Edgar Degas – Astrid Volquardsen

17 May 2012

Degas and the nude – exhibition in Paris

by Astrid | 1

Right now there is an exhibition about Degas and the nude at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. It shows Degas development from the traditional nude as a classical training to a modern depiction of everyday women in their private surroundings. … Read More

19 Sep 2011

Edgar Degas exhibition: Degas and the ballet: picturing movement

by Astrid | 3

Since the 17th of September a new exhibition about Edgar Degas has opened at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The exhibition focuses on Degas‹ interest to capture the movement of dance and puts his approach in the context … Read More

24 Mar 2009

Edgar Degas: Intimität und Pose

by Astrid | 0

Sorry, this entry is only available in German. For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language. Bis zum 2. Mai läuft in der … Read More

1 Feb 2009

Sehen: Originale im Musée d’Orsay / Paris

by Astrid | 0

Sorry, this entry is only available in German. For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language. Durch diverse Medien, die unser Leben umgeben, … Read More

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.