Sandtorhafen

25 Dec 2016

Preperations, Oil on board

by Astrid | 2

Preperations, 13×13cm, oil on board, Astrid Volquardsen, 2016, 180.- Euro mit Schattenfuge A second painting going along with the market woman from the previous post. This is one of the shipman who actually sailed the boat from the suburbs of … Read More

20 Sep 2016

Plein Air at the harbor or what not to do

by Astrid | 4

Photo Marc Volquardsen, 2016 We had a celebration of a part in the harbor which turned 150 years old. It was the first artificial built port basin and known for it’s innovative steam operating cranes. I fell for the green … 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.