Dennis Ainsley was born in 1880 in Illinois, the child of Irish and French parents.  He and his family traveled extensively in Europe, living in Brittany for a number of years.  Ainsley studied art there, as well as in Paris.

He exhibited extensively, establishing a following for his colorful portrayal of the picturesque villages of the area.

He returned to the United States in 1920 and settled in New England.  While still maintaining his ties in Europe, he established a following in this country and exhibited extensively throughout the Northeast.

The artist died in 1952.