creativity

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

UPDATE: The Journey of Artistic Growth: A Year in Juried Shows and a Special Award

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As an artist, one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice is the opportunity to participate in juried shows—both online and in-person. Every year, I submit my work to a variety of competitions and exhibitions, where my art is evaluated alongside that of many talented peers. For me, simply being accepted into these shows is an honor in itself.

In some cases, these competitions feature over 100 artists and hundreds of pieces of artwork, all vying for attention. With so much talent on display, the process of being selected feels like an affirmation that my art is heading in the right direction. It reassures me that I am continuing to grow, both in my skills and in my ability to connect with viewers—whether that’s the show jurors or the audience who sees my work for the first time.

But, of course, not every submission results in an acceptance. And that’s okay. At the heart of my creative process is passion, and no rejection can ever take that away. For me, art is about self-expression, discovery, and the joy of creation. Whether or not my pieces are selected, the act of making art is always a rewarding experience in itself.

April 18 A Pinch Me Moment: Juried into IAPS 2025 Spring Web Show – 46th Open Division

I am thrilled to announce that my painting, Holmes 440 Wrecker, has been accepted into an International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) juried exhibition! For those unfamiliar, IAPS unites pastel societies worldwide to support and promote the fine art of pastels. Being selected for such a prestigious international show is both an honor and a significant milestone in my artistic journey.

While I did not receive an award in this particular exhibition, the acceptance itself is a testament to the quality and appeal of my work. Each acceptance into an IAPS juried exhibition earns one point toward the IAPS Master Circle designation. To achieve this honor, artists must accumulate five points, which can be earned through acceptances and awards in IAPS juried exhibitions.

Achieving Master Circle status is a significant accomplishment, and I am excited to be on the path toward this goal. While it may take time to accumulate the necessary points, each step forward is a rewarding experience that fuels my passion for pastel painting.

Thank you to IAPS for this incredible opportunity, and to all who have supported me along the way.

A Special Achievement: Honorable Mention in the Dakota Pastels First Quarter Competition

This year has been particularly exciting, as I received an Honorable Mention for my painting Holmes 440 Wrecker in the Dakota Pastels First Quarter Competition. It was a humbling experience to have my work recognized among so many other talented artists.

If you’d like to see the full show, you can explore all the incredible work on display https://www.dakotapastels.com/…/2025-First-Quarter…

Red Rock Pastel Society of Nevada – Yellow: Get Out of Dodge was juried into the show.

I will continue to update this posting as I obtain the results from future show entries.

Thank you always for your continued support.

Artistic Growth and Plans for 2025

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First, I want to thank all those who have supported my journey. This includes my husband, family, fellow artists, instructors, and others who engage with me on social media. Your encouragement, constructive critiques that help me grow, and interest in my process motivate and inspire me.

Here is a look back on 2024:

  • The highlight of my year was attending the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) convention in New Mexico. This magical event brought together over 500 artists from across the globe. There were workshops, networking opportunities, and an art supply store. It was also my first trip to New Mexico.
  • I purchased several new art supplies at IAPS, some of which I’d never used before. Experimenting with these has been exciting and has enhanced my technique for painting rusty vehicles.
  • My daughter and I showcased our “Generations” art exhibition at the Rialto Gallery in Morrilton, Arkansas. It was also held at Argent Gallery in North Little Rock in December 2023.
  • My painting “Mater” was auctioned off at the Community Service Inc. annual charity event. It was an honor to donate this painting for such a worthy cause.
  • I attended a workshop by Nancie King Mertz and have been practicing the valuable techniques I learned.
  • My daughter and I collaborated on a mural at a private home featuring the Arkansas Razorback – “Woo Pig Sooie.”
  • I served as the Exhibition Chair for the Arkansas Pastel Society.
  • One of my goals was to salvage two “dud” paintings from a 2023 workshop. This exercise was both challenging and rewarding.

Reflecting on the past year has provided valuable insights that will guide me as I plan for 2025. The best part? I am now retired from the corporate world, allowing me more time to paint!

  • Serve as President of the Arkansas Pastel Society (APS).
  • Plan, paint, and prepare for the next mother-and-daughter show in March 2026.
  • Continue teaching one-on-one art sessions, which I began in December 2024.
  • Volunteer to teach two one-day sessions for LifeQuest of Arkansas.
  • Expand my rusty vehicle series, experimenting with textures and new materials.
  • Explore the idea of creating an abstract painting inspired by the unique rock formations on Petit Jean Mountain. These formations share qualities with the colors and textures of my rusty art. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

What are you most excited about in your plans for 2025?