creativity

A Wonderful Evening at the Arkansas Pastel Society Membership Show

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Friday evening’s Arkansas Pastel Society Membership Show at Thea Foundation Gallery in North Little Rock was another wonderful success. A heartfelt thank you to Thea Foundation for hosting our event and for their continued commitment to the arts. Their mission—to fill the gaps left by underfunded school budgets and help young people build confidence, self-worth, and perspective through creative expression—is one that truly deserves recognition and support.

The exhibition featured more than 60 pastel paintings created by over 20 talented artists. Throughout the evening, the gallery was filled with lively conversation, beautiful artwork, and visitors who took the time to appreciate the incredible diversity of styles and subjects on display.

One of the highlights of the evening was watching artists Clarence Cash, Susan Hurst, and Shirley Anderson demonstrate their painting process. Visitors had the opportunity to see a pastel painting evolve from a blank sheet of paper into a nearly completed work of art—a fascinating experience for both artists and non-artists alike.

The event also included a silent auction featuring two donated paintings, as well as a hands-on pastel station where guests could experiment with the medium for themselves. It was wonderful to see so many people discover the vibrant colors and unique qualities of pastel.

Visitors were invited to vote for their favorite painting in the People’s Choice Award. Congratulations to Virginia Miller for winning with Tribute, and to Georgia Chastain, whose beautiful painting Evening at Vino’s earned a close second-place finish.

I was pleased to exhibit two of my own paintings, Nothing Runs Like a Deere and The Last Load. It’s always rewarding to share my work alongside such a talented group of artists and to visit with fellow artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts throughout the evening.

Events like these are only possible because of the many volunteers who generously give their time and energy. Thank you to everyone who helped organize, set up, greet visitors, and make the evening run so smoothly. It was especially gratifying to see so many Arkansas Pastel Society members come together to celebrate art, creativity, and our growing pastel community.

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.

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?