2 Jan 2017

Plein Air: Yellow light

by Astrid | 0

After these grey days which accompanied us over the Christmas days this week is really nice with clear cold weather.

Upon arriving at the Alster in the dusk I was greeted by a blackbird which sang his heart out. Already looking for a mate! I think he got something wrong with the saying: The early bird catches the worm. Or he got way to much testosterone in his blood.

Foto: Marc Volquardsen, 2017

Anyway. I wanted to check out the light situation at the Alsterpark. What really struck me was the yellow light/ color on the lawn. How much yellow is too much yellow? I need to come back again on Thursday and start a new one.

Another form of art. Hot chocolate afterwards at the cafe.

Foto: Marc Volquardsen, 2017

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.