Wednesday, September 30, 2009

"Gestural One"



Gestural One


Watercolor/Gouache on 140lb. paper

To purchase contact: Elizabeth


First in a series of fun, loose and colorful paintings that seem to be telling their own story.  Enjoy!!

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

"Color Maze" Contemporary Modern Art Painting by Elizabeth Chapman


Color Maze

Contemporary Modern Art
Acrylic on 24" x 48" (1.5) canvas


Maze: a confusing, intricate network of winding pathways: labyrinth.

Worked on this one ALL DAY yesterday with many changes occurring throughout the day.  I began at 6:00 in the morning, took a lunch break with my parents and then back to work until supper and then .... needless to say I so obsessed over it yesterday that I woke up early this morning thinking about more changes.  Many of these were recorded as I would photograph the painting and then seeing the image on the screen would help me to see more.  .... and so this went on:)

And so how do you know when a painting is done?  This is a good question and I believe it is different for every artist.   I have discovered that for me it is when I am standing there with brush in hand and can not find another stroke to make.  As far as time wise, this can happen within a very short amount of time or can take for who knows how long.  I got to that point of knowing late last night, but I also know that coming back in the next day with a fresh perspective is what gives me the confidence in knowing it's done.

 Early this morning.... I awoke thinking about yet another change... went in, turned the studio lights on... had a fresh perspective.... and yes!... it's done!!

To see more colorful abstracts visit my Web Gallery 

Sunday, September 27, 2009

"Delight" Contemporary Floral Abstract by Elizabeth Chapman



'Delight'


SOLD


Contemporary Floral Abstract
Acrylic on 20" x 16" canvas


Definitely strayed from the original floral arrangement. This is a painting that I did over the weekend from some flowers that I had bought at the grocery store on our weekly Saturday morning excursion to Dillon's.  I've been finding flowers in the manager's special and bringing them home, arranging them to paint and then we also get a floral arrangement to enjoy!  Smell good too! I also took some great photos for future references, but I was thinking as I was working at how delightful it is to have real flowers to paint from.  It was this arrangement that I began with, but then somewhere about halfway through I departed from the more realistic version and found it to be quite the delight!!!  Enjoy-

To see more of my floral abstracts visit my web gallery at: melizabethchapman.artspan.com

Friday, September 25, 2009

"Flamboyant" Abstract Expressionistic Painting by Elizabeth Chapman



Flamboyant


Abstract Expressionism
Acrylic on 12" x 12" canvas panel


I'm going to be writing about my response of a review that was written about my work.  So, before you read any further you might want to first read what was written in the London Art Girl by clicking here.

I just couldn't help but chuckle when I read this and if you know me you probably chuckled as well.  Never have I thought of myself as a rebel!!  I'm shy and quiet.  I found it interesting that my work is viewed as breaking the rules.  My daughter Elsie, A Beautiful Mess, who previously worked doing layouts for several scrap booking magazines and a designer for a major company was also referred to as breaking all the rules in scrap booking, and yet her work was very well liked.  As a teacher, I taught my students to break the rules ( I always emphasized- "ONLY in art"), but how else can you be original.

I have heard about the importance of consistency in a body of work, especially when it is going to be viewed by galleries.  They like to see that an artist can consistently produce a good work.  For example,  as in being known as a landscape artist, or abstract artist  or floral..... This is something that I was really bothered by in my own work as I was seeing myself working in various styles.  How was I ever going to be known with a particular style, with such a wide range of work.  I am much more comfortable with it now, in realizing that these are simply different avenues of expression.  Don't some musicians play more than one instrument?  actors play various roles... etc..,  An artist's work that I greatly admire is that of Manuela Valenti, click here to view.
If you'll take some time to view her blog you will find a wide range of styles being performed by the same artist.  Finding another artist who is actually known for her versatility brought me comfort in accepting mine.

There are many funny stories that I have heard from versatile artists.  One of them was that on her opening night, a solo show, a viewer turned to the artist and asked her "So,which one of these is yours?"
My story is that on the opening night of my solo show back in June I had a lady who stopped to compliment me on my work and commented on the various styles (abstract and realism) and then she said,  "I guess it's kinda like having artistic ADHD"   It did make me laugh- I had never thought of it that way and perhaps that is what it is.  I now no longer see versatility as a problem.  What I do see is the importance in consistency of quality.  I strive to take each piece to that point of excellence.  For some works it can happen rather quickly and for others there will be a struggle, but for all there needs to be a mark of a job well done.

As timing would have it, yet another change! .... these last two paintings have been different that any others in that I have some new liquid paints to slush around.  Ya, the walls and the floor in my studio are accumulating color splahes!   Spent yesterday afternoon on "Flamboyant" and  "Skedaddle"( yesterday's post) slinging some paint around and just having a lot of fun! A lot of emotion went into these- more of these to come.

And so what is next..... well, it's just recently hit me that I need to get ready for another show at Hawthorn's Gallery in December.  I've recently been working more with a warmer palette and fall colors,(it's the feeling of fall in the air), but would like to go back to working with the bright, bold and brilliant colors again, for the winter show  ..... also thinking about some watercolor abstracts... some more florals, ... pastels and charcoal have also been on my mind... mixed media..  and I'm even thinking about some pop art.  So what is one to do with all these ideas-well....hopefully create!!! and just go were the creative flow leads....


Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman

My Web Gallery

To purchase this painting contact Elizabeth

Thursday, September 24, 2009

"Skedaddle" Abstract Expressionistic Painting


Skedaddle
SOLD
Abstract Expressionism
Acrylic on 12" x 12" canvas panel


I haven't posted much this week because I just haven't been painting much.  ....today I got my new liquid paints out and did a little splish splashing. A fun afternoon!!  If you would like to purchase this painting shoot me an offer (don't forget about shipping) and it will be yours!

To see more of my work visit my Web Gallery

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman


To purchase contact: Elizabeth

Monday, September 21, 2009

Contemporary Modern Abstract Painting by Elizabeth Chapman

"Concentre"


SOLD 

Contemporary Modern Abstract
Acrylic on 24" x 48" (1.5) canvas

Just completed putting the finishing touches on this painting.  Working more with a warm, fall color palette.
This is one of those paintings that I had to get in there and struggle with for a while, and I think I won!!  I am pleased with it.  It will be shown in the 2nd Annual Exhibition of the Women Artists of the Midwest. (WAM) Opening reception will be on Friday, October 2nd, 6pm-10pm at Hawthorn Galleries.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

"Splash" Contemporary Expressionistic Abstract Painting by Elizabeth Chapman



"Splash"


Contemporary Palette Knife Painting
Acrylic on 8" x 10" 140lb. paper


I have started a new blog that can be linked on from clicking here as place to post and sell smaller abstract  paintings.  Some of these paintings are on canvases and are ready to hang. (sides painted) Many of them are on 140lb. or 300lb. paper and sealed with a protective sealant.  They can be framed with or without matting or glass in a ready made or custom made frame.  If I have not posted one that you have seen in the past and would like to purchase it please email me and if you would like you can even make me an offer.  I will be adding to this post on a weekly basis so don't forget to check it out.

Daily Abstract Painter Elizabeth Chapman
To purchase Original Abstract Art:

Friday, September 18, 2009

castles in the sand...


Sand Castles
Sold
Contemporary Abstract
Acrylic on 24" x 24" (1.5) canvas

Been doing ALOT of painting lately! This one is from earlier this week not sure if it's done yet. I've actually been working on more than one painting at time, which is a new thing for me to do with the larger canvases. After the last painting "Fiesta" guess I was in need of a softer palette.

Feeling so inspired lately! .... there's also plenty of house work that needs to get done. Let's see paint or ......
Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

celebrating color with a.....

Fiesta

Contemporary Modern Abstract
Acrylic on 24" x 48" (1.5) canvas

.....fiesta!! Having grown up in a hispanic culture where every occasion or event was a reason to have a fiesta, this painting celebrates color with RED.

We have a collection of bottles that we have been buying and saving, pretty much because we just liked the shapes and colors. I had set these bottles up on a studio table with the intention of painting a still life. Well....I later decided to scratch that idea and just began rolling the paint out on this canvas. I was simply working on the design of the painting when I began to see a few bottles emerging and went with it. It took some time to find them all. Stepping away or leaving and coming back tends to give a fresh perspective.

"ooh that is really RED.." ya that is what Don said when he walked in on me as I was in the midst of having such a great time with all this. It always just kinda sort of annoys me when he does this- it's like when someone says " that is really in..te...res..ting" when they don't quite know how to tell you they don't like it. Anyway, I ignored the remark and continued on...

Good thing, because just as I got it finished the opportunity for it to be on display presented itself. Tomorrow it will be at the "Go Red Luncheon" for the American Heart Associations annual fund raiser at the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield with nearly 600 participants.

Funny how things work out...the Creator at work again!!



Monday, September 14, 2009

happy painting....

Sunshine

Floral Contemporary Abstract
Acrylic on 16" x 20" canvas

This was a fun little painting I did from a bouquet of flowers I bought at our local grocery store over the weekend. The background was painted lightly with acrylics with a wet on wet watercolor type of effect which is contrasted with the thicker paint of the flowers. Painting is on a standard size canvas which can be easily popped into a ready made frame.


To purchase contact: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

To see more of my work please visit my Web Gallery

Saturday, September 12, 2009

a Father's love....

Tai Yau

Figurative Abstract
Acrylic on 24"x 18" (1.5) canvas

Sold

For commissions contact: Elizabeth

This was recently completed as a commissioned piece by a man who would like to have an artist's interpretation done of family photos to collect and hang in his home. The photograph of his father was taken in Kansas City in May of 1956. Yes, that is right-May!! Ten inches of snow fell overnight and was pretty much mush by the next day. If you happen to live in the Springfield area you may have known this man or at least eaten at his restaurant. The man's name was Tai Yau, (pronounced Tie Yow) an Oriental Hawaian, and the name of his restaurant was Johnny Loo's Steakhouse.

His son Greg gave me a small black and white photograph to work from and pretty much just told me he wanted me to paint it as I liked. I started with the figure in a looser realistic manner, because I wanted the resemblance of his father to be there. The back ground was worked in layers and in a much more abstract manner with cooler colors being used to emphasize the cold weather. Greg has also told us how much his mother and father liked red and gold. In fact, he remembers every house he ever lived in growing up as having red carpet. So, knowing this I used touches of these colors for Tai's clothes and to contrast against the cooler background.

As I painted, I thought about the remarkable resemblance between this father and his son. Also, I thought about how much love this father would later have for a son that was not yet born when this photo was taken. A photograph of a man shoveling snow, known as a hard worker, Tai Yau would work for the rest of his entire life for his family. A picture of a loving Father, sacrificing for his family. In return he has a son that loves him so much that his wish is to bring him honor and glory. Thank you Greg!!! Hope you like it!

Christ is the visible image of the invisible Father. Colossians 1:15



Friday, September 11, 2009

...a special night

Aurora Lights

Abstract Expressionism Painting
Acrylic on 8" x 10" canvas

To purchase contact: Elizabeth

Had a lot of fun with this small painting. It reminds me of the northern lights and hence the name. Seldom do we see them here in Missouri....but every few years on a special night. To see more of my work please visit my Web Gallery.


Wednesday, September 9, 2009

by the sea...

Beach Bum

Abstract Expressionism Painting
Acrylic on 8" x 10" canvas

Having grown up where going to the beach was a part of life... this must be a longing for some beach life! Anyway... that's what I see....

To purchase contact: elizabeth

To see more of my work please visit my Web Gallery and to see more daily abstract paintings visit the Daily Painters Abstract Blog.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

dancing outdoors...

Mountain Flower
(2 of 2)

Acrylic on 16" x 20" (1.5) canvas
Sold

To commission a work contact: Elizabeth

This is the second painting of this Mountain Flower set (the first was posted yesterday). Both paintings are the same size with one being displayed vertically and this one horizontally side by side. The first painting showcases the beauty and uniqueness of the Columbine flower and the second painting emphasizes the beauty of the grouping of these flowers in a natural setting. Isn't it neat to see how great they all look together, yet each one is so unique and different.

Once again I was working from photos that Amy had given me. As I worked on this second painting with a brush in hand, my hand literally danced across the canvas painting these flowers. It left a feeling of these flowers being alive in this outdoor Colorado setting with the beauty of the sun brightly shining and a bit of a breeze blowing through the flowers.

Amy loves the outdoors. This was a camping trip that she went on with a group of friends, one of those being her dad. They have all the camping gear for this sort of a thing and spent a week hiking in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and sleeping on the snow! She commissioned me to paint my artistic interpretation of these Columbine flowers, which will now hang in her home and be a remembrance of this trip and the outdoors that she loves so much. Thank you, Amy!!


To see more of my work please visit my Web Gallery

Monday, September 7, 2009

expression overflowing......

Mountain Flower

Contemporary Abstract Floral
Acrylic on 20" x 16" (1.5) canvas
( 1 of 2)

Sold

for commissions please contact: Elizabeth

This is the first painting of a set of two that I have recently done as a commissioned piece. (I will post the second one tomorrow) Inspired by a camping trip to the mountains in Colorado, Amy gave me some photos of a favorite flower of hers the Columbine. Other than just giving me an idea of the size of the format, she pretty much just turned me lose to paint my own expression of how I saw these flowers.

The colors are an exaggeration of the actual colors of the photograph, a meeting of the abstract and realistic styles. As I have had a few days to just simply enjoy the finished paintings, I have pondered the thought of how each of us has a unique expression .....that is beautiful in the eyes of the Creator. It is a gift that is given in order to fulfill the purpose of your life bringing it to light and allowing it to shine that others may see and know as well.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Thursday, September 3, 2009

colors, shapes, lines.....

Harmony

Contemporary Abstract Expressionism
Acrylic on 36" x 48" (1.5) canvas

SOLD

To commission your painting contact: Elizabeth

.....coming together in a pleasing arrangement- "Harmony" This is the second painting that has been commissioned by a family here in Springfield, Mo. The first one was "Better Two", which consisted of two 60" x 24" panels, now being displayed in their living area separated by a fireplace between them and this second one "Harmony" to go in their front dining room. I feel so honored to have my work filling their spaces. I'm beginning to feel right at home there!!

Josh and Julie first saw my work at Hawthorn Gallery and absolutely loved my use of color and so they have pretty much just turned me loose, the only requirements being that of size. Still there is still a bit of uncertainty when delivering a painting that has been purchased but yet never seen. So, I intentionally kept it off the blog until they could see it first. Also, there is something that is lost when it's reduced in size and some paintings just don't seem to photograph well. This is one of those that has so many small variations that are so interesting, yet seem to all blend together when photographed.

.... and so it was delivered. When I arrived it was raining and the boys were inside playing with all their cars, trucks.... Julie greeted me at the door, excited and anticipating this latest work! We took it to the dining room were it will be hung and it was set down on the floor leaning against the wall. We later went into another room to discuss the possibilities of another wall.... she heard the boys go into the dining room....

.... the boys were standing in front of this painting which is taller than they are and I don't even know how to describe this. It was SO adorable. A picture perfect moment between the three of them standing in front of the painting discussing all that they were seeing it. I heard Cooper pointing out every bit of white, Gracen saw a waterfall and other images and Julie was pointing out to them the colored rain!! It was magical!

Thank you, Josh, Julie, Gracen and Cooper!! and may your home always be filled with harmony.

"Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." Colossions 3:14

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

cafe con leche....


Rainy Day Cafe


SOLD


Abstract Expressionism Palette Knife
Acrylic on 24" x 30" (1.5) canvas


I haven't quite made it out yet for my first pumpkin latte for the season from Starbucks. Maybe today?! That is what this painting reminded me of- coffee!! As a child growing up in Venezuela, my grandmother Simone would fix us a cup of cafe con leche. This was a small cup of some very,very strong coffee with lots of cream and sugar. It was wonderful!! I love going to coffee houses or even just the smell as I walk past one!!

This is one of those paintings that did not come together that quickly and was a bit of a struggle. It turned out to be a matter of selecting the areas that were the most interesting and allowing them to become the focal by de-emphasizing those surrounding areas through glazing. A rainy day coffee house, with it's reflection in the street. Can you see it?

As far as the idea for the painting, well most of the time I just select a color palette and begin. The first stroke is the hardest! ..... after that one leads to the next and next and..... The verticals seem to continue to emerge through many of my paintings. It seems very natural and my signature when working abstract expressionistically.

..... well, sounds like rain out there this morning and smells like the coffee is ready!... gotta go