About Me
Born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine, Lana now calls San Francisco Bay Area home. She started her formal academic training at the age of 12 in her homeland and later continued in North America receiving Master of Fine Arts degree at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.
Recognized as the 1st Place Quickdraw winner by Sheridan Arts Foundation at Telluride Pein Air, Telluride, Colorado in 2009, Lana also received Honorable Mention for Artistic Excellence at Salon International 2008, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX.
Southwest Art magazine published an article about Lana Rak and her artwork under the “Artists to Watch” section in Sep 2005.
Lana has been an active participant in plein air competitions and international workshops. Lana also gives structured art classes and leads weekly workshops at her studio in Danville, California
“I usually work in short sessions, carefully planning my compositions and designs in advance, so I would not have to paint over some areas and could have a fresh surface for all of my brushstrokes.
Once I commit to a certain design I attack the blank canvas trying to get as much as possible in the first session. I believe that the first stage is the most decisive.
I find the process of painting very exhausting physically, but despite all the challenges it is the most rewarding and joyous occupation.”
Select Exhibitions
| 2010 | Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition, Mountain Trails Gallery Jackson, WY |
| 2009 | Sheridan Arts Foundation – Telluride Plein Air Telluride, CO |
| 2008 | Salon International 2008, Green House Gallery, San Antonio, TX |
| 2008 | The Richeson75: International Competition, Artists’ Choice 2008 Kimberly, WI |
| 2007 | The Small Works North America Exhibition, Greenwich Workshop Gallery Connecticut |
| 2007 | Salon International 2007, Green House Gallery, San Antonio, TX |
| 2007 | Wild Things Exhibition, Women’s City Club of Pasadena, California Art Club, Pasadena, CA |
| 2006 | Plein Air Art Festival, William Lester Gallery, Point Reyes Station, CA |
| 2005 | Solo Show, D.E. Craghead Gallery Carmel, CA |
| 2004 | San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival San Luis Obispo, CA |
| 2004 | Full Circle, Academy of Art University Senior Group Show San Francisco, CA |
| 2004 | Two-person Show, Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA |
| 2003 | Abstract Landscape Show, Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA |
| 2003 | Landscape Group Show, Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA |
Education
| 2004-2007 | MFA Fine Arts Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA |
| 2002-2004 | BFA Fine Arts Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA |
| 1998-2000 | Fine Arts Program, Langara College, Vancouver, BC Canada |
| 1984-1990 | Republican School of Fine Art, Kiev, Ukraine |
Awards and Recognition
| 2009 | 1st Place Quickdraw, Telluride Plein Air Telluride, Colorado |
| 2008 | Honorable Mention, Salon International 2008 San Antonio, Texas |
| 2005 | Southwest Art Magazine, September 2005 “Artist to Watch” article |
| 2004 | 3rd Prize, Fall 2004 National Exhibition Impact Artists’ Gallery, Buffalo, NY |
| 2004 | Grand Prize, The Art Experience ART21 Gallery, Palo Alto, CA |
| 2003 | Scholarship, American Society of Portrait Artists |
Galleries
| Gallerie Judith Engelstadt 593 Bridgeway Sausalito, CA | www.judygalleryart.com (415) 331-1753 |
| Salisbury Fine Art Gallery 6985 Ontario Road San Luis Obispo, CA | www.salisburyfineart.com (805) 595-9463 |