13 Jan 2013

Gouache sketches of clouds

by Astrid | 0

During my last trip to the Frisian islands at the coast of North Germany I rediscovered the combination of pencil/gouache sketches. These are primarily for exploring the shapes of clouds and different formats. Unfortunately after drying the values had always changed but these sketches are more about playing anyway.

Pencil and gouache sketch in watercolor sketchbook.
© Astrid Volquardsen 2013

Sometimes I add further gouache layers to work out the values. The sketches shown below are from a different part of the island.

Pencil and gouache sketch in watercolor sketchbook.
© Astrid Volquardsen 2013

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.