Holger Baehr German artist, Germany and Longford

German artist Holger Baehr, Germany and Longford

Originally from Germany, I currently live and work in County Longford, Ireland, where I discovered my love for painting. Following my natural artistic instinct I acquired techniques and preferences which I relate through my work. Working with acrylic on canvas, I use paint in either a layering or sketching process. Often I work on a series of paintings at a time; each one feeds the next and brings a certain harmony to the body of work. Whilst some pieces stand alone, new direction in my work has resulted in certain pieces being connected to each other, and consequently should remain side by side in a series as one piece.

My paintings are always associate with the surrounding landscape. I paint from memory, but often inspired by continuous journeys through the Irish countryside, especially the Shannon region where I live. Reacting to visual and atmospheric elements around me, the resulting work is meditative for both myself and observers. This brings a quiet beauty to my paintings. My aim is for the viewer to connect personally with each composition – to be reminded of a place they once knew, or visited by an unexpected moment of emotion. My love for Ireland and its countryside can be seen in the various paintings.

Although the subject matter can be recognised as landscape, it has an abstract quality to it. The basic elements of the landscape are broken down into more simplified forms and I try to capture and portray the climatic qualities of a certain place at a certain point in time. My paintings require close-up viewing to appreciate the underlying layers of paint and compel the viewer to take a closer look, resulting in an intimate viewing experience.

I like the idea that my paintings give pleasure to others, as this is the purpose of a painting.

Holger Baehr

[email protected]

www.holgerbaehr.com