AASE BIRKHAUG THE HEALING ROSE

            Aase Birkhaug

                                    The Healing Rose

With the organic remedies of the natural world at the heart of her works, Aase Birkhaug specialises

in drawing and painting magnificent roses as the virtuous reticence of nature continuously

provides her with a wealth of creative and spiritual inspiration. The wonderfully skilled rose painter

from Bergen, Norway applies a wide variety of mediums to her canvases ranging from oil,

watercolour, acrylic and tempera and has been exhibiting around the world her breathtaking still life paintings that possess the unequivocal ability to transform any

setting into a surrounding that is saturated with an abundance of tranquility, which has lead to Birkhaug’s acquisition of many

international awards..

Birkhaug has a true affinity with the organic world and invokes through each of her pieces the

belief that roses and their vibrant hues have a healing power that can contribute to our well being

and state of mind. Subtly integrating shades of pink that cascade into blushing reds fill Birkhaug’s

audience with a joyfully calm sense as her delightful compositions emanate a cerebrally engaging

positive aura. Birkhaug’s compositional elements present an academic understanding of nature’s

ornate nuances, reflective of Frederick Judd Waugh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s graceful

exploration of flowers. Birkhaug’s art has the intent and intrinsic capability of ameliorating the

spectator, whilst simultaneously radiating the most extreme and captivating beauty; her expressive

creations are so sophisticatedly absolute in their execution that the observer can almost sense the

sweet scent of the flora, which enables them to transcend their surroundings and enter a personal

place in their mind full of serenity.

Aase Birkhaug’s passion for painting flowers conjures similarities to the work of Georgia O'Keeffe

as both artists remarkably succeed in conveying the impeccable detail of each petal in their floral

compositions. Birkhaug attentively examines the flower in every aspect and captures the various

perspectives of the subject by exhibiting the uniqueness of every rose; the characteristics of each of

its petals are fully explored which allows the viewer to wholly appreciate and absorb the individual

delicate components of the blossoming flora. Birkhaug has the unique ability to stimulate the

observer to view the roses that she depicts with a fresh perspective. Indeed, her flawless technique

and exquisite brushwork evoke great emotion in anyone who experiences her extraordinary

creations, as a peaceful wave of energy washes over the spectator as they gaze upon these glorious

artworks.

It is possible to detect the influence of Vincent Van Gogh in Birkhaug’s works as their floral

paintings share an expressive process in which shapes and forms are soft and full of movement

whilst possessing a vigorous use of colour. Their diaphanous and mild portrayals are pleasing to

they eye and emit a soothing energy to their environment, whilst displaying an erudite synergy with

the Impressionists.

Roses symbolise passion, purity and beauty, all of which are elements that Birkhaug tastefully and

eloquently conveys through her artwork by communicating to the viewer in a language that

transmits universal human emotions. Birkhaug intelligently connects those observing her art

through a mutual sensation that mirrors the romantic connection between man and nature.

Timothy Warrington

International Confederation of Art Critics