Contemporary Abstract Painting "Afterglow" by Elizabeth Chapman

Afterglow

Acrylic on 36" x 36" canvas

ORIGINAL

Available

To purchase or for more information contact me: elizabethchapmanart@gmail.com

Visit my website to see more expressionistic abstracts: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Small Contemporary Palette Knife Painting "Ratatat" by Elizabeth Chapman

Ratatat

Acrylic on 10" x 10" x 1.5" canvas

$100

FREE Shipping to anywhere in the continental  US

Available from my Etsy store: HERE

or Email me: elizabethchapmanart@gmail.com

Fresh off the easel, another small one that I expect will go fairly quickly. 

My Website can be visited HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Painting

Modern expressionistic abstract painting "Aureate" by Elizabeth Chapman

Aureate

Acrylic with metallic golds on 17" x 15" heavy paper

Click on image for larger view

SOLD

I simply love creating and will work with a painting until it reaches that  breathless moment.  A big part of the success of this painting was the painting underneath.  Why do I say that? Because it weren't for that terrible, I can't stand it painting....I wouldn't have gone on and if I wouldn't have gone the beauty of the true meant to be painting would not have emerged. 

Persistence paid off as someone else has fallen in love with this one!  It will be used in decorating a new apartment.  Always love hearing from those who collect my work and what it means to them.  I am ever so thankful for each one of them! 

To view more of my works and to check for availability please visit my web gallery by clicking: HERE

If you have questions or desire more information, feel free to contact me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

go ahead, play....

Inspira

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

Available

I've been working on creating some paintings with thin layers of paint.  This one began that way...and as you can see it ended with thick layers of paint. Next to color,  I enjoy having textures in my paintings. Kinda difficult to get away from. The something new that I learned with this one is that an interesting contrast can be created by having a textured shape next to smoother areas.  As the paint continued to be added and I had switched over to working with a palette knife, I decided to squeeze some Liquitex coarse sand texture directly into the golden yellow paint. Then mixed it in with a palette knife.  (Ordinarily I will layer my textures on the canvas first, letting it dry before painting or the texture is built up by the paint itself.)  Pretty much only used it in those areas and left it to dry.  Loved the contrast it created in texture on the surface of the canvas.  Playing more with different types of shapes as well....so overall, it's just time to play!  Perhaps I'll give the lighter layers of paint another try... ?? or not!!

"Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play." Henri Matisse


More abstracts can be seen and purchased directly from my Web Gallery: HERE
or email me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

making the switch...

JUNCTURE

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

Ready to hang

SOLD

At a loss for words as I just got through painting.  Not this one, but another canvas.  It's kinda like answering the phone while painting and I'm fumbling through trying to find words, quite embarrassing!  I was raised bilingual and would have to go through this transition time of finding either words in English or Spanish to speak, depending which culture I was living in.  It is like that too when I am painting.  I'll have to admit though, it is much easier making the switch back to the left brain side of thinking than it is getting into the right creative side.  But once there, it is wonderful!!

For your enjoyment, please visit my website: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

mostly, some, a bit.....

Momenta

Acrylic on 24" x 30" x 3/4" wrap canvas

SOLD

By clicking on this instagram link you will be able to see the beginnings of this painting.  Changed a lot! ....and that's ok, just gotta start somewhere and this will lead to more ideas.  I was getting a feel for my colors as the first layers were applied.  Next, I decided to use modeling paste and my texture palette knifes and play with some different surface tensions.  Usually if I apply modeling paste it will be the first layer.  but hey, change it up a bit! right.  Once all this was dry I went in using the flat side of my brushes to the canvas and work with applying layer upon layer of color.  Staying for the most part with the original choices.  Lastly, working with the mostly, some and a bit formula and choosing to work with a hot spot, I lightly feathered in the pinks.

Wondering what the mostly, some and a bit is?  
I love this formula because it is so simple and can be applied to any of the elements of art and it's effective in creating an interesting and strong composition. Color, Value, Texture, Space, Line and Shapes.  Let's take and use color as an example.  It might go something like this, mostly blue, some orange and a bit of red.  Value: mostly black, some white and a bit of gray. Ok..you try a few.

So what about a hot spot?
This is the area in the painting that the eye is drawn to. The focal point, main character, hot spot are just a few of the names I've heard used. Another really simple formula that has stuck with me, is to divide the canvas equally into thirds horizontally and then vertically.  The four areas where these line intersect are places for strong focal points.  You can use just one all four, but would suggest that one stands out the most.  Notice this is where I used the bit of pink in this painting.

With that all said....rules in art are made to be broken!  Great paintings have been and can be created without these.  I don't like to get hung up with the rules while painting, but I will fall back on them when I am needing to resolve a painting. Next time you see a painting that you really like, see if and how either or these formula can be applied.


For any further information regarding my abstracts painting contact me:
elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Paintings

a wonderful surprise....

Entree

Mixed Media on 9" x 11" heavy watercolor paper

Ready to be framed

SOLD

A total surprise as I opened my email and saw that this painting had sold.  It had just been listed to my WEB GALLERY the night before.  This is where I always place my work first.  Once it has been photographed, a title has been chosen and a price decided then it is ready.  There are some days I may place more than one painting in my online gallery.  From there I will choose paintings to use as blog post and list on other various sites.  This one never had that opportunity!

I was able to package and ship on that same day.  I then contacted Liz to let her know what a surprise and notify her that "Entree" was on it's way along with her tracking number.  Later, I received a reply that she's always watching for my work, saw this one, it spoke to her and click...she bought it!  (she is one of those who have opted to join the email list and be notified of new work) Liz is one of my repeat collectors in which I am very thankful and appreciative, as well as all of you who have purchased or simply enjoyed viewing the work online.

Many times I do hear back from the buyer in which they might describe to me where the abstract has been hung, what it has meant to them, how much better in real it appears...and sometimes even pics are sent.  I often think about many of the paintings that have sold in the past and the homes that they have gone to, where they are hanging, who might be viewing them, etc.,   It brings me much joy knowing that my work is being used as a blessing to others.  All glory and praise to God.

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

email: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

cool blues....

Pelagic

Acrylic on 24" x 36" x 3/4" wrap canvas

Ready to hang

SOLD

May be purchased directly from my Web Gallery: HERE

or by contacting me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Started this one a few weeks ago bringing it to a point that I really liked, yet did not feel it was quite where I wanted it to be.  Left it alone for a while hoping and waiting for the next idea.  Time paid off, as I got up one day with the idea for circles.  I am always just a little leary of going back in on a painting that I am really liking, as the whole thing could possibly change.  I am happy to say that the original composition and color scheme pretty much remained in tact as I worked the spheres in. 

 I'll have to confess...I am not the one who titles the painting.  Now and then I will come up with one, but for the most part it can take me much longer to title a piece than to paint it. Lol..  it is my husband who works on the titles.  So thankful! The questions I get asked are " So, what does it remind you of,  or what where you thinking about?" Sounds easy enough...but from this I will have some long, long meaning of it all....somehow he is able to sort through and pick a title.

This list is pretty much all that it was reminding me of, from which he used the thesaurus to find the title.

Pelagic:  abyssal, aquatic, boating, cruising, deep-sea, marine, maritime, navigating,navigational, oceangoing, oceanic, oceanographic, pelagic , rowing, sailing, sailorly, salty, sea-loving, seafaring, seagoing, thalassic, yachting

More of my abstracts and information can be found in my Web Gallery by clicking: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

for the love of.....

Chichi

Mixed Media on 30"H x 22"W 150lb. watercolor paper

Ready to be framed

SOLD

To purchase through PayPal directly from my Web Gallery, go here.

or you may contact me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

This week I worked on a large tryp-tych (60" x 60") that will be a gift for our son Doren's new apartment.  Soon I will have it photographed to be shared here.  I began two new paintings that will be works in progress and completed this one and it's only Wednesday.   Phew!

Working on more than one painting at a time helps take me away, giving me a fresh perspective and I to see the next step when I get back to the work.  AND...it's productive!!

This painting was began alongside another one. (that one is not completed)  The initial inspiration was upon waking up in the morning there was an iris that my husband has placed in a vase on the dresser. I love flowers and am especially fond of the buds, just before they bloom.  This had both.  

Later, after the morning routine of coffee, breakfast, alone time...you know the routine, I went to work. Knew just exactly what I wanted to work with.  Picked up that floral arrangement and took into my studio where I placed it on a table that my grand daughter uses for her play dough and such.  

Decided I would also take a picture of it...just incase.  That picture can be seen here, as an instant gram.  When I saw the picture, I was struck by all the colors that were in the background created by Penny's artwork that we've been hanging up.  I really had no idea how much of an influence that would turn out to be, as I did think back on that initial thought several times while working on this piece.

The painting was begun by soaking the paper down with water.  Then by placing the first few strokes of watercolors allowing first impressions began to show through.  While wet a quick gesture drawing was done.  Then began the process of layering watercolors in between drying time.  Acrylics began to be worked in along with adding gesso.  Quite the mixture.  In time there was scratching through the surface of the paint allowing previous layers to be seen and creating patterns.

Painting change immensely from the original watercolor, gesturally drawing.  But, one thing remained...that I absolutely love....and that is the bud just beginning to blossom at the top of the painting.  Do you see it...or is it just me?

Check out my WEB GALLERY to see more contemporary abstract paintings.

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

a new approach....

Rococo

Acrylic on 24" x 36" x 1.5" wrap canvas

May be purchased from my web gallery: HERE

or by contacting me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

SOLD

Incredibly busy week!  Spring has finally made it into the Ozarks and we have had So MUCH we've been waiting -for what seemed like forever -to get done outside.  The garden is nearly all planted..yay...bring on the rain!  We nearly just gave up on putting one in this year, with the late, late frost, snow the beginning of May, a weekend of rain that had pounded down on our newly plowed plot. There were plants started in the house that we just weren't able to get out and we were afraid to lose them.  Anyway, we got out with a hoe this week, broke the soil up and planted...varieties of green peppers, tomatoes, squashes, cucumbers, green beans and corn.

What has all this got to do with painting....well there's been no time to put the brushes to the canvas.  It's ok though, it has been SO wonderful playing outdoors after a long winter.  I can only see this as the beginning of a new busy season...as we also have a wedding in June!! Our daughter Emma and Trey George will be exchanging wedding vows on June 8th!!!  Many other activities lined up for June as well.

I  have gotten caught up in much, but also realize that I do need to continue to work. Just needing to formulate a new strategy.  I think I'll call it "layers of summer".  Sounds like a series. mmm..cool.  Anyway, watercolors can be a good medium for this as they require drying time in-between the layering of color washes and I can run off to do other things.   I began one this morning that I have already been coming back to,  adding on and still working intuively.  Also, got a white canvas out to begin a new acrylic painting using this same approach and working on several at a time.  We'll see...

Oh...and I had a birthday this week!!

A collection of my abstract paintings can be seen in my web gallery: HERE!

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Blue Abstract Painting, "Wintertide" ORIGINAL Contemporary Art by Elizabeth Chapman

Wintertide

Acrylic on 48"H x 30"W x 1.5" gallery wrap canvas

To purchase contact me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

I have been working on the large canvases for about a month now, which seems to be the way that I operate.  When visiting my website you will find large, small. mini, mini mini, floral, figurative and heart abstracts.  I'll get on a track with a category and be on it for a while before making a switch to another size. Anyway, it was time to work on the large canvases...this one was painted on a winter day with the feel and colors that a snow day reflect.  How about a cup of hot chocolate?!

To visit my website click: HERE

Please feel free to Email me for any further information, comments, questions, etc., regarding any of my work(s).

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Modern Abstract Painting, ORIGINAL Art, "Ultramod" Large 40" x 60" abstract by Elizabeth Chapman

Ultramod

Acrylic on a 40" x 60" x 1.5" gallery wrap canvas

To purchase or for more info. Email me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

SOLD

This is a very large painting, at least for me it is anyway, as it's 5ft. wide and because I work in a small studio space this size has to stay on the wall.  Ordinarily, I begin a work on an easel, but at some point it will end up on a table nearby where I am able to easily turn it in order to work it from different angles.  This is were GiGi, my pug, will exit the studio.... as she is scared of the sound of the spinning canvas.

Please visit my website to see more of these works: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Abstract Painting, "Admira" ORIGINAL Red and Gold Contemporary Abstract by Elizabeth Chapman

'Admira'

Acrylic on 30" x 40" x `1.5" canvas

Palette knife painting

Email: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Best Wishes.... to all!  Moving on now... I been wanting to wait till the first of 2013 to begin posting the new paintings that I've been working on.  Just couldn't wait though....especially with this one which reminds me of Christmas as I'm sure it will to you as well. 

Merry Christmas!

 Happy Holidays!!

o.k if you can't wait and would like to take a peak, click HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

ORIGINAL Tonal Abstract Painting, "Thirds" by Contemporary Artist Elizabeth Chapman

'Thirds'

Acrylic on 40"H x 30"W x 1.5" gallery wrap canvas

Available from my website: click here

Email me for purchasing info: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Layers......of earth tone washes with white accents and color jewels.  This is a 2010 painting of mine, part of a series of tonal abstracts.  There are layers upon layers of acrylic washes creating a dimensional landscape.  It was once commented to me that it was reminiscent of Jerusalem.   

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Year End Special, ORIGINAL Contemporary Abstract "Accord" by Elizabeth Chapman

'Accord'

Acrylic on 24" x 48" x 1.5" gallery wrap canvas

Year End Special $500.00/NA Shipping Included

Available

Email: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Summertime..... Not really, but it sure is feeling like it here in the Ozarks of Missouri.  This painting has always reminded me of a hayfield.  I have lived the majority of my life here in the Ozarks and have never seen hay being raked and baled in December.  A mild winter? we'll see!!

This is a beautiful painting, light with lots of surface texture and 1.5" depth sides which are painted white.  Ready to hang!  No framing required.  I have also placed it on my Year End Special, click here.

Making room for new inspirations!!

Website

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Abstract Painting, Year End Special, "Adela" by Contemporary Artist Elizabeth Chapman

'Adela'

Acrylic on 24" x 36" x 1.5" gallery wrap canvas

Available

Email: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Tis the Season...... back in the studio painting this morning reflecting on the reason for this new season and setting goals as to how to best spend the time given to us.  This painting is a 201l painting that has always reminded me of Christmas.  It has  a lot of surface texture and gold metallic paint which unfortunately don't always photograph so well.  I have placed this painting on my website along with nine other paintings in my Year End Specials, click HERE to see.

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Abstract Painting, ORIGINAL 'Mini' Contemporary Art by Elizabeth Chapman

'Zazza'

Acrylic on 8" x 8"x 3/4" gallery wrap canvas

Just SOLD

Thank you!!

Please visit my website to see more colorful abstracts!

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Mini Series 2012-11, ORIGINAL Abstract Painting by Elizabeth Chapman

'Mini Series 2012-11"

Acrylic on 6" x 5" 140lb. paper

Ready to frame

Available through Pay Pal,  $25.00

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

"Mini" Abstract Painting by Elizabeth Chapman

'Mini Series 2012-08"

Acrylic on 6" x 5" 140lb. paper

SOLD

Simplicity.... in design is what I like so well about this one.  There are several more of these "mini's that I have not  posted yet and are still available.  They can be seen in my website: HERE.   I coat these with an acrylic polymer varnish which strengthens and protects the surface.  They do require framing, but placing them under glass is optional.

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Abstract Painting "Amant" ORIGINAL Contemporary Art by Elizabeth Chapman

"Amant"

Acrylic on 8" x 8" x 3/4" canvas

SOLD

Thanks so much! Margo

Another addition to the wall display that she is creating with these mini abstracts.  My heart has been broken for all of those left struggling with the devastation that Sandy left behind.  Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers.

Website

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist