Tess Barnes

'Tess's passion for painting and her interest in people show through in portraits that have genuine warmth and vitality. Tess is incredibly good at what she does...[she] can capture a likeness with enormous fluency and speed and, because movement doesn't disturb her concentration, you don't have to freeze into a mummy-like stasis that kills an image.' Sarah Kent, Art Critic Time Out

'Tess is unfailingly cheery and chatty and managed to keep me occupied and entertained...she's also quick and very patient... and she's a great portrait painter too.' Jenni Murray Presenter "Women's Hour"
I studied at Chelsea Foundation College and graduated from Goldsmiths College London with a B.A. Hons degree in Fine Art. In 2006 I was made a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.
I have shown widely in France, England and in London at The National Portrait Gallery, The Royal College of Art, The Saatchi Gallery and Mall Galleries. My portraits are in public collections in London and at Oxford University and I am a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

I have a major solo exhibition of 50 portraits "Women of Substance" sponsored by first direct and supporting Breast Cancer Haven. This show was launched at the Mall Galleries London Tuesday 26th February followed by 2 weeks in Leeds and is now continuing the tour.The portraits depict 50 high achieving women including Carol Vorderman,Jenni Murray,Zandra Rhodes and Beverley Knight.

Some of my recent sitters have included:-

Sir Richard Doll - Scientist, Oxford
Dame Stella Rimington - Formally M15
Gail Rebuck - Chief Executive Ramdom House Publishing
Sir Montague Levine - past Coroner for Inner London South
Jacqueline Wilson - Author
Michael Portillo - former M.P.
Jenni Murray - Presenter "Women's Hour"
Lady Sue Hollick - Chair London Arts
Maureen Lipman - Actress
P.D.James - Author
Jack Richards - Past England and Surrey Wicket Keeper
Tanni Grey Thompson - Paralympic Athelete [record gold winner]
Baroness Valerie Amos - Leader of the House of Lords



The prices for both my landscapes and portraits, vary according to size and nature of picture, therefore, please do contact me to discuss your individual requirements.