German artist Rosi Oldenburg now lives, draws and paints in Washington state in the US
I first noticed Rosi Oldenburg's colorful fish images on Facebook, and after having browsed them a bit, I decided to contact her for an appearance in our Fishy Artists series. She agreed to play along and sent med replies to my usual row of questions as well as a generous bunch of samples of her pictures as seen below.
a) How did you start working with art and with fishing related art in particular?
I started drawing when I was a little child. I had to do it in a secret place most of the time. My mother believed that an artist would be poor for the rest of their life, and it would be better to read books to become smart.
I still have my very first drawing. I started painting seriously in 1991 with watercolor, acrylic and oil in many styles. Landscapes, people etc. Do to problems I developed from the toxin in the paint I had to stop using paints and switch to colored pencil.
b) Why fish and/or fishing?
In 1999 I was asked to paint my first fish. I didn't know that there where so many colors in a fish. I became very interested in fish and fly fishing but can to this day not swing a rod without a risk of piercing someone's ears.
The wetness and reflection of fish created a challenge for me. I like challenges and I know I had to master it with colored pencil. I believe I did.
c) What is your preferred method of painting/drawing/producing your work - if any?
I would prefer oil and acrylic over colored pencil but due to the circumstance colored pencil is the answer.
The colored pencils blend well and create an appearance of an oil painting if done right. Very nice fly fishing friends supply me with the photos they took, so that I can use them for reference.
It is a challenge and I need to reach for many colored pencils to come up with the right color in a fish. I'm using the best paper available to keep the paper from changing colors over time.
I am completely self taught. I'm in the process of creating 3D fish art. Fish jumping out of the page.
d) Is the art your main source of income - if at all a source of income - or do you do other jobs as a supplement?
My art is my main income. I'm supplying it by creating posters and logos for magazines and small businesses.
e) Can people buy your art and if so, then in which form and where?
Originals, Giclee paper, prints on canvas and prints on metal are available on my website: www.rosioldenburgfineart.com and also in Blackwater Trading Co. Northwest Gallery at Gig Harbor, Wa.98335
f) Where do you currently live and work?
My studio is located in the state of Washington.
Facts
Web site: www.rosioldenburgfineart.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/rosi.oldenburg/about
Store: Blackwater Trading Co. Northwest Gallery
7706 Pioneer Way,
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- Log in to post comments