custom clients, and overall how is the best way to sell online.  So, I wanted to stop and write this post and try to provide my highlights/successes in marketing.

First of all, if you have an online presence - shop or web... you have to start to promote! It is not likely you will maximize your success if you have all your eggs in one basket.  So, start with one site, gain comfort and develop and presence there and then move slowly to expand to the next one.  Often, the experience and learnings from one endeavor can prove valuable in the next.   There is lots of information and help online, so just pick one.  Examples: blog, pinterest, twitter, instagram, facebook and so on.... not in any particular order :).  If I was just starting, I perhaps would pick first social platform - Pinterest.  My shop stats show that most of my viewers are generated from Pinterest.  When someone "likes" your image, they can pin and others will re-pin it, spreading your art even farther to friends, groups, and teams...

Second, and this is very important ...  so pay attention .... the title of your artwork or any work you upload/publish online HAS TO BE NAMED PROPERLY! what is this means is: The most important and descriptive words that are used to describe your art/product should be in the title. But don't name it like a title of your art, it maybe familiar to you, but it unknown to your potential buyers yet. So, be more descriptive!

Third, and this is also very important (and I learned from my mistake).... so let me help you to avoid it. Every image you post on the internet/uploaded from you camera has to be named properly. What this means is .... those descriptive words that you chose to use in the title of your work should also be used in the naming of your file for that art.  In the example below, instead of a generic non-descriptive name, I chose to upload this art as "new york-illustration.jpg".   This creates a tag for search engines (like google search) to look for New York Illustration in search.

link

New Watercolor NYC

More online selling tips will follow..... so my best wishes for you lovelies entrepreneurs and let me know if you have more questions or tips to share! And don't forget about killer headline - it has to be want to click and read!!!

Now, your turn! Leave me a comment, I will visit your blog as well :) 
follow me here

                                             xx, Lana

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Take Time To Enjoy Your Summer

There's something about summer that causes you to pause. Maybe it's the heat. Maybe it's that the screen porch is open for business...but I've been taking a little time for myself this past week to celebrate fourth of July with family. I'll be traveling to the west coast in the middle of July to spend even more time with family and friends. I've decided that July needs to be a little slower paced for me as I catch my breath from an amazing first half of the year. I'm going to do new collection and expand my studio (it is time:). My wonderful husband has agreed to part with his beautiful billiard table so that I can have a new, huge art studio! I have commissions to finish and a workshop to prepare for, but I'll also be drinking green tea with lemon and enjoying some new respite. During this year I followed so many talented ladies from different parts of the world and they shared so many of their delicious creations ... so I decided this is time to try my favorites from them! From Germany by Duni:

I want to thank all of you who have supported my art, my humble writing here and most of all my life. I'm doing good....more than good..... I'm in the happiest place in my life: doing what I love and loving what I'm doing!  

I'm celebrating my second year of selling on Etsy this month and I offer a little gift for you to enjoy. Summer Sale at LanasArt - grab a bundle of prints or originals and use coupon code "ART2014" for your 10 % off your entire order!

Here's a piece I created a few weeks back but seems appropriate for view now from my "Tulip-mania" series 18" x 36"  and available in my Gallery on Saatchi Art now.

Tulip-Mania by Lana Moes

Take time to enjoy your summer! And if you are from the Santa Barbara, CA area please let me know what is your favorite place or thing to do there..... I have a few ideas for my  upcoming trip, but I need more:) 

Cheers, Lana

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Last Week News and Latest Updates

Hello Lovelies,

I got personal note from the Hopper catalog manager about including my post in a recent feature about SLS Hotel South Beach on Hopper (Hopper catalogs the best travel-related content on the web to help travelers find inspiration and advice from knowledgeable bloggers)

http://www.hopper.com/activity/13p22/5pQH/sls-hotel-south-beach-miami-beach?utm_source=Blogger&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Personal-Final&utm_content=View

It is exciting to know that some of my humble experiences are sometimes noticed and published for larger views.  My regular readers may remember my December anniversary trip to Miami and this post. Thank you and Happy Travel to all!

Also, Society6 has selected and featured my print "Color Me Pretty Pink" at Society6 shop.
So, I've added some new art there and created some new products as well. Thank you for promotion team Society6!

I had a gorgeous spa treatment while my husband enjoyed his golf during our father day(s) stay at Ponte Vedra Resort. It is a sweet vacation place for the whole family and I'm looking forward to sharing more pictures with you in my next blog post. This place was established in 1928 and I think they still manage to project a relaxing and fun atmosphere, with is great for a family reunion or just plain rest and relaxation! 

Also check my post from last year....

New watercolors - romantic collection 

Seems like every new commission or trip I take inspires me to a new collection or new ideas. How about you? Where do you get your inspirations and how do you manage your creative impulses.... share share your comments with me ...
                                                               xx, Lana

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Hunters Alley New Feature

On this lovely Saturday morning, after spending a fantastic week on a Caribbean cruise, I see my art featured and promoted on the wonderful site  of Hunters Alley.

Here is a link for more of my prints and prints on canvas (with a variety of sizes and contemporary frames).

But if you like to purchase original, please contact me here or here.

Also, I signed the contract for my art being shown on Bravo's upcoming episodes of "Million Dollar Listing"... woohoo...  so stay tuned for new "Miami Million Dollar Listing" starting this summer!!!!

Of course, I'm adding new art originals to my ETSY shop daily!!!!  Let me know what is happening in your world.  I would love to hear from you!  I wish everybody a happy weekend and stay tuned for new posts on my recent cruise to the Bahamas!

xx, Lana

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Weekly Diaries

 Hello my friends!

The Emotional series of "Paris for Two" is growing ….. In the underbrush there are so many colors that I can see, that I must explore them with new series of watercolor paintings!

They are always different and new to me, like the colors of the soul of a person. Even of who is next to us every day: they show themselves little by little, if only we have the patience to really look... The nature and the soul are a great palette to discover! Here is my discovery continues…. What do you think?

Many Best Wishes to All and Happy May!

xx, Lana

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