I’m Sanna Kempe, a passionate portrait artist who wants to capture the moments before the time is gone.
Every brushstroke tells a story. Some are of love and laughter, some of hardships and resilience. But all hold a deep, undeniable truth: we long to be remembered
My journey as an artist began in childhood, watching my mother paint. She handed me three colors—red, yellow, and blue—and let me create. That simple gift unlocked a lifelong fascination with capturing people, their essence, their presence. Yet, it wasn’t until adulthood that I realized art could be more than just passion—it could be a legacy.
I have always been drawn to the old masters—their ability to breathe life into oil and canvas, to preserve not just faces but emotions, dreams, and moments that would otherwise be lost to time. I studied their techniques, their philosophy, their restraint in knowing when to refine and when to let the paint speak for itself.
But it was genealogy that truly shaped my artistic purpose. Tracing my own family tree, I realized how rare it was to have images of my ancestors. When I found one, no matter how faded or fragile, it felt like a door opening to the past. It was more than a picture—it was a connection. That realization became the foundation of my work.
I specialize in classical realism with a modern sensibility—rooted in academic tradition but leaning toward the expressive brushwork of masters like Sargent and de László. My portraits are not just likenesses; they are heirlooms, timeless records of the people we hold dear. Every piece is meticulously crafted using the highest quality materials, designed to last for generations.
Commissioning a portrait is an investment—not just in art, but in heritage. Each piece is unique, tailored exclusively to the client. And because of the care and time each portrait requires, only a limited number can be created each year, making every painting a rare and intimate keepsake.
Whether it is a single portrait or part of a family tree series, my goal is always the same: to preserve the beauty, the presence, and the spirit of a person, so that their story continues to be told, long after time moves forward.
