Ilona Kanto

artist

Original Oil Paintings

Philosophy: The mood and feelings generated by my oil paintings are important to me. My goal is that the first impression, or feeling, remains after a complete viewing. I do what I love to do. I paint from my heart, with the intention of bringing happiness into the lives of others.

Style: Reality with atmosphere.

Technique: Oil with moderate impasto.

Background: Ilona Kanto is an artist based in Simi Valley, California. She was born in the scenic lake area of Central Finland and developed an interest in art in her early years. At the age of seven, she won her first art competition, and numerous awards have followed after that, including best of show in several art club exhibits. Greatly influenced by her artistic father-in-law, Ilona was motivated to study oil painting at Moorpark College, California and with various private teachers in the USA and Europe. While Ilona appreciates the skills learned through education, she gives much credit for her artistic expression to her observation of the beauty of nature and her work as a photographer. Ever seeking to increase the scope of her talent, Ilona’s travels in many countries throughout the world have added further dimensions to this artist’s work. Italy, France, Spain, Albania, China, Australia, Chile, Hawaii, Fiji, Thai-land, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Malaysia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Mexico are among those where she has been able to analyze the different cultures and their arts. Her oil paintings have been on display in Viktor Gallery, La Jolla; Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles; FinnFest, Thousand Oaks; Touch of Heaven, Ventura; High Studio Art Gallery, Moorpark; as well as private businesses and several galleries in Finland.

Publications: Ilona illustrated the book Kasvot Kertovat published by Karisto Oy (Finland, 2000) and Your Face Tells All by Atophill Publishing (USA, 2004). Her oil paintings are featured in the music video Songs from Finland. Magazines include Me Naiset, Finland and Amerikan Uutiset, USA.