Wednesday, March 26, 2014

happenstance.


Fortuity
Acrylic on 30"H x 40"W x 1.5" canvas

SOLD

Loving it.  My abstracts are known for their color, movement and texture.  But shapes..not so much. This will change that! Don't you think?!   Kinda reminded me of a painting from 2011 titled "Mosaic".
Perhaps this one might be a reminder of child's play. No plans or expectations getting in the way, just pure adventure on the canvas.  Experimenting freely.



Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Painting





Monday, March 24, 2014

similar commission.


Vanguard
Acrylic on 40" x 40" x 1.5" wrap canvas
Commission-Sold

"How long did it take you to paint that painting?" is a question that I am oftened asked.  Why does it matter? Is time being equated to value?  I think this question is probably most asked when it comes to art. It's a skill like any other that takes years to build. So, whether a painting takes a few hours, weeks or months may just depend on how many foundational years an artist has worked.  I once heard an artist answer that question with "all my life"..and thought that was a very good answer.

Why doesn't a athlete get asked "how long did it take you to win that race?" It obviously took more than the that 30 second in that sprint, as it took years of training to get to that point.   This can be applied to so many professions…yet it seems like it's the visual artist's that get popped with that question. I answered that question in  a post that I wrote after my first year into painting and working full time as a professional artist. It can be read here , warning….it's long.

This painting was commissioned as a gift.  The buyer really like "Ultramod" 40" x 60" (which is still available!) but asked if it I couldn't recreate a similar work but smaller, 40" x 40".  Ultramod, was one of those paintings of mine that I really struggled with to find it's flow, but one that has been a very well liked painting, but ironically still available.  In painting "Vanguard", I didn't really have that struggle as the composition and color scheme that I was to work from had already been created.  However, when I am being asked to recreate a painting from a previous work I feel there is a fine line there between a similar painting and also allowing the new painting to be it's own unique voice too.  So, in that sense there is a struggle when working a similar painting.  "Vanguard" turned out to be a lighter painting with more contrast.  The struggle is in letting go and accepting that similar means similar and not the exact same.  There is still that comparison, though.  My husband liked Vanguard better…you can also choose.  If it's Ultramod…then yay…it's available..and for sale! perhaps for you???

contact me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com



"Ultramod"
40" x 60" x 1.5" Acrylic on canvas
Available

A complete portfolio of my paintings that are currently available can be viewed: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

figurative abstract.


Blessings
Acrylic on 10" x 10" canvas
Commission

This little figurative abstract was created from a photo of a young couple and their twin sons.  Fanny and I worked together going through many photos narrowing it down to this favorite. They live in Spain, but were in Argentina visiting family on the boys' first birthday in this photo.




Orange was not a color that they had in their home and one that she was particularly fond of, so I steered away from it.  My objective when painting these are to capture a feeling of the moment more  than an realistic representation.  Together, close and happy!


More of the figurative abstracts can be seen in my web gallery: HERE
Email me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com to customize yours!


Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist

Sunday, March 16, 2014

rainy day.



Celest
Acrylic on 40" x 40" x 1.5" wrap canvas

SOLD

oops…haven't posted in a bit.  Could it be Spring is on the way?!  With these early warm days I've been enjoying and working outside as much as possible.  Inside the house, there is nothing like more light to jump start the spring cleaning. Also, a good form of procrastinating studio time. Hey, at least the house is getting clean!  Today, it is raining and the 42 degree start is slowly dropping to the present 32 with talk of snow.  Fixing chicken and dumplings for lunch, tomato and grilled cheese sandwiches for supper, there's a pecan pie made and maybe hot chocolate some time today. Comfort foods to take the chill away.  Tomorrow it will be 17 degrees, then Tuesday will be back to 60 degrees. yep, it's the Ozarks!

I've heard it said that, "the first brushstroke can be the hardest" and so it was with this one.  It was begun with the background colors and left for many days as I went on with other stuff to do. Along the  way, the back of my mind was saying, "you've got work to do in the studio, need to get back" and so reluctantly I stepped back in one morning.  Sometimes the best time to paint, can be when you just don't feel like it, don't care or are bored as this can help make that shift to the right creative brain side much quicker.  I found myself not worrying about creating a wonderful work, one that is liked by others, will sell, etc., etc.,  but just….enjoying it!

Now, it is yours to enjoy!

More LARGE Abstracts can be viewed: HERE

For more information or to purchase painting(s) email me: 
elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist





Thursday, March 6, 2014

which way.


Supreme
Acrylic on 36" x 48" canvas
Available


I painted this one as a horizontal but when I turned it as I so often do with my paintings to find it's strongest side, I found that I liked it as a vertical too.  I could not, could not decide so decided to put it on Instagram/Facebook for a vote.  The comments were all interesting and it pretty much came out about half/half in favor of horizontal or vertical.  Here is the horizontal for you to decide:




Supreme
As a horizontal


So what do you think? As I favored the vertical,  I added the white drips making it more towards a vertical, but still works strongly as a horizontal.  Someone suggested that it would depend on the space that you were going to hang it.  Totally agree.  I've decided that this one is just as strong as a horizontal as it is a vertical and could be hung either way.  That is true for so many abstracts, but still I always like to pick it's strongest side for listing.  Not so with this one, as I will be promoting it both ways. Everyone wins.


This painting can be purchased from me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com
A full portfolio of currently available works can be viewed: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist

Monday, March 3, 2014

gallery representation.


Ablaze
Acrylic on 36" x 36" x 1.5" wrap canvas

Houston, Texas

SOLD


I am so excited to be having  my paintings represented by a fine art gallery out of Houston, Texas.  Davis and Company will have their grand opening on March 29 and three of my paintings will now exclusively be offered by them.  We will be preparing these for shipment this week.

Have we had enough of winter yet? I have a completed painting on the easel that I have not been able to photograph outside yet because of the weather.  Sleet, freezing rain, snow and single digit temperatures here.  Perhaps in a few days I can get that done.   We've also had our grand daughter stay over her usual Thursday and Friday. Not complaining there as we have WONDERFUL times together and just as having been a stay at home mom, would not trade those times for anything. Needless to say…no painting. However, I have been commissioned to create a painting that will be given as a gift similar to Ultramod on a 40" x 40" canvas and will begin that one soon. Excited with the new opportunities.

We're at the tail end of this winter, temps going up tomorrow! Soon it will be bright and colorful outside.


For now you can go to my Web Gallery to see bright and colorful!

Enjoy your week.

Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist