Modern Expressionistic Abstract Painting "Viven" by Elizabeth Chapman

Viven

Acrylic on 8" x 8" canvas

ORIGINAL 2016

Available for purchase from my Etsy store: HERE

or contact me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

View my website: HERE

Music has always very much inspired and  influenced  my painting style.  I respond by what I hear/feel with color and movement on the canvas.  Not always do I play music as I paint, sometimes I feel I need those moments of being still.  Locally, I have been invited to be one of six artist that will be on stage as the Springfield Symphony performs.  First time to be done as a collaboration between the visual arts and music, entitled "Music for my eyes".  For the most part visual artists do there work solo in their studios and pretty much like it that way. This will be an opportunity for the audience to be able to participate in that process of translating music into a visual art.

Performance will be at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield, Mo. 

For more information: missouristatetix.com

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Expressionistic Abstract Painting "Stimuli" by Elizabeth Chapman

Stimuli

Acrylic on 30" x 30" canvas

Available 

To purchase contact me: elizabethchapmanart@gmail.com

Visit my website to see more abstracts: HERE

Strikingly different! Same approach as I take with the majority of my abstracts, but I overlaid this one with sweeping large strokes of paint.  A willingness to take a risk.  The uncertainty comes from knowing that it is either going to make the painting or ruin it.  And yes, it's possible that it may not work. That's ok, because it may just lead to the next step that is going to bring that painting to it's fullest.

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Expressonistic Colorist Abstract Painting "Tantalize" by Contemporary Artist Elizabeth Chapman

Tantalize

Acrylic on 24" x 48" x 1.5" canvas

SOLD

Email: elizabethchapmanart@gmail.com

Website: HERE

Fresh off the easel. I am still contemplating the possibility of adding a few dark lines. It's been a difficult decision in deciding which way to present this one.  Here I am showing it as a horizontal, but it looks equally as strong vertically. Hmm. 

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Original Abstract Expressionism "Lumina" by Elizabeth Chapman

Lumina

Acrylic on 24" x 48" x 1.5" canvas

Click on image for larger view

Available

Email: elizabethchapmanart@gmail.com

This one was painted weeks ago before venturing into painting the previously posted floral abstracts.  It went through three distinct stages each one could have been a painting in itself.  Sometimes continuing is a difficult decision to make when a painting is going well, yet you know it just isn't there yet.  It reminds me of a statement I once read from an artist's interview.  The question asked was "when do you know that the painting is complete?" followed by..."and aren't you afraid you might go past that point?" The answer was something like this..."there are endless amounts of time the painting could have been considered completed and it would have been ok. I simply don't worry about it, for you see if I should past that point and continue, another point of completion will occur." 

I took this painting past several points where I could have called it done, yet was not ready to call it finished. It was the third take in which I became totally immersed with enjoying the process of painting.  I remember thinking how this must be the way a child paints. Not so much thinking about "the rules" that we have picked up along the way, but more about, "oh, this area is so pretty, I think I'll circle it" or why not put this color over here....living in total freedom!

Please visit my online web gallery by clicking: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist

Modern expressionistic abstract "Just For Fun" by Elizabeth Chapman

'Just For Fun'

Acrylic on heavy paper 17"H x 15"W

SOLD

Might say this one came about as a side kick.  I've had several of these that were started, never finished and just laying around.  Yesterday,  morning I was working on a large abstract. In having reached that point where I wasn't sure where to go with it next, decided to let it go.  Instinctively I reached for one of those never resolved paper abstracts.  Funny how it works sometimes, as I was able to paint ever so freely and having so much fun. 

Refreshing.


Please visit my online gallery by clicking HERE to see more of my abstract paintings.

For more information email me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com


Enjoy!


Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist

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

FAREWELL TO 2013

Wintertide

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

Available from Web Gallery: HERE

Painted back in January of 2013 this one was inspired by  a wintry snowy day in the Midwest.  It's one of the few verticals as I usually feel more comfortable working horizontally.  I would like to stretch myself a bit and work a few more verticals into my inventory.  

As the end of the year and a new year approaches resolutions and goals for 2014 are being made.  I try and keep mine simple as #1 i'll forget and #2 i'm really not a goal setter. Just ask my kids and they will tell you mom's philosophy is "it'll all work out".  However it has been helpful to me go back and study what was produced over this last year in a time of reflecting.

Here are some goals:

*work more specifically with large canvases
*continue experimenting with new developments in style
*phase out of the small abstracts
*take floral abstracts in a new direction
*incorporate figures into abstracts
*draw more

How about yours?!

Cheers to a New Year….

God Bless.

Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist

BLACK AND WHITE ABSTRACT

Amalgama

Acrylic on 30" x 48" x 1.5" wrap canvas

ORIGINAL 2013

SOLD

Sometimes a painting will come together so quickly that it feels as if it was just to easy.  "This just can't be, it was too easy, it just isn't fair, better keep working on it, it's suppose to have a certain amount of time put it into"  Just some of the thoughts that will occur to me.  Amalgama was one of these paintings. To me, it is one of my most expressionistic abstracts.  My objective here was to work with a very limited color palette.  It was going to be just a black and white painting, but as you can see...I can't do that! With that in mind I got up one morning, put the music on and painted to the flow. Later I went in and work a few details with the vertical lines.  Lesson to be learned here....knowing when to stop. 

More 2013 abstracts available: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Red Abstract

Advance

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

SOLD

Another 2013. Loving the reds and the pop of cobalt blue in this expressionistic abstract. This has been a year of working more neutral colors mixed in with the bright vivid colors that I typically use. Now and then I like to go through the archives in a time of reflecting back.  Hope you enjoy reminiscing with me!

Available abstracts can be viewed: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

it progressed!

Presence

Acrylic on 40" x 40" x 1.5" wrap canvas
Available: HERE

This is the completed painting from the previous post. (scroll down one) As you can see, it progressed!  My intention was to stop and photograph the various stages as the painting changed.  But, then as I became more and more involved in joining the creative flow,  I totally forgot. 

So, wow...how did you go from that painting to this? Well, it happens all the time!  The hardest part is letting go.  For me that means loving so many aspects of a painting that I'm afraid to continue on as I might ruin it.  There are times in which I have felt the work was completed at an early stage, as if there just wasn't another stroke of paint that could be added. That wasn't the case here.  I began with the darkest of the blues as I felt they needed more work. At this point I was still hanging on to my pre-conceived idea of what this painting should look like.  I don't know how else to describe it except a struggle. As I continue, there does come a point in which a letting go occurs and I'm much more willing to risk it...going with the flow of one idea leading to the next, then the next and next, etc.,  The letting go part does not come easy, as it is a decision that must be made...then comes freedom!

What about the change in title? As I posted earlier...I had a title picked out as well. "Majesty" That was a part of the initial inspiration I had of blues, purples and scarlet as I had been reading in Exodus about colors that were used in the clothes for service in the holy place.  Again, I had to let go.  Title man, (hubbie) was inspired with the title "Presence".  I thought it was fitting from the moment I heard it, as I had also been reading a book about Christ in the feast of the Tabernacles, by David Brickner a celebration of God's provision and presence. 

Even though I wasn't able to visually record it , perhaps one thing that can be learned and that is of the process.  It can't be seen, but it is every bit as important and is a part of the finished product.  Changes are a part of the process and it is what makes a painting original and unique.  It is interwoven throughout a painting giving the work it's own form of expression and visual language.

"It brings me much joy just to be the brush in the Master Painter's hand and to realize that His creations are made to bring great joy to all.  My paintings are a form of song, dance and praise in response to the beauty of life.   -Elizabeth

To see a complete portfolio of my work, available paintings, purchasing information, etc., please visit my Web Gallery: HERE 

To contact me email me at: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

kaleidoscope of color

Terrace

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

Available: HERE

SOLD

Still in a fall mode color palette as I was working with this one.  What will I do when all the trees become bare?  We are though still enjoying the changing of the colors.  Each day brings more changes. Within just one tree a kaleidoscope of colors can be found. Patchwork as you look across the countryside. Gold as the sun shines just right.  It's the topic of our conversations as we are out and about.

This one has many layers as I add and mix paint on my canvas which not only creates subtle value changes but also nice texture.  The more paint I get on the canvas the more mixing I can do and the longer the drying time is when working with acrylics. Here I was working with a brush then switched off to a palette knife and then felt like I needed some softening.  I used a foam roller around the edges for a softer less focused effect, creating more of an emphasize towards the off center area.  I've been continuing the painting around the sides creating some pretty interesting edges.

This painting along with my complete portfolio of available can be found in my web gallery: HERE

or by contacting me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

reflections of fall

Praxis

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

Available: HERE

SOLD

I absolutely love watching the colors of the trees change this time of year.  Just so sad that they don't last very long.  They have definitely rubbed off on me with a color palette change.  Working on several other paintings that reflect this feeling of fall as well.   What's next....oh no, please.. not winter.

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

expressions

Trice

Mixed Media on 12" x 12" heavy watercolor paper

Ready to frame

Actually, this one was begun in a gesturally fashion with graphite and then it was used to clean my palette knife and roller on.  Today, as I was working on some other paper paintings I picked it up and completed it.  It also has some pieces of the dried on acrylic paint that you peel off of tubes. Fun.

...expressionistic.

If you just got to have it....may be purchased from my web gallery: here.

or email: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Have a wonderful week!

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

for you....

Allure

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

Ready to hang

SOLD

Come-hither look... hoping that you will be enticed with the colors in this abstract!  I'm sorry that the textures aren't quite so visible with an online image.  This one also has some wonderful surface textures that are basically built up with layers of paint and an acrylic sand medium I've been playing with.  On the easel today is a warm color palette painting...at least so far!

These abstracts can be viewed and purchased from my web gallery:HERE
or I can be emailed: elizabethchapman@artlover.com


Elizabeth Chapman
Contemporary Abstract Artist

a time to enjoy

Ablaze

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

Ready to hang

SOLD

Here in the Ozarks we are just on the verge of having all the leaves turn color.  It's just too bad that once it happens it only last for about a week and then it's gone.  I will definitely be getting out to enjoy the fall color palette.  This is a 2012 painting that reminds me of many of those colors.  If you click on the image you can get a better close up.  Enjoy!!

This painting is currently available and can be found in my Web Gallery: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

pushing through.....

Jewel

Acrylic on 12"H x 16"W heavy watercolor paper

Ready to frame

Ok I'm kicking myself for not having done this painting on a large canvas.  There are layers and layers of acrylic paint as I worked myself through this one.  There were stages that I loved but just not there yet, there were stages that I hated so all well what is there to lose.  In all, I just kept pushing through and I love it!  The layers of paint created some interesting textural surface..another plus.

If your new to my blog site, more abstracts can be found in my web gallery: HERE

Elizabeth Chapman

Contemporary Abstract Artist

higher ground....

Eminence

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

Ready to hang.

SOLD

Where does your inspiration come from?.....  For me this time it was music that has been written by an Australian group called "Sons of Korah", but the lyrics are straight out of God's Word in particular the book of Psalms.  The music is so beautiful and helped me to get centered upon higher ground.    Nothing like being inspired by The Creator God himself!

A collection of my available abstract paintings can be seen: HERE

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

free time.....

Natura

Acrylic on 30" x 48" x 1.5" wrap canvas
Ready to hang.

SOLD

Remember when you were given "free drawing time" in art class.  Actually, I really don't remember this as a student.  Must have thought it was all free time! lol  But, as a teacher, working with kids at the elementary level, I so enjoyed watching the natural creative flow that came out when given "free drawing time".  This simply meant it was a time in which you were free to draw your own subject matter, totally using your imagination, choosing whether to work with pencil, markers crayons, etc, going all out with color or maybe just black and white and there were no rules to follow.

After having done several commission paintings back to back....this is how I felt with the approach of this painting.  I am not complaining at all, as I do appreciate and enjoy very much working with clients in creating their own custom ordered visual expressions.  However, there are still some perimeters to work within.  Just as each mark leads to the next and then the next, etc., so does each painting lead to what will be created on the next canvas.  Abstract Expressionism.


My abstracts can be purchased directly from my Web Gallery: HERE
or by contacting 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