Testimonials

“I was delighted both by the process and the outcome of your work. The picture both caught my personality and also reflected the aspects of my life that were important to me. 'Sitting' for you was easy and relaxed, and actually made a pleasant interlude in my hectic week to which I looked forward. I was delighted with the finished portrait. As I had wanted, it captures me and my life beautifully. I see it with pleasure everyday.” Nigel Pantling

“I cannot say I was enthusiastic about having my portrait done, but I must say the outcome has been very gratifying. Not only did I actually enjoy sitting for you – something I wouldn't have anticipated in my wildest dreams – but the portrait has been greatly admired (it is said to express my personality) and I like it myself!” Sir Richard Doll

“A big thank you for the portrait of Claire. We are really delighted with it and the good thing is that it will be a continuing pleasure, first to us, and then to Claire and her family in Switzerland. You have made one family in Wapping and elsewhere very happy.” Adam and Mary Neville

“We want you to know how pleased June and I are with the portrait. The sittings were an interesting, new and enjoyable experience for us and we think that you have captured not just our likenesses but also our characters in the final work.” Dr Sidney Crown

“Spending time with Tess is a pleasure and so relaxing. Chatting about everything from sums to the French countryside was a joy. Made such a welcome change to a ridiculous life full of rushing around. Oh, and the portrait was fab too. Ha. More power to her paintbrush.” Carol Vorderman

“Tess is not only a great portrait painter, she makes the sittings a really enjoyable experience. She likes to capture faces in motion, and she knows just how to keep her sitters involved. There is no danger of dropping off to sleep when Tess is painting your portrait.” Stella Rimington

“Tess Barnes is a remarkable artist and woman. Sitting for her was both pleasure and privilege. Who needs shrinks or executive coaches when you can have Tess with her great talents for observation and empathy?” Shami Chakrabarti

“Tess herself is vivid, direct, colourful and deceptively calm and disciplined. One of her many gifts is the ability to provoke a response in others, of shared curiosity and pleasure. Her portraits are true dialogues, unmistakably from her brush, but seeking, not manipulating, the identity of the subject. Her personality is as creative as her skill in the interest and communication in her work.” Catherine Hughes

“We are delighted with your portrait of Charlotte. You captured her looks and spirit wonderfully, at this precious age at the end of her nursery years. The process of doing the portrait was much simpler than I anticipated. You have an easy, natural way with children, and Charlotte was relaxed and chatty with you. You even inspired her to try drawing portraits of her own! We are thrilled with the portrait, and we do plan to be in touch again when our younger daughter is bit older.” Tamsin Todd Defiriez

“Sitting for Tess was fun and her work is refreshingly original.” Clara Furse