26 Apr 2013

Pastel Society UK Annual Exhibition

by Astrid | 0

My work has been selected from over 700 entries to appear alongside paintings by some of Britain’s leading pastel artists – honorary members include Paula Rego and Rose Hilton. The Pastel Society UK’s Annual Exhibition will be on display at Mall Galleries near Trafalgar Square between 10th to 22nd of June 2013.

The Pastel Society hold an open submission exhibition in central London each year. Founded in 1898, with historical membership including Walter Crane and Dame Laura Knight. Today the Society is well known for spanning figurative, abstract and experimental work in all types of dry media. The opening speach will be held by Philip Mould, who some of you might know from the Antiques Roadshow of BBC1.

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.