Lara Kovács, KeieL
Kortrijk, West Flanders, Belgium
I originally worked as a professional nail artist, where decoration and detailed painting were my main strengths. In this field, I became a multiple-time Hungarian Champion and also achieved a Bronze Medal at the World Championships. These years laid the foundation for my love of painting and sparked the desire to explore painting not only on small surfaces, but on larger canvases as well. Today, painting is a central part of my everyday life, and my goal is to continue building this path in an official, long-term way and to share my work with a wider audience.
How and when did you start creating art?
As mentioned earlier, my love for painting grew out of my background in nail art. I started with drawing, which for a long time was mainly about practice and learning. For nearly a year and a half, I focused mostly on drawing before deciding to explore painting as well. I began painting with acrylics, and this journey truly started about a year and a half ago. In the beginning, I created many works that I now see more as practice pieces and not entirely my own yet. However, this period helped me develop and find my personal style. At the moment, I work mainly with oil paints, which feel the most natural to me.
What media and genres do you work in?
I work with oil paints and focus mainly on realistic art. I like my paintings to be detailed and to have a strong atmosphere. I am especially inspired by retro elements and often use different shades of red in my work.
Who or what are your influences?
I am often inspired by moods and atmosphere. The retro world is especially close to me, and when something from that era catches my eye, it immediately draws my attention. Films and music also have a strong influence on my work — a single scene, image, or melody can spark a clear visual idea and push me to start creating. These emotional impressions often find their way directly into my paintings.
What was your inspiration for
Red Car, oil on canvas
?The starting point of this painting was the car itself. I have always been drawn to retro cars, and with this piece my goal was to make the car the clear focal point. I chose a foggy, muted background to let its shape and presence stand out. The use of red tones was intentional, as both this color and the retro aesthetic are central elements of my visual style.
Describe your creative process?
My creative process usually starts with a sudden visual idea or a strong detail. It can be an object, a car, or something as simple as the image of a woman in a red dress. This first impulse is rarely a complete picture; it is more of a starting point. I spend days developing the idea in my mind, shaping the mood, composition, and colors. When the idea becomes final and fully comes together in my mind, I begin painting.
What are you working on currently?
At the moment, I am working on a painting that is very close to my heart, bringing together some of the most memorable objects and film-related influences from my childhood. I finished this piece just a few days ago, with only small final touches remaining. Alongside this, I am currently painting a fully imaginative, neonlit gas station scene.
What are your near/long term goals as an artist?
I would like painting to become a full part of my everyday life, allowing me to focus entirely on creating. It is important to me that my paintings and work reach as many people as possible and find x place on the walls of real homes. My goal is for my art to connect with people and become a living part of their everyday surroundings
Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?
At the moment, my work can be viewed on my Instagram and TikTok pages, which I have started building recently. As I am relatively new to painting, I currently have a smaller body of finished work, but I am continuously creating new pieces. In the near future, I plan to launch my own website and begin reaching out to galleries so my paintings can also be viewed in person.
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