1 May 2012

Tug steam boat »Tiger«

by Astrid | 0

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.

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.