Tessa Thonett, an accomplished painter with a rich, international background and formal training at Chelsea School of Art, primarily works in oils, using both brushes and palette knives. Her vibrant technique blends textured impasto, flowing forms, and bold colour relationships, often stylized to emphasize emotion over realism. Her imaginary portraits of strong women in her "Grace n' Grit" series, explore the dynamic interplay of vulnerability and strength, conveying a profound celebration of resilience, introspection, and the quiet power within femininity. Tessa principally paints portraits, both commissioned and for her enjoyment, as she has always been fascinated by faces and people, wishing to portray their spirit or 'essence' in her paintings of them. Her portraits, with their vibrant colors and textured brushwork, are testaments to her belief that a portrait should capture more than just a likeness; it should reveal the inner light and unique character of the subject."