Snippets of life - Astrid Volquardsen

29 Aug 2015

Sketch: Nordborg Slot or snippets of life

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 1

While sketching you sometimes just can’t overhear other peoples conversations. A German family visited the castle in Denmark and the mother continually exclaimed how beautifully this castle was.Their four year old boy was clearly interested in other things: »I don’t … Read More

29 Apr 2011

Danish Hot Dogs at Langballigau

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 0

It is really nice to go for a bike ride along the German side of the Flensborg Ford, as long as you don`t mind the rolling hills. At the end of your trip you can have a nice rest in … 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.