Artist Asdis Olafsdottir from Iceland has been living in the Riviera, Mijas, for the last two years. After gaining notoriety exhibiting her mostly figurative oil on canvasses in Norway, it was time to bring her talents to the Costa del Sol.
Her works, striking images of natural tones with splashes of strong colours, perfectly reflect the Costa del Sol environment. Currently planning an exhibition in Spain, Euro Weekly News caught up with Asdis to discuss the Spanish experience.
EWN: What attracted you to Southern Spain?
Asdis: I’ve been living in Spain for almost two years now. What initially drew me here was the climate—there’s something incredibly energising and inspiring about the light and warmth. Also, the easy flight connection to Norway, where my close family and friends live. I feel very fortunate that my work as an artist is portable; I can bring my creativity with me wherever I go and set up my studio in a place that truly feeds my soul.
EWN: What effect has the ambiance here had on your work?
Asdis: The creative ambience in Spain has had a big impact on my work. The vivid colours, the intense sunlight, and the slower pace of life have helped me tap into a more intuitive and emotional side of my art. Being surrounded by nature, the sea, and a culture that embraces expression has given me space to experiment and go deeper with my themes. It’s as if the environment here invites me to feel more—and that naturally finds its way into my paintings.
Credit: AO
EWN: Have you had any difficulty adapting to Spanish culture?
Asdis: Adapting to the culture in Spain has mostly been a positive experience, but there have been a few challenges along the way. 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 language barrier has definitely been the biggest obstacle. Also, adjusting to the slower pace and more relaxed approach to time took a little while, especially coming from a more structured Scandinavian background. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate those 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: Have you noticed an influence of Spain in your works?
Asdis: Absolutely. Before moving to Spain, my paintings had cooler, more muted colours and felt more observational. Here, I use richer, brighter colours and stronger contrasts. Living in Spain has helped me go deeper into my own feelings, and that more personal, emotional side now comes through in my art.
EWN: Will you ever return home to live?
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. But I’ve never felt truly rooted to one place; I love exploring new landscapes and gathering fresh influences. Right now, Spain feels like home for my heart and my art, but I’m open to all possibilities and wherever inspiration might take me.
Find Asdis and her paintings on Instagram @artby_asdis and her website asdis.no.
