Nell Koopman had an interest in painting and drawing since her early childhood, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she opened a studio at the encouragement of friends. Nell earned a degree in communications and graphic design from The University of Alabama. After several years in the graphic design industry she stepped away from her career to earn a Master of Education in Art. While teaching High School level art she had the opportunity to experiment and teach with a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic and watercolor, drawing, photography and ceramics. So, in 2011, opening a small studio geared at teaching and exploring art with the neighborhood kids was a natural fit.
Nell loves to paint with color and texture and manipulate the materials. Her artwork often incorporates layers of acrylic, gel, oil pastel, graphite and other mediums. She experiments in most bodies of work by altering the mediums with water, sand and other fibers which adds an element of surprise while creating. Nell paints with loose and gesturally brush marks and does not want to be tied to a particular style. When painting, mixing and layering, she is always wondering....“what happens if?” Nell's work is inspired by her surroundings whether it be travel, music, people, an event or sometimes just her mood.
With a background in advertising and graphic arts, Nell's early works were very structured and linear. Through years of experimentation, her artwork has evolved to gesturally and free form. She loves color and texture. The layers, movement and color in the works of Willem de Kooning have provided inspiration for Nell. She is always playing with a variety of mediums and creates works that keep the eye moving around the canvas. Nell's curiosity keeps her continually emerging as an artist.
Nell Koopman is a native Texan. She was born and raised to love boots, cowboy hats, the great outdoors and all things Texas, but having lived in Alabama for over 25 years, she considers it her true home. Nell and her husband reside in Birmingham. They ventured out for eight years to the DC area and spent a short stint in Michigan. Nell and her husband Ben have four grown children and a sweet baby grandson named Henry. With the arrival of Henry, Nell began signing her work Nellie which she is called by close family and friends and soon Henry too.
Nell loves to paint with color and texture and manipulate the materials. Her artwork often incorporates layers of acrylic, gel, oil pastel, graphite and other mediums. She experiments in most bodies of work by altering the mediums with water, sand and other fibers which adds an element of surprise while creating. Nell paints with loose and gesturally brush marks and does not want to be tied to a particular style. When painting, mixing and layering, she is always wondering....“what happens if?” Nell's work is inspired by her surroundings whether it be travel, music, people, an event or sometimes just her mood.
With a background in advertising and graphic arts, Nell's early works were very structured and linear. Through years of experimentation, her artwork has evolved to gesturally and free form. She loves color and texture. The layers, movement and color in the works of Willem de Kooning have provided inspiration for Nell. She is always playing with a variety of mediums and creates works that keep the eye moving around the canvas. Nell's curiosity keeps her continually emerging as an artist.
Nell Koopman is a native Texan. She was born and raised to love boots, cowboy hats, the great outdoors and all things Texas, but having lived in Alabama for over 25 years, she considers it her true home. Nell and her husband reside in Birmingham. They ventured out for eight years to the DC area and spent a short stint in Michigan. Nell and her husband Ben have four grown children and a sweet baby grandson named Henry. With the arrival of Henry, Nell began signing her work Nellie which she is called by close family and friends and soon Henry too.
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STUDIO INFORMATION:
MAKEbhm 4000 3rd Ave. S Birmingham, AL 35222 |
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