Jonna Vesanen (b. 1989) is a figurative artist, working in oil and watercolour, based in Hastings, UK. Originally from Northern Finland, she came to the South coast in 2017 while completing an MA in English, and is now a dual citizen.

“As an artist I’m self-taught: at school, art had been a favourite study, and in 2018, after finishing university, I found myself picking up some long-neglected brushes. Swiftly this fledgling hobby grew into a consuming passion - drawing me towards life as a painter.”

Jonna exhibited for the first time in August 2025 with immediate success in terms of both sales and critical response. Most recently, in October 2025, her Self-portrait with Gull (and Frog) was selected for The Sussex 2025.

Her current work is inspired by a fascination with various, sometimes neglected, animals. An array of creatures, from seagulls to frogs, are re-imagined in intensely colourful post-impressionistic terms, often against boldly abstracted backgrounds. Sometimes she depicts herself amongst her chosen subjects.

“The wonderful otherness of frogs, gulls and other creatures spark my imagination. I hope my visions of these remarkable beings convey something of my fascinations.”

Exhibitions and events:

The Sussex 2025, The Marine Workshops, Newhaven, 8-30 November 2025
Coastal Currents, Open Studios, Hastings, 30 August-7 September 2025
HAF Summer Members Show, Hastings Arts Forum, 20-31 August 2025
HAF Work on Walls II, Hastings Arts Forum, 6-17 August 2025