rusty vehicle paintings

Join Me: Art Exhibitions, Paying It Forward, and Learning

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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.

Cheers to the New Year

Caprise

A Season of Honors: Celebrating Milestones in My Pastel Journey

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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:

Awards

  • Honorable Mention – Dakota Pastel 1st Quarter Online

Juried Show Acceptances

  • 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.

  • Holmes 440 Wrecker
  • Hibernating

How fantastic it is when art beautifies spaces and supports such meaningful causes.

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My daughter, Evelyn Laurence, and I had a wonderful time at the Community Service, Inc. 13th Annual Steve Willbanks Tribute. CSI’s mission to lead in providing quality services to youth and families—empowering them to succeed in their homes, schools, careers, and communities—is truly inspiring.

The event featured a silent auction, and it was an honor to have “Mater” included. How fantastic it is when art beautifies spaces and supports such meaningful causes!

Thank you to Ray Moll for inviting us to be your guests. And congratulations to Shawn Halbrook on your well-deserved community service award!

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.