It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Terry Ludwig

The members of The Pastel Society of Victoria, Australia extend their condolences to Terry’s family. Rest in Peace, Terry.

A tribute was posted in the Terry Ludwig Pastels LLC’s Facebook account, which we share with you below

.

Remembering Terry Ludwig and His Vibrant Legacy
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Terry Ludwig, the creator of Terry Ludwig Pastels. He was 82. Terry passed on February 20, 2024, leaving an incredible artistic legacy and a profound impact on pastel art.
Terry’s infectious humor and kindness made quick friends out of strangers. He was never without a pencil and sketchpad, often drawing portraits of the many people he met.
Terry studied art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago where he received rigorous training in classic art techniques, including world-class instruction in color theory.
Terry’s pastels quickly gained recognition among artists for their exceptional quality and unparalleled richness of color. Each pastel is meticulously handcrafted, embodying Terry’s commitment to excellence and his desire to provide artists with a broader array of rich colors with a unique buttery texture. Through his pastels, Terry Ludwig brought vibrancy and depth to countless artworks, inspiring artists all over the world to push the boundaries of their own creativity.
Beyond his artistic contributions, Terry was a beloved figure within the art community. Known for his warm heart and generous spirit, he selflessly shared his knowledge and expertise with fellow artists, helping them hone their skills and develop their unique artistic voices. Terry’s workshops and demonstrations were always enthusiastic as he imparted his wisdom and encouraged others to embrace their creativity.
Terry Ludwig’s dedication to his craft was matched only by his love for his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Marie (Kapteyn) Ludwig. He is also survived by son and daughter-in-law Geoff Ludwig and Dena Zappa Ludwig, daughter Kristen Ludwig Bangs, and granddaughter Alexandra Bangs.
Terry had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. In Genesis 1:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:9 God tells us that man was originally designed to be co-managers of God’s creation. May we suggest that as you observe tonight’s sunset your thoughts think of Terry, as our earthly father sits next to our Heavenly Father, working from God’s palette.
His son Geoff now carries the torch of Terry Ludwig Pastels. He is responsible for the ongoing innovation and production of the pastel line, ensuring that the same attention to quality and craftsmanship his father established.
As we commemorate the life of Terry Ludwig, we are reminded of the profound impact he had not only through his art but in the warmth and generosity he extended to all who knew him. Terry’s legacy, while rooted in his artistic achievements, is equally defined by the deep connections he fostered and the lives he touched with his kindness.
In honoring Terry, let us cherish the memories of his infectious humor, his willingness to mentor, and the genuine care he showed to friends and strangers alike. Terry’s spirit, much like the art he loved, serves as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the power of human connection. As we say goodbye to a remarkable individual, we are encouraged to continue his legacy of nurturing creativity and building community.
Terry Ludwig’s light, though no longer with us in person, continues to guide and inspire, ensuring his influence will be felt for generations to come.

We have an exciting Program for you in 2024

Cathy van Ee demonstrating her portrait painting process

We hold monthly demonstrations throughout the year, with local, interstate and international demonstrators. In addition we conduct weekend Workshops and Paint-Away | Retreats. Go to our Program webpage for more information

Program webpage

Membership in 2024

We have a special discount of $20 off the price for New Members who join from 1 January 2024.

This offer is available to the first 50 people who join and is on until 31 March 2024.

Joining or renewing your membership to our society is easy and online.

Step 1. Fill out online the Membership Registration Form

Step 2. Proceed to pay online

Go to our Membership webpage for more information or click on the red button

.

Membership webpage

Our Postal Address has changed


Please update your records :

PO Box 2454
Mount Waverley  VIC  3149

Quick links

.
Workshop | Pastel Society of Victoria, Australia

What is Pastel and why is it such a special medium!

Pastel is a dry medium of pure pigment, the same pigment used in making all fine art paints. When a pastel painting is framed under glass, it is the most permanent of all mediums, as it has no liquid binder which may cause darkening, fading or cracking with time, as can be the case with some mediums. Pastels from the 16th Century still exist today, as fresh as the day they were painted.

Genevieve Monnier, in her book “Pastels from the 16th to the 20th Century” describes pastels as –

“…powdered colour with an infinite range of shades and gradations of unfading freshness and intensity, spanning more then 1650 nuances of the colour spectrum and peculiarly fitted for ease and rapidity of handling, immediate transcription of an emotion or idea, easily effaced, easily reworked and blended. The pigments can be rubbed in, made luminous and velvety, or given a soft and silky matness of grain. Pastel is line and colour at once. It can also be built up into rich skeins of blended lines, into rapid jottings of all colours creating a dense and brilliant texture. Pastel is a medium of unsuspected range and diversity.”

Pastel does not refer to pale colour, as the word is commonly used in fashion terminology, instead it is derived from the French worked ‘pastiche’. The pure powdered pigment is ground to a ‘paste’ with a small amount of gum binder and then rolled into sticks. The infinite varieties of colours range from soft and subtle, to bold and brilliant. In fact the luminosity of the pastel medium is a constant source of amazement amongst viewers.

Many pastel works hang in National Galleries around the world. During the 17th and 18th centuries notable artists such as Le Brun, Boucher, Lemoine, Carriera and La Tour created some of the most exquisite portraits using pastels. In the 19th and 20th centuries – Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Millet, Manet, Gauguin, Whistler, Cassatt, Picasso, Klee, Chagall and Pollock are just a few of the many familiar masters who used the pastel medium.

Become a member of

Membership Information