arkansas

An Inspiring Week at the 2026 IAPS PastelWorld Convention

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The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) PastelWorld Convention was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from June 16–21, and what an incredible week it was! More than 650 artists representing 12 countries and every U.S. state gathered to celebrate the beauty and versatility of pastel. It was an inspiring opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet artists from around the world, learn from exceptional instructors, and immerse ourselves in everything pastel. There were so many activities that it is hard to pare them down:

  • PastelWorld Exhibition – One of the week’s most prestigious events was the PastelWorld Exhibition, featuring 175 outstanding artists from around the globe. I was deeply honored that my work was accepted into this internationally juried exhibition. The PastelWorld Exhibition would not have been possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteers. Nearly 60 volunteers gave their time and talents to help make the exhibition a success—from receiving and hanging artwork to greeting visitors, assisting artists, and helping with countless behind-the-scenes tasks.
  • Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony – The convention officially kicked off with the PastelWorld Opening Reception and Artist Awards Ceremony. Awards were presented in both the Open Division and the Master Circle Division, which recognizes artists who have earned Master Circle status through consistent acceptance into juried exhibitions and award recognition. Beyond Master Circle, artists may continue earning points toward the distinguished Eminent Pastelist designation.
  • Artist Autograph Book Signing – One of my favorite traditions is the Autograph Book Signing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet artists whose work you’ve admired for years and collect signatures. I was especially honored to be included in this year’s book.
  • The “Candy Store” – The vendor hall—affectionately known as the “Candy Store.” Filled with the latest pastel brands, premium papers, tools, and accessories, it offers artists the chance to try new products before purchasing them. Needless to say, I found plenty of treasures and definitely put a dent in my wallet!
  • Fiesta Night – Fiesta Night is always a favorite event, bringing together pastel societies from around the globe for an evening of fellowship, conversation, and celebration. Each group represents their state our country in a unique way. There is even a costume contest.
  • Honors Banquet – The convention concluded with the Honors Banquet, where we celebrated our volunteers, Master Circle and Eminent Pastelists, and recognized those whose dedication has helped grow and strengthen the pastel community around the world.
  • Arkansas Proud – We had a wonderful group of artists in attendance from both the Arkansas Pastel Society and the Ozark Pastel Society. Our state had much to celebrate, with two members from each society receiving Honors Awards in the PastelWorld Exhibition. In addition, two members of the Arkansas Pastel Society are now serving on the IAPS Board, continuing Arkansas’s strong presence and leadership within the international pastel community.
  • A New Chapter – One of the most memorable moments of the convention was the announcement of the newly elected IAPS Board of Directors. I am deeply honored and humbled to have been elected Vice President of the International Association of Pastel Societies.

This is an opportunity for me to combine my business experience with my passion for art. Serving IAPS allows me to support pastel societies around the world while helping create opportunities for artists to learn, exhibit, and grow. I look forward to working alongside an outstanding board and our many dedicated volunteers as we continue to strengthen our global pastel community.

Before I wrap up, I want to give a special shout-out to my daughter. I cannot thank her enough for the countless hours and incredible effort she put into curating the PastelWorld Exhibition. She has an exceptional eye for arranging paintings in a way that not only creates a beautiful exhibition but also complements and showcases the individuality of each artist’s work. Throughout the week, we heard over and over again how beautifully the exhibition was hung.

In the Love of Art – Caprise

About The International Association of Pastel Societies – The cornerstone of IAPS is our commitment to fostering connections and facilitating the exchange of ideas. We believe that by coming together, we can elevate the art of pastel and support each other in our artistic journeys. We are s dedicated to fostering a global community of pastel artists and advocating for this unique art form.

Three Exhibitions, Countless Memories

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The past few months have been filled with creativity, connection, and several wonderful opportunities to share artwork with the community. I had the privilege of participating in three gallery exhibitions, each offering a unique experience and reminding me why I love being part of the art world. Two of those shows I experienced the joy of sharing the experiences alongside my daughter and fellow artist, Evelyn Laurence. Here are a few highlights from each event.

Architecture – Rust – Treasures: Rialto Gallery, Morrilton AR for the Month of May

It was truly an honor to bring Architecture – Rust – Treasures (ART) to the town we call home. Sharing this exhibition in Morrilton made the experience especially meaningful, allowing friends, family, and local supporters to experience the work firsthand.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was seeing visitors connect so personally with the artwork. Guests were invited to vote for a People’s Choice favorite. Evelyn’s “Oh Moo” and my “Nothing Runs Like a Deere” were selected.

A shout out to Mainstreet Morrilton for assisting us during this event!

Here are photos from the event.

In Full Color: Arts on Main, VanVuren, AR from May 5 through June 27

This exhibition showcases works by members of the Ozark Pastel Society (OPS) and Arkansas Pastel Society (APS), featuring work by artists ranging from those new to the pastel medium to those who have earned the highest honors from the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) and the Pastel Society of America.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the exhibit was the sense of community and encouragement shared among the artists. My friend and fellow artist Charles Peer expressed it beautifully:

“Each painting added to the beauty of the exhibit. One of the things I loved about our collection of work is that all the paintings, no matter if this is the artist’s first time to exhibit or their 500th, were proudly hung next to each other. This is such a beautiful visual expression of what friends’ support, encouragement, camaraderie, respect and growth looks like!”

Here are photos from the event.

Architecture – Rust – Treasures: Argent Library Gallery from March 20 through April 3, 2026

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.

Here are photos from the event.

Architecture • Rust • Treasures

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Caprise Cooper and Evelyn Laurence

(A mother and daughter exhibition.)

Rialto Community Art Center Gallery, 215 E. Broadway St., Morrilton, AR

May 4, 2026 – May 31st, 2026

Two Opportunities to Meet the Artists:

May 7, 2026, at 6:00 – 7:00 pm before the Bryan White Show

May 21, 2026, at 4:00 – 8:00 pm during the Farmer’s Market

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 Gallery is open on Saturdays 10 – 2 (call in advance).

The Rusty Vehicle Process: Exploring New Supplies: Enhancing My Artistic Process After the IAPS Convention

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Attending the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) Convention this past June was an inspiring experience. The convention buzzed with creativity and innovation, offering a unique opportunity to explore new techniques and materials. Among the various workshops and demonstrations, the vendor booths were particularly exciting. I couldn’t resist purchasing several supplies I had never used before. This blog post details my journey of incorporating these new tools into my artistic process, highlighting the challenges, benefits, and overall impact on my work.

The New Supplies

At the IAPS Convention, I acquired several intriguing supplies that piqued my interest:

  1. Royal Talens FINETEC Premium Metallic Watercolors
    • These watercolors add a shimmering effect and enhance the luminosity of the underpainting. They have brilliant colors and strong pigmentation.
  2. Terry Ludwig Elements Pastels
    • Known for their rich, creamy texture and metallic flakes, these pastels offer vibrant and unique highlights.

My Process

Incorporating these new supplies into my artistic process was both exciting!

Switching from Sanded Paper to Stretched Canvas

For this particular painting, I decided to use a stretched canvas instead of my usual sanded pastel paper. The transition started with applying gesso over an old painting, using a 6″ wide brush to create a textured surface. To avoid working on a stark white canvas, I covered it with micaceous oxide acrylic paint. This resulted in a gritty, dark gray surface with a subtle shimmer, perfect for painting rusty vehicles. A technique I learned about at Art Outfiters in Little Rock, AR.

Sketching and Underpainting

Once the canvas was prepared, I sketched out the drawing. I then used the Royal Talens Premier Metallic watercolors for an underpainting on the tractor. These metallic watercolors added a luminous base layer that would shine through the subsequent pastel layers.

Layering and Detailing with Pastels

With the underpainting complete, I began layering pastels. I started by blocking in the entire painting, ensuring I identified the darkest darks, lightest lights, and mid-tones. Working around the painting, I applied pastels with directional strokes to create texture and depth. Using a light touch with the pastels allowed the underpainting to shine through, creating a layered and nuanced effect. This technique also preserved the tooth of the canvas, enabling multiple layers of pastel to be added without overloading the surface. It was a challenge to resist focusing on all the intricate details at this stage.

For the brick building, I wanted to convey the texture of bricks without drawing each one individually. I used cake decorating tools to drag across the pastel, creating lines that suggested bricks. I then lightly blended certain areas to soften and eliminate some of the lines, achieving a balanced effect.

Next, I turned to the details of the tractor. My goal was not to capture every detail perfectly but to provide enough information for the viewer to recognize it as a tractor. Before finalizing the lighting, I added the grasses, adjusting the balance between light and dark areas to enhance the overall composition.

Adding Finishing Touches

The most fun part was using the Terry Ludwig Iridescent pastels. These pastels are incredibly rich and creamy, with a beautiful metallic flake that was perfect for highlighting the radiator of the tractor and adding orange highlights of rust. These finishing touches brought a dynamic and eye-catching quality to the painting.

Benefits and Enhancements

The Royal Talens Premier Metallic watercolors added a unique luminous quality to the underpainting, enriching the final work’s depth and vibrancy. Finally, the Terry Ludwig Iridescent pastels offered stunning highlights and metallic effects that elevated the painting’s visual appeal.

These new materials have expanded my creative possibilities, allowing me to experiment with different textures and finishes. The process of integrating these supplies also challenged me to think differently about my approach, leading to a more dynamic and layered final piece.

I encourage fellow artists, whether beginners or professionals, to step out of their comfort zones and experiment with new materials. Stay tuned for the final version of this painting and more insights on how these supplies continue to shape my art.

“Generations” A Mother and Daughter Exhibition – Take 2!

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Evelyn and I are excited to announce that “Generations” will be on display at the newly renovated Rialto Community Arts Center in Morrilton, AR. We are thrilled to be a part of bringing art back to the community where we live. We will be adding a few new pieces to the exhibit.

Opening Reception on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4 pm to 7 pm

2nd Reception on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm

Rialto Community Arts Center Gallery

215 E. Broadway Street

Morrilton, Arkansas

Generations is an exhibition that celebrates art and the special bond between mother and daughter through their love of art.  Generations is about sharing the love of art, imagination, and creativity and how this passion has been passed down through the generations of our family. 

The exhibition is a collection of old structures that have stood for generations, some of which belonged to our family.  A series of old rusty vehicles which began with a 1951 Mercury converted truck bed we found on our homestead. The other pieces demonstrate a variety of art mediums and genres, such as oil, pastel, pencil, ink, and printing, reflecting the diversity and versatility of our art.

Photos of three murals we did together at the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain are included in the exhibition.  It was an honor to be asked to use our creative talents to create these pieces at such a special place.

At four years old, Bearrett, the third-generation descendant of the Cooper family, is stepping up to the easel with his first painting “The Black Hole”. 

We hope the artwork in this exhibit, and the generations that brought it to life, find you inspired, moved, and deeply touched. 

The exhibit will be on display from May 16, 2024 – July 12, 2024.

The Gallery is open Saturday’s from 10 am to 2 pm.

Contact the Gallery for hours during the week.

“Generations” A Mother and Daughter Art Exhibition 

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Evelyn and I extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for attending our exhibition. Your support and enthusiasm made this event truly special. Meeting new people and engaging in conversations about the creative process added an extra layer of joy to the experience. Your appreciation and curiosity fuel our artistic endeavors, and we are grateful for the connections we’ve made.

Thank you for contributing to the success of our exhibition and making it a memorable journey. We look forward to more opportunities to share our art and connect with fellow art lovers in the future.

Generations is an exhibition that celebrates art and the special bond between mother and daughter through their love of art.   Generations is about sharing the love of art, imagination, and creativity and how this passion has been passed down through the generations of our family.  Included in the exhibit is a piece from my son Clayton and my grandson Bearrett Laurence, who stepped up to the easel with his first painting “The Black Hole”. 

The exhibit will be on display at the Gallery at the Argent Public Library from December 15, 2023 – January 4, 2024. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Save the Date! “Generations” A Mother and Daughter Art Exhibition.

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Opening Reception on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
(held during Argenta 3rd Friday Art Walk)
Gallery at the Argent Public Library
420 N. Main Street
North Little Rock, Arkansas

Generations is an exhibition that celebrates art and the special bond between mother and daughter through their love of art.   Generations is about sharing the love of art, imagination, and creativity and how this passion has been passed down through the generations of our family. 

The exhibition is a collection of old structures that have stood for generations, some of which belonged to our family.  A series of old rusty vehicles which began with a 1951 Mercury converted truck bed we found on our homestead. The other pieces demonstrate a variety of art mediums and genres, such as oil, pastel, pencil, ink, and printing, reflecting the diversity and versatility of our art.

Photos of three murals we did together at the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain are included in the exhibition.  It was an honor to be asked to use our creative talents to create these pieces at such a special place.

At four years old, Bearrett, the third-generation descendant of the Cooper family, is stepping up to the easel with his first painting “The Black Hole”. 

We hope the artwork in this exhibit, and the generations that brought it to life, find you inspired, moved, and deeply touched. 

The exhibit will be on display from December 15, 2023 – January 5, 2024
The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Another First – Teaching a Workshop

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Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to co-lead a workshop for the Arkansas Pastel Society members. We each spent about two hours discussing and demonstrating our techniques. Within that time the artists followed along, practicing the techniques and developing the beginning of a painting. It was so fun to work with each artist and see how they applied the techniques to their work. No two pieces were the same. I wish I had taken photos of their work.

I taught the artists how to use watercolors and salt to create interesting patterns and textures. This is a technique that I learned in a workshop I took with Frankie Johnson at Mainstreet Art Center. In the first picture in the slideshow below, you will see several small sheets of paper, each is an experiment using various salts, water, and alcohol. (My four-year-old grandson Bearrett loves experiments; he helped me create all the squares on the board.) Then we moved on to create a fish painting.

  1. Prepare the Paper: Begin with UArt Sanded Paper or any paper suitable for wet applications. Wet the paper down with either water or alcohol.
  2. Apply Watercolors: Once the paper is wet, apply watercolors. The wet paper will interact with the watercolors in a unique way, creating patterns, textures and fun drips.
  3. Experiment with Salt: Sprinkle different types of salt, such as table salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt, onto the wet watercolor. Each type of salt may create different effects and patterns as it interacts with the paint and paper.
  4. Let It Dry: Allow the paper to dry thoroughly. As it dries, the salt will absorb some of the moisture and pigment, leaving behind intriguing textures.
  5. Remove the Salt: Once the paper is completely dry, gently dust off the salt. This step reveals the textures and patterns created by the salt and watercolor.
  6. Apply Pastel: Strategically apply pastels to the paper allowing the underpainting to show through and leverage the interesting marks the salt left. In the paining of the fish, I see patterns that would make great seaweed and coral.

This technique offers a wide range of creative possibilities, from realistic nature scenes, underwater effects to abstract art. It’s a great way to experiment with texture, color, and composition in your artwork.

Debbie Strobel showed us how to use Derwent Inktense Blocks. By applying a thin layer of inktense and then using water to liquefy them. We did complimentary colors i.e., the compliment to green on the color wheel is red. They are called ink”tense”, in my mind, because the colors are in”tense” especially if you apply them with a heavy hand. Once dry, apply the pastel and allow some of the underpainting to peek through. Here are photos of my follow-along, using my new Terry Ludwig Pumpkin Spice pastel set.

Susan Hurst taught us how to do pastel underpainting. She introduced how to use Mr. Clean eraser sheets as a tool to knit/blend the colors in the sky, dab the texture in the trees, and use it to remove some pastels to create branches. I’ll say I wasn’t as productive with this one as I believe I put down too much pastel and when I went to blend, I muddied my colors. I’ll have to try this again at home.

One thing I’ve learned from attending workshops, you are there to learn a technique that you can later take back to refine and adapt to your style. If you come out with a finished piece, great, but that is not the purpose. Have fun, experiment, and try something new.

Ride of a Lifetime

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Last week, Evelyn and I completed the 1931 CORD L-29 Cabriolet mural at The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain, AR. Today at the 65th Annual Petit Jean Swap Meet and Car Show, we met up with G.O., the owner of the CORD. It was the first time she had seen the mural in person, talk about being nervous! G.O. absolutely loved the mural and said he couldn’t be more proud. G.O. brought the CORD to the show and as his son was getting ready to pull the car away from the judge’s booth, I was gifted with a ride! As you can see from the video, I was like a kid in the candy store.

When I say a ride of a lifetime, there are so many meanings; being asked to create the murals for the museum, working side by side with my daughter in the creative process, meeting so many people along the way, and the icing on the cake…the ride!

Arkansas Pastel Society and Ozark Pastel Society Non Juried Membership Show

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The Arkansas Pastel Society and the OzarkPastel Society is holding their first combined Non-Juried Member show! The show will be open to the public Tuesday, June 27 – Friday, July 21, 2023 at Thea Foundation Gallery.  You can visit the gallery Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. 501 Main Street, North Little Rock Opening Reception Pack up the family and friends and join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, July 21 at 5:00pm at Thea Foundation. We are going to pack the walls with art, live painting demos, story boards of the artist’s creative process, and the public will vote for their favorite painting! Light refreshments will be served. The reception is during the Argenta Arts District 3rd Friday Art Walk event. Check out the site for additional activities that evening. Hope to see you there! Photos will be posted after the event.