Astrid Notte
Duncan, BC
"Currently, my painting focus is on acrylics and mixed media. I continually challenge myself to experiment with different techniques in order to discover new and unexpected ways to further express myself. In particular, I have always been fascinated by trees, especially evergreens in winter and spring. I am inspired by their subtle movement, feel their strong independent presence, and often sense an intimacy while in their midst. I seek to convey this connection through my art. Through sketching, taking photos, and painting, I strive to express the joy, peace and spirit I feel when I am surrounded by nature."
Born and educated in Europe, Astrid Notte has always been interested in art, especially drawing. She immigrated to Vancouver Island with her family as a teenager and now lives in Duncan, in the beautiful Cowichan Valley.
Astrid has a Masters in Art Education and taught for many years. Having lived in the rugged beauty of Haida
Gwaii and Vancouver Island, she has been inspired by the variety of their coastal landscapes, diverse terrain and often-unique flora and fauna. As an avid skier and outdoors woman, wild places have seeped into her very essence and continually translate into her painting subjects. She expresses this passion through watercolour, pastel and acrylic media.
To expand her skills and knowledge of art, Astrid has taken many workshops and courses from more experienced artists, including Mike Svob and David Langevin, whose landscape and forest work she particularly admires. They, among other teachers, have been valued mentors to her artistic development. Her work is further influenced by Emily Carr, Lauren Harris, and other Canadian icons of the Group of Seven.
Astrid has exhibited extensively locally, nationally and internationally- too long to list, but of note and personal affinity, she's exhibited in the international skiing community of Whistler, British Columbia and in Nantes, France. Her work is in private collections across Canada, the United States and France.
MEMBERSHIPS:
Maple Bay Painters
Federation of Canadian Artists
Cowichan Valley Arts Council
Arts Council of Ladysmith and District
Whistler Arts Council
