Author: clcooper3

Architecture – Rust – Treasures Exhibition

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It is an honor to exhibit once again with my daughter, Evelyn Laurence. We’ve been working hard for the last two years to prepare for this show. We cordially invite you to attend the Opening Reception and help us celebrate!

Where: Argenta Library Gallery, 420 Main Street, North Little Rock

When: Meet the Artists at the Opening Reception, March 20, 2026, at 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Architecture, Rust, Treasures (ART) is an exhibition that explores the wonders of nature and the hidden treasures found within the landscapes that connect us. This collection reflects a shared passion for discovering lost, weathered, reclaimed subjects and reimagining them as something new.

ART is a mother-and-daughter exhibition that celebrates the beauty hidden in our world, from forest finds to overlooked architectural details. Through a variety of compositions and subjects, the artists express a deep appreciation for history, transformation, and the stories objects and places hold over time.

The exhibition features imagery of old structures that have existed for generations, some of which once belonged to our own family. A series of works inspired by rusted vehicles began with a 1951 Mercury converted truck bed discovered on our homestead. The collection moves across pastel, pencil, ink, and acrylic, reflecting the richness and versatility of our artistic voices.

Representing the next generation is seven-year-old Bearrett Laurence, the third-generation descendant of the Cooper family.  He will be exhibiting in this show with his third painting, marking the continuation of a family tradition rooted in creativity.

ART is a celebration of imagination, craftsmanship, and the special bond between mother, daughter, and grandson, illustrating how a love of art is passed down through generations. We hope this exhibition—and the stories behind it—leave you inspired, moved, and deeply touched.

The show runs through March 20, 2026 – April 3, 2026. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. Except March 30th and 31st.

Grateful for the Spotlight: A Feature on My Rusty Art

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It was both an honor and a humbling moment when my friend and fellow artist, Jean Lewis, asked to feature my rusty art in her monthly newsletter. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to share the full article here.

I first met Jean several years ago when she entered the Arkansas Pastel Society National Show. We quickly connected — not only through our shared love of art, but also through our Chicago roots. Jean is a native Chicagoan, and I was born in Chicago and raised in the suburbs, which made our connection even more meaningful.

Since then, Jean has joined the Arkansas Pastel Society, and whenever she has a painting included in one of our exhibitions, she makes the trip to be part of it. Her dedication to her work and to the art community is inspiring. I highly encourage you to visit her website and explore her beautiful work.

Thank you, Jean, for your support and friendship.

A Community Rooted in Creativity

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I am truly blessed to live in a community where several artists reside—ten that I know of so far. Painters, potters, writers, pastelists, and artisans. This year, one of those artists invited us to gather and talk about how we might support one another. During that first meeting, I learned so much about each person’s journey and how art has shaped their lives and the lives of those around them. It was fascinating to hear how different each path was, yet how many common threads emerged: passion, a commitment to learning, a deep yearning to create, and a desire to share our experiences.

The outcome of that initial gathering was a shared agreement that we should continue meeting. Even though our mediums vary, there is so much we can offer one another across disciplines—how we work through artist’s block, the courage to try a new medium, opening our studios so we can experiment together, and opportunities for shows, just to name a few. We are still defining our purpose and even deciding on a name, but the foundation feels meaningful and strong.

I’m very much looking forward to our next meeting.

Join Me: Art Exhibitions, Paying It Forward, and Learning

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Wishing you all a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year! Recently, I reflected on the joys and gratitude of the past year, and now I’m excited to share what’s ahead. I’m looking forward to the serendipitous moments that unfold along the way, opportunities to gather with fellow artists, plenty of experimentation, and the lessons that come with it all.

  • I’m honored to serve a second term as President of the Arkansas Pastel Society (APS).
  • I’ll also continue paying it forward by teaching at LifeQuest of Arkansas.
  • I’m especially excited to once again exhibit alongside my daughter in Architecture • Rust • Treasures at the Argent Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.
    • Opening Reception Friday, March 20 at 5:00pm – all are welcome.
    • This occurs during the Friday Art Walk in the Argenta District.
  • I will have a few pieces on display at Arts on Main in Van Buren, AR hosted by the Ozark Pastel Society.
  • Architecture • Rust • Treasures show will then move to the Rialto Gallery in Morrilton, AR
    • Opening Reception Thursday, May 21 at 4:00pm – all are welcome
    • This occurs during the First Farmer’s Market of the year.
  • June brings the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) convention — the biggest pastel gathering on the planet! Artists from around the world will meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a week filled with workshops, demonstrations, art supply vendors, and the Pastel World Art Show.
    • I’m both honored and a little nervous to serve as Exhibition Chair this year. The role includes planning, organizing, assembling a team, hanging the show, walking the exhibition with the judge, and so much more.
  • July is our APS Non-Juried Member Show.
  • November is our APS Juried Member Show and Workshop with artist Aaron Scheurr

In between it all, I’ll be spending time in the studio, with family and friends, and embracing new adventures.

Cheers to the New Year

Caprise

A Season of Joy and Gratitude

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This is the time of year to pause and reflect. As I look back on the past year, I think about my art journey and ask myself some important questions: What did I paint? Did I try anything new? Did my work grow? And did I give back to my art community?

Experimenting & Learning

Experimentation continues to be a driving force in my work. While painting on canvas works well and helps me use the many canvases I have on hand, I’ve realized it doesn’t always produce the results I’m looking for.

One big win this year was priming paper with micaceous iron oxide acrylic and terra cotta pastel ground. The warmth and texture are a beautiful complement to the green landscapes I love to create.

I also discovered that both metallic watercolors and metallic acrylics work well for the underpainting of the truck, adding depth and interest early in the process.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is knowing when to step back. When I reach the end of a painting, it’s important to give it time to breathe and not rush to call it finished.

Giving Back

Giving back to the art community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year.

  • Sharing what I’ve learned with members of the Ozark Pastel Society and the Arkansas Pastel Society
  • Teaching at LifeQuest of Arkansas
  • Serving as President of the Arkansas Pastel Society

Each of these experiences brings me great joy. I learn so much from the artists I interact with, and teaching and leadership continually reinforce and strengthen my own skills.

Accomplishments

Winning awards is certainly an acknowledgment that the work I’m producing is strong—in composition, value, color, ability to draw the viewer in, and whatever else a judge may see. I’ve learned to soak in those moments, appreciate it, and then continue painting.

Not every painting can be a winner. Some end up in the trash or painted over entirely—and that’s okay. We are always learning.

My Favorite Paintings This Year

I get the most joy from painting scenes that capture a fleeting moment—ones that stir emotion, spark a memory, and invite the viewer into a quiet conversation with the scene.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Your support and encouragement are powerful motivators, and I’m grateful to share this path with you.

  • Holmes 440 Wrecker
  • Nothing Runs Like a Deer
  • Rubiginous
  • I Remember When It Was New
  • Cotton Gin

Close Up of Holmes 440 Wrecker to See Details

A Season of Honors: Celebrating Milestones in My Pastel Journey

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I’m still in awe of all the incredible things that have unfolded during the Arkansas Pastel Society’s 11th National Juried Show Opening on November 21st.

To begin with, “Holmes 440 Wrecker” received an Honorable Mention, judged by the esteemed Colette Odya Smith—an honor that deeply encourages me in my artistic journey.

I’m also thrilled to share that I have earned Signature Status with the Ozark Pastel Society (OPS). This distinction is awarded by accumulating 12 points across several achievements, including:

  • Participation in a non-juried OPS exhibition
  • Receiving awards in juried OPS exhibitions
  • Acceptance into Regional, National, or International multiple-media juried exhibitions
  • Awards in National or International multiple-media juried exhibitions
  • Acceptance into Regional, National, or International soft pastel juried exhibitions
  • Earning Signature Status with the Pastel Society of America (PSA) or Master Circle Status with IAPS
  • Receiving awards in Regional, National, or International soft pastel exhibitions
  • Serving as an OPS Officer, Board Member, or Committee Chair

Another exciting milestone: “Hibernating” was selected for the Pastel Society of America’s Landscape Member Showcase, a recognition that means so much to me.

And the momentum for “Holmes 440 Wrecker” hasn’t slowed down. This piece continues to play a pivotal role in my artistic growth, having also earned:

Awards

  • Honorable Mention – Dakota Pastel 1st Quarter Online

Juried Show Acceptances

  • International Association of Pastel Societies 2025 Spring Web Show – Open Division
  • 14th Annual PleinAir Salon
  • Pastel Society of Southern California 7th Annual Make Your Mark

I am truly humbled and grateful for everyone who supports my work. Now, it’s back to the studio—where I’ll continue to experiment, learn, and create with renewed inspiration.

  • Holmes 440 Wrecker
  • Hibernating

Giving Thanks

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I am deeply grateful for my family, friends, admirers, and clients who continue to support me throughout this journey. Art is my passion; it is a creative expression from my soul, a way to share how I see the world, to find beauty in the ordinary, and to evoke emotion through each painting. Your encouragement, curiosity, and thoughtful suggestions keep me inspired and help carry me through the challenging artistic moments.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

Announcement

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I’m excited to share that I’ve joined the Board of Directors of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS)!

I’m truly honored for the opportunity to help further IAPS’s mission of fostering a global community of pastel artists and advocating for this unique art form. This appointment allows me to blend my art and business experience while giving back to the community that has deeply inspired and supported my own artistic journey.

I look forward to serving fellow artists and continuing to champion the beauty and power of pastels.

Teaching, Learning, and Moving out of the Comfort Zone

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Last year, I took a step into something new — teaching demos, workshops, and classes. I started small with an underpainting workshop alongside two fellow artists, then moved into teaching a class for LifeQuest of Arkansas. More recently, I was invited to give a demo followed by a mini workshop for the Ozark Pastel Society. Finally, next week I will do a demo for the Arkansas Pastel Society.

What I’ve discovered is that I absolutely love this new role. There’s a unique thrill in watching students explore, experiment, and create — seeing the sparks of discovery, the breakthroughs, and the joy on their faces when something clicks. Sharing ideas side by side, swapping stories, and learning new approaches live and up close creates an energy that just can’t be replicated through a screen. And it’s never one-sided. While students learn from me, I learn just as much from them. It’s a true win-win.

In each of my classes, I introduced techniques that many of the artists had never been exposed to – like my “rusty truck” process. They were brave in their experimentation, diving in wit curiosity and a willingness to try something news. More than once, they surprised themselves with restuls they never though possible. Of cours, there were also moments of frustration, but those frustrations created breakthroughs toward growth.

Teaching has become more than just a new experience for me; it’s a way to share the joy of art, to learn alongside others, and to celebrate the magic that happens when creativity is explored together.

One of the biggest honors came when I attended the Ozark Pastel Society non-juried art show and saw paintings by three of my workshop students on display. To witness their courage in putting their work out into the world — and knowing I had played a small part in their creative journey — was incredibly rewarding.

  • LifeQuest
  • OPS
  • Gallery Show

A Wonderful Evening at the 2025 OPS Member’s Exhibition

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What a beautiful night at the 2025 Ozark Pastel Society Members’ Exhibition, hosted at ACHE in Fort Smith! The staff did a phenomenal job with every detail—hanging the artwork, arranging delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, setting the mood with music, and welcoming guests with the sparkle of Sissy’s Log Cabin Fine Jewelry.

The exhibition showcases 98 paintings by 26 talented OPS members, and I was honored to have four of my own pieces included.

It was also a wonderful surprise and a true honor to see paintings created during the Rust Workshop I taught for OPS artists now hanging in the exhibition. Watching those works come to life in class and then take their place in the gallery was deeply rewarding.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed watching live demos by Diana Harshbarger, Burneta Venosdel, and Susan Hurst, each creating beautiful pastel works while chatting with visitors. The hands-on pastel table, hosted by Jeanette Foreman and Julie Mayser, was a constant hub of creativity and fun. A big congratulations goes to our own Anne Parat, who won the $1,400 jewelry bracket from Sissy’s Log Cabin!

Special recognition also goes to our award winners:

  • People’s Choice Award: Randall Kronblad for On the Way to Evening
  • Julie Mayser’s Painting: Field of Dreams

If you haven’t seen the show yet, there’s still time! The exhibition will be open to the public through November 18 in the West Gallery at ACHE, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, AR (479-434-4400).

A heartfelt thank you to all the OPS members who worked so hard to make this event such a success.

  • Hands on Table
  • One of the paintings created in the workshop I taught.