My artworks on paper
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I make many snapshots of flowers, trees and plants,
and sketches using those to create a personal impression of the natural beauty
and not a realistic image. For example, I like the photographic, interesting,
abstract effects of the wind when it moves branches and stalks.
I love to work with paper because the specific
characteristics I cannot translate to other materials such as linen. And my
technique allows fast results and using a method that suits my temperament.
That means I don’t like to wait when paintingmaterials needs time to dry. I
make use of high quality paper like the 400 grams Hahnemühle - and the
watercolor paper Fabriano. And before I start my method I’m stretching the
paper with tape therefore nearly no wrinkles are visible when finishing my
artworks.
Landscapes in the washed ink technique of the early 16thcentury
Japanese Hasegawa Tõhaku, a famous artist at his time and working at the court,
I discovered during artschool. Even now his ancient wall screens are having a
modern atmosphere. Besides the washed ink technique I was occupied by model
drawing and the dry-point etching method still visible in my varied especially
black lines.
My pastelpaintings
reflects my European roots.The name PASTELPAINTING is invented in the 18e century while famous artists made portraits of
the elite with pastels on paper similar and alike paintings. Masters like the
Italian Rosalba Carièrra and the French Maurice Quentin de La Tour and at that time accepted as a serious method. Remembering the
early Renaissance period when Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo making their
sketches which are still in a good shape when visiting an exhibition two years
ago I noticed that his drawings with an overview of sketches of Da Vinci where
still fresh and very beautiful. Meaning that paper, when well preserved, can be
like canvas having a long lasting quality.
My Pastelpaintings are a mix of Eastern and Western
techniques that yield picturesque effects. I start with a charcoal of with
pastels at a background drawing on a piece of chucked paper. In this layer,
while it is still wet, I make scratches in some places, simply by using my
nails. To some works, I add a thin layer of white acryl paint. As a last phase,
I apply pastel. This technique features great density of color because it uses
pure pigments. In summary, the means I choose are minimal: ink, water, chalk,
to which I sometimes add a base layer of washed ink. Except for the base, for
which I use brushes, I draw as directly as possible with my hands, especially
when I apply the last pastel layers where I must use my fingers to achieve a
delicate blend of colors. The combination of this technique and the prepared
background results in strong-bodied, colorful pastels with a picturesque
effect. I like that.
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