Did you know member Lana Nelson graduated with a degree in Parks and Recreation, and did an internship in theatre? She moved to Portland in 1975. Balancing motherhood and a 25-year career with Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), Lana managed to explore her artistic interests during vacations. It wasn’t until she retired that Lana began taking classes in oil painting, participating in various workshops and shows, and discovered The Village Gallery of Arts, where she has been an active member since 2013. Lana currently serves as Marketing Team coordinator on the VGA board. 

An avid lover of nature, Lana’s favourite subjects are scenes from nature. The interest to express feelings and create something new may arouse at any age. For Lana, it started at the age of 10. The source of her inspiration is the color creation in a painting. Mixing paints and creating the exact shade is her favourite part. Lana says, “The best thing about being an artist is to express oneself.” For Lana, the real success from an artistic point of view is the enjoyment and fulfilment in making realistic paintings rather than the money she earns from them.

Gretha Lindwood is Lana’s favourite VGA pastel artist. She considers her studio at home to be the most ideal working environment. The encouragement, positivity and constant motivation from her family members are her driving forces. Apart from art, Lana loves to spend time with her grandchildren, play piano and sew.

Her advice to all the budding artists is ‘Sign up and join us!’ To all the members/artists of VGA, she says with a smiling face, “Keep painting and enjoy every brush stroke!”

Let us all celebrate Lana this month! 🙂