By now most of you probably know that I have a great affinity for rain clouds. I am deeply drawn to those motivs where the cranes of the harbour can hardly be seen in the rain.
Bugsier 2 in a rain shower, 13 x 13 cm, 2012
© Astrid Volquardsen
sold
Constant (II), 13 x 13 xm, 2012
© Astrid Volquardsen
Another tug boat in front of those big container ships. Those are such fun to paint.
Constant, 13 x 13 xm, 2012
© Astrid Volquardsen
The toug boat Constant is one of my favourite subjects right now. Compared to the modern toug boats this one from 1987 is an oldtimer, but I love those clear, square shapes. Addded with just a few details in front of a containership and I am truly happy. One day I would really like to join a crew on a work day.
Leinen Los!, 13×13 cm, 2012
© Astrid Volquardsen
Last week the weather and light was so excellent that I decided to go to the museums harbour in Hamburg Oevelgoenne. As I strolled around the old sailing boats I took notice that one of the old steamboats was ready to leave. I was asked by one of the crew members if I would like to join them on a short trip on the other side of the river and watch them load new coal. Well, certainly yes!
I have always loved the flair of these old steam boats. This one is an old tug steam boat and was built in 1910. In the 1970s it was nearly scrapped and only rescued by enthusiastic by members of the museums harbour.
Red Tug (II), 30×30cm, Pastel
© Astrid Volquardsen, 2011
sold
It is such a good feeling to use other color combinations as I have done so far in my older paintings. There is now again this special klick deep inside when color combinations begin to sing, which makes my heart sing as well.
I would like to thank all my readers for their faithfullness. Many thanks especially to those who do comment, which I deeply appriciate. I feel very sorry, if I don’t make it to answer immediately, or later, or not at all, but sometimes life is busy. Or, which is hard to imagine, I am out of words.
Full speed ahead, 5×5 inch, Pastel
© Astrid Volquardsen, 2011
Who would have thought that the title Full speed ahead would make such a good new years resolution? Sometimes I think what a great pity it is, that you can’t see these small pastels with your own eyes. The pigment is just glowing, being a small red explosion.
This last year has been a really good one for me with many different experiences. The very last one was a trip to the Swiss company Caran d´Ache in Geneva. They have developed a new pastel pencil line which will be launched in the beginning of 2012. I was invited to their production and my synapses were glowing for two days. You can read the report about the how when what why next year when I say again: Full speed ahead!
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.
The new Artist Portrait on Youtube:
Pastel Journal Bronce Medal Award 2013:
Pastel Journal 08/2011 as PDF-Download:
