caprise cooper

So Many Firsts Lead to a New Process

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Since May I’ve been focused on “firsts”, said another way, trying new things. Karen Margulis, an artist that I follow and have taken her workshop says, “if you ask yourself what if, then try it.” It’s during these moments of curiosity and experimentation that I discovered a unique approach to develop my rusty vehicles. Here is my list of firsts:

  • Hosting a Plein Air Painting Event on Petit Jean Mountain, AR and a tour of my studio with the Arkansas Pastel Society.
  • Coordinating the first Arkansas Pastel and Ozark Pastel Society Member Show at Thea Foundation.
  • I created a pastel painting on Black Uart Sanded paper. I’ve never used black before.
  • I took a ride in the 1931 CORD L-29 Cabriolet of which my daughter and I painted a mural of at the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain, AR.
  • I framed paintings using the passee-partout process (placing the pastel painting directly on the glass).
  • I created a painting with pastel on black canvas.
  • I’m on YouTube providing an artist’s critique.
  • Using the edge of my palm to knit together the color of the sky vs lightly using my fingers. This knitted the colors together nicely in a large area.
  • Switching from ruled paper notebook to a drawing journal to keep notes on my entire process, swatches of the pastel I used, and sketches.
  • Taking an introduction to calligraphy (I have horrible handwriting).
  • Using Golden Fluid Acrylic – Micaceous Oxide to cover a white canvas.
  • Using iridescent watercolors for an underpainting.

It is the combination of a canvas, micaceous oxide, iridescent watercolor underpainting, and pastels that allowed me to create a new approach to my rusty vehicle series. The micaceous oxide created a metallic sheen, mimicked the reflective qualities of rust and metal surfaces. The iridescent watercolor underpainting created a shimmering effect that added a unique visual dimension. The contrast between the iridescence and the rust textures produced an interplay of light and shadow.

The First Combined Membership Show

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The atmosphere at the combined Member show hosted by the Arkansas Pastel Society and the OzarkPastel Society on Friday, July 21, 2023, was electric. Taking place at Thea Foundation Gallery in conjunction with the Argenta Arts District  3rd Friday Art Walk  event, the evening was filled with creativity and excitement.

A total of 40 talented artists participated in the show, showcasing a remarkable collection of 74 pieces of art. The variety of styles and subject matters represented the diverse range of talent within the pastel community.

The event was not just about showcasing finished works; it also aimed to educate and engage the audience. Live demonstrations were held throughout the evening, allowing attendees to witness the process of creating a pastel painting firsthand. It provided a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to gain insight and inspiration from the artists themselves.

To further enhance the visitor’s experience, display boards were strategically placed around the gallery. These boards explained the various techniques and materials used in creating pastel paintings. Guests could learn about the different types of pastels, papers, and surfaces.

In addition to the impressive artwork, this event marked the inaugural year of the “People’s Choice Award.” This award allowed guests to actively participate in the show by voting for their favorite piece. A total of 317 guests took part in this interactive element of the exhibition.

It was fascinating to observe the guests as they studied each artwork, carefully making notes and engaging in discussions about the pieces with fellow attendees. The level of enthusiasm and interest shown by the guests was inspiring.

The opportunity to vote for their favorite piece was truly appreciated by the attendees. It provided them with a sense of ownership and involvement in the art community. The act of voting allowed each guest to have a voice and express their personal preferences.

The winner of the “People’s Choice Award” is:

Margi Tucker

Ozark Pastel Society

Raven Feather

I was honored that “Glisten” (snow/pines) received votes from the public that put it in their 4th place choice. It’s a great achievement to have your work recognized and appreciated by the viewers.

The show is now closed; however, I hope you enjoy this slide show of the day we hung the show and the reception.

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.

Arkansas Pastel Society – Paint Out

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On Saturday, June 3rd, ten artists from the Arkansas Pastel Society spent the afternoon Plein Air painting on Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas. Plein Air is a French phrase meaning “in the open air” and describes the process of painting a landscape outdoors. What better place than Petit Jean Mountain State Park.

We gathered for breakfast at Mather Lodge, I missed a photo opportunity. Then we headed out to paint around Pavilion A & B, Davies Bridge, and Lake Bailey. We were fortunate enough to have a Bald Eagle watch us from a nearby tree.

Some of the artists had a the opportunity to visit other areas of the park and take photos, possibly for future paintings.

After we finished painting, I had the honor to have the artists come by my studio to cool off, catch up on the day, share art tips, and enjoy each other’s company. It was a resounding yes to make this an annual event.

I’ve included the four 20 – 30-minute sketches I started today. I may work them some more in the studio.

Thank you all for an amazing day!!

Where else can you take a piece of a museum exhibit home with you!

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Celebrating Mother’s Day at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. This was our first trip to the museum which just celebrated the grand opening of their newly renovated space. Just like any fine art museum, there were watchful eyes at every door ensuring the visitors did not get too close to the artwork, did not have open drinks, food, etc. Imagine our surprise when we came upon a piece by Felix Gonzales-Torres “Untitled” which had a sign above it, “Please take only one”. Really, you can take a piece from the exhibit. My daughter (also an artist) said I’m not taking one without asking a guard. So, I proceeded to find a guard and ask them. With a great chuckle he responded, I know we tell you please don’t touch anything, then you see this sign…. yes you can each take a piece. Bearrett said, “I love paper”. He is an artist in the making!

I was pleased to see pieces from some of the well-known artists, O’Keeffe, Degas, Rembrandt, Monet, as well as local artists. The artwork was diverse, showcased multiple mediums, and well displayed. They even had a few pastels! We also enjoyed the Hungry Caterpillar puppet play for the children.

If you are in the Little Rock area, it is worth a visit!

Arkansas Pastel Society Non-Juried Member Show

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We have been invited again to exhibit our work at the Thea Foundation Gallery. If you are not familiar with the Thea Foundation and their work, please visit their website theafoundation.org for more information. 

We are excited to announce we have invited the Ozark Pastel Society to join us for this show.

The Arkansas Pastel Society in conjunction with the Ozark Pastel Society will be on display at the Thea Foundation in North Little Rock from Tuesday, June 27 through Friday, July 21, 2023. You can visit the gallery Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Thea Foundation

401 Main Street

North Little Rock

Please join us at the Opening Reception and Art Walk

The Opening Reception is Friday, July 21 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The reception will coincide with the 3rd Friday Argenta Art Walk featuring walkable galleries, restaurants, and shops in downtown North Little Rock in the Argenta Arts District.

I hope to see you there!

My Journey

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My bio provides a high-level view of my background, yet there is much more.  I thought I would share with you, my journey.  My mom would tell me she could sit me down with crayons and a coloring book and I would be entertained for hours.  I remember going through so much tape, glue and paper making 3D farms and homes for my play animals.  I also remember cutting the outfits of her cherished stuffed animals because I needed felt.

During one of my visits with my grandmother, I noticed she was always doodling. I asked her to make a drawing for me (I still have it). I would create copies of that drawing over and over, each time getting a little better.

Through Jr. High and High School, I continued expanding my knowledge of mediums, ink, printmaking, sculpture, and more. However, my favorite thing to do was draw horses.

One day a friend of my mother’s was over, and I was showing her my art. She suggested that I look into Studio in The Woods in Wauconda, IL. Just so happens that school was 10 minutes from my home. At the age of sixteen, I signed up for classes and continued my studies there for eight years. All while going to college at night for my associate degree in Fine Art from the College of Lake County, working full time, and being newly married. I can’t say enough good things about my instructor/mentor at Studio in The Woods, Bonnie Anderson, and the influence she has had on my approach to this day.

After a 20-year break to raise my family, I returned to study art at Mainstreet Art Center in Lake Zurich, IL. To my surprise, Frankie Johnson, former instructor at The Studio in the Woods owned the Center. I was flooded with memories and just stepped right back into my rhythm. Thank you to Jan Bergland, my instructor, during my four years at the studio.

A little over two years ago, we moved to Arkansas, and I built a studio where I now have a dedicated space to spread out and create.

There is still the question, where did the talent come from before me? Where in my blood line? Bless my grandmother who inspired me, however, she is my step grandmother. My father would doodle once and a while. In the last 10 years or so I learned that my grandfather (father’s father) was a painter, as well as many extended family members on my father’s side were artists and art teachers! I’m thankful that my daughter has also inherited this talent and all the opportunities we get to collaborate.

So that is my journey, and it is not over yet. Let me know if you have questions and thank you for coming along with me.

How did the Rusty Vehicle series get started?

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A few years ago, we purchased some additional property that connected to ours. As we hiked the property, we stumbled across two rusty vehicles. A 1951 Mercury Coupe that had been altered with a Chevrolet truck bed and a 1970 Rambler. The Mercury was nestled in the woods with the sunlight filtering through the trees, across the ground, and up the side of the car. I was fascinated by the light, chrome, and rusty colors. Not to mention, I love old cars. I thought to myself, I need to try and paint that. Where do I begin, I’ve never painted a vehicle before. I had to remind myself of the basics of drawing, don’t think of it as a car, but rather shapes, values, and color.

I absolutely fell in love with creating the textures and rich multi-colors of rust and chrome. Now don’t get me wrong, I certainly faced some challenges, like I painted the glass three times before I got it right. I had so much fun, that I’ve been working on a series of rusty vehicles ever since.

A few of the pieces are still available for purchase through my on-line gallery.

Sharing my passion with the littles.

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I had the wonderful opportunity to host four children from the ages of 18months to 7 years old in my studio this week. Their parents and grandmother joined in for the fun. Along with these guests, my daughter and her young son joined in. My daughter is also an accomplished artist, and I was grateful for her extra hands and sharing of knowledge.

We set up stations so the children could try pastels, acrylics, watercolors, markers and create a Christmas Ornament. It was so fun watching them experiment with different papers, textures, and mediums. They created so many wonderful and imaginative pieces over the course of several hours. There could be some promising Picasso’s in the bunch!

A shout out to the families for allowing me to share my passion.