Blog – Page 66 – Astrid Volquardsen

24 Oct 2010

Demo

by Astrid | 8

This isn’t the video of the TV team yet, but shows me at the easel in Austria/Wildkogel. With the help of my sketches, my plein air studies and a foto I show one possibilty how to turn this into a pastell painting.

20 Oct 2010

On Computers

by Astrid | 3

I don’t know about you guys, but once in a while the computer is a real mystery to me and doesn’t work the way I want to. The other day I accidentaly wiped some emails and they were gone. (Of course, before I read them).

So here is a video by the english comedien Eddie Izzard on computers. Very funny, especially in the end. Watch, enjoy and laugh.

15 Oct 2010

Autumn

by Astrid | 2

Pastell, 14×22cm,

2009 © Astrid Volquardsen

This week I just didn’t make it to paint outside, even though the weather was great. Not far away from where we live, there is this beautiful mixed forest. This is a plein air painting from last year.

10 Oct 2010

boesner TV

by Astrid | 12

2010, © Marc Volquardsen

Today, we had a visit from a TV team, who produces short video clips about artists for one of our big art supply stores in Germany. I was filmed at work, interviewed and they will put it all together to a nice and short film. Best of all, we will make it possible to the english viewers to follow. You just have to be a bit patient…

2010, © Marc Volquardsen

8 Oct 2010

Wildkogel Workshop: Looking back

by Astrid | 5

I’m back home and much faster back to daily buisiness than I like. Looking back I can see why it were special days. First of all, when you take the cable car up the mountain, your everyday life stays down in the valley and it doesn’t take long till you feel comfy up there. The title of the workshop »Landscape in the light« was promptly delivered by the weather. It is indescribable to see the sunrise and the others must have felt the same, because nearly everyone rose at 6 a.m to be there.The only thing that bothered me a bit is that naturally, as the workshop instructur, I didn’t find as much time to paint as I would have liked.

Blick zum Larmkogel, Pastell, 15×17cm,
2010 © Astrid Volquardsen

Skizzenbuch,
2010 © Astrid Volquardsen

One thing is for sure: We’re coming back and are planning a new workshop for 2012.

Skizzenbuch

2010 © Astrid Volquardsen

6 Oct 2010

Wildkogel:Time to say goodbye

by Astrid | 0

Our wonderful workshop days in the Alp mountains are over and on the photos you can see some moments from our last day there. I’m on my way back and will blog more within the next days.

5 Oct 2010

Wildkogel: Early Morning

by Astrid | 3

Morgenlicht in den Alpen

These past days the weather was really fascinating. My favourite time was in the morning twilight, when the sun hasn’t light up the mountains and the village lights can be seen in the morning fog.

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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.