Blog – Page 50 – Astrid Volquardsen

26 Aug 2012

Madeira – Plein Air on top of Pico do Aieiro

by Astrid | 5

The peak of the second highest mountain of Madeira can be reached by car. So one day I went up there to paint plein air at sunrise. In complete solitude I happily painted my view and tremendously enjoyed the light and warm wind, while some swallows swirled around me and big bumble bees took a closer look at my pastels.
After an hour or so some hikers started their tour and at 9: 30 the place was packed with busloads of tourist. (See Madeira in one day!) To top this all of a sudden the air was blasted with pan pipes, playing »Memories« from the musical Cats. The Andes Music band is about everywhere!

I graped my things and fled to the other side of the mountain.
During the morning hours light changes quickly and if you have only limited time this rule helps: Simplify the shapes and values, don’t overwork.

22 Aug 2012

Madeira – Dandelion Tree

by Astrid | 4

On our way back from a hiking tour I suddenly came to a dead stop and could not believe my eyes: a big dandelion tree. A sight to terrify a lot of home gardeners everywhere.

It actually is a giant Sow Thistle but I definitely wouldn’t like to have it in my garden.

On another hiking tour we saw an even bigger one which leaves where as long as my arm. A gardeners horror but probably a rabbits dream!

21 Aug 2012

Madeira – Hortensia Tea Garden

by Astrid | 2

I just returned from a very nice vacation from the beautiful island Madeira, where we went for some wonderful hiking tours. So the next blog post will show some completely different sketches from what i usually do. Again this was somehow liberating, because all of a sudden everything is new and exciting when it comes to form and color. But nerveless, because it was my vacation I just sketched and painted when I was in the mood . Otherwise I just sat and relaxed and enjoyed.

The following were done after a nice tour when we stopped for tea and scones at the Hortensia tea gardens. We had a really nice chat with the owner and after two hours left totally relaxed.

11 Aug 2012

Pilot boat

by Astrid | 1

Pilot boat, 13×13 cm, 2012
© Astrid Volquardsen
sold

I just love watching the pilot boats in action. A really good place is from a pier called devils bridge. (I have no clue why it is named this way.)

5 Aug 2012

Dünensaum

by Astrid | 6

Dünensaum (Triptychon), 2012, 34×52 cm
© Astrid Volquardsen

Originally this triptych started from a completely different format but there was one part which I didn’t like at all so I decided to cut it off, (which I usually never do). I still didn’t like it and all the sudden I could witness a creative process in my mind. I think it is very important to stay entirely open minded during the painting process and keep your options open. This painting was such fun and joy, because I had no idea where it would lead me. At the end of my morning in the studio one of Picassos`quotation came to my mind: »Inspiration does exist. But it has to meet you at work.«

Detail

29 Jul 2012

Wind protectet

by Astrid | 0

It is such a good feeling that summer is here and jackets are an accessoire of past days. If the chair isn’t needed as a protection against wind it is an excellent protection against the sun.

23 Jul 2012

beach chair

by Astrid | 2

Finally after all the rain and cool temperatures summer seems to come. This means enjoying the roofed wicker beach chair without long trousers or jackets. Those beach chairs are very commen along the German coast line and very popular.

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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.