Attention animal lovers! Lisa Ober will be offering an enthusiastic hands-on workshop loaded with information and instruction for outstanding pet portraits. Unleash your love for pets and painting in a friendly atmosphere surrounded by other artists who adore animals and want to capture their personality on paper.
Lisa’s step-by-step approach to pastel painting provides an excellent foundation for your future endeavors. You won’t be overwhelmed when approaching a new subject because you will learn exactly how to approach a pastel painting.
Each student will get plenty of attention and guidance throughout the workshop. Lisa will share all her secrets for creating realistic paintings of pets, and much of what Lisa shares can also be applied to other subject matter.
Whether you are new to pastel painting or have a lifetime of experience you are sure to pick up tips, tricks, and secrets that will make your animal paintings come to life. Drawing experience is helpful but you don’t need to be a pro. Just come with a willingness to learn new things with a positive attitude and you will surprise yourself!
Topics covered
– The best pastels and surfaces for realistic pet portraits
– Lisa’s organized step-by-step approach to pastel painting
– How to apply pastel to achieve a great end result
– What to do for all black fur or all white fur
– Tons of tips and tricks to make your paintings the best they can be
– How to create your own artistic voice using Lisa’s method
– Suggestions for obtaining great pet photos
– Answers to your pastel painting questions (products, framing, application, and more)
Days 1 & 2
For the first two days students will paint from the same printed photo reference (typically a dog) supplied by Lisa unless you have taken a workshop from Lisa before*. This will keep the class on pace and help us all learn from each other. It’s not a race, but most students will have enough time and instruction to complete a pet portrait during the first two days.
As mentioned, printed photo references for days 1 & 2 are provided the day of class. If you would like to work from a tablet or phone, the image will be sent to you on the first day of class. Please remember to bring a charger. Wifi is available.
Day 3
Come prepared with a high quality color photo of YOUR favorite pet and get started on your next portrait by applying what you have learned! You will want to print your photo on glossy photo paper and have an electronic copy as well for your phone or iPad. Make sure your photo is crystal clear, in color, and details are visible…especially the eyes.
*If you have taken a workshop with Lisa before, you may work from your own photo for the entire workshop with prior approval. Please email Lisa your reference at least two weeks before the workshop. The reason for this is Lisa wants to make certain you are successful and having a clear, color photo with the proper perspective which is important to the resulting painting. Please email Lisa at lisaaober@gmail.com if you would like to do this.
Heartland Art Club Members: Enter the member discount code to get 10% off at checkout.
Forgot the discount code? Check your email first—we send members a quarterly email reminder with the member discount code. If you still can’t find it, please email us (art@heartlandartclub.org) with your name, email address, and phone number—we’ll verify your membership status and send you the code.
Not a member? Sign up here
Read the Workshop & Class Information & Policies
3 Day Workshop
When: May 22 through May 24, 2026, 9 AM to 4 PM
All three days doors will open at 8:30 and class will begin at 9:00 AM and end at 4:00 PM
Limited to 15 participants.
Location:
The Galleries at Heartland Art Club
101A West Argonne
Kirkwood, Missouri 63122
About Lisa Ober
Lisa Ober is a nationally recognized portrait and still life painter, workshop instructor, and a founder and board member of the Heartland Art Club in St. Louis, MO. Her award-winning work has been featured in publications such as The Pastel Journal and Southwest Art. She has earned numerous honors in the international Pastel 100 competition sponsored by The Pastel Journal, as well as a top award in the prestigious PastelWorld exhibition held at the IAPS Biennial Convention.
Known for clever compositions, exquisite realism, and remarkable detail, Ober’s paintings are sought after by collectors who appreciate both her technical mastery and her expressive storytelling. She delights in making pastels “behave” exactly as she envisions, continually exploring fresh and innovative approaches to the medium.
A passionate and enthusiastic teacher, Ober loves sharing the versatility, immediacy, and excitement of pastel with students of all experience levels. She is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, a Signature Member of the Heartland Art Club, and an IAPS Master’s Circle member.
Email: LisaAOber@gmail.com
Website: https://lisaober.com