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oil portraits that speak in silence.

A longing for simplicity. A reflection of suffering. A mirror of memory.

My work explores the quiet ache beneath our daily lives—the weight of introspection, the echoes of nostalgia, and the strange light we glimpse in the void.

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the artist's invitation

You’re not alone in the feeling that time once moved slower, or that joy once had fewer edges. Each portrait in solitude is a glimpse into an unresolved moment in a void, inviting viewers to step into their own introspection. Inspired by stories of near-death experiences contrasted against my faded childhood memories-I use the red, blue, yellow, and green of my childhood—those Nintendo hues of simpler times—and pit them against desaturated flesh and stark shadows. The result is a body rendered in reality, and a soul cast in color.

why people collect this work.

Collectors tell me my portraits ignite feelings of introspection and daydreams longing for the past. They become visual companions—anchoring a room.

Emotional depth: Artwork that resonates far beyond aesthetics

Conversation Igniter: My paintings become talking pieces , igniting deep conversation

Striking centerpiece: Bold, cinematic color balanced with minimal, painterly form

Limited availability: Originals and prints released in small, carefully curated quantities

featured artwork

what collectors are saying
“There’s something haunting about the expression, like it knows the pain you carry. This isn’t just art—it’s a mirror of emotion. I’ve placed it by my writing desk, and every glance reminds me to sit with my own quiet truths.”
— Jules R., Toronto

giclee paper prints

About

My name is Thomas Tugnette

I create oil paintings that ignite a yearning for simpler days, even as they confront the heaviness of now. My portraits blur time and self—where a shadowed face can hold your own past, and a vibrant edge of color can remind you what’s still alive inside.

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Explore the Collection

Ready to find the portrait that reflects your inner world?

Whether you’re collecting your first piece or seeking something new to live with—

These paintings don’t just hang on walls. They listen.

Join my vip collector mailing list

Join my VIP collector email list to have exclusive access to paintings and prints that will not be available to the public, purchase paintings right off the easel before they're finished, and stay up to date on my projects.

Thanks for becoming one of my collectors!

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