Friday, July 31, 2009

awe struck....


Night Life


SOLD


Modern Contemporary Palette Knife Painting
Acrylic on 36" x 48" gallery canvas


This painting will light up a room!! I will be doing a commissioned work based off of this painting, Indian Summer (posted earlier) and Italia which recently sold. The colors will be bold and vivid like Indian Summer and have an abstract skyline like Night Life. Each panel will measure 60" x 24" and hang vertically on a long wall separated by a fireplace. ....and of course, I will post these when completed!!

Yesterday, in meeting the family and being in the home in which these paintings will be hung, it struck me of what an enormous influence that the work that I so love doing will have on this family. It will be a part of their family for years to come. With this thought in mind I am both honored and humbled.

Night Life is still available for purchase from Hawthorns Galleries. If interested in purchasing contact Kylee at 417-866-6688.

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

life is good....

Garden Life
Just sold!!!

Abstract Expressionistic Painting
Acrylic 24" x 30" on gallery canvas

Today, I went to pick up art work from Hawthorns Galleries here in Springfield, Mo., as they are preparing for their next featured artist. VERY..VERY ...very thankful for the work that has sold. I am also excited that they are going to continue to carry my work. If you happen to be in Springfield, Mo. you might just want to pop in and see what they have. I will also be carrying a few original works on my daughter Elsie's online store Red Velvet Art .

This painting that I have posted today was one that I brought home today. I painted this last winter during a time that I guess you could say I was making a transition between the realistic and abstract. It began with a photo I had taken at a lawn and garden show. Having worked for many months realistically with transparent watercolors my intent was to paint this realistically with acrylics on canvas. Well, inspiration took over and before I knew it there was this painting that to me represented more of the feeling of the life of these flowers than the actual physical appearance.

Garden Life...... life is good!

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

moving on....


Entrance


SOLD


Abstract Expressionism
11" x 14" canvas


Well, it's almost been a year since I began this journey of following what I believe to be my calling. It was a giant leap of faith to leave a well paying job and move on. I've learned more than I ever expected. There is a lot more to art and the business of art than meets the eye. More on this I sure as I approach my one year anniversary.

Lately, I've been faced with making decisions which basically have left me once again, to believe and rely on that which I can not see. This first year has brought me to a point of knowing and building my confidence as an artist. I am now ready. I had absolutely no idea of where to even start one year ago. I just began with what I did now, believed and it all began evolving from there.

This recent painting reminds me of a calm, peaceful, serene and inviting environment. A place to enter and be at rest. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the hard work and discipline required of an artist in order to make a living in this business. (doubly so in this economy) I believe this is all in preparation for what will be needed and required of me. Recent decisions and occurrences have brought me peace in what I am doing, yet I am still finding myself counting the cost before I enter.

moving on......

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman
to contact: elizabeth

Monday, July 27, 2009

Monday......back to work

Indian Summer
Abstract Expressionism Palette Knife Painting
Acrylic on 24" x 30" gallery canvas

What do you do when you really don't feel like working? Ever feel like that on a Monday?! This painting was began with that sort of a feeling. After having endured criticism in which I felt I might lose my inspiration and confidence in working with bold color, I knew I had to get back in there. Once again, I don't feel this photograph does this painting justice. There are layers and layers of layered colored painted with a palette knife and acrylic paint. When viewing this work up close you can see all these colors and from a distance they blend. It is beautiful!

An interest has been expressed in my doing a large commissioned piece in this style. Similar paintings to this one that I have done are Night Life and Italia (two panels). I enjoy very much this technique and am excited about this opportunity. I will definitely post them as well.

So, what do you do when you don't feel inspired-

"Inspiration far more often comes during the work than before it because the largest part of the job of the artist is to listen to the work and to go where it tells him to go" L'Engle

just trust that it will come and get started.

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Sunday, July 26, 2009

lovely Sunday.....

Gigi kissing Suki

Beautiful Suki!

Awe... Grandpa and Suki

We are babysitting today..... yes that is right pugsitting. This is Elsie's new puppy pug Suki. Elsie was really needing to get some work done. sooo guess what? we love it, though. My original idea was to get ten pics of Suki and do a ten things I love about Sunday, ( you know the way Elsie does her Sunday blog) but this dog has sooooooo much energy. I could not get hardly get her to sit still. Gigi and her have been having circles of fun. She's spending the night.... should be a very interesting night and tire........ing night!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

different strokes from different folks challenge....

Sittin' Blues

Expressionistic Abstract
Acrylic on 12" x 16" canvas/unframed

This painting is the result of another blog that I have gotten involved with, in which a challenge is presented about every 2-3 weeks. The same photograph to work from is given to everyone. I decided that this time I would just go with more of an abstract expressionistic style rather than a realistic representation of the photo. I chose to work with the blues and a more gestural approach to perhaps capture more of the inner side of this man. To view this blog started by Karin Jurick called different strokes from different folks, click here.

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Thursday, July 23, 2009

......like a child

Inner Child

Modern Contemporary Abstract
Acrylic on 30" x 40" gallery canvas

The pinks were the last touches and by this point I was having so much playful fun with this painting that I titled it Inner Child. I don't want to give the impression that it was all fun from start to finish, because I struggled for a good portion. It wasn't until I got to that point were I had a willingness to let go with it, that it unfolded. It is difficult to get the full impression of these large paintings when they are reduced in size for posting on line, but I love this painting!

For purchasing information go to Red Velvet Art.com

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

music to my eyes.....

Symphony in Green

Modern Contemporary Abstract

Acrylic on 22"x 14" canvases
(2x) 11" x 14"


Symphony in Green is my expression of orchestrated visual music! This piece of art was painted as seen in this posting, although the canvases can be separated and displayed in various arrangements. This painting is being offered for sale through my daughter Elsie's store,

Sunday, July 19, 2009

....back to painting the large canvases!!

Vibrant ll
Contemporary Modern Abstract
Acrylic on 24" x 36" canvas

I am so excited to be back painting on the large canvases. As I was working on this one it reminded me of another painting of mine titled Vibrant that recently sold. Not only is there a merging of the abstract and representational here, but a merging of techniques. I used Golden acrylics in this one with more of a watercolor approach to it. The colors are vibrant and vivid!!
To purchase or for more information please contact: Elizabeth

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Friday, July 17, 2009

Red....SOLD

Red
Acrylic on canvas

Red has sold! Thank you, Thank you- Red was inspired from a bouquet of flowers that Elsie had given me for the opening of my show back in June. You can see a picture of the original bouquet in this photo of us I posted. This painting has lots of layers of color, thick acrylic paint and the background was changed when I decided on the RED.

Very excited today, as Elsie is getting her new puppy today!! Gigi can't wait to play with her. Another pug to add to our pug family. This one is a blond like Love Love (Emma's) I wonder what her name will be? yes, we are sooooooo pug crazy!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Cinderella

Cinderella
Contemporary Acrylic Abstract
8" x 10" canvas

A recent painting of mine working with a floral. I enjoy painting in this style so very much. It's the merging of the realistic and abstract sides of me. The difficult part is that when I work with a recognizable object I have a tendency to revert way back over to the realistic side. With this painting I worked back and forth between the floral image and the background keeping myself thinking more about shapes, colors, textures and more abstractly. Lots of thick acrylic paint!
This painting can be purchased from the RVA website.

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

floral impresssions........May Flowers- SOLD

May Flowers
Acrylic on canvas

May Flowers sold recently from the RVA website! ... and I would like to say Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! This painting was inspired from the peonies that bloom each May in our backyard. If you click on the photo you can get a close up look at the impressionistic color.
My favorite way to paint flowers is from having the actual flowers in a still life arrangement, but as this is not always possible I do work a lot from photographs. I cut these flowers and arranged them in a vase to save them from a severe storm that was coming in. They were then painted during a power outage that lasted several days. Thank you for your purchase and I hope that they are very much enjoyed!!!!

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Monday, July 13, 2009

"FANDANGO"

Modern Abstract Acrylic
7" x 7" on 300 lb. paper

.....and so what do you think of this one?! I just can't seem to stay away from color. So, if you like lots of color I probably have the perfect piece just for you!! This one makes me smile.... what about you?

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman
e-mail me to purchase: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Friday, July 10, 2009

Sea Shoal


Modern Abstract Art

"Sea Shoal"
Acrylic on 12" x 24" (3X) canvas panels

These are presently hanging in the window of Hawthorns Galleries in downtown Springfield, Mo. It was one of those that did take me a bit to resolve. I worked on others while waiting and coming back for the next idea. It is definitely a favorite!! I began with the background and layers of acrylic paint that were allowed to drip and overlap each other, while at the same time pulling color out. The thinly layered cool colored background was contrasted with thick multi-layers of colored circles (pearls?) laying on the bottom of the sea shoal. The set of three panels are listed for $270.00. If interested speak to Kylee (Hawthorns Galleries) at 417- 866-6688.

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Studio Tour

As promised here is a little tour of the work we've been doing in two of the upstair rooms. Emma's old room was redone in to a guest room. Three of the walls are this teal color with one wall and closet burnt orange to go with a very colorful bedspread. I wanted the room to have our children's art work in it. This first pic is a painting Emma did when she remodeled her room in high school. It was a painting that made her feel very happy. The second pic is a print that Elsie gave me for Christmas and the last pic is an octopus that Doren made when he was in highschool. Sorry, for so little show of the room, but with Doren now living in it as we get the basement ready, it's kind of messy!




My Studio
I have moved from the downstairs to this upstairs room (Doren's old room). The downstairs basement area is being remodeled for Doren, Sarah and baby Penelope Bloom. It will be home for them as they continue their educations and we will be able to help them as needed. After having taking a week off, we are now beginning on that work.

This is the easel that I usually work on with the large canvases. I have been procrastinating so badly on this. As you can see there is a blank canvas waiting for me, (it's been there for a few weeks) but the ideas for it have been running through my head. Just need to start...... and then it will begin to unfold. For now, I've just been trying to get use to that new space.
THis studio is so neat and orderly. I actually now have an office area. The carpeting was covered with a canvas drop cloth to save the carpet from paint stains. Usually, that will just be around the easel area.
A calendar that Emma sent me is on the wall. It has a posed picture of LOve LOve for each month. I absolutely love it!!
The bulletin board is not yet filled. For starters there is artwork from Elsie, Emma and Doren.
A bookshelf with favorite photos! The kids again!
and here is my most loyal friend, Gigi- The kids gave her to me several years ago for Mother's Day! She has her own special spot in my studio!
Supplies have their place in the closet. The doors were taken off, making it easier to get stuff out.
This is an art table that I like to use when standing up working on a flat piece. It also slants, making it easier to control drips. The lights that are on it are presently being installed, so I'll have some night lights to work with.
I love all the natural light that I get during the daytime. This room has two large windows, whereas I only had one little small one in the basement room. I painted the table with chalkboard paint (stole the idea from Elsie) and underneath are storage shelves that Donnie built for me. This table has actually, thank goodness, gotten a bit messier and more workable as more stuff comes out.
And this is usually how I work on the smaller acrylic pieces. Paint is used straight from the tube, and any mixing is on a foam plate or on the work itself.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed this little tour!.... and I hopefully I can stop the procrastinating and get back to seriously working! Let the creative flow begin.....

red,red,red....

Scarlet Rope
Modern Abstract
8" x 8" on 300 lb. paper

This was actually another painting that was titled "Essence" that I revisted. I was really never totally satisfied with it. I did not think when I began making a few changes that it was going to change soooooooo much. Lots of red! What do you think?! If interested in this piece you can contact me at: elizabethchapman@artlover.com.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Dawned Light

Dawned Light
Modern Abstract
Acrylic on 8" x 8" 300 lb. paper

This is one of those that just can't be explained, it just happened. This painting is a favorite with it's dynamic and powerful composition. Just wish it would have happened on a large canvas! If your interested in this one let me know. It has been sealed and is ready to be framed. Contact me at elizabethchapman@artlover.com.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

.....the narrow path


Narrow Path
Modern Abstract Art
Acrylic on 8" x 8"

Well, it's time to get back to working on those large canvases again! I've been away from them for several months-ouch- didn't realize it's been that long- but we've been making some changes around our home and one of those was my studio. I've really enjoyed working with these smaller abstracts, which can be framed and displayed in so many variations. Anyway..... it's time to face the giants, again...... those big canvases!! maybe tomorrow, eh?

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:14

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Proud to be an American.....

Emma made me a calendar for Mother's Day that has a photo of her pug Love Love posing for each month of the year. This is the pug that we kept for her while she was relocating to L.A and grew so attached to. She name him Love LOve which was such an appropriate name for him/her?! long story there- It made me laugh sooooo much when I received this in the mail and went through each month. She said it was hard work capturing each of the poses- lots of patience and treats!!! The caption on the bottom reads "This pug is proud to be an American -Happy 4th of July" Have a safe and happy 4th!!

Friday, July 3, 2009

....oh so

Oh So
Modern Contemporary Abstract
Acrylic on 8" x 10" canvas panel framed

.......bright!!! My second blog today, but I almost totally forgot to mention it's First Friday NIght Art Walk night in Springfield, Mo. Tonight!!! My show at Hawthorns Galleries has been extended through the month of July, I will also this month have work at Elsie's Red Velvet store on Commercial street and a few pieces at the Creamery Art Center for the SRAC Members Show.
So come on out and support your local arts!

My work is very colorful and bright so bring your sunglasses!

Spent some with Elsie yesterday afternoon and got a little bit silly with her big glasses! She was painting the sides of these with XOXO. These can be bought through her downtown store or online at RedVelvet.

.... an outpouring from within

Alabaster Jar
Contemporary Abstract Art
Acrylic on 20" x 24" 1 1/2" gallery wrap canvas.

I've really debated which painting to post this morning for several reasons. One, I certainly don't want at all to offend any one and two this painting has be re-done and re-named several times and I can't say that it's one of my favorites. But... it reminds of something else... When I paint abstractly it is much like playing an instrument or singing a song, only it's a visual song on canvas. These are the expressions from my heart, and so I am dependent and inspired by the Holy Spirit from within working through me to create. Does it always happen? No, I can't say that it does- Most the time it's hard to get me out of the way. I am by no means perfect and am continuing to work on my relationship with my heavenly Father and being filled by his Spirit.

The title for Alabaster Jar came to me from a biblical account (Luke chapter 7) of an immoral woman who brought a beautiful jar filled with expensive perfume and poured it at the feet of Jesus, weeping and wiping his feet with her tears. She came to him broken hearted, knowing who she was and who he was and showed Him much, much love through the outpouring of that expensive perfume (probably about a year's wages for that time) and through tears wiped his feet. She expressed her love through these many ways and Jesus recognized this as an act of her belief and faith in Him. She left in peace.

It is so important to take care of what we have on the inside because this is what overflows and is poured out onto others, whether that be in the words we speak or in our actions. Expressions from the heart come in many different forms and touch many lives in different ways.

"Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. " Ephesians 5:18-20

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Thursday, July 2, 2009

La Luz (the light)

La Luz (The Light)
Modern Contemporary Abstract
Acrylic on 4" x 4" canvas

For me this one has a spanish feel to it, and so I decided to give it a spanish name, La Luz. Out of the darkness surrounding this vessel there comes a light from within that overflows and fills the space that it occupies. This is from a series of new very small pieces that can be purchased from Hawthorn's Gallery. Kylee is the person to contact at 417-766-6688.

"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1:5

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

out to sea......


..... a fun little challenge! This is a challenge that is posted every two weeks on the different strokes blog. Everybody is given the same photograph to work from and the results are so much fun..... it really is interesting to see what everyone comes up with. I can't say that I was totally happy with mine, but hey maybe next time. You'll have to scroll all the way down to see the original photograph. Check it out here.

Passages....

Passages
Modern Abstract Art
8" x 8" on 300 lb. paper

As I'm viewing and posting this work I'm amazed at how one mark can make or break it. This one was unknowingly developing into a strong composition when I added the white moving line as a last touch. I really like the flair that this last line added to the design of this painting. If your interested in the purchase of this painting you can e-mail me at elizabethchapman@artlover.com . $40.00 (unframed)

My show at Hawthorn's Gallery here in Springfield, Mo. has been extended for another month. They will be open this Friday night for the First Friday Night Art Walk from 6-10 p.m. I will also have a few pieces at the Creamery Arts Center and at my daughter Elsie's Red Velvet Store on Commercial Street.

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman