Today we’d like to introduce you to Lissi Kaplan.
Lissi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Lissi Kaplan, a Los Angeles–based artist and author who has always believed that art is a way of seeing — of noticing beauty in the quiet places most people overlook. My creative journey began in fine art, where I specialized in hand-painted porcelain. Over time, I discovered that every piece I painted carried a story, and that realization led me to write my first book, The Power of a Teacup (published by ReganBooks/HarperCollins).
That book opened a new chapter — one where painting and storytelling became inseparable. I later wrote Light as a Feather, a reflective collection that continued exploring art, grace, and imagination through delicate watercolor imagery and gentle narrative.
Today, through my imprint Little Finch Press, I bring those worlds together in my children’s literature. My newest title, Ludee the Ant and Her Happy Hats, celebrates imagination, individuality, and the joy of seeing the world with curiosity and heart.
Each part of my path — from porcelain to watercolor to storytelling — has been about honoring creativity in its purest form: joyful, kind, and deeply human.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No creative road is completely smooth — and I wouldn’t want it to be. Every challenge has taught me something about patience, trust, and the heart behind the work.
When I first began publishing, I had to learn every part of the process myself — from scanning original watercolor art to preparing files, managing color, and overseeing printing. There were moments of frustration, but also deep satisfaction in learning to bring each detail to life exactly as I envisioned it.
On a more personal level, there have been times when I’ve had to pause and rebuild — to rediscover my voice and remember why I create. But art has always been my way back to joy. Even on difficult days, painting or writing reminds me that beauty and hope are always within reach.
Through it all, I’ve learned that the creative path isn’t about perfection — it’s about perseverance, grace, and staying open to wonder.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an artist, author, and storyteller who has always believed that beauty has the power to heal and connect. My work spans fine art and children’s literature, but at its core, everything I create begins with watercolor — whether painted on porcelain, paper, or the imagination.
I’m known for my hand-painted porcelain collections, which have been exhibited in Los Angeles and collected around the world. Each piece is painted by hand, often featuring garden-inspired imagery — flowers, birds, butterflies — symbols of gentleness and renewal. That same visual language now lives inside my books.
Through my imprint Little Finch Press, I write and illustrate children’s stories that celebrate individuality and kindness. My latest, Ludee the Ant and Her Happy Hats, invites children to see joy in small things and to embrace their uniqueness. I’m also the author of The Power of a Teacup and Light as a Feather, both of which explore art, reflection, and the beauty of slowing down.
What I’m most proud of is that my work feels authentic — it’s all painted, written, and imagined from the same place of love. What sets me apart is that my fine art and my storytelling come from the same brush — one that sees art not as decoration, but as a way of expressing spirit, joy, and the magic that still exists in the ever
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The art and publishing worlds are evolving in inspiring ways. Over the next decade, I think we’ll see even more independent voices — artists and authors who create and publish their own work with authenticity and heart. That freedom allows stories to be more personal, diverse, and visually original than ever before.
In children’s literature, I believe there’s a growing shift toward books that nurture emotional awareness, mindfulness, and connection with nature. Families are looking for stories that feel gentle, hopeful, and real — stories that help children slow down and rediscover wonder in everyday life.
On the fine art side, collectors and communities are moving toward art that feels meaningful and handmade — pieces that carry soul rather than mass production. I see a beautiful return to craftsmanship and sincerity.
For me, that’s what keeps the industry exciting — this blend of timeless artistry with new possibilities. Whether it’s a painted teacup or a children’s story, people still long for beauty that speaks to the heart, and that’s not something technology can replace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lissikaplanfineart.com
- Instagram: Lissi714
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/lissi.kaplan
