Last weekend's Abstractionistas exhibition

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the Abstractionistas exhibition at the Granton Hub. Here are a few snaps of our art in the space. We each had a few sales and it was lovely to have an exhibition in the community where I live. 

My work and Susan Wilson's. 

Susan Wilson

My work in the corner browser rack and Susan's on the wall

A close-up shot of my work on the wall

I hung 6 works from my 15-piece series "This is how we tell the story"

Judith Shaylor

Madelvic House, Granton Hub

Paper by the Abstractionistas our 5th featured exhibition as a collective

geraniums outside the large windows of the exhibition space

The light was lovely in the space

We provided some Scottish favourites during our reception

Here's a wee video tour of the exhibition: Paper - Abstractionistas

That's all I have for you this week. Next week, there will be some new developments... Stay tuned and thank you so much for your support. Until next week, keep fighting! 

Abstractionistas Exhibition This Weekend!

You are invited to our new exhibition!

"Paper" is the latest exhibition by the Scottish women's art collective, the Abstractionistas, featuring artists, Megan Chapman, Judith Shaylor Art, and Susan Elizabeth Wilson. The group is delighted to bring their works on paper to the Granton Hub during the Edinburgh festival.

The three-day pop-up show is open to the public from 11-4 pm on the 12th, 13th and 14th of August at the Granton Hub, Madelvic House, Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh, EH5 1HS. The artists will have a public reception on Saturday the 13th from 2-4 pm. Join us!

Abstractionistas: Paper
August 12-14th 11-4 pm
Reception Saturday, Aug. 13 from 2-4 pm
Granton Hub, Granton Park Avenue
Edinburgh, EH5 1HS

Playlists, commissions, exhibitions and more.

Hello August! Already!?

Hiya dear readers. 

If you haven't noticed, I fell a bit behind on my blog posts due to being unwell in July but now I am all caught up, so please go back and check out these entries if you missed them. Thanks for your patience. 

Friday, July 29, 2022: Upcoming Abstractionistas Exhibition: Paper
Click to read

Friday, July 22, 2022: Permission granted

Click to read

Friday, July 15, 2022: Could I tell you anything more?
Click to read

In other news, Did you know that each month I create a roughly themed 13-song playlist over on YouTube? I do! Get access for just £3 and become an art patron at the same time. Easy! 

Go HERE.

In other, other news. Request your own "accidental portrait" commission! These bespoke portrait pieces are 51x41cm/16x20” and will be painted and drawn on 250gsm linen textured painting paper. I spray varnish the pieces and roll them in a tube to post once complete. 

These abstracted portrait pieces seek to capture the essence, energy, or story of the person. I would love to work with you to create the perfect "accidental portrait" of you or a loved one. 

You can request those HERE. 

detail

detail

And of course, I must mention the next Abstractionistas exhibition coming up this month and very soon! Make plans to attend!

"Paper" is an exhibition by the Scottish women's art collective, the Abstractionistas, featuring work by artists, Megan Chapman, Judith Shaylor, and Susan Elizabeth Wilson. The Pop-Up show is open to the public from 11-4 pm on the 12th, 13th and 14th of August at the Granton hub, Madelvic House, Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh, EH5 1HS. The artists will have a public reception on Saturday the 13th from 2-4 pm. Join us! The group is delighted to bring their works on paper to the Granton Hub during the Edinburgh festival.

https://allmylinks.com/abstractionistas

And that is all the news fit to print. Take a break, do something nice for yourself or someone else. Take care until next week.

Upcoming Abstractionistas Exhibition: Paper

Exhibition news: 

"Paper" is an exhibition by the Scottish women's art collective, the Abstractionistas, featuring works by artists, Megan Chapman: Abstract Painter, Judith Shaylor Art, and Susan Elizabeth Wilson.

The Pop-Up show is open to the public from 11-4 pm on the 12th, 13th and 14th of August at the Granton:hub, Madelvic House, Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh, EH5 1HS. The artists will have a public reception on Saturday the 13th from 2-4 pm. Join us! 

Until next week, I hope you are well, happy, and inspired. 

Inception this weekend at Dalkeith Palace!

Paintings from my " A Delicate Balance" series at the Dalkeith Palace

Another work from my series "A Delicate Balance" in situ for Inception at the Dalkeith Palace

I love the juxtaposition of modern art lining the walls of this gorgeous stately manor. I am pleased to be back at Inception for a second time at the Dalkeith Palace and this time with my fellow Abstractionistas! We have a gorgeous room on the main floor just before the grand stairs and we are excited to share our works with you. 

There is so much art to see, experience, enjoy, and purchase in such a beautiful setting. 

Come see the Abstractionistas:

Megan Chapman
Susan Elizabeth Wilson
Judith Shaylor Art

Susan Wilson's work on the left wall and Judith Shaylor's on the right

Judith Shaylor's work

Don’t miss this exhibition, folks! See you at Inception, Friday - Sunday, May 6-8. Get your tickets here: https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/.../inception-art-show

Please note: If you are coming to say hello to me specifically, on Friday, I will step away from my art from 11-12:30 for a union meeting via Zoom that I can't miss. But I will be on the premises and available for the duration of the exhibition all three days otherwise. I would love to see you.

Congratulations to the organisers and all our fellow participating artists! I am really looking forward to all the spirited and intimate conversations about art over this long weekend. Please do come and say hello!

In other news:

If you missed it here's the Tuesday Studio Video Visit: Here

And here's the Arkansas local's sale information: Here

Northwest Arkansas, my art is with YOU!

Dissonance
mixed media on canvas
6x8.5" © Megan Chapman 
$75.00

Listen to the wind
mixed media on canvas
6x8.5" © Megan Chapman
$75.00

Dear Northwest Arkansas Friends and Art Lovers,

I may be miles from Arkansas living and working in Edinburgh, Scotland but this special collection of original works and limited edition prints are with you in Fayetteville and available now to purchase for two weeks only! This special online sale runs from April 29th to May 13th.

These works once reserved and pre-purchased online will be available for collection from the Ozark Natural Foods outdoor dining area from my friend and fellow artist Maggie Ivy on Saturday, May 14th from 12-2 pm. There will be no work for sale at the collection site - only pick up of presold/paid for works.

20% (after PayPal fees) will be donated to Northwest Arkansas charity, Able Talks "providing high-quality learning experiences for young adults with autism."

If you have any questions regarding the sale or collection of these pieces click the purchase button, this will send me an email to simply start the conversation. To finalise your purchase I will send you a PayPal invoice.

Currently, my archive only allows me to post in GBP (£). Here are the conversion rates (these can vary slightly).

Works on deep edge wood panel: £160.80 ($200.00)
Small rectangular slim profile canvases: £60.30 ($75.00)
Small square slim profile canvas: £52.26 ($65.00)
Limited edition prints - square: £40.00 ($49.75)
Limited edition prints - rectangle: £44.22 ($55.00)

Thank you for your continued support of my work, you are a rare and wonderful community of art lovers and a tough act for any city to follow.

Sincerely yours,
Megan Chapman

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AVAILABLE WORK

In the house you live
12x12" mixed media on panel
© Megan Chapman
$200

Our stories align
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© 2017 Megan Chapman
1/25
$55.00

A most perfect obstacle
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© Megan Chapman 1/25
$55.00

I have only shared a few of the available pieces here in my blog. There are 11 original works on panel and canvas and 11 limited edition prints to choose from. When you click the purchase button it will send me a message with any questions or concerns you may have and we can go from there. Reach out - there are no silly questions, I just want you to live with my art and support a great organisation in the process. 

Thanks! 

- Megan 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AVAILABLE WORK

In Scottish art news, I will be setting up my work along with the Abstractionistas and many other talented artists at the Dalkeith Palace this next Wednesday for the Inception exhibition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 6-8th. Get tickets to attend. 

See you there! https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/inception-art-show/

In the house you live

Outside the window

I am watching pink blossoms and their greenery dance in the breeze outside along the window sill. Theo, my cat, sits on the other side of the window stretched out on my desk while soaking up the sun. I am resting on the sofa across the room with a wee knee injury (nothing serious - just got a bit overzealous with my fitness last week). 

Earlier today, I had my third session of training in the Fair Work Rep series through the Scottish Artists Union. I am learning a lot in these sessions and really enjoying getting to know the other artists that are participating. I even dug out my union badge and have been wearing it with pride. 

If you are an artist in Scotland, please consider joining your union. We are stronger together and the benefits are immense. Become a member.

In other art-related news this week, the Abstractionistas took our exhibition down at Detour Espresso yesterday. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed "Awakenings" at Detour. It was a lovely and friendly venue and we enjoyed sharing our work with you. 

We have also been getting ready for our next exhibition as part of Inception at Dalkeith Palace. Signing our contracts, sending in our label information, and getting all our ducks in a row. 

I will have 6 larger pieces in the exhibition in the palace as well as 9 canvas smaller framed works and 9 small raw canvas mounted works in the pop-up shop space depending. Showcasing a range of my work to suit most budgets and tastes. I know Susan Wilson and Judith Shaylor and all the other brilliant artists and organisers are working hard to bring you the very best!

Get your tickets here: 

https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/inception-art-show/

After cleaning my studio up last week, I have also begun the process of moving some of my paintings and materials that had migrated to my home during the pandemic back to the studio. Hopefully, we will get my pal settled into the space for the start of May and maybe I will start painting again. 

Conversation at 3 a.m.
Mixed media on canvas 6x8.5"
© 2014 Megan Chapman 

This next bit is for those in Arkansas and specifically my hometown of Fayetteville. I am in the early stages of organising an online sale of some of my works that are actually all still there in Fayetteville looking for good homes. Stay tuned, locals! (the two pieces of art in the post are just two examples).

Royal Botanic Gardens

In other non-art related news, I have really been enjoying the spring in Edinburgh, the sunshine has been divine. The flowers are blooming like mad and the trees are just starting to leaf out. Such joy for this time of year to come around again. I made it a point to visit my favourite graveyard, the botanic gardens, and a favourite park this past week along with a few other choice walks and suntraps. I even walked through The Meadows blooming on the way to take down the show at Detour.

And here I am on the sofa with a sore knee, but I will be back amongst the flowers soon enough.

In the house you live
Mixed media on panel
12x12"
© 2014 Megan Chapman

Dear Artists,

Stand up for yourselves. Stop working for free. Stop underselling your work and yourself. Challenge the way the art world functions and who it is set up to benefit. Set boundaries. Exposure doesn't pay the bills. We must support and encourage each other. We are in the same fight. We are not in competition. Share your secrets and let's reach our goals together as a unified front. Get organised. 

Don't forget to rest and to allow yourself time for joy. Remember what you wanted to express in the first place - you probably won't find it on Instagram but you might find it in your heart, your mind's eye, or in the pit of your stomach. Let it out. We can take it.

Love,
Megan

******

Want to leave me £3 ($3.91) in exchange for my work (words, art, videos, and photographs)? It's easy and it feels good to be a supporter!

Click here: https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman 

Thank you!

The old ways don't work

My head is spinning from everything I have learned in the past 3 weeks with the Scottish Artists Union. I took a 12-hour course called, "Let's get organised! A 101 for Organising the Arts" The title doesn't do the course justice - there was so much more to it than that. It was deep and personal, it gave me a new framework to see my past, present, and future - and I am grateful.

I am not sure if I can even begin to express how I feel about it yet. It solidified a lot of ideas that have been kicking around in my head for decades and gave me the words to understand many of my beliefs on a new level. The additional resources provided during the course excited and overwhelmed me. I am eager to learn more and it also seems like I could never learn enough! 

I had been thinking of how I would miss the course when it concluded on Thursday. However, I am delighted that I was asked if I would be interested in participating in a pilot scheme for a Fair Work Representative development training course starting next week. "The training will cover the role of reps; an overview of Fair Work; Advocacy and Organising; and Equalities." I am really looking forward to this further training and what the future may hold for me within the union. 

Since the pandemic, thanks to more of the learning programs being offered online, I have been able to access some brilliant content provided by the SAU. It's not just about paying your dues and getting your liability insurance, the union offers so much more! I am really thankful. 

So, that's where I am coming from just now and you can rest assured there will be more specific and deeper insights shared in future posts. 

In other news, I wasn't out and about quite as much as the week before, but I was invited to a lovely home-cooked dinner with two good friends. We sat around a big wooden table enjoying our steaming bowls of noodles as we shared information, worries, and laughs, and for a couple of hours, I forgot about the pandemic. Magic! 

This week I went on a field trip with the Abstractionistas (Judith Shaylor and Susan Wilson) to the fabulous Dalkeith Palace to see the room we will be showing our work in for the Inception exhibition coming up in May. Besides this, the aforementioned union meetings punctuated the week, as well as an hour of mentoring a very talented artist. I had a few health-related tasks and appointments to take care of this week as well - reminding me again of the preciousness and value of Scotland's National Health Service. I will never take it for granted. 

So while I am not creating art currently, I am participating in the art world within a social action context, along with working with the Abstractionistas on our future exhibition, and mentoring a fellow artist as she explores her process and personal goals.

I have also enjoyed some sunshine, nature, and a bit of culture this week - two television shows, Severance and Station 11 both seem to tie in perfectly to what I am thinking about in regards to workers, work, capitalism and our ever-evolving world. 

The old ways don't work. 

It's time to dream and organise.

Don't Stop! Give it all you got

The Clash: The Magnificient Seven

The above Post-it note is stuck on the windowpane in front of my desk. This yellow square kept me motivated as I did eight hours of data entry on my archive today. There have been many long days recently working on this task and I was planning on going into more detail about how the process of working on this makes me feel. However, my cat is in my lap as I balance my laptop on the arm of a chair, so perhaps next time. Theo is supremely important. 

There was a short and sweet Tuesday studio video visit recorded this week. If you missed it, here it is. Thank you for your likes, shares, and subscriptions to my YouTube.

Like many this week, I have been staying in as we weather these two big storms in the UK. I am thinking of everyone affected - Edinburgh has gotten off lightly so far. I hope you are warm, well, and safe wherever you are. 

And that's it, I am going to cut this short, it's time for some dinner and some Netflix, but of course, Theo is still in my lap so it may be a while before dinner yet...

Thanks to everyone who has supported my work over the years, as I go through the archive I am reminded of conversations, emails, chats, faces, and memories of everyone who has bought and supported my work. It's been quite emotional and really fulfilling - more on this soon. Thank you. 

Until next week, take care and keep fighting!

PS. When the sun comes out again, go celebrate at Detour Espresso in Marchmont, the Abstractionistas exhibition continues... 

Let's exchange the experience

To hide the best parts, 40x40x4cm

Mixed media on canvas, Megan Chapman

Hello, dear blog readers, 

The Abstractionistas exhibition, Awakenings continues this week and through April 17 at Detour Espresso at 39 Argyle Place, Marchmont, Edinburgh. Opening hours are 9-4pm M-F and 10-4 Sat-Sun. The exhibition was installed in the lovely light-filled and high-ceilinged space last Friday evening, see last week's blog for installation photos and a few thoughts about the work as a whole. 

This week has mostly been focused on promoting the exhibition and the individual pieces across our Facebook, Instagram, and my YouTube. 

I tried something new this week with the Tuesday Studio Video Visit which I am excited about. I was able to record myself talking on camera about the five pieces I am showing at Detour, as I guide you through the work in question on the screen, picture in picture. This is pretty close to the experience you would get if you popped into my studio or met me at an exhibition for a discussion of my work. I tell you about the titles and meanings of the paintings as well as some of the strategies I use while creating the works. I really miss these in-depth discussions about my work with patrons, so please do watch the video if you haven't already. It is just under 15 minutes and I cover a lot of ground. Let me know what you think in the comments, and please like and share. I hope to do more videos like these in the future. 

That is all I have for you this week, some rewiring is being done in the house this morning, so I wanted to get this out early while I had a quiet moment. Thank you all for supporting and enjoying my work and for your enthusiastic support for the Abstractionistas. It means a lot to us all. If you are local, go have a coffee at Detour this weekend or make plans to go in the near future to support a wonderful local business and local artists! 

Until next week, take care and keep fighting!

Awakenings at Detour Espresso in Marchmont, Edinburgh

Work by Susan E. Wilson on the left and Megan Chapman on the right

‘Awakenings’ an exhibition by the Abstractionistas is now on display at Detour Espresso, 39 Argyle Place, Marchmont, Edinburgh. 

Enjoy abstract paintings by our members Susan Elizabeth Wilson, Megan Chapman: Abstract Painter, and Judith Shaylor Art while enjoying great coffee and tasty treats in a beautiful and friendly atmosphere. If you ask us, this weather just screams for good coffee and art. Detour Espresso is just the place for both!

Work by Megan Chapman on the left and framed works by Judith Shaylor to the right and below the bike.

The exhibition is made up of thirteen pieces by the three artists in the collective. Each work explores different facets of working in the abstract, such as colour, atmosphere, energy or are influenced by the land. Some pieces serve as meditations in motion or to tell stories and share our inner worlds. Each artist's distinct voice shines through.

If you are in Edinburgh, make plans to pop by with a friend and enjoy the exhibition.

I love showing art where folks can go to be comfortable and cosy, such as in a coffee shop. Art is a natural part of that equation - we live around art - we eat, drink, solve life's mysteries and share laughs and tears around art. The Abstractionistas are honoured to show at Detour Espresso. 

In other news, you can see my Tuesday video visit here. Other than preparing for this show I have been really getting stuck into the Artwork Archive (I talk about that a bit in my video as well). If you are an artist and can afford it or raise the funds for it, I highly recommend it. 

More shows are on the horizon! More on that soon. Until next week, be well, take care, and keep fighting. Thank you for your support.

Abstractionistas Exhibition at Detour Espresso!

The Abstractionistas present, ‘Awakenings’ to be held at Detour Espresso at their Marchmont location during the months of February and March at 39 Argyle Place, EH9 1JT, Edinburgh. 

Enjoy your coffee alongside some fresh, hot, abstract art by artists Megan Chapman, Judith Shaylor and Susan Elizabeth Wilson. All our work will be available to purchase and collect by contacting us directly throughout the 2-month exhibition. 

We are looking forward to having our paintings out in the world again and in such a beautiful and relaxed setting as Detour Espresso. 

It will be great to be showing alongside my peers again! We hope you can pop by and enjoy our work while you are out and about in Edinburgh over the next two months. 

I plan to show the following pieces depending on space. Message me with any inquiries and as always, I am open to instalment plans. 

Hiding in plain sight
Mixed Media on Canvas
41x51x4 cm (16x20x1.5")
£325.00
To purchase email: megancha@gmail.com

Out of my mouth come flowers, come barbs
Mixed Media on Canvas
41x51x4 cm (16x20x1.5")
£325.00
To purchase email: megancha@gmail.com

Time spent as someone else
Mixed Media on Canvas
41x51x4cm (16x20x1.5")
£325.00
To purchase email: megancha@gmail.com

Stolen moments
Mixed Media on Canvas
41x51x4cm (16x20x1.5")
£325.00
To purchase email: megancha@gmail.com

To hide the best parts
Mixed Media on Canvas
40x40x4cm (15.5x15.5x1.5")
 £275.00
To purchase email: megancha@gmail.com

I hope everyone is as well as can be and starting to dream and think about the spring. I saw some snowdrops today on my walk and have enjoyed a few sunny days with the birds as they sing their spring songs. I am looking forward to everything bursting open again soon. I must be patient. 

Oh, and if you missed this week's Tuesday Studio Video Visit you can see it here. It's a quick musical exploration of ten small works. Enjoy. 

Thank you for joining me this week and for your continued support.

Until next week, keep fighting!

Lightness in the dark, sparkly and sweet

It's the morning of Christmas eve and I am awake early in the dark. All my fairy lights are on and I have some Christmas music playing softly in the background. I have a cup of coffee and a shortbread cookie I baked last night. A fitting breakfast. I can hear cars driving along the rainy street outside and the sky is a pale purple. 

What a year and what an end to the year especially. It's been pretty damn hard and frustrating for so many of us. And scary and challenging too. I just want to acknowledge that and thank everyone who has supported my work and my well-being while going through their own heaviness. I see you and appreciate you. 

In this morning's darkness, I celebrate the beauty of nature and the peace that walking gives me and all the new things I have learned and discovered this year, from art to music, and everything in between. I am thankful for family, friends and my community, my beloved cat, patrons, galleries, and for all the opportunities that came along for myself and for the Abstractionistas this year. Of course, I want to thank my fellow Abstractionistas too, for their grit, passion, friendship, and support. 

I will be writing my year-end review blog next Friday, so I don't want to go too deep just now but I do want to start this Christmas weekend with gratitude and appreciation. Thank you for reading this blog.

Wishing you all a beautiful and peaceful holiday weekend. It's not like in the commercials and why would we want it to be? For me, it's about lightness in the dark, sparkly and sweet. Quiet joy and peace, however you find or create it. 

Be well.

Love, 

Megan