24 Jun 2012

Cathrinsminde

by Astrid | 0

Cathrinsminde, Sketchbook, 2010
© Astrid Volquardsen

Today I looked in my old sketchbook and found a sketch of the old brickwork Museum Cathrinesminde. This industrial museum shown how bricks were produced for about 300 years and at its best time over 80 brickwork sites were located along the Fjord.

Holnis, 30 x 30cm, 2010
© Astrid Volquardsen

Just a short walk away you can find one of my most favourite painting spots. You look across the Flensborg Fjord towards the German pensinsula Holnis.

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.