For Spanish artist and educator Lara Fernández Muñiz, color is all about instinct and invitation. With a background that spans fine art and two decades in the digital space, Lara returned to painting in 2020, first through watercolor and later through the squeegee technique that has become central to her practice. Her work starts with experimentation: layering unexpected hues, exploring transparency, and following one color into the next until something clicks. Drawn to bright palettes, fluid gestures, and the emotional possibilities of color, Lara creates abstract compositions filled with movement, optimism, and joy.
Lara brings that approach to Color Fields, a mural comprised of organic forms and softly layered arches. Available in two compositions and colorways, the designs translate her intuitive painting practice into atmospheric, large-scale works for the home.
We spoke with Lara about creative instinct, the colors that challenge her, the music that keeps her company in the studio, and why neon yellow always seems to find its way into her work.
Can you share a little about your creative background and how you came into your craft?
I've always been a creative person. I studied art in high school and originally planned to study graphic design, but I ended up pursuing a degree in software development instead. Even so, I never lost my creative side. In 2020, I started painting with watercolors, a medium that isn't easy to master. Then, in 2023, I came across a video about the squeegee painting technique. I instantly fell in love with it, and I haven't stopped painting since.
What does your artistic practice look like day-to-day?
My daily practice revolves around experimenting with color. I spend hours testing unexpected combinations, observing how transparent layers interact, and discovering palettes that surprise me. I've read several books on color theory, and whenever I can, I add more to my collection. Right now, I'm exploring new ways to evolve my work while staying true to what I love most: color.
Where do you begin: sketchbook, camera roll, found textures, memory?
Sometimes I'm inspired by the color palettes of classical paintings that catch my eye. Other times, by flowers. But most of the time, I create my palettes intuitively, letting one color lead me to the next.
How do you know when an idea is ready to move from concept into form?
Experimentation is at the heart of everything I do. Whenever I make a color study and my first reaction is, "Wow!" I know it's ready to become a finished artwork.
Do you have any rituals, materials, or tools you return to again and again?
I always use the same tools because I know exactly how they behave. But if I had to choose one thing I always come back to, it would be neon yellow. Somehow, it always finds its way into my work.
Are there eras, artists, or cultural traditions that feel foundational to you?
Rather than being inspired by a particular artist or movement, I'm inspired by color itself. I'm drawn to abstract works that use bold, joyful palettes and communicate emotion through color alone.
How do season, light, or place shape your palette?
My natural palette is rooted in the colors of spring and summer. Bright, vibrant colors come naturally to me. At the same time, I like challenging myself by exploring more neutral or muted palettes. It doesn't come easily, but it always teaches me something new.
What kind of spaces do you imagine your designs living in?
I imagine my work in spaces where people relax, connect, and enjoy everyday life. Whether it's a living room or a bedroom, I hope it brings energy, optimism, and a sense of joy to the people who live there.
What feeling do you hope someone has in a room with your wallpaper?
I hope it fills the room with optimism, joy, and positive energy. If it inspires someone to dream bigger or simply makes them smile every day, then I've achieved what I set out to do.
Is there a dream space, real or imagined, where you'd love to install your work?
I'd love to see my work transformed into a large-scale mural or covering the façade of a building. Seeing color on that scale would be incredible.
What role do slow process and handwork play in your creations?
My process is very intuitive, but it starts long before I put paint on paper. I visualize the finished piece in my mind and carefully consider the colors I'll use and the order in which they'll appear. I rarely sketch beforehand, so every decision happens through instinct and experience.
Where do you feel most in your creative flow?
When I'm painting the lines or the wiggles. Every movement is made in a single gesture, so I need complete focus. I either work in silence or listen to my favorite music because an unexpected distraction can completely change the final result.
What drew you to collaborating with Artscape?
Seeing my designs transformed into wallpaper feels like a dream come true. Your collection is beautiful, and it's a real honor to become part of it.
Quick Takes
Pattern or texture?
Definitely pattern.
Warm neutrals or saturated brights?
Saturated colors, forever.
Morning studio light or late-night working glow?
Morning studio light. Natural daylight is the only way I can truly see how colors interact and vibrate.
What do you listen to when you work?
I have a playlist with my favorite songs from the past 20 years, and I usually play it on shuffle. It's mostly indie rock, and I know every song by heart.
A color you always return to?
Turquoise, pink, and neon colors. I never seem to get tired of them.
A color that scares you, in a good way?
Carmine red and purple. I absolutely love both colors, but they're unpredictable when working with transparent layers. That challenge makes the moments when they finally work feel even more rewarding.
Explore Lara's Color Fields murals here
Follow Lara on Instagram
