VANESSA BRASSEY
Painter & Philosopher
A contemporary painter recording the quiet anatomy of ordinary intimacy.
'Painting on a novel surface'
As seen on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2026
(Series 13) Heat 3, 21st October 8pm
all Sky platforms | Freeview Channel 36 | NOW!
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'Weekend Rituals at The Mixed Ponds, Hampstead Heath', Vanessa Brassey
Oil on Metal, 70cm by 50cm, 2025.
Selected Works
From Hampstead Heath’s swimming ponds to imagined waterscapes and close-up portraits, Vanessa Brassey’s paintings explore how we find joy, shape the stories of our lives, and continually re-invent ourselves.
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
'Cinematic Men's Pond, Hampstead Heath', series Hampstead Heath
Oil on Stretched Canvas 100cm by 70cm, Vanessa Brassey, 2024.
This collection celebrates modern baptisms and cleansing rituals amid the urban sprawl: water, changing light and friendships formed in Hampstead Heath’s unique swimming ponds. Get in touch to find out about available paintings, or to commission a painting.
Riviera Poolside XL
New Oil Paintings, Vanessa Brassey, 2026.
The History of Cover Stories, Porcelain Books
'Jane Austen: Master of the Modern Novel published Anonymously', series The History of Cover Stories vol.1
Available through ING Discerning Eye Mall Galleries, November 2026
Hand made porcelain book, underglaze,varnishes, 24ct. gold leaf 22cm by 17cm, Vanessa Brassey & Sharon Taylor, 2026.
Each porcelain book is handmade and individually finished with underglaze, additional varnishes, and 24ct gold leaf. More information
Get in touch to find out about available porcelain books, or to commission a painting.
'15 Minutes with a Philosopher' (detail from a larger work) '
Oil on metal tiles 10cm by 10cm each, Vanessa Brassey, 2023.
All my portraits begin with a shared presence: with the privilege of being allowed to look closely at another person, and the responsibility of showing them how I see them. Explore the portraits, or get in touch to commission a painting.
Commission a painting Work with Vanessa to create a painting inspired by a place, person or memory that matters to you.
'Where we met'
The Granta Pub Cambridge, Private Commission
Oil painting 60cm by 40cm, Vanessa Brassey, 2026.
Shop the Hampstead Heath collection: art cards, prints, & museum archival pigment prints.
Francesca Mack, London
“I received the print this morning and it's absolutely beautiful. Thank you for the speedy dispatch"
Lucy, Etsy
"Beautiful card and lovely quality."
Jo B., Bucks
"The painting is up on the kitchen wall and I LOVE it. Everyone comments as soon as they come in the room.”