Mystical and enchanting, Hesse’s figures emerge from dark backdrops as they confront the viewer with their benevolent gaze and stoic presence. Each figure represents a feeling of peace and connection to nature, which is meant to draw the viewer into a realm that is free of chaos and open to infinite possibilities.

“These images represent guardian angels of nature - and of us,” says Hesse of her portraits. “Serene, enchanting, powerful and delicate, they pull the viewer in to where we all should dwell - in benevolence with nature and humankind.”

Hesse’s current style of portraiture began seven years ago when powerful, serene faces began to emerge through her dreams, arriving vividly from the darkness as non-threatening strangers. Inspired to paint these mysterious images, Hesse began translating these figures onto canvas in they same way they came to her – from the black.

Each portrait also has an inherent connection to nature – whether it’s through anthropomorphic qualities or a feathered companion. According to the artist, this element is symbolic of the quietness and peaceful state we must achieve in order to truly commune with nature. “They are fixed moments of simplicity,” says Hesse of her paintings. “It’s as undemanding as that.”

Hesse is a self-taught painter who grew up in the artistic community of Taos, New Mexico.