Better late than never...

Running a bit behind on my blog.

Matters of Consequence, an exhibition I curated featuring the work of Christopher Baber and Michael Shaeffer and their collaborative work as Pedigree, opened on Thursday night in the Revolver gallery in the Fayetteville Underground. I feel it was a great success, and I hope the guys will sell even more works as the show remains up until Jan 30th.

Here is a video of that show:

In other news, Wade Ogle's latest CD, Lovers and Fighters is about to debut and I was thrilled when he wanted to use two of my photographs for inside the CD insert. I am quite pleased with how the project turned out and Wade's new album is great too. Click here to learn more about where you can order a copy. You can also listen to Wade's music here.


And yet in other news, ddp gallery is having her Salon 1 exhibition currently until the end of the month, where you can find many of the artists that she represents, all on the gallery walls together. It is a dynamic mix and you can find a wide range of my work on display. Here is an image from that exhibition.

And besides that, I have been working on three works in progress, and they are all white.. What!?!? White.. Yeah, you heard me.. We will see..

Oh yeah and one last thing the small and miniature show was held over until the end of January at the Aaron gallery in Washington D.C. due to the bad weather they had in December. So, if you live near there please go check it out.

This week it is going to be about painting, music, painting, and not much else... I hope you all are well.

Thanks for checking in.

and even more small works...

This is a small works kind of December...

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have updated my Etsy shop, ArtMaven with fifteen new small works on paper. Currently through Sunday there are no shipping charges to anywhere in the world. I enjoy creating these small works because they keep me moving in between larger bodies of work and projects. Also, I really believe in the value of living with original art, and with my small works on paper, almost anyone can afford them. It is a fun way to build a collection. These works are one of a kind, original paintings on 140lb Arches paper. Once matted and framed they make a lovely addition to any collection, and at $25-40 they are a steal..If you have any questions about these small works on paper please let me know in the comments. Enjoy. They are on bright white paper, and many times the photographs do not do them justice.

Etsy Buy Handmade artmaven

I also hope you will enjoy this video I made of my secret blocks currently on display the month of December only at the ddp gallery. All of these shown in the video are $150.00. Three of the smaller wall mounted blocks have sold currently. Each block has it's own secret either on the back if they are wall mounted or on its base if they are the larger sculptural blocks.

And last but not least, again if you are in the Washington D.C. area please visit the Aaron Gallery and see the 4 small works of mine that are a part of their small and miniature exhibition the month of December. These works of mine range in price from $275-$375

So those are my special December offerings. Thanks so much for checking out my blog and my art and for your support and encouragement. For more information about my paintings and the galleries that represent me, please visit my website.

Megan Chapman: Small works (redux)

** This post was originally posted last Friday November 27th. It has been edited.

Since tonight is Friday December 4th and is the opening reception of the small and miniature works show at the Aaron Gallery, I have decided to leave this post up this week. I will let you know how it goes. Also, last night was the opening of the small works show at the ddp gallery, and I am happy to report I sold two blocks and received a lot of great feedback, people really seemed to enjoy them. They will be up the whole month of December. Check the bottom of this post for some new images of the blocks. Thank you! I will resume regular blogging next week.

I am very excited to announce that I will have four paintings in the 20th annual exhibition of small and miniature work by selected artists at Aaron Gallery in Washington D.C. this December! I hope everyone in the D.C. area will visit the Aaron Gallery and Dupont Circle Galleries for First Friday Gallery Walk on December 4th from 6-8pm. I am thrilled to have my work selected for this group exhibition. I thought you might enjoy a preview of the selected works.

You came with fire
mixed media on canvas, 10x10" $275
© 2009 Megan Chapman

Behind the Whispers

mixed media on canvas, 20x16" $375
© 2009 Megan Chapman

Implosion

mixed media on canvas, 20x16" $375
© 2009 Megan Chapman

All things fall to the side

mixed media on canvas, 10x10" $275
© 2009 Megan Chapman

In other exciting news, I will be debuting an entirely new body of work at the DDP gallery in Fayetteville Arkansas, during the first Thursday art walk December 3rd from 5-8pm. I am putting the finishing touches on these works, that combine my love of photography and written word. These blocks are a precursor to my 100 flashes of memory series, and I am very excited to share them with the public. Additional photographs will be posted here soon so watch this space for updates as the week progresses. This new project has been a labor of love and a challenge, and very inspiring for me.

This is a wonderful and productive time in my art career and I am glad to share it with you. If you need any additional information about these works or galleries please feel free to contact me or leave a comment.

pictured directly above : a collection of secrets © 2009 Megan Chapman

only at the ddp gallery. $150/block.

4 a.m. and I was there...

After last week's blog I was inspired to attempt to work in my studio, early in the morning just like the old days. I am very happy to report that I did and it was great! It was a cool, dark morning as I drove through the sleepy town streets and then entered the massive old bank building that houses my studio at the Fayetteville Underground. I thought I might get creeped out being in such a large space alone, but I really wasn't. I made some tea, turned up my music loud, shut the door and I was off. I was so happy, I was jumping up and down in victory, singing and having fun. I started two new paintings that I am pleased with and took pictures of my studio again (see slide show above). I don't know how many pictures I now have of my studio. I guess it is a sort of proof that it exists and of course a record for the future. Sometimes it feels like a set and I just go there to play artist, but then when I look around at all the paintings and look at my blocks project on the table and everything else I am working on that is art related, I know I am not playing anything. This is my life and I am fully engaged in being an artist. I have proof all around me and in photographs, for when I lose my way, and I will lose my way...

Did I ever get back to my studio at 3 or 4am the rest of the week? No, I did not. Did I work on the paintings I had started that wonderful morning? No, I did not. Did I get angry and down on myself? Yes, I did. But I am still celebrating the day I worked and the day I triumphed at 4a.m.

Everyday we paint is a victory. Everyday that we dream, think, read, and write about art creates the important background noise that make those victories possible and they count just the same.

Here is a sneak peak of one of the new works in progress.
Thanks for reading my blog, for commenting, for thinking and dreaming with me. Onwards and upwards...


PS. Last night was First Thursday art walk on the Fayetteville Square from 5-8pm. I just want to say it was another wonderful event; what my town has done in a few short months to create a cohesive and powerful art scene is nothing short of amazing and inspires me no end. I enjoyed talking with all the folks that came to the Underground as well as walked through my studio. Thank you to ddp gallery, The Fayetteville Underground, Mayor Lioneld Jordan and the city of Fayetteville for making this all come together. Thanks to all the wonderful patrons of the arts that come to enjoy, encourage, and support the artists working in the community. We are grateful.

New Works from studio 19

Letters Never Sent
mixed media on canvas
30x40"
$1,200
© 2009 Megan Chapman

Stories of her Travels
mixed media on canvas
30x24"
$725
© 2009 Megan Chapman

Walking in Dream Time
mixed media on canvas
20x16"
$375
© 2009 Megan Chapman

Duplicity of Stars
mixed media on canvas
20x16"
SOLD
© 2009 Megan Chapman

Precipitate
mixed media on canvas
20x16"
$375
© 2009 Megan Chapman

These works are currently for sale at the ddp gallery.

I've been busy working on new paintings and new projects in studio 19; and while photography may have temporarily stolen my heart, I wanted to share some of my latest paintings. I hope you will enjoy them. Next week, I will tell you all about my newest project one hundred flashes of memory....

Thursday night is alright with me...

The art scene in my town is alive and well and this makes me extremely happy.

Last night, there were six galleries open on the Fayetteville Square for a thrilling evening of art, drinks, music, laughter, and palpable excitement. In addition to the galleries being open, there were also six artist's studios available for the public to walk through and enjoy. This is just the beginning of something very special and much needed.

Thanks to everyone who came out in support of the artists and galleries. Keep coming back.If you are in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area, know that you can enjoy great art and artists every First Thursday of the month from 5-8pm all conveniently located downtown on the beautiful historic square at The Fayetteville Underground, The DDP gallery and the Four Square Fine Art Gallery.

To learn more about the Fayetteville Underground or to apply for a studio space or to exhibit in one of the galleries please visit www.fayettevilleunderground.com


I currently have several pieces on display at the ddp gallery as part of the current group exhibition Now & Again

Pictured above: a selection of my paintings and my name in the foyer of my studio at the underground.
Also pictured: The Vault Gallery in the Fayetteville Underground.

and the winners are...

Thanks to everyone who read and or commented on my blog this past week!!

It was so wonderful to hear from everyone. Thank you for the compliments and feedback on what this blog has meant to you and your advice on what I should do with it now. You all made me think a lot this past week and smile more than a few times as well.

This is what I have decided. I am going to take a break from this blog for a while and regroup, work hard, learn some things, and finally try to put some of this information into a lecture or class format like I always intended. I am going to really try to find new venues and audiences for my art as well as try to expand my etsy offerings. So, let's meet back here on the first Friday of April. A full month off and then we will check in with each other and see where we will go from there. I might be full of new information and stories or I may say goodbye for good. Like I said you won't completely lose touch with me as I am around on the internet in various creative forms if you just look. :) and there is always my website www.meganchapman.com. Also please remember the archives and the condensed version links. I am sure there are posts you haven't yet read that you might enjoy. Oh and I am also now on twitter for any twitter folks out there. http://twitter.com/meganchapman

I wouldn't be me if I didn't leave you with a few last plugs.
My next show "Selective Evidence" opens next Thursday March 5th from 5-8pm at the ddp gallery in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Locals please come out and see me and my work! I will be recreating my studio in the gallery and you really must see my paint encrusted easel as well as the fifteen paintings never before shown in the region. The show end Saturday March 21st. So don't miss it! Also "Fire and Noise" closes on Saturday March 7th at the River Market ArtSpace in Little Rock, so please try to make it there before that show closes as well.

Alright (drum roll please)....The winners of the small, original, paper paintings (from my etsy shop) are:
1.Kev
2.Matt
3.Geri
4.Shanna
5.Ginna
Congratulations!!! Please email your physical address to me so I can get these into the mail ASAP. My email is megancha(at)gmail(dot)com

Thanks everyone for your time, energy, support, and love! Good luck with your art and your lives. I'll be thinking of you until we meet again.

love,
Megan

Post show: Index: Hiatus: Love

This will be a mixed bag post as I have a lot of ground to cover.

First of all thanks again to everyone in Little Rock, Arkansas who came out last Friday night to view my exhibition Fire and Noise. I really enjoyed speaking with everyone there and I was extremely honored by my friends who drove several hours to attend the opening. Fire and Noise will be up until March 7th so please, if you are in Little Rock, Arkansas or are planning to visit, stop by the River Market ArtSpace and check out the show. Gallery hours are Tuesday- Saturday 10am-5pm. Visit www.rivermarketartspace.com for more information. Here is a slide show of the exhibition along with photographs of the opening itself. Enjoy.

For all you locals out there (Northwest Arkansas). I am happy to announce I will be having a solo exhibition at the DDP gallery in March! I will be showing 15 pieces never seen before in the region, including two large diptychs. The exhibition is entitled Selective Evidence and the opening reception will be held Thursday March 5th from 5-8pm and the show will run for 3 weeks. My birthday is the day after the reception- so come on out, view my work and celebrate with me. To preview Selective Evidence visit my website and click on the work tab and then the DDP Gallery. It has been a while since I have shown any work in town so I am very excited to share these works with you and especially in the lovely DDP gallery.

The next topic I want to discuss is this blog. When I started this weekly studio blog April 20, 2007 (I can't believe I have maintained this for that long!!). I wanted to share a little about me but mostly how to promote, market and get your art seen in the world. I was encouraged to start this blog as way of organizing my thoughts on what had worked for me and what I knew would work for others. I remember feeling fearful of putting myself out there as any type of expert or mentor. I also remember receiving very few comments and having few regular readers when I first started. Back then, I was mostly writing it for myself with the idea that I would then condense some of this material into future lectures or workshops for other artists. That hasn't happened yet but I am hopeful it will at some point. Then the blog took on other roles as well; it became a promotion tool for my own work as well as other artists I knew and admired. Once readers found my blog and I started cross promoting it on other networking sites it really came alive (those paper painting give-aways didn't hurt either!) This studio blog has changed my life in many ways, taught me a lot about myself and improved my writing skills. Just the act of having this weekly post gives me a sense of stability and responsibility to you the reader. It also connected me to a wonderful community of artists and art lovers all over the world. For this I am extremely grateful. At the same time, I see my readership dwindling, as are comments so I wonder if this blog has served it's purpose? I don't know what more to tell you in order to help, guide, or inspire you. I feel like I have covered the basics of "how to be an artist 101." I added my own personal feelings and struggles throughout, my personal inspirations, hopes and fears, and lots of paintings. Perhaps, the blog just needs another brief hiatus. Or perhaps you have questions that have not been answered, or suggestions for a new direction the studio blog could take. Feel free to email me or leave me a comment below regarding this. I am honored for all the feedback and positive energy you have given me over the years.

Today I also thought it might useful to index some of the most helpful blog posts from my archives for those just starting out or continuing on this path of being an artist. Here are 16 helpful posts- think of it as the super condensed version of the studio blog. You can bookmark this post for easy access to my most practical advice. I wish you all nothing but success and perseverance with your art.

I called myself an artist
Free Publicity and the Press Release
Oh No! It's the post show blues
Hello: My Name is...( how to act at your art show)
Creating Inventory 101
15 minutes(motivation)
Creating a free web presence
Beware the Vanity Gallery
Bravery and the Art of being an artist
Rejection: Surrender into this ocean
Flow along with the tide ( our works origins and how it changes) My favorite blog post ever.
Nuts and Bolts: How to get your work in a gallery ( if you only read one post- this is the one)
Trusting Yourself Enough To Buy Art
Nuts and Bolts: Let's get you an exhibition ( a little different than gallery representation)
Do you still want this job? (the pros and cons of the profession)
Tortured Artist Myth or Reality

In other news, I know I have been neglecting my Etsy shop while working on Fire and Noise and I look forward to taking some time to create new small works on paper and filling the shop with these pieces. I love being able to create affordable, original art for all, as well as pay some of my bills. Please keep checking back at artmaven.

So, there you have it. Fire and Noise is on display, Selective Evidence will be up next month at the DDP, and I am leaving you with 16 key posts to hopefully motivate and inspire, and with more etsy paintings on the way. So, with that there is only one thing to do but say thank you for all your support, friendship, love, and comments and then end with a PAPER PAINTING GIVE AWAY. That's right!!! Leave me a comment between today and next Thursday at Midnight. I will randomly pick 5 lucky readers to each receive a small paper painting. I will post the winners names next week (even though there won't be a formal blog.) GOOD LUCK!

I love you all and thank you for the memories
(you know I will be back sooner or later- I always am...)

all content on my blog is copyright Megan Chapman 2007-2009 unless specified otherwise.

An end has a start.

These past three days were unusual for me. I gratefully had a job, and I was being paid an hourly wage. I was working for my good friend Dede Peters at the wonderful ddp gallery. It was a great experience in many ways and taught me a lot about myself. Interesting how getting out of my little home studio enclave can do that. Learning abounds outside. Anyway, lets just say I got a healthy dose of perspective and I hope I can hang on to it for a good long while. It may be more valuable than my wages earned this week.

First of all, sometimes I doubt myself. We all doubt ourselves, I know. But when people believe in us and trust us, it is such an honor. I had responsibility to more than just myself the past three days and I handled it and that makes me think I can handle a lot more than I give myself credit for. I know I sound like some shut-in or something, but I haven't been working "outside" for quite awhile and I wasn't sure if I still could. Anyway, I managed pretty well I think. It was a fun challenge and I took pride in my work and the hours I spent in the gallery. I used to think I had a character flaw when it came to work. I thought I was actually flawed somehow because I didn't work in the same way as everyone else. I have worked numerous odd jobs, even some hard labor, etc. you can check one of my early blogs for the list. I am a hard worker when I am out there. I don't want to waste any one's time, but at the same time I never feel at home in a job for long. I thought it was because I was simply lazy, like I said, a flaw, but now I know it is just a character trait, something within me. I like to live my life in an unpredictable manner, apparently as an artist and this scares me but it also comforts me.

Working these 3 days showed me how lucky I am to do what I do to pay my bills. I do admit sometimes I feel like a caged animal working alone in my studio, while the rest of world takes coffee breaks with co-workers.However, I felt like a caged animal behind the gallery desk as well, so I guess that is just how I feel and it is not a flaw, it is just within me. I might never find peace, but all this nervous energy needs a channel and luckily I have one. I want to dive into a painting and take a good long roll around within and I want to breathe it in and just know how lucky I am to have this world that I thought I had created only by default. I now know my being an artist is not only my birthright but also truly a choice and I want to burn this realization into my brain.

I care for painters (artists) and painting, I know what I like and what I don't. I know color and atmosphere. It isn't about the money; it is about me and my soul and how I feel while painting and how I feel while being a painter. I needed some perspective and I got it. Today, as you are reading this, know that I am in my studio cleaning it up on my time, listening to music and drinking my coffee and moving my hands over my things to take inventory. I will be painting new works for Fire and Noise and beyond and maybe someone will view them one day and dive within them and be taken away from their work-a-day world. If that happens, then I will have served my purpose.I will have honestly worked the way I was intended to work in this world...

PS. Some of you have already seen the progress on the Fire and Noise series and for others these will be new.In the next week I expect much more progress to be made and I will share the results.

I am inspired again and I ache to paint and that is all I ever really wanted.

A New Day...

First things first: I must say that the sun seems more beautiful when it shines, the wind blows me kisses, blankets feel softer and warmer, and my mind seems to be coming out of a dark dingy hibernation, things seem truly possible once again.

We elected Barack Obama as our next president and I am so proud of America! That is a new feeling for me. We have a long road ahead to repair the damage of the last eight years, but I think we actually have a shot. I don't talk politics on my blog but I had to make note of one of the most amazing experiences of my lifetime.

Back to art now- thank you again for all the support and comments about last week's post "Fire and Noise." I really appreciated hearing your excitement about my upcoming show and the concepts I hope to express. We will see where it goes, but I do feel like it is possible. I feel that change is in the air all around. I can afford to be a little bolder in my art and in my life and it seems you all are itching to go along for the ride!

I have completed two paintings for Fire and Noise this past week, and I am very pleased and excited by the results! I think new materials are going to be equally as important as the concepts I express. My friend/artist and gallery owner Dede Peters, did something above and beyond last week and had a Claybord shipped to my house as a surprise- she wanted to shake me up and see what I would do with a new material in a new size.

Hm.. what happened?? Well, I fell in love with the material right away, all my old tricks didn't work anymore, they acted new and strange- which was so thrilling! So, I have decided I will be ordering some more claybords for myself to supplement canvas pieces that will also be in the exhibition. I will also be experimenting with powered charcoal and graphite as well. I am placing my order right after I finish this post!

I haven't offered much advice here lately, but one thing I will say; if you are feeling stuck in a rut and not sure- then try something new! Splurge on a new material or a new size that you never work with. I have been exploring that idea to some degree while painting on paper for my Etsy shop and the rough wood scrap panels right after my show. Something about a new, fancy material makes you stand a little straighter in reverence, as well as scratch your head and wonder about the possibilities. I am thankful that I had a friend that saw this need in me and stepped in with a claybord intervention. If money is tight, trade a supply with another artist, trade a technique, get out of your creative cul-de-sac and try something new.

On another note, thanks again to everyone who purchased my small works on paper the month of October from my Etsy shop. I was able to donate $245 to Will Boyd's health care fund, from my sales and from the donations of other artists who sold their work to benefit his cause. I really appreciate how inspiration and compassion can grow, expand and shoot around the country and the world to help someone in need.

Next week more Fire and Noise...

pictured above
4 by Sea
mixed media on paper
12x9"
only at Artmaven on Etsy
$40.00

Please visit my website and learn more about the galleries that represent my larger canvas paintings as well. www.meganchapman.com

Points of Light...

Hope you all enjoyed the Vlog last week. As I mentioned in my talk, I am very impressed and honored that many of the readers of my blog are taking amazing steps with their art and their self-promotion perhaps due to something they have found inspiring or encouraging within my posts. This makes me so happy! Today, I want to share some of their hard work with you as well as let you know of a few local artists' current exhibitions.

First the local bulletin..



Basil Seymour Davies' masterful paintings are currently featured at the Art Center of the Ozarks in Springdale, Arkansas July 11-August 15 with an opening reception on Tuesday July 15th from 5:30-7:00pm. I cannot wait to see a whole room full of his paintings. If you are a regular reader you may remember I featured him in Six Amazing Artists You Should Know. If you are local, do not miss this show!! Congratulations Basil! Visit his website here.



Craig Earl Nelson's haunting and intimate portrait series, "Strangers and Not So Strange" is currently featured at the Mullins Library at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The exhibition will be up until August 31st. This is an impressive show, not to be missed! Congratulations Craig! You can find out more information about Craig's work on his blog and at his website here.



Local gallerist Dede Peters and co-curator Robin Atkinson, have put on a rousing show sure to be talked about at the DDP gallery in Fayetteville. The exhibition is entitled, "Dreadful Objects" and features the works of Shane Richey and Jason Clinton Barnes. Visit the DDP gallery website here.

Alright, now to the readers and friends who are working hard at the self promotion of their art. You all inspire me.



Steven Heaton created some amazing postcards using Vista Print. I can't wait to receive mine! His postcard features one of his latest paintings and his contact information on the back, along with his artist's statement. This is a beautiful example of a great piece of promotional material. Steven also created a carbonmade portfolio. Steven just had two pieces accepted into the West Lancashire open exhibition at the Chapel Gallery, and one of the accepted pieces is on the front of the card. This could not have worked out better for him! He is now prepared to promote his work in the show. Congratulations Steven! Also, Steven was recently interviewed by fellow artist Tim Lane, for Artist interviewing Artist. Check it out here.



Deborah Eileen Burrow recently created her own website, showcasing her landscape and abstract work, has an artist statement, and links to her Keeping Creative blog as well as other helpful resources and artists she enjoys. She has also created a line of refrigerator magnets with images of her paintings and is selling them through Paypal. Contact her on her MySpace page for more information about her magnets. Deborah is also researching galleries in her area and surrounding region that might be a good fit for her work. Congratulations, Deborah!



Stephanie Mallicote, who works full time, is a wife and mother of two and is carving out her own space in the living room to paint again after a bit of a break. She is always doing something creative and inspired. Stephanie just created her own carbonmade portfolio. She also writes a great blog. Congratulations Stephanie!

Enjoy the local art that is right outside your front door, make a postcard, make a magnet, make a website, make some space and keep fighting, and most importantly keep painting. It is worth it. Thank you for all you give to me and to the world through your work.

Please note that all the art featured on this blog post is copyrighted by the respective artists. I asked permission to use these images.

Gathering the Evidence: A Visual Experience

Wow, well you have done it again! The response was tremendous to last week's blog post. I am honored that you spend a little of your precious time here with me at my studio blog. It makes me happy to know that you take comfort or find inspiration in my writings, and rest assured that I take comfort and find inspiration in your thoughtful comments. We are all navigating this art world together.

This month's recipient of the small paper painting pictured in this post is artist Michele Maule! Congratulations! Please email me (you can find my email in my profile section of this blog) or MySpace message me so I can get your postal information.

For the locals that read this blog, I must mention the exciting new exhibition that just opened at the DDP gallery in Fayetteville. Don't miss "In the Round," Sculpture by Michael Davis Gutierrez and Paintings by Duane Gardner. The show will be up from March 26-May 10th. I was at the opening last night and the red dots ( sold stickers) were going up fast. So, don't miss your opportunity to see and perhaps purchase Michael's amazing sculptures and Duane's colorful and process based abstractions. Also, while you are at the DDP gallery, don't hesitate to ask gallerist Dede Peters to see the art she has in the back room. She represents a dozen or so artists, and has a wonderful selection of works in stock and for sale at all times. I can't wait to bring my new Duane Gardner painting home! Support your scene...

Last week, you saw the map and you sensed the reality of my preparing for a featured exhibition. I have been following my "map" and working my odd hours in middle of the night in ongoing preparation for "Evidence of the Disappearance" to debut in June and July at the Blue Moon Gallery in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I am happy to report that the work is going well. Instead of writing about it all, and filling your head with more words, I just want you to experience a little of it. I still have a lot of work a head of me; but progress is being made, paintings are unfolding and I am excited.

Enjoy this sneak peek and simply "disappear."

Inspiration Grab Bag.

Today is simple. I want to share a few of my favorite things. These things move me, inspire me, light a fire under me, and maybe some of them are just cool. Enjoy!


The Call Up by The Clash. This is a perfect song.This always gets me fired up.

Hal Hartley makes films that make me want to dance. They are nostalgic and theatrical.

Interpol- always inspires and sounds better and better...

Andy Warhol was never at the top of my list, but he is a fascinating character. I just recently watched PBS American Master's:Andy Warhol documentary, and it contains amazing footage. I feel like I finally understand him and find him even more intriguing and important.

I like this old grainy footage, I like to see artists, such as Pollock and others in the act of creation.

Alright, that is it. I told you today would be simple, and I hope you enjoyed the show...

One last thing, if you are local to Northwest Arkansas, please go check out the CRAFTING CONTENT exhibit.This is a juried show of contemporary clay artists from all over the country. According to a statement in the brochure by Jeannie Hulen, the mission of the Crafting Content:Ceramic Symposium is to "embrace the full potential of the ceramics medium and its pedagogy. The material is multifaceted; and the artists involved in shaping the future of ceramics, are crafting content with visual and conceptual eloquence." So, basically if you are a fan of conceptual art you will like this show, as the artists selected to participate are breaking the stereotypes normally associated with the ceramic and clay arts.The main galleries for the event are at the University of Arkansas Anne Kittrell Gallery and the U.A Fine Arts gallery, as well as the DDP gallery downtown. Benjamin Schulman, assistant professor of Art and Art History, from Drury University in Springfield Missouri curated the exhibit. I enjoyed the show, and highly recommend it. My personal favorite was the work of David East. Don't let this show pass you by.

One Artist's Week in Review

It has been another exciting and busy week! First of all, thank you for all your comments about last week's post. It was great to hear from so many of you and of your personal experiences with rejection in the art world. I was very happy that I had my studio blog so I could channel my energy and feelings about that subject into something positive and useful. I am very fortunate that I have this forum to share my experiences in this business with you. I do feel your support and encouragement, and I appreciate it.

This past week, four of my pieces were placed in the Arkansas World Trade Center in Rogers, Arkansas. My work will be showing along with the work of Kathy Thompson and Helen Phillips for the next three months. The DDP gallery in Fayetteville managed the selection and placement of the works, and the paintings will be for sale through the gallery as well. I am excited to have my work in this facility. I will let you know when they have updated their website to include my work.

In other gallery news, I am now represented by the fabulous River Market Art Space located in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas! I am very pleased to join their stable of talented artists, and look forward to participating in the 2nd Friday art nights as often as I can. I think my work will be a good fit for the gallery, and I am excited to be in the heart of Little Rock River Market area. So, if you are in Little Rock or plan to visit, look for my work there starting late January or early February. I will update you when I have a presence on the River Market Art Space's website as well. I am no longer represented by the M2 gallery in West Little Rock. I had a wonderful year with the M2 gallery and the wonderful artists represented there.

Last night, I was very fortunate to be invited to speak at the Young Emerging Leader's event, Secrets Revealed: The Fine Art of Art & Wine. The event was held in the Ft. Smith Town Club and Remy Fine Art. I was there to discuss my work, process, and what all it entails to be an professional artist as well as the joys of collecting original art. I also tried to dispel some myths in the art world as well. I encouraged the group to ask questions and think for themselves when it comes to buying original art; to let their personal tastes alone and not the fads or trends, guide them in the process. I believe if they do this, they will be satisfied with their art buying experience and the art in their collection will keep giving to them in ways they haven't even imagined. The group members asked some fantastic questions, and seemed very receptive. I was very nervous about my talk, but of course once it started, I was in my element and I had the greatest time. It just solidifies to me that this is my passion, and I am so lucky to be able to do this as a career. So a big thank you to the wonderful Y.E.L. group and a massive thank you to Jeanne Parham at Remy Fine Art. My exhibit at Remy Fine Art closes today, so if you are in the Ft. Smith area and have not seen it yet, please go check it out. The gallery will keep a selection of my work for sale, and will continue to represent my work in the Ft. Smith area. It has been a wonderful exhibit and experience, with 5 of my paintings selling so far.

Tomorrow, I will be headed back to Ft. Smith to pack up part of my exhibit and then share parts of it and trade out art with the Blue Moon Gallery in Hot Springs and the River Market Art Space in Little Rock, and at the DDP gallery in Fayetteville. In other words all the galleries that represent me in Arkansas will soon have new and exciting work in time for February. I am looking forward to trading out my work, and making everything fresh just in time for Spring. It is never too early to think of Spring!

To top this already busy week off, I have been in the studio working away. My time there has been exciting. I currently have 11 new paintings in progress right now! I think many of these new paintings will go to Gallery Fraga in Bainbridge Island, Washington. A new energy and vigor has taken hold as I am experimenting with new shape ideas, color combinations, and a bit of a new design element. As soon as I get the work photographed I will share it with my blog readers first.

So, that is a week in the life of this artist, thank you so much for being a part of it.


Restoration
A commissioned painting for a patron
through the Blue Moon Gallery
Mixed Media on Canvas 2007
Megan Chapman

Original art is like fresh basil.

Christmas came a bit early for me this year. I first saw the artist, Michele Maule's work in person at the DDP Gallery Small Works show and knew I liked her paintings. I wanted something a bit bigger, so in this case I needed to buy it from Etsy. I came across a painting called Detroit Water Tower, and I decided I had to have it, so I placed the order. The piece had the right mood for me, I just felt it. A short couple of days later, the painting arrived in the mail! I was so excited, there is something a bit scary yet thrilling about ordering art online. We all know that everyone's monitor is different and that photographs of art can be wildly different as well. However, when I pulled it out of the box it was perfect!! I propped it up in its temporary home, and kept stealing glances at it all day. I looked at it from far away and up close. I studied the piece and I thought about the process involved and about the artist who created it.

Later that night a friend called, and I had to tell her about the new piece of art I had received. I was so excited, buying art is such a thrill and I mentioned to her that I felt original art is like fresh basil. Fresh basil is so alive, the smell, the texture, it is like pure energy in your hand. Dried basil is so different, it works but the energy isn't the same, it smells different, you don't feel its wet freshness in your hand, it doesn't interact with you the way fresh basil does. Fresh Basil can be transporting. Original art has this same energetic presence, it enters into your environment and has the power to change it. Simply amazing.

I never used to buy art. I made art, so I hung my own paintings around the house. I wasn't making any money selling my art back then either, so I couldn't afford to. As my pieces began to sell, I decided that I too needed to walk the walk and start buying original art. It is one of the best things I have ever done. Speaking from experience I know how that artist feels when they sell a piece of their work. I also know that selling that piece can be the difference in sticking with it and packing it in. My collection is just getting started, most of it small works, and mostly from Arkansas artists. I have the under $200 collection so far, and I have found gems for $40.00 and even under. Remember, it is not what you pay, it is how it makes you feel.

Anyway, this is another challenge if you haven't already or if you haven't in a long time, consider buying yourself or someone a small original piece of art. You are worth it, they are worth it, and that artist's work is certainly worth it. Buying art is such a profound thing to do for yourself and your environment and for the artist you are now supporting and encouraging.

Don't miss the small works show at the DDP gallery in Fayetteville. My small collection has several pieces by some of the featured artists represented there. I have several pieces of Ginny Sims' stunning decal ceramic works, several of Mark Traughber's fabulous stenciled wood panels, and some of those cool Wrecords by Monkey bracelets. Sarah Nunn's purses are the only purses I will carry (don't miss Sarah's fresh modern felt wall art as well) and now I have a Michele Maule piece too! There are many other talented artists showing their work at the DDP gallery that might be just perfect for you!

Pictured above:

Small Works 2007 postcard image ( courtesy)

Artists listed from left to right, top to bottom: Helen Phillips, Susan Freda, Nicole Sharp, Toma Miller, Mark Traughber, Lucas Taylor, Wrecords by Monkey, Ginny Sims, Joseph Maggiore, Michele Maule, Sarah Nunn, Alexander Abajian

DDP Gallery
7 East Mountain St.
Fayetteville. AR
On Display December 05, 2007 - January 19, 2008

My paintings at your finger tips.

December is drawing near, which gets me in the mood for a year end wrap up. I think about where I have been and what I have done and of course what I have not yet done as well. I like to tidy things up before I waltz into the new year.

This year has been fantastic for me artistically. Many opportunities presented themselves and I tried to grab a hold and participate with as much fervor as I could. I secured representation by several fantastic galleries this year, and sold quite a bit of work to wonderful clients all over the country. My work was chosen for publication by Studio Visit Magazine to appear in the premier issue coming out in February 2008. Four of my large works were purchased and permanently placed in the brand new and beautifully designed Shogun Sky bar in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I participated in five solo/featured shows this year, and participated in some great group shows as well. I also started writing this blog, which has given me a much needed and enjoyed outlet. There are still many other exciting opportunities that are wrapping up the end of my year.

I am grateful for all the support and wonderful conversations that I have had with people near and far about my art and art in general. The conversations, encouragement, questions, and ideas that we exchange mean so much to me. I am honored that I get to share my work with you all.

I am excited to be preparing for my last show of 2007, entitled "Secrets Revealed" which will be held at Remy Fine Art Gallery at the Town Club in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. I will be showing twenty nine paintings. I am pleased to be showing with PJ and Steve Robowski as well.

This will be my first exhibit in Ft. Smith and I look forward to talking with the folks there about my work. If you are in the area, I hope you can join us at the opening on Thursday, December 6th from 5:30-7:30pm at Remy Fine Arts in the Town Club at 720 Garrison Avenue. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Check back next week on my blog for images of that body of work.

Speaking of all the wonderful galleries that represent me and my paintings. I want to share those galleries and their current selections of my work with you. The slide show below features my work that is currently at the M2 Gallery in Little Rock, Arkansas. If you see a piece that you are interested in please contact Mac Murphy at the M2 Gallery. I am thrilled to be showing with the M2, and recently enjoyed participating in the Best of the Northwest show. I also enjoyed getting to know all the other talented artists that are represented there.

The slide show below showcases my work currently at the Blue Moon Gallery in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Contact Pat or Dishongh Scavo if you want to know more about my work shown there. This year I participated in the gallery's 10th anniversary celebration exhibit to mark the successful 10 year history of the Blue Moon Gallery. This December I will be down at Gallery Walk for "An Ornamental Affair" a CASA benefit. All the artists have created beautiful and unique ornaments to be auctioned off for a great cause. If you are in the area, come to the first Friday gallery walk and bid on an ornament. Gallery walk in Hot Springs is always a good time.

This next slide show is of my work currently represented by the DDP gallery in Fayetteville. This past summer, my work was shown alongside Helen's Phillips' brilliant ceramic work in our show entitled "Intuition." The show was a huge success, eleven of the twenty pieces that I showed sold. The DDP gallery also facilitated my work being placed in the Shogun Sky bar in Fayetteville. Very thrilling. The DDP gallery represents my work exclusively for all of Northwest Arkansas. Contact gallery owner Dede Peters for more information about my work.

Last, but certainly not least is my work currently represented by Gallery Fraga, in Bainbridge Island Washington. I was so excited when gallery owner Jeff Fraga contacted me after finding my paintings online and offered me an exhibit. My first featured exhibit with Gallery Fraga, "According to the Vapors," was held in March. I am pleased to have representation out in the Pacific Northwest after spending six years in Oregon while in school. I do love that part of the country. As part of the exhibit, I created a pod cast about my work and creative process, even talking about some of the specific pieces in the show, you can listen to it on their site as well. Contact Jeff Fraga at Gallery Fraga about the work you see below.

This past year, I also enjoyed exhibiting, "The Path that Light Takes," at the Mullin's Library at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. It was a joy to hear from students and staff members that my work had a calming influence on them. It was a great feeling to see how my work can impact a public space by transforming it with color.

Another opportunity that presented itself this year was my exhibit, "Spellbound," at the Julie Wait Designs Gallery in Rogers, Arkansas. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my work with a whole new group of folks. It was great to meet the people there and talk about abstract art and design.

So, as you can see it has been an exceptional year, and if you are now reading this you are a part of it too. I thank you, and I hope you have enjoyed my work this past year, and I hope you will enjoy it for many years to come.

If you enjoy what you read and see in my studio blog, please pass it on to other people who might enjoy it too.

* The slide shows originally published with this post are now out of date. Many of these works may still be available for purchase. Please check my website to find out their current locations as well as, my most up to date gallery affiliations. www.meganchapman.com