Sketch - Astrid Volquardsen

12 Apr 2018

Sketch: Hamburger Colonaden

by Astrid | posted in: English | 1

For the last weeks it has been a bit quiet on my blog. First there were the workshops and now its spring and I am hunting for my next motivs. Before I go into the oilpainting I investigate the scene … Read More

31 Mar 2018

Sketch: Das Hardenbergsche Haus or the home of the gardener

by Astrid | posted in: English | 1

Das Hardenbergsche Haus, Goucha, pencil, ink Last week I was giving two pastel workshops in Hannover. In between I had a break which I intended to use to sketch at the Herrenhäuser Gardens. The Gardens are a heritage of … Read More

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.