Soil of the south

The view from Calton Hill on Wednesday evening

Hello hello!

Thanks for joining me here again!

All is well here in Edinburgh and spring looks like it may have really sprung. The daffodils are all blooming and I have seen some flowering trees and shrubs. The sun was out all day today as well, which was a real treat. As many of you know I lived in Oregon for six years so I am no stranger to rain and grey skies but it is just so amazing when the sun does come out and it changes everything for the better. You just can't take the sun or even spring for granted over here but when it happens it feels like a true gift not to be wasted.

This past Saturday I went to my second art club meeting and it was a good session of decoupage. It really could be called cake club, as that is what we seem to do for the first hour or so; just eating cake, drinking tea and making small talk within our small group. It is lovely to be around people and to be making new friends this time around.

On Sunday we went to the Royal Scottish Academy's new contemporaries exhibition and then on to the National Gallery of Scotland to enjoy some old masters. Then we walked through new town and had a super yummy curry at Haq's on Leith walk, a new discovery in curry close to the flat.

The rest of the week, Monday- Friday is a blur of walking in the evenings and afternoons while exploring local graveyards, parks, Asian markets and the view of the city from Calton hill. There has also been a smattering of family research, the attending of two yoga classes and a pizza dinner with Pat Bremner.

The most exciting thing that happened this week is that I completed my first painting in my new series of works for our two person show at Cross Street Arts in England! I am really pleased with how it turned out.
So, without further ado I will share with you and bring some art back to this art blog.

The soil of the southern states
Mixed media on paper 30x22"
Megan Chapman, 2013

detail
The soil of the southern states
Mixed media on paper
 Megan Chapman, 2013

detail
the soil of the southern states
Mixed media on paper
 Megan Chapman, 2013

My heart got the old familiar fluttery feeling it gets when making something. I love solving all the problems that coming with making art. I am looking forward to seeing how the series evolves. The first piece is always the hardest and I have a tight schedule to turn it all around.

So I think that is all for this week. I have been here for 5 weeks and I have walked 109 miles, attended 5 hours of yoga and completed one full sized painting, among other things. Thank you to all who have supported me, followed my work and travels and to those who have encouraged and inspired me. I carry you all with me. Until next week, keep fighting. 

Everyday we paint is a victory...