About the Artist

I am a Finnish-American artist from Ann Arbor, Michigan.  I began drawing when I was three years old and have always loved color.  My father, architect, Eino Kainlauri, inspired me to become an artist.  I received a BFA, cum laude, with a major in printmaking from the University of Michigan. 

After a 35-year hiatus, filled with raising a family and working in another field (law!), I became an artist again. When I began to draw again, I felt an inner light and childlike joy.   My first series was one of pastel “portraits” of irises. Then, I began to paint landscapes, in pastel and watercolor; both from reference photos and plein-air, as well as portraits of people and pets, and animals in the wild.

I am happy to do commission drawings in pastel of your pets, who I know have such a special place in your heart. Please contact me if you are interested.

“The artist does not draw what he sees but what he has to make others see.” Edgar Degas

What I find most exciting about drawing and painting is to bring the page to life. I endeavor to express the life within what I see; the character of a person or even a flower; the way light brings out beauty or creates mood, the radiancy of color; the energy of water. As an artist, I share moments of my experiences as a way of connecting with others. It is such a joy when people find connection and meaning with my work.

Variety is the spice of life!

I enjoy working in a variety of media and styles, depending on what seems appropriate for the piece; and continue to explore new techniques. Thus, my art is always evolving.

I am a member of the The Pastel Society of America, the Iowa Pastel Society, the Appalachian Pastel Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society.