A Day in the Studio of Ute Meyer

The German artist Ute Meyer from Flensburg has been showcasing her work nationally and internationally in exhibitions and galleries since 2007. Her paintings can be found in the collections of art enthusiasts both domestically and abroad.

We visited Ute Meyer's studio in Flensburg and spent a day with her. We spoke with the artist about her passion for plein-air painting and the works she has created with this technique.

Ute Meyer, how did you become interested in art?

I have been painting since my early childhood. I loved observing the colours of the sky and the plants in my parent's garden and during walks with my family. Even back then, I was fascinated by the changing light conditions throughout the day.

When did you realise that you wanted to become an artist?

My passion for painting has accompanied me my entire life. In 2007, I decided to start exhibiting and selling my paintings.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration on-site in my garden, at the North and Baltic Sea. I capture my experiences with people and animals photographically and use these photos as inspiration for new paintings that I create in my studio.

Which artists have had the greatest influence on you and your work?

Berthe Morisot, Monet, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cézanne, and Rembrandt.

Where is your favourite place to paint?

My favourite place to paint is outdoors.

What material and techniques do you prefer to use?

I love the lightness and transparency of watercolours. I enjoy painting on large-format watercolour boards and incorporating the humidity of the day into my work. I like to create watercolour, monochrome pen, and ink drawings by the sea. When working with oil colours, I use canvases on stretchers or wood. Oil paints offer a great variety of colours and luminosity. I often work with impasto techniques and appreciate the plasticity and shadows cast by these colours.

What was your most memorable experience?

In November 2003, I painted my first oil painting outdoors - plein air - on the coast of Ærø, Denmark. It was a very cold, windy day, and it was difficult to set up the easel. Nevertheless, I was very content and satisfied with the finished painting.

What advice would you give to young artists who are just beginning?

Use every minute to paint and draw, and don't let anything distract you from your path.

Have you discovered another artist on artSOLITAIRE whose work you admire?

I like the pictures by Mila Weis. They radiate vibrancy and movement.

What do you think you would be doing today if you hadn't become an artist?

I would probably have become a photographer or filmmaker.

Do you have a favourite museum? If so, which one and why?

I enjoy visiting the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art near Copenhagen. There are always exciting exhibitions, and the museum is beautifully located by the water.

Ute Meyer, do you have a current favourite piece among your own works?

"Baltic Sea / Ærø / St. Albert" (2022) is an 80 x 100 cm plein air picture that I created in the lee of the coast during a strong wind storm. In the foreground, you can see one of my favourite summer plants, the blue chicory.

Are you particularly proud of any exhibitions or awards? Are you planning an upcoming exhibition?

In 2013, I had an exhibition in collaboration with the Natural Science Museum at the Flensburg Maritime Museum. This exhibition was particularly special for me in terms of content and the response I received.

What are your wishes for the future? What are your aspirations and goals?

I wish for the energy and strength to paint, to travel to lonely, wild painting locations in the north, and to find interesting exhibition venues.

Thank you very much for the interview!

Discover all of Ute Meyer‘s works now on artSOLITAIRE.de/en/.