THE ART OF LISA OBER
  • Home
  • Portfolio
    • Still Life
    • Pastel Portraits
    • Oil Portraits
    • Pet Portraits
    • Experimental
  • Commissions
    • Pricing
    • Overview
    • Helpful Information (FAQ)
    • Photo Guidelines
  • About
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Workshops
    • Workshop Schedule
    • Workshop Testimonials
Lisa Ober's

Paintings and Ponderings

UART Workshop - Realistic Pets in Pastel

1/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture

Realistic Pet/Animal Portraits in Pastel Workshop

March 4-5, 2016 Friday-Saturday
Houston TX

Click Here for Information


Click Here for Registration through EventBrite
0 Comments

Terry Ludwig Pastels-What a visit!

9/1/2015

2 Comments

 
I recently had the good fortune of visiting Terry Ludwig Pastels ( The Candy Store) and received a detailed and generous tour of the spot where artistic miracles begin.  Terry has been making these bits of heaven since 1995.  Currently available in 550 colors, these are some of he most consistent pastels available.  They are uniquely handcrafted rectangular little bricks of goodness that offer artists many application options.

The tour started with the retail section which displays an unlimited rainbow of these fabulous pastels, neatly organized, with each stick calling my name much like when Santa reads your name on a package and then says it out loud.  

From start to finish, it was clear that Terry and his staff care about providing quality materials to artists.  The shop was so clean it was hard to believe pastels were made in the back section.  Even the back section, where the real magic happens, was organized and virtually free of pastel dust.  Except for some evidence of pigment stain (including some quinacridone embedded into Terry's forehead which you can see on the photo to the right), the whole pastel-making section was remarkably tidy!
You can almost hear them calling my name.
Picture
The pastel making tour began with discussion of the quality pigments that go into making these pastels.  I'd be lying if I said I remembered everything Terry mentioned but it was clear that the pigments were thoughtfully sourced.  There were canisters and containers everywhere with the richest and purest colors that ultimately combine to make these addictive pastels.
Picture
Pure beautiful pigments make Terry Ludwig Pastels so vibrant and potent!  Terry doesn't use toxic cadmiums in his pastels but he still gets the richest of colors.
There are so many things I love about Terry Ludwig Pastels.  The richness of the colors, the reliable feel of them, the ultra softness, and the way the shape allows versatility of use.  No pastel collection is complete without them.
Picture
Picture
Pigment containers of powdery potential.  This is better than donuts!

Picture
Terry's personal pastel box contains smaller handmade pastels.  I was a little jealous.
Picture
Set of 60 Terry Ludwig Intense Darks.  This is my favorite set for rich dark hues.  Photo courtesy Terry Ludwig's Website 
Picture
On the left is the lovely Marie Ludwig, the crowning glory of Terry Ludwig Pastels.  Terry and Marie have been married for 50 years!  
Picture
Just part of what's on display at the Terry Ludwig store!
Picture
Nope, not a skin condition.  This is Terry's quinacridone-colored forehead.  That's dedication!
Picture
Here I am receiving some patient instruction from the master pastel maker.  
Picture
I think it's clear from the blob of pigment in front of me that pastel making should be left to the experts...
Picture
…but I keep trying.
As I mentioned above, the tour was so packed with information that I did not retain it all, but I do recall Terry talking about the final step in the making of his pastels…just before they get packaged and sent to my house.  After the pastels have dried, cured, or whatever term he used, they have a little film on the outside of them which slightly distorts their true color.  Well guess what he does?  He takes EACH pastel and lightly sands it on all 6 sides!  Can you believe that?  Talk about labor intensive!  The excess pastel dust falls into large buckets.  I cannot tell you how many buckets I saw, but Terry and his team have been busy!  

Nearly all pastels artists are addicts of sorts.  We never see a color we don't need…and order.  And no matter the brand, all pastels have a price that would surprise those who don't work in pastel.  I've been known to gripe about spending $5 or more per stick.  I confess that up until my visit to Terry Ludwig's place I had NO IDEA how much is involved with pastel making!  To be honest, for the work involved they should be at least $10!  It was a real eye-opener.  I'm even more grateful someone cares enough to make quality pastels, and very grateful he was willing to share the pastel making process on a precious Saturday.  Thanks to Terry (and Marie) for an entertaining and enlightening day!  Not only are you spectacular pastel makers but you are wonderful human beings as well.
Picture
Here's the moment that made me appreciate Terry Ludwig Pastels the most, sanding each stick on all 6 sides by hand!
YES!  YOU DO NEED MORE PASTELS!

Here is contact information for Terry Ludwig Pastels:

Terry Ludwig Pastels
8113 W Brandon Drive
Littleton, CO 80125

www.terryludwig.com

303.795.1232
888.795.1232

Like
Terry Ludwig Pastels on Facebook
2 Comments

Necessity is the mother of…pastel packaging for workshops

7/19/2015

33 Comments

 
Picture
As a workshop teacher, the biggest problem I have had is getting my pastels to my workshop location without breaking my back or limiting what I can bring with me.  I have an excellent and HUGE pastel box made of solid wood and it's gorgeous.  But for teaching on the road, it weighs a ton and is a killer to haul up steps or for long distances.  Further, many of my students come to class with few supplies or with limited color choices.  With pastel, that can be frustrating so I often share my pastels.  Because of that, I like to take most of my collection with me.  For a few years I was limited to driving to my workshop events because of the sheer number of pastels I bring.  I like driving but sometimes it's just so much more practical to fly.  HOW DO YOU FLY WITH PASTELS?  I know some artists do it but they always have a limited set of pastels and horror stories to go with their travel stories.  I like sharing with students and I think it's important to introduce different brands so I bring as many pastels as I can with me.  

I got to thinking, would there be any way I could ship my pastels ahead of me to a workshop?  The answer is YES!   The photo below is a large chunk of what I take to workshops.  Note each box contains basically one hue arranged by value.  These boxes have lids that I fasten with strong large rubber bands.  I then put all the boxes in one or two shipping boxes and send my little friends (insured) to my workshop location a day or two in advance of my arrival.  NO BREAKAGE!  NO PROBLEMS!  Sure, there are things that could go wrong, but at least it offers me the option of flying and still having a nice collection of pastels to share.

Pros:
Lightweight
Inexpensive
Great pastel protection
Easy to ship (inside another box with some bubble wrap)
Easy to make
One could fit in a suitcase or checked baggage
Stackable and packable

So, here is what I did:
MATERIALS:

Kitchen scissors
Marker
Large strong rubber bands-I got mine at The Container Store in town
Premium Gift Boxes-I purchased high quality boxes from The Container Store, the 15 X 9.5 X 2(h) premium white gift boxes.   These are surprisingly rugged boxes (haven't had to replace one yet).  They have a glossy finish and are reasonably priced at $4.99 each.  They come in other sizes and colors as well.
1" Memory Foam Mattress Topper-This was a bit difficult to find but I ended up lucking out at Overstock.com  and found a 1-Inch Antimicrobial Memory Foam Mattress Topper for $39.00.  I got the Twin XL size and I believe I was able to complete 10 boxes with one topper.
Picture
1.  I unwrapped my mattress topper and left it out overnight.  They come tightly packed so you have to let them expand for a few hours before attempting to cut them to size.

2.  I placed one of the boxes at the corner of the mattress topper and traced the edges I needed to cut using the marker.

3.  I cut the foam to size, (2) two pieces for each box.  The foam cuts like butter with kitchen scissors.  I was amazed.  See the photo below which has a piece of foam on the bottom half of the box.
Picture
4.  With foam on the bottom you can then begin placing your pastels on top of the foam.  When you're finished, place a second piece of foam on the top and rubber band together!  You'll notice there is just enough room to close the box so it's important to use the rubber bands to make sure the lid stays on.  When I ship I put 4 rubber bands on each box, two horizontally and two vertically just to be safe.
Picture
5.  I labeled my boxes by hue.  I recommend labeling of some kind so you don't have to open the box to figure out what's in it!

6.  This kind of storage system is easy to work out of so I just plop the boxes on a table at home.  They are really easy to store.  They would also be great for small quantities of pastels.  Maybe you only need one for that plein air paint out!  Each box holds about 80 Unison sized pastels.  Isn't that amazing?

Let me know if you try this!  I'd love to hear from you.  This way of packing has saved more grief than I can put into words.  I hope it works for you too!
Picture
33 Comments

Master's Workshop Realistic Still Life in Pastel - June 2015

5/26/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

Jerry's Artarama Art Bar
Master's Workshops
Realistic Still Life in Pastel

June 26 and 27, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.



Learn to create believable, realistic still life paintings in this pastel workshop. Using a step-by-step approach to still life technique.


Click Here for more information
This workshop was a lot of fun. I enjoyed being in Raleigh, and loved meeting and spending time with my workshop students. See what a great time we had?
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Painting Pet Portraits in Pastels June 2015

5/26/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

Painting Pet Portraits in Pastels

ANAC-Association of Nebraska Art Clubs Conference
Lisa Ober will be judge and will lead a workshop(s)
June 10-13, 201
Instructor:  Lisa Ober, PSAMedium:  Pastels (Soft)
Skill level:  Beginner to advanced, drawing experience helpful
Click Here for more information.
I had a wonderful time in Nebraska! I would like to thank everyone involved in the ANAC Conference for a great weekend. Here are some photos from the workshop. Didn't we have fun?
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Painting Adult Portraits in Pastel April 2015

5/26/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

Painting Adult Portraits in Pastels

Painting Adult Portraits in Pastel
Hosted by Paint St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
April 25-26, 2015
Instructor:  Lisa Ober, PSA
Medium:  Pastels (Soft)
Skill level:  Beginner to advanced, drawing experience helpful
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Realistic Still Life in Pastel Workshop April 2015

5/26/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

Realistic Still Life in Pastel 

Hosted by Naperville Art League
April 11 and 12, 2015 Saturday and Sunday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. both days
Naperville IL



Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

    Subscribe to my mailing list

    * indicates required

    Categories

    All
    Apple
    Art Supplies
    Beatles
    Bottles
    Candy
    Coffee
    Colored Glass
    Confetti
    Food
    Fork
    Glass
    Marbles
    Metal
    Oil Painting
    Packaging
    Paint
    Pastel
    Pastel 100
    Pastel Brands
    Pastel Tips
    Pears
    Peppers
    Pets
    Pool Balls
    Popsicles
    Portraits
    Reflections
    Round Things
    Shells
    Starbucks
    Still Life
    Terry Ludwig
    Unison Pastels
    Workshops

    Lisa Ober

    Welcome!  I'm so glad you are here and I hope you find some of the information I have shared helpful.

    The Art of Lisa Ober

    Promote Your Page Too
    Picture
    Interested in taking a workshop?  Click here for a listing of where I am heading and join me for the fun!

Still Life
Pastel Portraits
Oil Portraits
​Pet Portraits
Experimental Works
About Commissions
Pricing
Commission Info (FAQ) 
Overview of the Portrait Process
​Photo Guidelines and Tips
About Lisa
​Contact  636-362-6152
Blog
​Newsletter
Workshop Overview
Workshop Schedule
​Workshop Testimonials
​Workshop Supply List (general)
Copyright 2022 Lisa Ober.  All rights reserved.  Duplication strictly prohibited.
  • Home
  • Portfolio
    • Still Life
    • Pastel Portraits
    • Oil Portraits
    • Pet Portraits
    • Experimental
  • Commissions
    • Pricing
    • Overview
    • Helpful Information (FAQ)
    • Photo Guidelines
  • About
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Workshops
    • Workshop Schedule
    • Workshop Testimonials