Angelika Weinekötter
Weinekötter’s oil paintings create spaces for new, respectful dialogues between species and emotionally enrich the viewers' homes. Her artistic vision invites recognition and experience of the complex relationships and beauty of life.
Fascinated by the bond between different beings since childhood, Weinekötter captures these intense emotions in her detailed paintings. She employs old master techniques with thin glazes of oil paint on canvas, blending them with a modern approach to her themes, creating works of contemporary realism. With a background in painting and graphic arts from IBKK Bochum, Germany, and ongoing workshops and retreats with renowned international artists like Mary-Jane Ansell and Ron Hicks, she brings deep expertise and passion to her art.
Q&A
What is the impetus of this series?
The impetus for the series “Dialogue of species” comes from my deep interest in the relationships and interactions we have with the animals that surround us in nature. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by this mysterious kinship and wanted to understand other living beings. Now, I explore these connections through my paintings, attempting to reveal and subtly unravel the secrets of this relationship.
Which was the breakthrough piece?
The breakthrough piece was Only Lovers Left Alive, where I first integrated a very complex environment into the narrative, expanding the depth of the story in the artwork. Who or what are the subjects in your series? The subjects in my series are humans and animals, often depicted in close, contemplative poses to evoke a sense of shared understanding. For the human models, my niece and her friends often pose for reference photos, helping me capture the essence of the characters in my works.
Explain your process for creating this series:
My process begins with small pencil thumbnails to explore initial ideas. I then refine these sketches digitally on my iPad, adjusting the composition and color harmony. Once I am satisfied with the digital draft, I transfer the design onto the canvas and start with a grisaille underpainting. This is followed by layering colors and applying multiple glazes to achieve depth and vibrancy in the final piece. During the painting process, I often make several, sometimes significant, changes to further develop the artwork.
