Wednesday, February 5, 2014

"Happy Dance" Contemporary Abstract Painting


Happy Dance
Acrylic on 36" x 48" x 3/4" wrap canvas
Commission


It has been such an honor and a privilege to have created this painting for the home of Texas Artist, Laurie Pace.   I was contacted by Laurie who was looking for a fresh new piece for their newly acquired home.  She desired to use a specific color palette with a few ideas from some of my own paintings for compositional style.  Taking the ideas of others can be much like working with a limited color palette. Not a bad thing at all…in fact, when your a creative person and have got so many ideas, color choices and  directions that you can move in, sometimes it's kinda helpful to be given limitations. 

I began this journey back in 2008…wow hard to believe it's been six years of painting nearly everyday now! Previously, I had been teaching art at the high school level for ten years.  It was during those times that I began to discover the artist within me.  I painted/created whenever I  found the time, weekends, evenings and even in the classroom.  Down deep in my heart, I  knew I  was more of an artist than a teacher.  I felt as if I was working as someone that I was not made to be and not using that which I had been given. The time came, as my co-worker/friend so well stated,  "the pain of staying had become greater than that of leaving".  You see I was leaving a well paying secure job to pursue this passion.  Not something that I lightly advise doing.  For me, it was a very difficult personal decision.  

Long story, short.  I was working everyday like crazy.  I began posting a few paintings on line…which  was a whole new learning experience in itself.  You would laugh if you knew what my income was for that first year….fortunately I am stubborn and just kept after it.  One day, I received an email from Laurie Pace…I could not believe my eyes. This well known international artist from Texas had found some of my work and had written to encourage and give me advice.  She ended the email with….you have got to believe in yourself.  Just BELIEVE.  If your out there today, reading this, struggling, I hope that you will take those words to heart as well.

There is so much power in believing….and it's not just in myself but in God himself who provides when we place our lives in a position of trusting for His provision.  I am so thankful.

And Laurie, if your reading this…Thank you!

From our home to yours…happy dancing!!


More of my abstracts can be viewed and purchased directly from my Web Gallery: HERE
 OR if you would like to have your own custom made painting email me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com


Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist

1 comment:

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Such a wonderful piece, and what an inspirational story to go with, love those who encourage and cheer us on, how we need them!