Thursday, May 26, 2011

Parlour, Original Contemporary Expressionistic Abstract Painting by Elizabeth Chapman

'Parlour'

Acrylic on 8" x 10" canvas panel
To make an offer contact: Elizabeth

SOLD



Parlour: originally, a formal sitting room, any living room, a semi-private sitting room in a hotel,  a business establishment, etc..,  

This reminds me of a room that is full of life.  A place where one can spend time enjoying the company of family and others.  It makes me think of a room in our house that was purposely set aside for this exact purpose.   Years ago we decided that we would remove the t.v. from our upstairs living room in order to have a place to visit with less distractions.  We all have our own individual spaces but this place is special as it is our gathering spot.

Interesting how this painting came about as I painted the bottom side up and then turned it over and saw this scene.  I love the color scheme and loose gestural lines and I'm really considering it for a large painting which would be titled "The Parlour" (thanks Donnie!)  Lately, I have been feeling so inspired.  Someone once asked me "how do you know when your inspired?'  I had to think about this one for a bit.  The answer I came up with is..."it's kinda like when you begin feeling hungry and you know you need to eat"  Don't know how else to explain it.  More playing and experimenting, perhaps even some figurative and floral abstracts.....we'll see......


www.melizabethchapman.artspan.com

Monday, May 23, 2011

Promenade, Contemporary Abstract Painting, Elizabeth Chapman

'Promenade'
Acrylic on 12" x 12" canvas panel
Original Available, here



I'm sorry I haven't written much lately... a new goal of mine is to work on my blog and write more.  So here it is.... first of all I hope you enjoy the painting!!

I've been reading a book lately in preparation for an art teaching position that I have accepted for next fall.  I will be working at a homeschool co-op on Monday afternoons.  This will be my first classroom situation since having resigned as a public school teacher three years ago.  Actually, never thought I would be interested again in this sort of a position but in all honestly I was attracted to the thought of not grading and working with students that have been taught respect.  I do feel like this is the right move for me and I am excited about it.  

So, I picked up this book that caught my interest and it has been feeding right into thoughts and questions that I have had over the years.  One big question that I've always had as a teacher is the creative process itself and how to or if it could really be taught.  This book has been confirming an idea that I've had all long and that is....should art work be graded or assesed.  The grading or assessing of art puts the emphasize on the end product rather than on the process which is the most important element to creating.  In other words, it damages creativity which is an intelligent form of thinking that applies to not only the visual arts but across the board to many other areas of education as well.  I am now learning that I need to unteach techniques and rely more on allowing their natural intuitions to flow.  (duh, this is what I use when painting!)  Techniques such as perspective, texture, etc... will naturally be learned if children are allowed to experiment and invent on their own. This has opened up much thinking for me on this topic not only as a teacher, but as an artist as well.  I am looking forward to nurturing the creative process without grades.  If your interested in this topic you might like this book. I believe it is a good read for art teachers, artists and parents.  Check it out...."Kids Play" Igniting Children's Creativity by Michele Cassou. 

....."the creative process couldn't be taught as a technique because it is a living process." Kids Play

Friday, May 20, 2011

Stanza, Modern Contemporary Abstract Painting, Original, Elizabeth Chapman

'Stanza'
Acrylic on 18" x 24" x 7/8" canvas
If interested in this painting contact me: Elizabeth




Click on image to see a larger version.
To see more of my colorful abstract paintings click, here.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Stirato, Modern Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, Original, by Elizabeth Chapman


'Stirato'
Acrylic on 12" x 12" panel
Available from my web site, here or contact me: Elizabeth

LOCAL SUPPORT 
Friday Night Art Walk here in Springfield, Mo. was awesome!!   I encourage you to reach out and encourage a local artist and if your an artist I encourage you to become involved in your local community.  We need each other!

www.melizabethchapman.artspan.com

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Stix, Contemporary Abstract Painting, Original, Modern Art, by Elizabeth Chapman


'Stix'
Acrylic on 8" x 8" panel
Available from here

Awe...the creative juices are flowing again!  I've been painting a lot of these small abstracts and posting them to my web site.   The dilemma is which one to post first.  To see more of these go to my website: www. melizabethchapman.artspan.com