I love creating mythological nature spirits and exploring the human form as part of the natural world.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I create mythological figure paintings rooted in nature; dryads, muses, and spirit-like beings. I’m drawn to the human form as something organic and symbolic. Nudity, to me, is simply part of that language, like bark on a tree or water on skin. My work blends anatomy and landscape into quiet, story-driven pieces inspired by folklore.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in nature, old fairy tales, and the feeling of places I’ve known- forests, rivers, and quiet landscapes. I’m especially drawn to stories like Hans Christian Andersen’s, where beauty and melancholy coexist. A lot of my ideas begin as a feeling or a loose image in my mind, and I build from there into something more tangible through drawing and paint.
What would you do with $25,000?I would invest in building a dedicated studio space and higher-quality materials so I can continue developing my work at a professional level. It would also give me the time and stability to focus more deeply on painting, refine my technique, and create a cohesive body of work to share and exhibit. This support would help turn something I’ve largely taught myself into a sustainable path forward.
Vote for Tess Genaille to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Mon 5/25 at 9PM PDT
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
