Skizzenbuch,
2010 © Astrid Volquardsen
On the second day in Paris it was raining, but even then the city showed it’s somehow charming side.
On a boat ride along the Seine I did some quick sketches. The other one was done, while waiting for the boat. The raindrops on the sketch illustrate nicely what kind of weather we had.
Skizzenbuch,
2010 © Astrid VolquardsenI went to Paris last weekend to see the great Monet exhibition, which is on display at the Grand Palais. They were able to get hold of over 200 paintings, from all over the world. The exhibition gives an excellent insight in Monets work and I was very impressed.
Impressing also are the visitors numbers. App. 7000 visitors a day are coming! This is definately way to much, because you’re not able to have a look from the distance, so this doesn’t do justice to the pictures.
Well, this way I had to study closely his painting style and all the sudden I realized one of his working methods. Monet used beautifully mixed colored greys. Loads of broken color in every single picture. Beautiful, beautiful greys: It seems to be so simple…
2010 © Astrid Volquardsen
Skizzenbuch,In the film one could see parts of my sketchbook. From these sketches and studies the final picture evolved. I did take photos, but they aren’t essential for the making.
Skizzenbuch,
Skizzenbuch,
Pastell, 12×12cm,Same place, next morning. The night was warm and rainy. So it was damp, but the cold colors of the frost were missing.
Nach dem ersten Frost,Pastell, 13×21cm,Even though most of the trees have lost their foliage, there is still this wonderful reddish warm color in the air.
When I do this color studies, I don’t take any fotographs. I just stand there and take everythink in. Back in the studio I will bring my memories onto the paper, giving me a time limit of 15 minutes to finish the piece.
You can find older color studies here
Skizzenbuch,After weeks of grey weather the sun finally came out. We went to Hamburg (my hometown) to the harbor city. They are rebuilding the whole area and it’s such a beautiful place to be and sketch.
By accident we found a pub, where everything is inclined. And it’s kind of funny, that while you’re eating, you might glide straight to your neighbours lap. Originally, this was a coffeehouse for all the stevedores, who worked in the harbor. I definately need to come back to get a better sketch of this place.
Skizzenbuch,
2009 © Astrid VolquardsenA new phase in my studio has started and I just couln’t made up my mind, what to show. It feels like something new is happening, bur I’m not already there. So it’s just a foto from my easel from last week.