I had an absolutely wonderful time with the artists of the Pastel Society of Mississippi!

I spent the morning sharing the story behind why I paint rusty things, what first inspired me to explore them as a subject, how my process for creating the look and texture of rust has evolved, and how I’ve been narrowing my focus toward what I’m calling Portraits of Rusty Things.

Then, in the afternoon, 16 artists took what they learned in the morning and made it their own. Each artist brought their own style, techniques, and approach to pastel to the process.

I loved walking around the room and working with each artist as their paintings developed. It was so much fun watching their ideas take shape and seeing how differently each person interpreted the techniques. We shared tips, tricks, ideas, and tools of the trade, and these artists created some amazing pieces in just three hours!

One of the other special parts of the day was getting to meet people I had previously only known through social media. There is something wonderful about finally putting a face and a voice with a name you’ve seen online and getting to spend time creating together in person.

It is truly an honor and privilege to share what I’ve learned with other artists. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the artists who generously shared their knowledge, techniques, encouragement, and experience with me along the way.

That’s what it’s all about—paying it forward.

I absolutely love teaching, but even more than that, I love seeing artists take an idea, make it their own, and discover where it can take them.

And, of course, a huge thank you to Mandy for taking me all around the Mississippi backroads in search of rusty treasures for future paintings!

Thank you to the Pastel Society of Mississippi for such a wonderful day of creativity, connection, and sharing the love of pastel!

It has been about three years since I painted with oils. I shouldn’t have waited so long. The reason I like to paint at least one oil a years is because it ensure that I keep up with my color mixing skills. Unlike pastels, where I can simply pick up a stick in the exact color and value I need, oil painting requires me to create those colors first. As a pastelist, I’m used to layering multiple hues or lightly blending, but it’s not quite the same as physically mixing paint on a palette.

That first oil painting was a struggle. Even the basic act of painting felt different. Instead of working directly with my fingers, I now had a brush in hand. The mark-making changed completely, using the bristles to move a wet medium across the surface versus the dry, tactile experience of pastels.

I found myself asking new questions: How thick should the paint be? Should I apply it lightly or press in more? In some ways, that decision-making overlaps with pastel work, but the medium responds differently, and I had to learn that through trial and error.

The hardest adjustment, though, was patience, waiting for the paint to dry before moving on to the next layer. With pastels, there’s an immediacy I’ve grown to love, a kind of instant gratification when things are going well.

By the time I completed my third oil painting, I was starting to feel more comfortable, more confident, even. And with that, I packed up my oil paints again…next time I won’t wait three years.

The Petit Jean Mountain Art Guild recently gathered for our second meeting, and once again, I was reminded how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such a rich community of artists and crafters here on the mountain.

There’s something special about coming together, sharing stories, techniques, and the passion that fuels each of us in our creative journeys. No two artists approach their work the same way, and that’s what makes these gatherings so inspiring. Each conversation opens the door to a new way of seeing and creating.

During this meeting, we explored the art of Shibori, a hands-on and beautifully unpredictable dyeing technique. The magic lies in the experimentation—using everyday items like marbles, popcorn kernels, rubber bands, and more to manipulate fabric and create one-of-a-kind patterns. Each piece revealed its own surprise, a reminder that creativity often thrives when we let go of control and embrace the unexpected.

Watching the process unfold sparked a thought: what if I brought this idea into my own work? Could I apply a Shibori-inspired approach to canvas, layering paint over texture and pattern to create something entirely new? It’s an exciting possibility—one that invites play, curiosity, and discovery.

Whether it’s painting, cooking, gardening, or any creative pursuit, there’s joy in trying something new—especially when there’s no pressure for perfection. Just the freedom to explore.

Until next time, I hope you find joy in experimenting with what you love.

Evelyn and I would like to thank everyone who stopped by our mother/daughter show, Architecture – Rust – Treasures. It was truly a pleasure to share our work and artistic journey with all who attended. We were especially touched by the conversations we had throughout the exhibit—hearing how certain pieces resonated with you, what captured your attention, and the curiosity behind how each work came to life. Those exchanges add new meaning and energy to what we create, and we’re so grateful for that connection.

If you were unable to attend, you can explore our online galleries here:

Caprise Cooper Gallery of Original Fine Art – Rusty Vehicles and Landscapes

Evelyn Laurence Gallery of Original Fine Art – Architecture, Animals, and Mushrooms

Some insider information – This show will be at the Rialto Gallery in Morrilton AR in May and June. Stay tuned for details.

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.