"Side by Side" with Thomas Hardcastle and Bobbi Balderman

Thomas Hardcastle grew up in Ventura County, attending Villanova and later Ventura College, where he studied art. His artistic appetite whetted, at 23 he moved to the artist inspired community of Ojai. His love was art, but supported himself working as a hairdresser.

It was in the salon where he had the pivotal opportunity to style decorated artist Jennifer Moses’ hair. Moses rarely took on students, but she made an exception for Hardcastle. Years later, Hardcastle continues studying, as he recognizes that there’s always more to learn!

Across his wide body of work, you’ll notice combinations of oil, pastel, and collage. He selects the medium that best portrays the painting’s focus, in alignment with the subject matter. For example, he uses oil for a more three dimensional result.

He switches his medium from piece to piece, and always creates series of works. His subject matter changes: he’s always done landscapes and, more recently, has been creating a spectacular series of rare, classic cars. Hardcastle is at home creating large works of art, painted either on location or from photos. He feels that artists are entertainers, that art is not just for the artist but also for the viewer. Enjoy!

Bobbi Balderman had a serendipitous event as a student at UCLA. On track to graduate as a medical illustrator, UCLA stopped offering that degree. So she switched to graphic design, and later started her own award-winning graphic design company.

Balderman’s passion for art might be the only thing that is at a slower pace! While a single mom raising two kids, she taught college-level graphic design, owned her company, and even wrote a book! When things calmed down a little, she raced sailboats.

Balderman retired about a decade ago and took a pastel class – with Thomas Hardcastle! True to her nature, she immersed herself in art, progressing rapidly. Eventually she and Hardcastle both became students in a pastel group.

Balderman studies under Ojai’s Bert Collins. The rest of the week she creates landscapes, seascapes, or her latest inspiration. Balderman’s subject matter is wide, like her many interests!