View into my studio

3 Jun 2014

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 3

A view into my studio. The pastel painting on the easel measures 120×40cm. Foto © 2014 Astrid Volquardsen Related Posts 54° in the early morning St. Peter Ording: Some paintings at the Chaco Gallery in Hamburg Plein Air at St. … Read More

13 Apr 2014

View in my studio

by Astrid | posted in: Blog, English | 4

© Astrid Volquardsen 2014 View in my studio a few weeks ago. It’s definitely time to visit the sea shore again. Related Posts At the islands beach II, Oil on MDF 5 day facebook challange Swoosh Northwest Winds Rain shower

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.