Art by Poppet
My work captures moments of strength, vulnerability and timeless presence.
the artist
Joanne Marie Real
I am Joanne Marie Real, the artist behind Art by Poppet, a self-taught contemporary fine artist based in Coín, Málaga, Andalucía. My artistic journey began in May 2025, and I work primarily in acrylics, creating original paintings that explore emotion, identity, resilience and the power of transformation.
My work is driven by a fascination with what lies beneath the surface. The unspoken emotions, personal journeys and quiet strength that shape who we are. Through expressive figures, powerful wildlife and atmospheric landscapes, I seek to capture more than a visual likeness, creating paintings that evoke feeling, connection and reflection.
As my artistic practice evolves, I find myself increasingly drawn to themes of self-discovery, freedom and transformation. My work explores the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, the courage to embrace change and the beauty of becoming who we truly are.
Light, contrast, movement and layered texture play an important role in my paintings, allowing me to create atmosphere and emotional depth. Whether portraying the intensity of an animal's gaze, the expressive presence of a figure or the changing light of a landscape, my intention is always to capture something that resonates beyond the canvas.
I sign my work as Poppet.
A Note from the Artist
For me, painting is more than creating an image. It is a way of expressing emotions, exploring ideas and telling stories that words cannot always convey.
I warmly invite you to explore my collections and discover the inspiration and meaning behind each piece.
For enquiries about my artwork, exhibitions or artistic journey, please feel free to get in touch. I always welcome the opportunity to connect with those who share a passion for art.
the
story
Poppet
My story with painting began in May 2025, during a period of deep personal reflection.
After losing my father in March 2025, and following a time when my daughter had been through cancer treatment, I found myself looking for a quieter way to process life’s changes. Long before this, an earlier trauma in 2006 had also shaped the way I understood strength, vulnerability and resilience.
For much of my life, I had learned to keep going. Painting offered something different, a way to slow down, reconnect and turn feeling into colour, movement and atmosphere.
I have no formal training. I simply began, and the work unfolded instinctively. Through expressive imagery, symbolic presence and atmospheric compositions, I found a way to explore emotion, memory, stillness and strength.
I work under the name Poppet, a childhood nickname given to me by my nan. To me, it carries both softness and strength, two qualities that continue to shape my work.
What began as a personal outlet has become a dedicated creative practice, and a body of work I am proud to share.
