Lots of Locks

[Lisa Ober]

Garth, well when it comes to a compliment that one is my favorite to hear because eyes are the most fun for me. I save the finishing touches on them until the very last. That speeds me up for the other stuff so I can get to the eyes. It's like that old ketchup commercial--waiting with anticipation for the best part. So, thanks!

Michele, I "wow" you right back on all your work, so there! Seriously, thank you. My middle name is impatience so it's nice when it pays off with a "wow." Most would say, "Idiot, you are not living up to your potential."

Jean, you reminded me today about the sharpening issue so when I went to the art supply store to buy that pastel ground I tested a few sharpeners. I found on that just might work. If it really does, I will buy you one and send it to you because it would belong in Ripley's. I'll let you know. Otherwise I am back to your method. It's so annoying using a blade. As for playing around, if you did it I am sure it wouldn't be playing. You'd master it right off the bat. Do let me know if you give it a shot. Well, off to try the new ground I applied to a board thanks to you!

[Jimmie Arroyo]

I did'nt read the other replies (not lazy, just tired) so I'm sorry if I'm repeating. This piece has a stunning classical quality to it, timeless. It's very beautiful.

[Lisa Ober]

Jimmie, what an incredibly flattering comment coming from an artist whose "Korrine" blew my mind and inspired me to try harder. You are an amazing talent. Thank you for taking the time to look at my painting. Hope you get some sleep.

[Jimmie Arroyo]

You have a great skill at capturing the innocence in children, you'd never have to thank me for "taking my time", I find it a pleasure to look at one of your new works.

Sleep? Ha! I'm actually going to step out for a short drive. Gonna pick up some fruits and sugar-free snacks. Should be back by 2:30am. Take care.

[Lisa Ober]

You're up later than I am and I thought I was the insomniac! Why such healthy snacking? You're making me look bad. I just ate potato chips.

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Just got in a little while ago. Kimberly's got us both beat with the insomnia.

I was told about a year ago to cut down on sugar, my triglycerides(sp?) were high. Doc said they were as high as an alcoholic's, which is bad because I don't drink at all. I used to drink juices all the time, never drank soda and ate a lot of sweets. A LOT.

During the sugar-free diet, I went from about 200lbs to 175lbs and don't want to put it back on. No sugar, fast food, or other high fat stuff.

I eat pizza and some sugar now, time to time because I slowly kept losing weight, so I'm just trying to maintain 175. Dieting stinks.

[David Draime]

Originally Posted by Lisa Ober

This one took me about 2 hours total. I bet the curls took up a large chunk of that 2 hours. Yes, I work very quickly which has been a flaw over the years. I think I get bored easily or perhaps when I sit down to work I am so intense I don't realize my frenzied pace.

I can't believe this only took you 2 hours!!!! I would be slaving over it for...20 times that!! OK: you have to make a video of you working on a pastel from start to finish. I'll buy it, put it in my video player, hit the super slo-mo button....and learn.

Awesome!! - that's all I can think of...

[Jean Kelly]

I should have checked the forum last night as I was up till the wee hours also, not painting though. I envy and scold you all!!

Lisa, I graciously accept your offer of a sharpener that actually works, I'm not holding my breath though, I have at least 10 different types that don't work. Two hours is phenomenal, I'd like to be a fly on your wall to just watch the pastel dust fly by.

Jean

[Lisa Ober]

David, thank you very much.. I doubt I could give you any useful information. Your "Yulia" painting made me cry and yes, I admit I saved it on my computer as inspiration of what I would like to do one day (at least in my dreams). It should be obvious to you of all people that my speed doesn't equal quality. It's just speed at his point but I hope to apply myself better as time goes on. Still, thank you for the compliment as I think you are an amazing artist.

Jean, it's a deal then. I have new pastel pencils which came sharp so I haven't really gone to town with the sharpener yet. I'm afraid I am going to be disappointed and add it to my huge pile of sharpeners as well. Maybe we should just put our heads together and invent a sharpener that works. We'd make a mint! As for being a fly on my wall, you'd be so bored unless you like loud music in which case there would be a little entertainment I suppose. Hey, I'm starting a vignette on my homemade board tonight! I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for the information on that. I'm a bit nervous...

[Elizabeth Schott]

Lisa you certainly have a lovely piece here! Contgratulations.

I think I could have spent 2 hours on one of your lovely eyes.