Learn more about Linda Coppens, an abstract artist based in Torrevieja Alicante Spain in our interview below. Her abstract art is described as bold, joyful and sensitive.
All images are from the website of the artists we feature and cannot be used without the permission of the artist.
Linda Coppens Spain Artist
How would you describe your artistic style?
Bold and at the same time sensitive, colorful and sophisticated.
What’s the main inspiration for your art?
I draw inspiration from a variety of sources: the human mind with all its complex mysteries; poetry that evokes unexpected ideas; the weathered facades of abandoned urban structures; the vivid, abundant beauty found in the natural world.
What is the biggest goal you try to achieve with your art?
In my colorful paintings, I use color, texture and gestural mark making as a structure for the creation of abstract compositions that evoke a sense of emotional balance in the viewer. My goal is to make paintings that combine boldness with subtlety and invite the viewer’s mind and soul to engage. I want to create paintings that resonate with people, paintings that have a vibrant and energetic presence, that add a touch of sophistication and atmosphere to their living space. I don’t want to make paintings that reproduce something that already exists, I want to paint something that never existed before. I don’t consider myself an “emotional” painter; my paintings aren’t born from inner chaos or an urge to express a specific emotion. You won’t find me painting with wild, expressive strokes on the canvas either. If someone were to observe my painting process, they might find it rather boring– a cycle of thoughtful contemplation, followed by deliberate mark making or additions of color, and more contemplation. I’m more interested in creating harmonious, balanced compositions that bring an aesthetic response within myself and, ideally, within those who view my work. This doesn’t mean there is no presence of emotional qualities in my paintings, but such emotions aren’t my primary goal.
What’s your favourite thing about being an abstract artist?
The journey, the freedom, the adventure, the exploration and challenges of creating a painting.
Why abstract art and not other styles? Have you always created abstract art or did you start out creating other styles?
During my time in art school, we delved into various artistic styles, yet I found myself increasingly drawn to abstract art. I prefer to say ‘non-representational’ art because there is no specific subject or preconceived plan. When I approach the canvas, I simply begin and allow the painting itself to guide me. Each stroke, mark or touch of color naturally leads to the next. Non-representational art gives me the freedom that I don’t feel when painting realistically. I don’t want to paint what I see but what I don’t see.
What’s one thing people might not know about you and/or your art journey so far?
After getting my master’s degree in psychology and beginning my career as a psychologist, I quickly realized that this job wasn’t the right fit for me. I found myself getting too emotionally involved and bringing the distressing problems home with me. This made me rethink my career path, leading me to make a big change and dive into the world of information technology. In my new role, I acted as a bridge between software developers and clients, focusing on making programs, applications, and websites more user-friendly. This allowed me to still apply my psychology skills in a different way. Meanwhile, my love for art was always on my mind. I soon discovered that painting provided a wonderful counterbalance to my demanding day job. Gradually, it transformed from a mere hobby into a genuine passion – you could even say it became a bit of an addiction!
Did you always know you’d be an artist or how has your art journey progressed?
When I was a kid, I loved to doodle and make drawings and paintings. But becoming an artist wasn’t really on the table. I had no artistic impulses from my family at all, and the expectation was for me to get a degree and a regular job. So I earned a Master in Psychology and until my late thirties there was no time for art. Then, when I moved to a new city, I discovered that there was an art school nearby and I grabbed the opportunity. With evening and weekend courses, I got my painting and drawing certifications and continued to paint in my free time. I began to gradually cut down on my day job to make more room for art. The past few years, I’ve been painting almost fulltime.
In your opinion, what’s the most important personal characteristic needed to embark on a career as an artist?
There are a lot of qualities required if you want to run an art business but I think perseverance is the most important one.
What advice would you give up and coming abstract artists?
Define your path and follow it. Don’t fall in the trap of trying to paint ‘what sells’. That doesn’t work. If it is good and authentic, any style can sell. The most important is that you find your own artistic voice. Also, learn how to use the possibilities of the online world, this is your way into a potential worldwide market. Don’t confine yourself to your own backyard. If you want to work towards a successful art business, there is not only your artistic work, but also all the tasks around marketing, selling and shipping your work. There will be many problems to solve, many things to learn beside the artistic work but they are necessary and they can only be overcome by persistence.
What’s your most fulfilling and enjoyable experience as an artist so far?
Hearing collectors say that my paintings evoke a sense of joy and happiness in them.
Do you have any favorite books or podcasts that have inspired your art career so far?
I love art books! There are so many that I love and feel as having enriched my journey as an artist, but “The art of Richard Diebenkorn” and “The paintings of Joan Mitchell” are two of the most important ones.
What do you love most about abstract art?
Do you have any favourite quotes?
We hope you enjoyed getting know Linda Coppens and seeing more of her current abstract art collection.
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