In the morning light, 18×24 cm, 2013 (480.- EUR)
© Astrid Volquardsen
The first ray of sunlight climb up on the dunes and leave some spots ligh ton the beach. Being at the west coast surrounded by clouds and light is one of the best things in the world.
Blick zum Meer II, 30 x 125 cm, 2012
Pastel Journal Bronze Medal Award
© Astrid Volquardsen
sold
I am proud to announce that I was awarded the bronze medal in the 14th Pastel 100 competition for my painting »View to the sea.« Every year this prestigious international competition is held by the Pastel Journal and this time over 2000 artist took part.
I am deeply honored because this awards is given by some of the best pastel painters around, whose work I admire. Juror Liz Haywood- Sullivan remarks, the painting »has captured perfectly a windswept coastline, with beautiful subtle values and a supporting composition.«
The March/April issue of the Pastel Journal is featuring all winners and the editor Sarah Strikely again has done an interview with me. Covering five pages further works of my are shown and in the article you get a pretty good insight about my development in the past two years.
I have taken this award as an opportunity for a new video shooting which gives insight in my work as a pastel artist. We went to the port of Hamburg, the Northfriesien island Sylt and of course you can watch me as I work in my studio.
I have added this winning pastel painting in the video and the camera shows many details.
We have created an English version of the video for my international readers. I hope you enjoy it.
Rain shower, 25 x 60 cm, 2013
© Astrid Volquardsen
950.-EUR
»Rain shower« was done in autumn after we spent a week on one of my favourite islands Sylt. During that time we did a video shooting. It now is finally ready and can be seen onSaturday, the 23th of February here on my blog. We did parts in the port of Hamburg, on the Northfrisian island Sylt and of course in my studio. Come back tomorrow when I have further great news.
© Astrid Volquardsen 2013
During my last trip to the Frisian islands at the coast of North Germany I rediscovered the combination of pencil/gouache sketches. These are primarily for exploring the shapes of clouds and different formats. Unfortunately after drying the values had always changed but these sketches are more about playing anyway.
Pencil and gouache sketch in watercolor sketchbook.
© Astrid Volquardsen 2013
Sometimes I add further gouache layers to work out the values. The sketches shown below are from a different part of the island.
Pencil and gouache sketch in watercolor sketchbook.
© Astrid Volquardsen 2013
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:
