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

Presence, Contemporary Expressionistic Abstract Painting, Elizabeth Chapman

"Presence"

Acrylic on 16" x 20" x 3/4" canvas

I have not had much time lately to paint as we've been busy with helping our kids move and my parents have also been needing help.  We are now officially empty nesters!!  Not quite sure about it all....as I loved having a full house.  But....seasons change and these are necessary for growth.  

I actually painted this one before all the business of this last week.  As I worked I was thinking about the peace and the feeling of never actually being alone because of God's love.  Practicing the presence of this love in my life helps me.

For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrew 13:5

www.melizabethchapman.artspan.com