First steps in the world of art

Tarmo Laanetu’s (12.12.1974, artist brandname: Tartz) artistic journey began at the age of four in the summer of 1978, on the windswept shores of Triigi Beach, Saaremaa Island, Estonia. Amid the island’s wild beauty, alongside his parents and renowned Estonian artist Priit Pärn, Tarmo created his first painting—a bold, instinctive work of the seashore landscape that led Pärn to declare, “Never send this kid to an art school—they will spoil him!” This moment sparked a lifelong passion for capturing the world’s fleeting beauty through vibrant Impressionist brushstrokes.

First exhibitions

By spring 1989, at  age 15, Tarmo held his first exhibition at Tartu Miina Härma Secondary English-Based School in Soviet-occupied Estonia, showcasing his raw talent. This exhibition was one of the reasons, why Tarmo was selected to represent his school in a student exchange to the USA, those plans were, hovewer, thwarted by the 1991 Soviet military putch. As Estonia reclaimed independence on August 20, 1991, Tarmo embraced a new opportunity offered by Tartu Rotary Club, attending Turun Normaalikoulu International Baccalaureate School in Turku, Finland, as a Rotary exchange student. In Turku, he continued to paint after school studies, drawing inspiration from Finland’s serene landscapes and dynamic light.

In spring 1992, at 17, Tarmo’s second exhibition of 20 paintings, organized by his host family and Martti Antola, Director of Turun Kristillinen Opisto, marked a turning point. Held as a sales exhibition to support his studies, all paintings were sold on the opening day, May 12, 1992, earning Tarmo an astonishing 86,000 Finnish marks in cash—an extraordinary sum for a young artist, especially compared to the economic realities of post-Soviet Estonia. This moment of financial independence fueled his creative drive, cementing his resolve to pursue art during his remaining years of colleague. 

Returning to Art from the Business World

In 1994, after graduation from Finland, Tarmo enrolled into Faculty of Law in Tartu University followed by MBA studies in Estonian Business School and executive studies in Wharton Business School. During studying years Tarmo took a dive into business world in investment and healthcare sectors, and only painted occasionally until 2012. There were few selected paintings that he completed during this period.

In 2024 Tarmo found new inpiration and has been painting regularly under artist brandname Tartz. His most recent works are exhibited on this page for viewers to enjoy and contemplate.