Monday, June 27, 2011

Traverse, Modern Art, Contemporary Expressionistic, Abstract Painting, Original, Elizabeth Chapman

'Traverse'
Acrylic on 36" x 36" x 1.5" canvas
Available



TRAVERSE:  to pass or move along, to go over or go across, etc. This painting went through many sessions and felt as if it was finished many times, but there was always something that just wasn't quite there yet, so I kept after it. Then came that moment of crossing over, it was done and I knew it. 

I will also always remember this painting as a marker in time ......a change in how I value my art!  Perhaps as you are viewing this work, you are crossing over to something new as well.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Shades of Love, Original Abstract Heart Painting, Elizabeth Chapman

'Shades of Love'
Acrylic on 11" x 14" canvas

Heart Series, click here to purchase
or contact me: Elizabeth





Peace, Love and Understanding.....as I posted several weeks ago, I began painting the heart abstract paintings again after an inquiry I received from my web gallery.  This person had gone through my archive (a portfolio of my sold work) and had found these heart paintings. They had spoken so much 
to her.  She told me as a child she had always loved heart paintings in which the hearts were hidden.  
It was such a sweet email that touched my heart and spoke to me about the need to continue these.

So, I made this goal that I would paint one per week. Let's see, by next Valentine's Day there will be
.......... I'll let you do the math.  Maybe more than anything else is how they are speaking to me.  
I now look forward to this special time of creating a new heart and seeing what it has to say!  
Just something about a heart that speaks shades of love.   XO Elizabeth


Thursday, June 23, 2011

Sync, Modern Contemporary Art, Original, Abstract Painting, Elizabeth Chapman


"Sync"

Acrylic on 9" x 12" x 7/8" canvas
Available by contacting me: Elizabeth




Michael Buble...OMG!  My son, Doren bought us tickets on mother's day for his concert.  We went to this event here in Springfield, Mo. on Tuesday night.  Incredible....So many new ideas came from this.  There's got to be a "Crazy Love" heart to come from this!! 

Experimenting with this small painting before a larger one in which I've been thinking about limiting myself to just black and white.   Working with only black and white is harder than it appears, at least for me.  As you can see with this little one, color made it's way in. I painted this one after a larger one that I just completed "Traverse" which will be posted next week....or can be seen here. ....in a similar  palette.   I feel as if I've been working a lot with the same color palette and maybe the limitation would be a cleansing, so to speak and move me a long to working with other color schemes. We'll see...






Monday, June 20, 2011

Jasmin, Modern Abstract, Contemporary Expressionism, Original Art, Mixed Media, Elizabeth Chapman

'Jasmin'

Acrylic on 8" x 10" 300lb. Arches paper
Available by contacting me: elizabeth


SOLD





Going with the flow....just feeling lately like I wanted to work with a different medium. So, I began with watercolors, another medium that I am much familiar with, transparently layering colors. Later I began adding gouache which is a more opaque medium. If you've never worked with them, they are kinda like the oil paints of watercolors. They are thicker, easier to blend with and you begin to achieve depth must faster. Once, I had these in I switched off to my acrylics to add those final touches, the details the jewels.  Was this all planned? .... oh no, never... just a matter of going with the flow!  
Play and have some fun this week!!

"So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life.  That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.  Ecclesastes 8:15

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Le Heart, Modern Contemporary "Heart" Abstract Painting, Elizabeth Chapman

'Le Heart'
 Acrylic on 16" x 20" canvas
 Available by contacting me: Elizabeth 




The second heart from the new heart series.   As I posted last weekend with "Truelove", upon request, I have decided to start these up again.  Images of the older sold ones  can be seen in the Archives section of my website.  This one was titled by my daughter Emma, who said my french grandmother, Simone, whom we affectionately called "la vieille" would be proud.

Lots of love to all Dads this Father Day weekend!  I lost my father several years ago and miss him very much.  He lived his dream and worked very hard to provide for his family.  Even though he was a quiet man and wasn't one for expressing his feelings...I always knew that I was loved and very special to him.  Much love....Elizabeth

www.melizabethchapman.artspan.com

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Dance, Modern Art, Contemporary Expressionistic Abstract Painting, Elizabeth Chapman

'The Dance'
Acrylic on 24" x 24" x 1.5"
Available by contacting me: Elizabeth





Making a Living.  Just read this article and it has most definitely given me a different perspective on the term "making a living".   Once again, I believe we have it all turned around backwards.  My son-in-law Jeremy Larson had posted a link to it on his blog, now one of my favorite daily reads!  The article is by Jon Foreman lead singer for a band called Switchfoot.  Click here to read.  After reading this article it reminded of some lyrics that John Lennon wrote for his son Sean off the "Double Fantasy" album.  It has stuck with me over the years. "Life is what happens while your busy making other plans".......... Beautiful Boy, John Lennon

So what does this have to do with this painting?  Well, I believe after you read the article you will see! This is a painting that I revisted lately and contemplated which way to display it. After much rotation, I have settled on this view where I can see a figure dancing.   Maybe I'm the only one to see this...but I believe that even in these times that we are all presently living in there must be a way to find joy in the simple things, thankfulness for what we do have and a reason to dance and give praise for it all.

Monday, June 13, 2011

New Dawn, Modern Abstract Palette Knife Painting, Elizabeth Chapman

"New Dawn"
Acrylic on 30" x 40" x 1.5" canvas
Available by contacting me: Elizabeth


Contemporary Expressionistic Palette Knife Painting




Palette knife painting with metallic copper, silver and gold intertwined with color.  My first palette knife painting was one titled "Indian Summer" out of which the opportunity to do a commissioned painting "Better Two" emerged (two large 24" x 60" panels).  Since then there has been Rich, Mestizo, Curtain Call, Iridescent, Fancy Flight, Italia, Rainy Day Cafe and now "New Dawn".  These are done with a palette knife, paint straight from the tube with the mixing of colors done on the canvas.  The metallics may be hard to see as they do not photograph well, but this painting is gorgeous in the bright light.

New Dawn reminds me of the newness or freshness that comes with each morning.  Another day is a gift to be treasured and enjoyed.  Like a city on a hill as the sun is coming up, it begins to bring light to one side of the hill and as it spreads it brings light and warmth to the coolness and darkness of night ...and with it hope.

"Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.  Ecclesiastes 11:7

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Truelove, Heart Series Abstract Painting, Original, Elizabeth Chapman

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




Truelove is a continuation of the heart series that I began a few years ago.  It began with a couple of heart paintings for a local fundraiser, "Heart for the Arts" here in Springfield, Mo.  I so enjoyed painting these that I decided I would continue the series (these can be seen in the Archives). Well, somewhere along the line I forgot them.  I had actually been thinking about them again as I was reading a book "Recover Your Good Heart" by Jim Robbins.  Well, it wasn't until here recently when I had an inquiry about the hearts that I realized it's time to paint these again. Thank you, Natalie! So, I painted this heart in response to that inquiry and have opened up a heart category (there's only one heart so far!) again in my web gallery. If you haven't visited my web gallery in a while (or maybe never have) I invite you to do that, as I have made changes over the last few weeks.   

It is my goal to begin adding a new heart to this series as a weekend post. We'll see.... there is so much that can be and has been written about love. That is what I think of when I see a heart. It speaks differently to the heart of each person. As an abstract painter I am seeking and searching for that moment when a work shows me there is beauty here. This is a beauty that reveals the glory of God. 
A reflection. God is love and it is through him that all that is true, beautiful and good is seen.  

This particular heart makes me think of the intertwining of two hearts as they become one. Perhaps it's because of the marriage of our oldest daughter Elsie, that I've been thinking about this lately. As I witnessed the exchanging of their vows and the commitment in their hearts that they were making for each other on their wedding day, I thought of how beautiful and happy they were together. 
Truelove will watch over them, take care of them and will grow over the years to come. 


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Fraction, Modern Abstract Painting, Original, local events, Springfield, Missouri... Elizabeth Chapman


'Fractions'
Acrylic on 12" x 12" x 7/8"

Available by contacting me: elizabeth 
or from my website: here

SOLD





Busy, busy, busy this week as I am working with some local events here in Springfield, Mo.  It began last  Friday night with the Springfield Arts Council Members show where I entered "Quantum" this year and then I spent several hours at Obelisk Home where my work is represented locally.  Thursday night I am going to be doing a palette knife painting demonstration for the Flights of Fancy Celebration at the Springfield/Branson airport.  Being my second year to do this I'm feeling a little less apprehensive than last year.  I chose to do a palette knife painting because this way I can work straight from the tubes to the palette knife, mixing on the canvas and using a towel to wipe my knife with no water needed.  This event involves many of the local performing arts coming together.  Last year a painting titled "Fancy Flight" emerged from this event.  Lastly this week, there will be an opening reception that we will attend on Friday night for Art for Haiti and the event will be continuing throughout the month of June.  

A few years ago I began posting and blogging my new adventure in pursuing this journey of not only creating art but learning the business aspects as well.  I was very much inspired by the success  my daughter Elsie Larson of A Beautiful Mess was having with her online business.  So, I spent my whole first summer learning all the technical stuff in order to being able to create my own online presence.  Yes, truly it took a little longer than usual to become tech savy but you see and I really hate to admit this, it was an age thing for me (I'm from the generation of writing letters to each other..lol). I began to realize that in spending so much time on line I was overlooking the area in which I live.  I was beginning to understand that being involved in my community is also an important part of being an artist.  We are all placed in our local communities  for a reason.  For me some of those reasons are to give back, to share, to establish relationships and just my feeling of fulfillment. I also enjoy very much being involved in the much larger community of the world we live in on the internet.  Just a matter of striking a balance!

This little abstract painting was created about the same time as I was finishing up "Adora", see a couple of post back and so there is a similarity in the color palette.  It is an older painting that I have revisited.  
I do really love it.........and hope you enjoy it too!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

The Wedding, Affinity, Modern Contemporary Expressionistic Abstract Painting, Original Art by Elizabeth Chapman

"Affinity"
Acrylic on 36" x 36" x 1.5" canvas
Wedding Present
NFS





This painting was in my first show with Obelisk Home. When our daughter Elsie saw it she asked me for it as a wedding present.  I was honored and happy to give her a painting of her choosing.  It now hangs in the newlyweds home with their vintage decor.  They were married May 15th.  I am posting their wedding video for your enjoyment.  It was all so magical and full of love.  My favorite part was seeing the happiness in their faces.  "The Wedding" click here.  .....and for a little bit more romance, there are letters that Jeremy wrote on his blog to his bride-to-be beginning on May 9th,  So sweet!! click here.   We are very happy and proud to be adding on to our family.

Yes....that is right....you did see a dog in the wedding.  That is our daughter Emma's pug.  She is the one with the blue hair being escorted by Love Love. (the pug)

....and now on to the next wedding.  We now have our son Doren and Sarah with plans to be married October 1st.

Let us be glad and rejoice.... 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Adora, Modern Abstract, Contemporary Expressionistic Art, Original, by Elizabeth Chapman

"Adora"

Acrylic on 24" x 48" x 1.5" canvas
Sold


"Adora" just found a home to a couple in Kansas where it will hang in their formal dining room above the piano.  Thank you!!

Click on image to see close up.




Why do I paint?  I will confess there are days when I feel as if maybe I should just give it up.  Discouragement comes in many different forms, but then I find myself in the studio painting again!  
So, at the end of the day I say that I paint because I love it.  I love the whole creative process of playing, experimenting and I love color!  It is my passion, my expression, my gift and I am thankful.

Where do all these paintings go?  Fortunately many of them have sold.  Presently, some of them are being shown here in Springfield, Mo. at Obelisk Home, the premier showcase gallery and then a few of them are at home.  It has been interesting over the years to see how and when each one finds it's place.  One thing I have learned is to have faith.  I am not always sure when I am painting where the work will go or who will purchase it or even if it will ever be owned by an other,  but I can't think about this while working.  You have to follow your heart as you create and trust that it will serve it's purpose in time. 
Of course, I would like for my paintings to sell fresh off the easel!  What artist wouldn't?!

This morning I just had to smile as I read a promotional email for a local event that I have submitted three  of my older paintings to "Tropical Roots", "Deep" and "Fiesta".  I smiled because these paintings that I've had for a couple of years have just now found their place.  Here is a link to that event if you would like to see it:  Art for Haiti. 

.....and perhaps another reason is so that others can simply enjoy.