My artistic philosophy is that “less” is “more.” When painting my aim is to capture the essence of each subject, and simultaneously achieve a fresh, sparkling watercolor. My goal is that my work exemplify the spontaneity of watercolor, reflect the qualities of light, beautiful precipitations and transitions in watercolor washes, and good color-chords. Most of my paintings start with a long hard study of my subject followed by several linear drawings, value and color sketches, all of which contributes to elimination of (or less dependence upon) futile facts.

Louise Laakso Lundin is an artist, instructor, and writer, who considers herself a perennial student. She began studying design and watercolor more than twenty-five years ago under the guidance of renowned artist Edgar A. Whitney, whose words of wisdom she shares with students. She continued her studies under Cheng-Khee Chee for a composite year, Frank Webb, the late Robert E. Wood, Don Andrews, Christopher Schink, Skip Lawrence, and others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, summa cum laude, in English with an emphasis of writing. She has continued advanced study of art and design.

An experienced instructor, Louise teaches workshops, small group, and private lessons in drawing, design and painting to students of all ages. She has taught drawing and painting to Art Enrichment students and has worked as adjunt art instructor for Hibbing Community College. She is currently writing and illustrating a book on watercolor.

Louise has worked as courtroom artist for television/news media, created cover art for several books. Her recent portrait of Bob Dylan titled Tangled Up In Bob was featured on the cover of Duluth News Tribune’s May 24 issue of The Wave. Her watercolor portait titled Rashmi holds its place in a book titled People in Watercolor by Rockport Publishers. Another portrait titled WWII Soldier is featured on the cover of Al Zdon's book War Stories. Louise’s watercolor painting titled Nightingale was published on note cards for Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra's 2004-05 fundraiser.

Among her commissions: a montage painted for the University of Minnesota Marching Band from which award posters have been printed and are currently given to graduating marching band students as 4-year achievement awards. Her Sauna Paintings embellish the walls of many sauna dressing rooms throughout the United States and several have found their way to Finland.

She is a member of and has served on governing boards of various art organizations. View her work on line, by appointment at her studio, or visit the Art Dock in Duluth and Kess Gallery in Ely.

"WE PAINT to learn about ourselves, the world, and to discover of what painting consists."
-- FRANK WEBB

Last Update • January 24, 2008