Pastel Journal 2017
Just received my copy of the pastel journal. In this special issue of maritime artist I am puplished with my painting Evening Mist. Thank you Anne Hevener!
Announcing my exhibition in November 2017
The word Hamburgensien derives obviously from the word Hamburg and is well known to people who live in Hamburg. It describes paintings or lithographs that show something that relates to to Hamburg.
Plein Air: Norderoogsand
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.
Hygieia fountain in the courtyard of the townhall
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
Photo, Marc Volquardsen, 2017
Plein Air Pastel Tip #3 : The setup
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
Sketch: Hygieia fountain at the Hamburger town hall
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.
Plein Air Pastel Tip #2
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
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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