Featured Artist Tiina Seppalainen

Artist Tiina Seppalainen shares a delightful portfolio of watercolor landscapes inspired by nature and her extensive travels. Visit her website to learn more.

 

 

Born and raised in Finland, my art practice is deeply rooted in my cultural heritage and the diverse landscapes encountered throughout my life. Growing up among Finland’s serene lakes and vast forests, I developed an early appreciation for nature’s dynamic interplay and the sense of tranquility it imparts. That deep connection to the natural world has remained with me, shaping not only my perspective on the world but also my artistic voice.

 

 

My life has taken me across continents. Before settling in the United States, I traveled and lived in many countries. Each added a new layer to my understanding of landscapes, cultures, and human connections. They offered unique perspectives, enriching my understanding of the world and influencing my artistic expression.

 

 

The different cultures, surroundings and people I’ve encountered have all left an indelible mark. These are the elements that I blend into a narrative that speaks to universal themes of connection, resilience, and the passage of time.

 

 

Art has always been a part of me. After an expressive period in my youth, it remained in the background, as I pursued a career in technology. This path was both challenging and rewarding, leaving little room for creative expression. Still, the call of art remained ever-present, a persistent whisper that I indulged through occasional painting courses and art workshops.

 

 

After I retired, rediscovering painting has been both a homecoming and a revelation. Art provides the voice I need to process experiences, express emotions, and reconnect with the world in a more meaningful way.

 

 

In my current work, I strive to express the drama and serenity of coastal scenes. I draw inspiration from areas where I live and visit. Each painting reflects the layers of my life, blending past and present, infused with the colors, light, and emotions of the places that have shaped me. Through my art, I aim to evoke a sense of connection, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and find their own stories within the scenes depicted.

 

 

My artistic style is representational, influenced by the Impressionists’ mastery of light and color. While I’ve worked in various media, watercolor captivates me the most. Its fluidity mirrors nature’s unpredictability, allowing me to explore the interplay of light, shadow, and texture in a way that feels intuitive. Water, in all its forms, is a recurring theme in my work—whether it’s the fog drifting through ancient redwoods, the rhythmic waves of the Pacific, or reflections shimmering in a quiet pool.

 

 

Embracing art later in life has been transformative. It allows me to integrate a lifetime of experiences with a renewed creative vision. It also serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to return to one’s passions and continue to learn. The process of self-expression is ongoing and deeply enriching. Every empty canvas brings a joyous opportunity for creative expression and growth.

 

Tiina Seppalainen invites you to follow on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

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