Asdis Olafsdottir, artist from Iceland – Speaking European

Asdis Olafsdottir, an Icelandic artist, has lived in Mijas on the Riviera for the past two years. It was time for her to take her talent to the Costa del Sol after gaining fame in Norway by exhibiting mostly figurative oils on canvasses.

EWN: What attracts you to Southern Spain
Asdis: I’ve lived in Spain for nearly two years. What initially drew me here was the climate—there’s something incredibly energising and inspiring about the light and warmth. I also liked the quick flight to Norway, home of my close family members and friends. I am very lucky that my art is portable. I can take my creativity anywhere I go, and I can set up my studio wherever it feels right to me.

EWN: What has been the impact of this environment on your work?
Asdis: The Spanish creative environment has had a major impact on my art. The vibrant colours, intense sunlight and slower pace of the life in Spain have allowed me to tap into my intuitive and emotional side. I have been able to go deeper into my themes and experiment with them because of the nature, sea and culture surrounding me. It’s as if the environment here invites me to feel more—and that naturally finds its way into my paintings.

EWN: You may have difficulty adapting to Spanish Culture.
Asdis: The experience of adapting to the Spanish culture was mostly positive. However, there were a few challenges. I have to admit—I still haven’t learnt Spanish properly, which can make certain things like paperwork or even just small daily interactions a bit tricky. The biggest challenge has been the language barrier. The slower pace, and the more relaxed approach to timing, took some getting used to, especially if you come from a Scandinavian background. Over time, I have come to appreciate the cultural differences. They’ve helped me slow down and be more present—something that’s had a surprisingly positive effect on my creativity as well.

EWN: You may have noticed the influence of Spain on your art.
Asdis: Absolutely. My paintings used to be cooler, muted colours, and had a more observational feel before moving to Spain. Here, I use brighter, richer colors and more contrasts. My art now reflects a more emotional, personal side that I have developed through living in Spain.

EWN: Will you ever live in your own home?
Asdis: Iceland—the land where I was born and raised—will always be in my veins, and Norway, where I’ve spent most of my adult life, shaped who I am today. Although I’ve lived in many places, I never feel rooted. I like to explore new landscapes and gather fresh influences. Spain is where my heart and my artwork are at the moment, but I remain open to any possibilities, and am willing to go wherever my inspiration takes me.

Find Asdis’s paintings and other works on Instagram @artby_asdis Her website asdis.no.