art workshops

Thank you to the Arkansas Pastel Society and Shirley Bowen for inviting me to hold this workshop.

For days, I prepared for my first all-day workshop, selecting the photo I would paint, planning my demonstration, deciding which materials to bring, creating handouts, and, of course, packing everything I might need.

But there was one big question: Did I bring my mojo? (something my dad used to say).

Would I be able to take what I see in my mind, put it into words, and then make my hands do what I wanted them to do? I had five hours to share my thoughts, techniques, and experiences with the students.

My goal was to share the process I developed for creating texture and the appearance of rust. Rather than complete an entire painting, I wanted to demonstrate different areas and techniques, including:

Creating the appearance of realistic rust
Giving the viewer the impression of a detailed headlight without painting every detail
Creating chrome that reflects its surroundings, the objects in front of it, and the light above
Developing the background to complement the subject
Understanding what is behind the car’s windows and create reflections

My intent was not to create a finished painting during the workshop. Instead, I wanted to demonstrate enough of the process for each student to understand the techniques and then apply them in a way that fits their own artistic style.

And what a wonderful group of students they were! Everyone arrived eager to learn, experiment, and create. The energy in the room kept me motivated throughout the day. I especially enjoyed walking around, talking with each student about their work, and hearing their thoughts as they applied the techniques.

Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to share what I have learned, but it is also an opportunity for me to learn from others. Every artist sees and approaches the creative process a little differently, and I love being part of that exchange.

It was truly an honor to spend the day with such a talented and enthusiastic group. Be sure to take some time to visit the gallery and see all of the wonderful paintings created during the workshop!

This process can be used for abstracts, anything with rust, and even sunrise and sunsets. If you have questions about my process or are interested in a future workshop, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!

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

Caprise Cooper Art

Unlock Your Mojo: Art Techniques for Rust and Texture

Teaching, Learning, and Moving out of the Comfort Zone