Artists

A Day With: Peter Nottrott

Peter Nottrott is an experienced German painter who has built up an international base of collectors over three decades of artistic practice. Attaching great importance to freedom and individuality- both in creativity and in life- he composes powerful, high-energy abstract paintings. He explains, “I want to paint color symphonies: always alive, always full of energy and always positive.” Singulart had the pleasure to catch up with Nottrott, learning all the ins and outs of a typical day in the studio.

Hello Peter! What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

From my bed, I like to look out over the water of the Flensburg Fjord towards Denmark. I ask myself, what is the weather like today? Are there waves on the water? Are there any boats going out to sea?

What inspires you to create every day?

I am fascinated by abstract painting. I love to compose different color combinations and forms into a painting, and I especially want to pass on my love of art to anyone that sees my work.

What does your work space look like?

I have my own large studio that consists of two rooms and additional storage space. The most important thing in the studio is a nice big painting area, where I have space to create my largest paintings which are up to 10 square meters.  My studio is part of a great artist community and is located in a beautiful old house right in the pedestrian area of Flensburg city center.

Peter Nottrott, Supernova XXXL 1, 2019. 150x200cm, acrylic on canvas.
Peter Nottrott, Supernova XXXL 1, 2019. 150x200cm, acrylic on canvas.

Describe the core of your technique or style.

Before I start painting, I have a vague idea of what I want to create, but the essential part is created during the painting process. I paint with acrylics on canvas in a technique I developed with brushes and spatulas. This technique allows me to bring a lot of energy and dynamism to my paintings.

What are your top 3 studio essentials?

An important ritual before starting to paint is to share coffee with my friend from a neighboring studio who is a goldsmith. When I’m painting, I like to listen to meditative music, which is also essential to the creative process. In addition, I attach great importance to a positive, quiet studio atmosphere. When I feel well and balanced in the studio, I can  focus all my energy and creativity into painting. Also, it is important that there is always something good to snack on in the studio.

How do you know or decide when an artwork is finished?

That is the nature of painting- it is more of an emotional than a cognitive decision. For me, once I have made the decision that a piece is finished, I am satisfied. I would not leave a picture and later repaint it or make big changes.

Peter Nottrott, Seaside Rendezvous XL 2, 2019  105x155cm, acrylic on canvas.
Peter Nottrott, Seaside Rendezvous XL 2, 2019 105x155cm, acrylic on canvas.

What do you like to do to unwind after a day’s work?

I enjoy eating in nice restaurants, and in good weather I like to walk along the Flensburg Fjord or along the coast.

What’s your overall favorite aspect of the creative process? 

I love being completely immersed in painting – there I lose all track of time and of my surroundings. It is almost like being in a trance-like state.

Thanks Peter! You can see more of his vibrant works on his artist profile.

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