Ah, welcome. Do step inside—no need to wipe your feet, but do mind the imaginary ink stains.

This is the online gallery of Tess Whitlie, an artist based in Alnwick, where the skies are dramatic and the faces even more so. Tess studies expressions—not in a sinister way, but with the determination of someone who knows faces are endlessly fascinating and only occasionally cooperative.

Working in pen, ink, and watercolour, she captures raised eyebrows, crooked smiles, and the look of someone who’s just remembered something unfortunate. Her work favours character over perfection—much more interesting, and far less obedient.

If you’re hoping to buy something, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Tess doesn’t sell her work. This isn’t a shop, but a space to share progress—the good, the odd, and the slightly wayward.

It’s an open invitation to like-minded people who understand the joy (and occasional struggle) of drawing a face.

Also, she runs entirely on coffee, which explains quite a lot