Local painter Petra Wortmann from Sulingen will open her new studio to visitors on Sunday, September 21, as part of the "Open Studio" initiative by the organization "Art in the Province." The event will showcase not only her artwork but also her creative process in her newly established workspace.
Wortmann's studio, located at Lönsplatz 1 in Sulingen, plays a particularly significant role in this story. The artist explains that the studio has only existed for just under a year as part of her residential home. "That was actually our terrace before," she reports. Initially, she painted in a small room on the upper floor of the building, but this proved very impractical due to the large, south-facing windows that created challenging lighting conditions.
Later, she utilized spaces above her partner's photography studio at Kleiner Markt as her atelier. However, this arrangement had its drawbacks. "I always had to make a point of driving there," she explains. Now she has a workspace in her own home where "things can also be left standing." This convenience has transformed her creative routine and productivity.
Since establishing her new studio, Wortmann has frequently been asked to show visitors the new space. This is a request she completely understands: "I also like to look at where and how others work – that's almost more beautiful than visiting an exhibition," she reveals. This curiosity about artistic processes and workspaces drives her enthusiasm for participating in the open studio event.
The artist's work schedule reflects her dedication to her craft. "I paint whenever I have time," she says, noting that what starts as a quick session can easily turn into three or even six hours of work. Her current body of work encompasses more themes than she displayed in her recent exhibition at Sulingen's town hall. Presently, visitors will primarily see studies of portraits and human figures. "These are actually all exercises in facial expressions and body postures," she explains.
Wortmann draws significant inspiration from Spanish painter and graphic artist Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, whom she describes as someone she's "a big fan of." She elaborates on her approach: "I work with elements from his paintings to understand how he deals with colors." This methodical study of master painters demonstrates her commitment to continuous learning and artistic development.
During the open studio event, approximately 30 works will be on display, including some pieces on loan that she has previously given away or sold. Beyond simply showing finished works, Wortmann plans to demonstrate her complete creative process to visitors. She will show how her paintings develop from initial sketches on a tablet, through drawings, to the final completed painting. This comprehensive look at artistic creation offers visitors insight into the methodical and evolving nature of her artistic practice.
The open studio will be accessible from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, giving art enthusiasts and curious community members ample opportunity to explore both Wortmann's artwork and her creative workspace.
