Enjoy the incredible portfolio of artist Lisa Ober, and be sure to visit her website for more information.
“Oddball” soft pastel on paper, 19″ x 25″
It’s 11:00 PM and I’m just getting settled in for a night of painting. Yes, you read that correctly. I’m an incurable night owl. Over the years I’ve tried to reverse my internal clock but I’ve found those silent moments, when the rest of the world is sleeping, to be the most creative and productive for me.
“Upon Closer Inspection” pastel on paper, 10″ x 26″
When I approach my paintings in those quiet hours, I keep several things in mind. I hope my portrait clients will enjoy and appreciate the experience of viewing their painting for years to come. I want my still life paintings to inspire and push my abilities further. And sometimes, I simply paint for the challenge of the process.
“Sweet Somethings” oil on panel, 14″ x 16″
What motivates me most is really not a goal. It’s more like a character flaw that drives me to attempt the unachievable. I’d like my paintings to be perfect. Oh, I know, that’s an exercise in futility, but some stubborn part of me just keeps reaching.
“I Promise Transparency” soft pastel on paper, 12″ x 9″
I won’t stop until one of my portraits begins to speak or a vase can actually be grasped and removed from the painting. Imagine!
“Turning Point” oil on linen, 18″ x 18″
I enjoy creating commissioned works which consist primarily of traditional portraits. I’ve been doing this full time for over 25 years. It keeps me busy year-round and continues to be an enjoyable aspect of my career.
“Art is the Best Medicine” soft pastel on paper, 10″ x 22″
Over the past few years, however, I have added still life painting to my endeavors. I create still life pieces for the gallery I co-own (OA Gallery in Kirkwood, Missouri) and am pushing this area further into new subjects and techniques.
“Three Amigos” Oil on canvas, 30″ x 24″
While I will always offer commissioned portraits, I am looking to focus more on my still life work. I adore the challenge of painting reflections in glass and metal and am fascinated by how light bends through and around these surfaces. It’s silly but true, I like to paint “shiny things” and I hope to paint them believably.
“New York, Old York” oil on panel, 11″ x 14″
I think my background in illustration drives me to render realistically and the “fine art” side of me intends to leave the element of the human touch in my work. I aim for believable realism with a creative, human component whether in the concept or execution of a piece.
“The Summer Set” oil on panel, 6″ x 6″
As much as I enjoy studio time, an artist has to get out too! Much of the time I am a solitary artist working in my home studio.
Artist Lisa Ober in her studio
I look forward to teaching pastel and oil workshops to both beginners and professional artists. This is a rewarding and exciting for me and I hope to add more workshops to my schedule in coming years.
“Caught in the Blinds” oil on linen, 23″ x 17″
The opportunity to get out and engage with other artists is truly uplifting and I always leave the experience having learned something new.
“Sweet Escape” soft pastel on board, 18″ x 24″
The combination of commissioned portraits, still life painting, gallery ownership and teaching are often separate paths for artists, but I think my involvement in each compliments the others and improves my skills.
Lovely work Lisa!
Thank you, Michelle!
Incredible art! I really enjoyed seeing it and will share this post on Facebook.
How thoughtful. That is most appreciated. Many thanks.
I think you have to be very diversified these days to make a good living as an artist. Your work is so fun and amazing…your skills at soft pastel blow my mind! I wish I lived closer to you, I’d definitely take your pastel class!
Hi Kathryn. That’s a good observation and at least it works for me. Sure, there are threads that connect the different things I do, but there are lots of different elements to my career. What a compliment it is to hear you say you find my work fun! My hope is that my work puts a smile on the faces of those who see it. You know, I do travel teaching workshops so maybe one day I will be near you and we can meet…whether you take the class or not. I will buy you a cup of coffee! Thanks again.
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!!! I don’t know how, but you just keep getting better all the time!
Thanks, Linda! Three “awesome’s” in one sentence is a new record. Ha ha. I appreciate the compliment.
what touch…heightened reality… outstanding…
What poetic and thoughtful compliments, Charles. Thank you so much!
Val Van Der Poel is on my Facebook page. I took my first art lessons with her for 2 years when I was 59 – from 2002 and then later on as well, among other helper- instructors. I have set up workshops for our club in Creston, B.C. Canada for many years.
I often go onto links that Val has shared to see other artist’s work from all over the world.
Your work is just so amazing!!! It is so realistic that it looks like a photo! Beautiful colours and so crisp, clear works!
Eleanor, I am so impressed you took your first art lesson at 59. That is fantastic! It is never too late. Thank you so much for the compliments. They mean a lot to me.
Really Lovely work. Impressive.
Thank you, Patti!