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21 Jun 2017

Plein Air: Norderoogsand

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 1

Foto: Marc Volquardsen, 2017

On Sunday it was time again for a trip to the wadden sea and the beautiful island of Norderoogsand. This time I wanted to pain plein air. I was really excited to start because I had only 90 minutes to complete my painting or at least get a start on this. I was standing with my feet in the warm water of a nearby tide-way, life was great. This is what I call living in the moment. No matter what the end result.

Foto: Marc Volquardsen, 2017

Wel,l the end result was somehow not what I had imagined. I was totally absorbed my surroundings that I had totally forgotten to put sun blocker on my feet.

Now I have a painful, but beautiful sunburn on my left foot. Quite nice shade of red.

At least I got the under painting and can finished the painting in my studio.

11 Jun 2017

Hygieia fountain in the courtyard of the townhall

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 1

There are special places which inspire you and »beg to be painted« as a friend in America would say. This

Photo: Astrid Volquardsen, 2017

One of those places is the Hygieia fountain. I still had all my pastels from my workshop in Rügen and the weather was fine, so i went with them.

Photo: Astrid Volquardsen, 2017

What do you do when the idea is bigger than the format? You go for it anyway. It’s a study and I wanted to get at least this glorious green of the head of the woman

in contrast to the background.

Photo: Marc Volquardsen, 2017

Photo, Marc Volquardsen, 2017

4 Jun 2017

Plein Air Pastel Tip #3 : The setup

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 0

Foto: Svenja Starke, 2017

There’s a huge selection on easels available and you must find the one that fits you and your purse. I made a decision for the Mabef 23 for two reasons: I can use it in really windy situations. I rather won’t be able to draw a straight line with a brush than that my easel will be rurned over. If it gets too windy just place a bag with sand on the end of the easel. I also can use it for pastel and oil without needing an extra easel.

Furthermore I can attach the Best Brella easily.

Foto: Anne Fuchs, 2017

With my pastels I just place them on top of the drawer. Be aware that you might want to secure with an expander.

Foto: Astrid Volquardsen 2017

27 May 2017

Sketch: Hygieia fountain at the Hamburger town hall

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 0

Sketch: Hygieia fountain, Guache and ink, 2017, Astrid Volquardsen

I was totally surprised that you have open access to the courtyard of the Hamburger town hall. I was immediately drawn to the fountain and it ticked off so many new ideas.

25 May 2017

Plein Air Pastel Tip #2

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 1

You don’t want to fiddle around with paper sizes so that’s why I always cut in advance my format.
It’s important that you can secure your paintings in case of rain. So a quick and easy solution comes in handy.

Foto: Astrid Volquardsen 2017

I use multiple layers of transparent paper and tuck them together.

Foto: Astrid Volquardsen 2017

After finishing the painting I remove the tape and put it between the sheets of paper. Just in case the painting isn’t finished I can leave it on the gessobord.

Foto: Astrid Volquardsen 2017

After that I put it in a water proved bag.

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20 May 2017

Plein Air Pastel Ruegen

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 2

Our homes for the week, Foto Astrid Volquardsen

There are painting workshops who will leave a deep impact on the artist soul and this journey to the island of Rügen was one of them. A truly remarkable group, super weather, wonderful place, hard working students, good food, easygoing laughter,…did I forget something? Ah, sore muscles as well from carrying the material. Never trust a teacher when it comes to distance. But the most beautiful paintings came into existence down at the coast. Some motives are worth the pain.

Nachmittagsstudie, Pastell, 20×20cm, Astrid Volquardsen

We met the usual bunch of people with all kinds of comments but the house owner in Groß Stresow will be kept in my memory.

The green folding shutter, Pastel, 13×13cm, 2017, Astrid Volquardsen

Just when we needed it the most he showed up with a pot of coffee.

Dear workshop participants:Thank you for being part of this group. This was a a »living in the moment« experience.

Foto: Astrid Volquardsen, 2017

18 May 2017

Plein Air Pastel: Chalk Cliff

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 2

Today we spend a most beautiful day at the chalk cliffs of Rügen.

Foto: Astrid Volquardsen, Rügen 2017

Chalk cliff, Studie, Pastel 15×15 cm, 2017

In my next blog post i say something how to transport the pastels.

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About me

I am fascinated by the light conditions of the countryside, particularly in Northern Germany. I grew up in Hamburg so I am used to the rugged countryside and sometimes bleak weather and light conditions. The light in northern country landscapes is very special and it is indescribably beautiful. It touches my soul and opens up my heart when I visit the coast and feel the elemental force of the sea. As opposed to my seascapes, I am very interested in the closely cropped views of the harbor and its endless diversity of shapes and colors. With pastel painting l have found the ideal medium to artistically and creatively transform these special conditions of illumination. I love to spread pigment on paper without anything else in between. Pastel paintings come alive when you put different layers of colour on the canvas. This is a great artistic stimulus for me. Which combination of colour pigments can be used to achieve precisely the effect of light and shade that I want? During the artistic process, layers of colour are continually built up and removed until the light situation has been captured and the picture can unfold its unique illuminating power.

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