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Celebrate Pastel Art at the Arkansas Pastel Society Membership Show
A Wonderful Day with the Pastel Society of Mississippi
I had an absolutely wonderful time with the artists of the Pastel Society of Mississippi! I spent the morning sharing the story behind why I paint rusty things, what first inspired me to explore them as a subject, how my process for creating the look and texture of rust has evolved, and how I’ve…
Unlock Your Mojo: Art Techniques for Rust and Texture
Thank you to the Arkansas Pastel Society and Shirley Bowen for inviting me to hold this workshop. For days, I prepared for my first all-day workshop, selecting the photo I would paint, planning my demonstration, deciding which materials to bring, creating handouts, and, of course, packing…
Wonderful Evening at the Arkansas Pastel Society Membership Showost
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…
An Inspiring Week at the 2026 IAPS PastelWorld Convention
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.
The Biggest Pastel Party On The Planet!
In 17 days The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) is hosting the biggest pastel party on the planet in Albuquerque, NM from June 16th – 21st. If you are in the area, the PastelWorld Exhibit is open to the public. This exhibit will showcase nearly 170 artist from across the globe!
Three Exhibitions, Countless Memories
The past few months have been filled with creativity, connection, and several wonderful opportunities to share artwork with the community. I had the privilege of participating in three gallery exhibitions, each offering a unique experience and reminding me why I love being part of the art world.
Pastels vs. Oils: A Shift in Process and Perspective
It has been about three years since I painted with oils. I shouldn’t have waited so long. The reason I like to paint at least one oil a years is because it ensure that I keep up with my color mixing skills. Unlike pastels, where I can simply pick up a stick in the exact color and value I need, oil…
Architecture • Rust • Treasures
Caprise Cooper and Evelyn Laurence (A mother and daughter exhibition.) Rialto Community Art Center Gallery, 215 E. Broadway St., Morrilton, AR May 4, 2026 – May 31st, 2026 Two Opportunities to Meet the Artists: May 7, 2026, at 6:00 – 7:00 pm before the Bryan White Show May 21, 2026, at 4:00 – 8:00…
A Creative Community & the Joy of Experimentation
The Petit Jean Mountain Art Guild recently gathered for our second meeting, and once again, I was reminded how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such a rich community of artists and crafters here on the mountain. There’s something special about coming together, sharing stories, techniques, and…
Thank You, Architecture-Rust-Treasures Show
Evelyn and I would like to thank everyone who stopped by our mother/daughter show, Architecture – Rust – Treasures. It was truly a pleasure to share our work and artistic journey with all who attended. We were especially touched by the conversations we had throughout the exhibit—hearing how certain…
Less Than a Week Away: Architecture – Rust – Treasures
Third Friday Argenta Art Walk is BACK Friday, March 20, 5 to 8 PM
Architecture – Rust – Treasures Exhibition
It is an honor to exhibit once again with my daughter, Evelyn Laurence. We’ve been working hard for the last two years to prepare for this show. We cordially invite you to attend the Opening Reception and help us celebrate!
Grateful for the Spotlight: A Feature on My Rusty Art
It was both an honor and a humbling moment when my friend and fellow artist, Jean Lewis, asked to feature my rusty art in her monthly newsletter. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to share the full article here. I first met Jean several years ago when she entered the Arkansas Pastel…
A Community Rooted in Creativity
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…
Join Me: Art Exhibitions, Paying It Forward, and Learning
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…
A Season of Joy and Gratitude
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?
A Season of Honors: Celebrating Milestones in My Pastel Journey
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…
Giving Thanks
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…
Announcement
I’m excited to share that I’ve joined the Board of Directors of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS)! I’m truly honored for the opportunity to help further IAPS’s mission of fostering a global community of pastel artists and advocating for this unique art form. This appointment…
Teaching, Learning, and Moving out of the Comfort Zone
Last year, I took a step into something new — teaching demos, workshops, and classes. I started small with an underpainting workshop alongside two fellow artists, then moved into teaching a class for LifeQuest of Arkansas. More recently, I was invited to give a demo followed by a mini workshop for…
A Wonderful Evening at the 2025 OPS Member’s Exhibition
What a beautiful night at the 2025 Ozark Pastel Society Members’ Exhibition, hosted at ACHE in Fort Smith! The staff did a phenomenal job with every detail—hanging the artwork, arranging delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, setting the mood with music, and welcoming guests with the sparkle of…
Reflections on My Art Journey: A Year of Competitions
This year, I participated in 10 art competitions and shows across the country, some held online and others in galleries. I want to give a huge shoutout to the organizations that coordinate these events—it’s no small task. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the artists who jury and judge…
Mark Your Calendar – I’m Showing at Arkansas College of Health Education
I’m excited to share that I’ll be showing my work at the Arkansas College of Health and Education from September 11 through November 18. This is part of an exhibition by the Ozark Pastel Society. Location: Arkansas College of Health Education (ACHE) Event Center 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, AR…
Arkansas and Ozark Pastel Societies Joint Show with Reception at Thea Foundation Gallery
On Friday, July 18, the Thea Foundation Gallery in North Little Rock, AR, came alive with color, creativity, and community as the Arkansas Pastel Society (APS) and Ozark Pastel Society (OPS) celebrated the opening of their Joint Membership Show. Despite the sweltering summer heat, the evening was a…
Finding the Right Fit: A Personal Review of Dakota Pastels’ Sample Pack of Pastel Papers
Introduction Soft pastel artists know that paper is just as important as the pastel itself. The right surface can elevate a piece by allowing your unique style and technique to shine through. With the incredible variety of pastel papers available—featuring different textures, colors, and…
Mont Marte – Metallic Acrylic Paint Review
A big thank you to Leafy Cheung at Artmate for allowing me to test these paints! If you’re looking for shimmer and shine in your work, Mont Marte’s metallic acrylics are a great choice, with something for everyone from beginners to experienced artists. Overall Impressions These paints have a…
UPDATE: The Journey of Artistic Growth: A Year in Juried Shows and a Special Award
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…
Monte Art – Water Soluble Oil Pastels Review
This was my first time using oil pastels, so I approached this new medium with curiosity and a bit of caution. As a soft pastel artist, my process typically involves creating an underpainting to guide the application of pastels, establishing lights, darks, and local colors. I was intrigued by the…
Review of Oufin 48 Soft Pastel
It was an honor to be asked by Leafy Cheung of Artmate, an Art Material Manufacturer, to use and provide feedback on several brands and types of pastel. Here is a painting I created with Oufin Soft Pastels and my feedback about this set. Oufin is a lesser-known brand to me, but I was pleasantly…
Artistic Growth and Plans for 2025
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…
A Heart Full of Thanks This Thanksgiving
During this Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on all the blessings in my life with a grateful heart. This year feels especially meaningful, as it’s my second month of retirement—a new chapter that’s already brought so much joy, freedom, and creativity. I’m deeply thankful for my family…
Lesson Learned: Correcting a Framed Painting
As an artist, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a painting, framing it, and stepping back to admire your work. But what happens when something about it just doesn’t feel right? That’s exactly what happened to me. I framed a painting I’d spent hours working on, but deep down, I…
How fantastic it is when art beautifies spaces and supports such meaningful causes.
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…
The Rusty Vehicle Process: Exploring New Supplies: Enhancing My Artistic Process After the IAPS Convention
Attending the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) Convention this past June was an inspiring experience. The convention buzzed with creativity and innovation, offering a unique opportunity to explore new techniques and materials. Among the various workshops and demonstrations, the…
IAPS 2024 Convention
This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) convention in Albuquerque, NM. As a first-timer to both the event and New Mexico, I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I was blown away by the experience. With over 600 artists from…
Re: “Generations” A Mother and Daughter Exhibition – Take 2!
If you missed the “Generations 2” opening, you still have another chance to “meet the artists” at the
“Generations” A Mother and Daughter Exhibition – Take 2!
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.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
As I started to write out my plan for 2024, I decided to do a review of 2023 first. I was surprised by how many items I accomplished, along with a few items added to the plan along the way. Yes, there were a few things I did not get done, and that is ok. My daughter and I had our first combined…
“Generations” A Mother and Daughter Art Exhibition
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…
A Week of Art
What a week it has been. I spent three days with the Arkansas Pastel Society taking a workshop with Tom Christopher. I took his workshop last year and I’ve been applying his techniques for adding texture to my landscape paintings. I decided to take the workshop again as I wanted to focus on; 1)…
Save the Date! “Generations” A Mother and Daughter Art Exhibition.
Opening Reception on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (held during Argenta 3rd Friday Art Walk) Gallery at the Argent Public Library 420 N. Main Street North Little Rock, Arkansas
Another First – Teaching a Workshop
Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to co-lead a workshop for the Arkansas Pastel Society members. We each spent about two hours discussing and demonstrating our techniques. Within that time the artists followed along, practicing the techniques and developing the beginning of a painting. It was…
So Many Firsts Lead to a New Process
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…
The First Combined Membership Show
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…
Ride of a Lifetime
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…
Arkansas Pastel Society and Ozark Pastel Society Non Juried Membership Show
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…
Arkansas Pastel Society – Paint Out
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…
Where else can you take a piece of a museum exhibit home with you!
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…
Arkansas Pastel Society Non-Juried Member Show
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…
My Journey
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…
How did the Rusty Vehicle series get started?
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…
Sharing my passion with the littles.
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…
Tis the Holiday Season
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and joyous Holiday Season! During all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate you all. Your supportive comments and encouragement throughout the year were much appreciated. Your curiosity in the…
The “Big Mural”
Back in September I wrote about “The Opportunity of a Lifetime”. In that post I mentioned a second mural my daughter and I would be working on at the Museum of Automobiles in Morrilton, AR. We finished that mural this weekend. It is now the largest mural we have done at 6′ x 25′. The car is…
Arkansas Pastel Society Juried Member Show
Argenta Public Library Gallery, North Little Rock Arkansas The Arkansas Pastel Society Juried show will be on display at that Argenta Public Library in North Little Rock from November 18, 2022 thru December 9, 2022. If you are unable to attend, you can view the show at OnlineJuriedShows. There were…
Ozark Pastel Society Members Exhibit
The Ozark Pastel Society is hosting their annual online member show. Click on “OZARK VISIONS 2022 Members Exhibit” at the top of the website page. I’m honored to have three paintings entered into the show. – Awaken, Weathered Beauty and Memories of the Past.
Opportunity of a Lifetime
I was honored to be asked if I would paint a mural at the Museum of Automobiles in Morrilton, AR. Why is this an opportunity of a lifetime: My art was recognized and made a big enough impression that I was asked by members of Mid-America Old Time Automobile Association (MOTAA) to create their…
Sometimes it is good to work in other mediums
I find that it is good to swap mediums once in a while. The painting below is done in oils and is a work in progress. What are the differences between working in oil vs pastel? With oil I need to mix the colors I want vs pulling pastel right from the box with the color, value and intensity work…
Tom Christopher Workshop
After several years of following Tom Christopher on Instagram, I had the opportunity to take one of his Workshops. Tom has a unique process for creating texture and movement in his work. He graciously shared his process during a two-day workshop hosted by the Ozark Pastel Society and some members…
Arkansas Pastel Society Member Show
Thea Foundation Gallery During the month of July 2022, 24 members of the Arkansas Pastel Society showcased their work at the Thea Foundation in North Little Rock, Arkansas. There were 68 paintings on display during the 3rd Friday Argenta Art Walk. This is the first show that I fully organized, and…
Welcome to Caprise Studio
Welcome to Caprise’s Art Studio, where I share news and images of my pastel paintings. If this is your first visit to my website, I’d like to share a little about myself and my art.
My Studio on Petit Jean Mountain
I work full time, so balancing work, life and art is challenging. So last year, I built a metal barn with a dedicated space for my studio. This allows me to walk across the lawn for quality time at the easel, if for only an hour. Here are some photos of the studio.
Petit Jean State Park
CCC Overlook