I am truly blessed to live in a community where several artists reside—ten that I know of so far. Painters, potters, writers, pastelists, and artisans. This year, one of those artists invited us to gather and talk about how we might support one another. During that first meeting, I learned so much about each person’s journey and how art has shaped their lives and the lives of those around them. It was fascinating to hear how different each path was, yet how many common threads emerged: passion, a commitment to learning, a deep yearning to create, and a desire to share our experiences.
The outcome of that initial gathering was a shared agreement that we should continue meeting. Even though our mediums vary, there is so much we can offer one another across disciplines—how we work through artist’s block, the courage to try a new medium, opening our studios so we can experiment together, and opportunities for shows, just to name a few. We are still defining our purpose and even deciding on a name, but the foundation feels meaningful and strong.
I’m very much looking forward to our next meeting.
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year! Recently, I reflected on the joys and gratitude of the past year, and now I’m excited to share what’s ahead. I’m looking forward to the serendipitous moments that unfold along the way, opportunities to gather with fellow artists, plenty of experimentation, and the lessons that come with it all.
I’m honored to serve a second term as President of the Arkansas Pastel Society (APS).
I’ll also continue paying it forward by teaching at LifeQuest of Arkansas.
I’m especially excited to once again exhibit alongside my daughter in Architecture • Rust • Treasures at the Argent Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Opening Reception Friday, March 20 at 5:00pm – all are welcome.
This occurs during the Friday Art Walk in the Argenta District.
I will have a few pieces on display at Arts on Main in Van Buren, AR hosted by the Ozark Pastel Society.
Architecture • Rust • Treasures show will then move to the Rialto Gallery in Morrilton, AR
Opening Reception Thursday, May 21 at 4:00pm – all are welcome
This occurs during the First Farmer’s Market of the year.
June brings the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) convention — the biggest pastel gathering on the planet! Artists from around the world will meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a week filled with workshops, demonstrations, art supply vendors, and the Pastel World Art Show.
I’m both honored and a little nervous to serve as Exhibition Chair this year. The role includes planning, organizing, assembling a team, hanging the show, walking the exhibition with the judge, and so much more.
July is our APS Non-Juried Member Show.
November is our APS Juried Member Show and Workshop with artist Aaron Scheurr
In between it all, I’ll be spending time in the studio, with family and friends, and embracing new adventures.
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.
I’m still in awe of all the incredible things that have unfolded during the Arkansas Pastel Society’s 11th National Juried Show Opening on November 21st.
To begin with, “Holmes 440 Wrecker” received an Honorable Mention,judged by the esteemed Colette Odya Smith—an honor that deeply encourages me in my artistic journey.
I’m also thrilled to share that I have earned Signature Status with the Ozark Pastel Society (OPS). This distinction is awarded by accumulating 12 points across several achievements, including:
Participation in a non-juried OPS exhibition
Receiving awards in juried OPS exhibitions
Acceptance into Regional, National, or International multiple-media juried exhibitions
Awards in National or International multiple-media juried exhibitions
Acceptance into Regional, National, or International soft pastel juried exhibitions
Earning Signature Status with the Pastel Society of America (PSA) or Master Circle Status with IAPS
Receiving awards in Regional, National, or International soft pastel exhibitions
Serving as an OPS Officer, Board Member, or Committee Chair
Another exciting milestone: “Hibernating” was selected for the Pastel Society of America’s Landscape Member Showcase, a recognition that means so much to me.
And the momentum for “Holmes 440 Wrecker” hasn’t slowed down. This piece continues to play a pivotal role in my artistic growth, having also earned:
International Association of Pastel Societies 2025 Spring Web Show – Open Division
14th Annual PleinAir Salon
Pastel Society of Southern California 7th Annual Make Your Mark
I am truly humbled and grateful for everyone who supports my work. Now, it’s back to the studio—where I’ll continue to experiment, learn, and create with renewed inspiration.
I am deeply grateful for my family, friends, admirers, and clients who continue to support me throughout this journey. Art is my passion; it is a creative expression from my soul, a way to share how I see the world, to find beauty in the ordinary, and to evoke emotion through each painting. Your encouragement, curiosity, and thoughtful suggestions keep me inspired and help carry me through the challenging artistic moments.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.
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.”
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
Caprise Cooper Art 