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. Working mainly in acrylics, I create original paintings, signed fine art prints, canvas prints and commissioned artworks rooted in emotion, strength and atmosphere.
My work is shaped by moments of introspection, resilience and quiet intensity. I am drawn to subjects that hold presence, animals, landscapes, figures and scenes that seem to pause in time, carrying feeling beneath the surface.
Wildlife plays an important role in my practice, often reflecting instinct, protection, vulnerability and inner strength. The light and landscape of Andalucía also influence my work, bringing warmth, texture and a sense of place into many of my paintings.
Each piece is created as a personal statement, using contrast, movement and layered texture to explore stillness, emotion and the quiet power found in simply being.
I sign my work as Poppet.
A Note from the Artist
If you are drawn to a particular original artwork or artist-signed print, I warmly invite you to arrange a private virtual viewing by appointment. This gives you the opportunity to see the piece more closely, ask questions, and learn more about the story behind the artwork from the comfort of your own home.
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.
