Thea Penna - Portrait Painter - Blog

The Never Forgotten Snowman

12/31/2024

A painting for my daughter…

‘The never forgotten snowman’ oil on canvas board 10” x 8”, 2024. I painted this from a photo I took many years ago. It’s the last snowman my late husband built with my daughter before he passed away. The melting snowman wearing his hat and scarf…

'Staying Alive' 12" x 10". Acrylic on canvas panel. 2023

7/7/2024

My beautiful boy

I should call this ‘Staying Alive’ as this is what my Son was listening to on repeat. He loves this Bee Gees song. When my Son is happy and content he will happily ‘stim’ all day with wires (I try and steer him away from wires), cords, his fidget worm, anything he can get his hands on.

The wool in the background purely represents that he loves the colour yellow and one of the only textures he feels comfortable in wearing is his beautiful jumpers and tank tops knitted by his Nannies. He is very happy in this painting

12" x 10". Acrylic on canvas panel. 2023

Autism Awareness

'Staying Alive' 12" x 10". Acrylic on canvas panel. 2023

‘No more masking my darling’. Autism Awareness

1/29/2023

‘No more masking my darling’ (Triptych 2022/23) 3 x 12” x 10“. Acrylic on canvas panel. Autism Awareness.

To My Daughter, There is no need to mask anymore. You are unique, kind, loving, beautiful inside and out with wonderful quirks, which should not be hidden from anyone. Be your true self. I love you so much and so very proud of you, your Muma X

P.s Remember what was written on your recent official report ‘Clearly a bright and articulate young person with so many strengths’

#autismawareness #autisticandproud #Nowweknow #autisticgirls #differentnotless

Leisure Painter 'Painters Online' - February 2023 issue

1/16/2023

My first 'Self Portrait' in eight years...

10/30/2022

'Self Portrait', 12" x 10". Acrylic on canvas panel.

It's been a very long time since I last painted. To be honest, I haven't felt like painting at all, I have pushed it from my mind. I have been busy looking after my children, there is a lot going on and lots of ongoing important things to sort out.

I am Autistic. I have had my official diagnoses through the NHS in the last couple of months. I had an inkling for an extremely long time but to have it acknowledged by professionals has been the biggest relief for me and everything about myself makes complete and utter sense.

I was going to call this painting of me 'Resilient and resourceful woman with a strong talent for art and design' which are the last lines written on my official NHS report. If anything, this has triggered a strong need to get back to painting.

I now feel the immense need to raise Autism awareness through my paintings. Believe me there's a long way to go to gain awareness and if I can do anything to help my beautiful neurodiverse family, I will try my utmost.

I only have 1 to 2 hours maximum a day to paint but slowly and surely, I will get there...

Edward nenesi ile.

7/21/2019

Here is my pencil drawing of my son Edward with his Grandma. Edward's Grandma hasn't seen this yet but we will be taking it to her in a few weeks when we travel back to Turkey.

June 29th, 2019

6/29/2019

Portraits on silk

A preview of my current silk designs. I will get better photographs soon...

June 29th, 2019

6/29/2019

Printed silk fabric - Scruffy Teds

Here are a few more of my designs printed on silk...
‘Scruffy Teds'

June 29th, 2019

6/29/2019

Printed silk fabric - Motorbikes

Here are a few more of my designs printed on silk...
‘Motorbikes’

June 29th, 2019

6/29/2019

Printed silk fabrics - Classic cars

Here are a few more of my designs printed on silk...
‘Classic cars’