About 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.

Upcoming and recent juried exhibits:
Open Arts Gallery at Rembrandt Yard in Boulder, 3 person show, January 12- March 4,2012.
Boulder Solstice Holiday Art Show and Sale, Canyon Gallery, Boulder Public Library, December 2011,2010,2009 and 2008, by invitation;
Boulder Open Studios, October 2011,2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007;
Artists of Colorado, Brushstrokes Gallery, Denver, May 2011;
Featured Artist, Art Center of Estes Park, February 18 - March 27, 2011;
The Garden Show, Madison and Main Gallery, Greeley, Colorado, 2010, by invitation;
The Spirit of Chautauqua, September 2008;
Featured Artist, The Muse Gallery, March and April 2008;
Featured Artist, Gallery 1, National Center for Atmospheric Research, January 2008;
Louisville Fall Arts Festival, September 2007;
Greeley National Art Show and Sale, April 2007;
Days of Future Pastels, Canyon Gallery, Boulder Public Library, January 2007

Awards:
Signature Member, Pastel Society of Colorado, 2008
Corporate Award, Louisville Art Association Members Show, 2008
Peoples Choice, Louisville Art Association Members Show, 2006
First Place, Boulder Art Association Spring Members Show, 2004
First Place, Lafayette Community Art Show, 2003
Third Place, Boulder Art Association Members Show, 2003