Astrid Paustian

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"I want to paint the way the bird sings\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\", Claude Monet

This is a favorite quote that expresses the joy of painting and the spontaneity and creativity I seek to express in my art. Like the Impressionists I am fascinated by the effects of light and color and can spend endless hours trying to perfect seeing and interpreting what I see.

I feel very fortunate to live in Colorado with its beautiful scenery, spectacular skies and tucked-away farms and homesteads. I am most grateful for the open, unspoiled places that surround us and for the creatures that inhabit them.
I paint mostly in pastels and oils, enjoying the bright, vivid colors and effects these mediums provide.

Light and the way it affects color are what draws me to a particular subject in most instances. Sometimes, however, it can be a particular mood, such as the peaceful tranquility of a mountain meadow, the energy of a windswept sky, or the innocence and resilience of a small bird. The use of strong color and expressive brush strokes are my tools to convey these feelings to the viewer.