Ellen Thesleff (Finland, 1869-1954)

 
 Self portrait (1894-1895)

oil on canvas 31.5 x 23.5 cm

Ellen Thesleff (1869–1954) was a Finnish expressionist painter, celebrated as one of the foremost modernist artists in Finland. Born in Helsinki on October 5, 1869, she was the eldest daughter among five siblings, and her father was an amateur painter. Thesleff’s artistic journey took her from Finland to Paris, where she honed her skills at the Finnish Art Society Drawing School (now known as the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts) under the guidance of Gunnar Berndtson. In 1891, she ventured to Paris and enrolled at the Académie Colarossi.

Throughout her life, Thesleff divided her time between Finland, France, and Italy. She visited Italy for the first time in 1894 and maintained a family estate in Murole, Ruovesi. Despite her travels, she never married.

Thesleff’s artistic evolution is fascinating. Initially, she worked on symbolist paintings, influenced by artists like Eugène Carrière. However, she asserted that her greatest inspiration came from Édouard Manet. As her career progressed, she transitioned to expressionism and modernism, with a particular focus on landscapes.

In 1949, her paintings garnered acclaim at a major exhibition of Nordic art in Copenhagen. Her powerful use of lines and dynamic compositions resonated with viewers. Notably, Thesleff was part of the 2018 exhibit titled “Women in Paris 1850-1900”.

To explore more of Ellen Thesleff’s work, you can visit the Ateneum museum or view her self-portraits on Archives of Women Artists

Juhani Palmu (Finland b. 1944)

Vinterstämning - Winter Mood (n.d.)

oil on canvas 29 x 43 cm

Juhani (Jan) Palmu, born on July 8, 1944, in Turku, Finland, was a Finnish painter known for his distinctive approach to capturing rural landscapes and symbolic elements. Here are some key details about his life and artistic contributions:

1. Artistic Themes:

   • Palmu’s works often revolve around Finnish countryside economic centers, such as barns and other rural structures.
   • He also incorporates landscapes and shamanistic symbols, which he combines with stylized human figures reminiscent of cave paintings.

2. Versatility and Exploration:

   • Throughout his career, Palmu explored various artistic styles and techniques.
   • His paintings reflect influences from Finnish landscape art.

3. Biography:

   • Born in Turku, Finland, in 1944, Palmu spent part of his upbringing in Sweden.
   • His artistic journey led him to create evocative works that resonate with viewers.

4. Notable Artworks:

   • Some of his notable pieces include:
     • “Karelia”
     • “Yard”
     • “Still Life”
     • “Rural Landscape” (1980)
     • “Houses” (1983)
     • “House” (1984)
     • “Yard Landscape” (1982)

5. Legacy:

   • Palmu’s paintings continue to captivate audiences, blending traditional subject matter with a touch of symbolism and modern sensibility.

In summary, Juhani Palmu’s art reflects the essence of Finnish rural life and the timeless connection between nature, symbolism, and human existence123.

a Finnish painter: Unto Koistinen

 

By i Kuusamo (1957)

Unto Koistinen was a Finnish painter who was known for his landscape and still life paintings. He was born in 1912 and studied at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki. Koistinen was a member of the Finnish Painters' Union and exhibited his work widely in Finland and abroad. His paintings can be found in private and public collections around the world. In addition to his work as a painter, Koistinen was also involved in the art world as a teacher, critic, and curator.

Tove Jansson (Finnish, 1914-2001)

 

View from a Balcony (1961)
oil on canvas 92 x 73 cm

Tove Jansson was a Finnish artist, writer, and illustrator who was born in 1914 and died in 2001. She is best known for creating the Moomin series of children's books, which have been translated into over 50 languages and have become popular around the world. Jansson was also a painter and graphic artist, and her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in Finland and abroad. In addition to her work as an artist and writer, Jansson was also involved in the art world as a teacher and critic. She is considered one of the most important figures in Finnish literature and art, and her work has had a significant impact on children's literature and culture.

Akseli Gallen-Kallela (Finnish, 1865-1931)

 

Sunset over Lake Ruovesi, 1915-16
Oil on canvas

Peasant Women Dancing by A Lake

Akseli Gallen-Kallela (26 April 1865 – 7 March 1931) was a Finnish painter who is best known for his illustrations of the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. His work is considered a very important aspect of the Finnish national identity. He changed his name from Gallén to Gallen-Kallela in 1907.

more on wiki/Akseli_Gallen-Kallela

Wilho Sjöström

Wilho Sjöström (Finnish, 1873-1944)

Park, 1925

Yrjö Ollila (Finland, 1887-1932)

Landscape Reflections

a Finnish painter: Elin Danielson-Gambogi

Self Portrait

Summer night (1890)

To Bed (1897)

Elin Kleopatra Danielson-Gambogi (3 September 1861 – 31 December 1919) was a Finnish painter, best known for her realist works and portraits. Danielson-Gambogi was part of the first generation of Finnish women artists who received professional education in art, the so-called "painter sisters' generation". The group also included Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946), Helena Westermarck (1857-1938), and Maria Wiik (1853-1928).

wiki/Elin_Danielson-Gambogi

Mikko Oinonen, View from the Garden

Mikko Oinonen (Fiinish) - View from the Garden

Finnish artists, part two

Eero Sysikumpu - Landscape, 1949

Helene Schjerfbeck (Finland 1862-1946) - Pink Sweet Peas

Veronica Österman, Finland (b. 1965) - The Town

 Santeri Salokivi (1886-1940) - Woman in the Sun

EINO OLAVI LAINE - Landscape (Finland)

Finnish artists, part one

Hannu Lukin - Finland, Evening

Lasse Wager - Town-view

Magnus Enckell (1870-1925)
By the Window. Oil on canvas

Viljo Hurme (1893-1987) - View from Kilpisjärvi

Markku-Jussi Komulainen (Finnish) - Spring Landscape


Akseli Gallen Kallela (1865-1931)

Akseli Gallen-Kallela - Winter Landscape, 1887

Akseli Gallen-Kallela - Auringonlasku (1899)

Akseli Gallen Kallela - Woodland Clearing on the Shores of Lake Kallavesi

Oil On Canvas

Akseli Gallen-Kallela - Café à Paris

Akseli Gallen-Kallela - Mary Gallén on the Kuhmoniemi Bridge (1890)

 Akseli Gallen-Kallela - Wakamba Plain, 1910-1924

Akseli Gallen-Kallela (26 April 1865 – 7 March 1931) was a Finnish painter who is best known for his illustrations of the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. His work was considered very important for the Finnish national identity. He changed his name from Gallen to Gallen-Kallela in 1907.

Harald Gallen (1880-1931) - Camp Fire

Lasse Marttinen (1926-2007) - Winter

Väinö Hämäläinen (1876-1940) - Lake landscape, 1932

Urpo Wainio (1910-1975)

Self-Portrait, 1947.

Oil on canvas, 70 x 60 cm

Eero Järnefelt, a Finnish painter

Eero Järnefelt (Finnish, 1863-1937)

 Leena

Winter Sun

Metsälampi

Winter Landscape

Sunset, 1893

Autumn Landscape with a River (1895)

Sunset