Megan Chapman's Studio Blog: Charcoal

Showing posts with label Charcoal. Show all posts

Friday, March 28, 2025

Throw me a line

In case you missed it, you can read last week's post here.

The drawing continues, it's as much about erasing as it is about drawing. Nothing better than a kneaded eraser - like sculpting. I enjoy the yellowed tags, and the limited palette. Home. home. home. Throw me a line.

I know what I am doing.

You can read next week's post here.

Friday, July 3, 2020

I am a volcano

These are the first drawing or paintings I’ve done since June 12th. That's about a 3-week break. My skin felt like it was boiling from the inside out. You might say well then why didn’t you just make something? Good question. I think I stop to 1) rest and percolate. and 2) to remember how important this is for my life.

I am a volcano. I am headphones and joy division. I am charcoal and paper and unlimited cups of tea. I am a fever, I am electricity. It builds and builds and builds. I am a good woman until I am not. I'd like to run through the forest and throw rocks. I'd like to smash and kick the air. I'd like to scream from my guts until it shakes the trees.

Instead, I'll draw. I will borrow your rock and roll smash it up energy safely from my sofa. I will screw up my face as I make the dark lines and I will break the charcoal instead. I will turn it up loud and I will disappear safely in your decades-old guitar sound and my heart will become the bass and I will go away in order to come back to myself again.

And each time it will be new, a revelation - a raw delight. I will close my eyes and shake my head and realise that no one gets to feel this but me. There is no way to make you understand so I don't even have to try to explain. What freedom. I'll step into your screams and take them as my own, I will wear your rage as a cloak and I will keep drawing.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Gallery news!

I am delighted to share that the following paintings from my latest series will be heading to two galleries in Edinburgh soon.

These three pieces will be in the Spring, Thy Name is Colour exhibition at The Velvet Easel Gallery in Portobello, Edinburgh. Opening Saturday, the 3rd of March.

All that I am
Mixed media on canvas
80x80cm
© 2018 Megan Chapman
£1,450

Acceptance
Mixed media on canvas
80x80cm
© 2018 Megan Chapman
£1,450

Echoes and memory
Mixed media on canvas
100x120cm
© 2018 Megan Chapman
£2,200

In other exciting gallery news, the painting below will soon be going to The & Gallery on Dundas Street in Edinburgh.

Only to disappear

Mixed media on canvas

120x100cm

It is a joy to know that the work I am creating currently is not only ticking my own personal boxes but that it will also be reaching the public so quickly after painting it and in two such beautiful and unique galleries.

It is moments like these where every question and doubt, every frustration or worry, quiets and I know once again I am on the right path. This path I have been walking down for over twenty years. In fits and starts, my dedication to painting never truly wanes. I am grateful for all the lessons I have been taught and continue to learn through art.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go get some more varnish and get these pieces gallery ready!

Until next week, the world needs you, and your art.