Upcoming Exhibitions and Open Studios!

No longer a mystery
Acrylic on canvas
80x100x4cm
© 2019 Megan Chapman
£1,450
*On show at Art in Granton, space allowing

The end of the year is drawing near as the nights are fair drawing in. There are still many exhibition opportunities, open studios to visit, and art to create. This week, I just wanted to make sure you all know where you can find my work.

Upcoming Exhibition Roundup: 

The distance
Acrylic on canvas
40x50x4cm
© 2019 Megan Chapman
£725

Let Go
Acrylic on canvas
40x50x4cm
© 2019 Megan Chapman
£725

Art in Granton: Granton Hub
25th Oct 2019 - 27th Oct 2019
Friday 25th October opening reception starts at 5pm.
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th from 11am - 5pm
Madelvic House Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh North EH5 1HS

"You’re invited to the opening of our Art in Granton exhibition on Friday, 25th October from 5pm at Madelvic House. The 60+ artworks by 30+ artists will be on display until Sunday, 27 October, and all pieces are for sale.

Art in Granton is a collaboration between Granton Hub and Curious Edinburgh, who host the Granton heritage walk on their app. The exhibition reflects artists’ inspiration from the walking tour stops and celebrates the heritage, urban vistas, landscapes and people of Granton.

The National Galleries of Scotland have also donated a pencil drawing of the Old Castle at Caroline Park, dating back to 1850, as a high-resolution digital print.

I am pleased to be part of this very local exhibition so near where I live and where I worked this summer on these newest paintings from my series, "The Anchor Holds." (See above)

Of Night and Light - The Velvet Easel Gallery

2nd of November 2019 - 1st of March 2020

298 Portobello High Street

Portobello Edinburgh 

EH15 2AS

Gallerist and painter, Roz Walker always creates stunning mixed exhibitions for her lovely gallery in Portobello. I am delighted that I will be showing three of my new pieces from my latest series, "The Anchor Holds." As always the opening will be an all-day drop-in affair on the opening date of the exhibition with drinks and nibbles. 

Separate Languages
Mixed media on canvas
80x80x4cm
© 2019 Megan Chapman
£1,450

I carry the light
Mixed media on canvas
80x80x4cm
© 2019 Megan Chapman
£1,450

The anchor holds
Mixed media on canvas
80x80x4cm
© 2019 Megan Chapman
£1,450


Doyle Fine Art Gallery
23 Parnie Street
Glasgow
G1 5RJ

This Friday, gallery owner, John Doyle will be coming through to pick up a few new works for a gallery refresh since his grand opening. I am delighted that he will have some smaller works of mine from an earlier series for his lovely patrons to enjoy in Glasgow. The works below will be on show.

Where we say goodbye
Mixed media on canvas
40x40x4cm
© 2017 Megan Chapman
£550

To tell you everything
Mixed media on canvas
40x40x4cm
© 2017 Megan Chapman
£550

Far away
Mixed media on canvas
40x40x4cm
© 2017 Megan Chapman
£550

Last but certainly not least, I am pleased that I will have some even smaller works available at the Dancing Light Gallery. Some of you may remember I showed my work there in the Spring Exhibition earlier this year. A selection of the following works below will be on show.

Winter Warmth Exhibition: Dancing Light Gallery
23rd November 2019 to 29th January 2020
Preview Reception Saturday 30th November 2pm - 5pm
Whitmuir
Nr. West Linton
Edinburgh
EH46 7BB



Where my soul roams
Mixed media on canvas
20x20x4cm
2019 Megan Chapman
£325 framed

Let Go

Oops, I did it again, I am running a wee bit behind on my studio blog this week (and for those that notice, my Tuesday Studio Video Visits too). I am pretty much going to blame everything on the VISA process until I get it done (which I hope will be this week - send me love and strength, this process is pretty intense). As easy as it is to get overwhelmed with life, it is equally important for me to remember my art, the events and things I have coming up in the future, and what I offer to my community and my new country through my art. I have spent the morning catching up on my Facebook Art Page, posting recent sales and upcoming events and aim to do the same here. Thanks as always for your patience and continued support. 

Last weekend's Open Studio event was lovely and I enjoyed talking with all those that came by. I enjoy the young artists that are just starting out and wondering how they are going to figure this gig out. It's a wild ride for sure. I answered questions, try to point them towards resources and give them straight talk, as well as a little bit of hope. If I have ever talked to you at open studios and you were left wanting more help or guidance don't forget I do offer this service at a professional level and sometimes only one or two sessions can help you gain a lot of clarity. Visit my mentoring website for more information and if you are 25 or under I am happy to work with you for my concession rate. 

I would love to see you at the next Open Studio and Makers Marque event on Sunday 17th of November from 12-5pm. My doors will be open again!

Besides the fruitful conversations, I was delighted that this piece sold at open studios. 

In other news over the past week, I entered my book work for the John Byrne Award with my entry, "Have you accepted art into your life?" Their website is gorgeous and it felt good to share my books and ethos behind them on this platform. Click here to see my entry. 

In keeping with submitting my work, I took the same three pieces that got rejected from the RSA and submitted them to the upcoming Art in Granton exhibition and happily they got accepted! That's how we do it! Here's more about that. If you are local, please make plans to attend, the Madelvic house is a wonderful venue with a storied past. 

Let Go

40x50x4cm

Acrylic on canvas, £725

Megan Chapman 2019

The Distance

40x50x4cm

Acrylic on canvas, £725

Megan Chapman 2019

No longer a mystery

80x100x4cm

Acrylic on canvas, £1,450

Megan Chapman 2019

*Accepted on show space allowing

My statement regarding these works for the exhibition.

I live in Granton in the lower cottages across from Wardie Bay Beach. These paintings were all painted in a temporary studio space I was invited to use during the summer. A Duke of Buccleuch owned property from 1840 across from the harbour provided me a change of scenery from my usual studio in the heart of Leith.

The sturdy old walls of the stable influenced these dark works as much as the creak of the boats, the wind, rain, and waters of the bay across the road. These paintings speak of the atmosphere and memories of the past - abstracted but grounded in my surroundings, I breathe in the stories that have been lost and found.

Art in Granton - a curated exhibition on place.
Exhibition opening times:
Friday 25 October 5-8pm.
Saturday 26 October 11-6pm
Sunday 27 October 11-5pm.

Madelvic House

Granton Park Ave.
Edinburgh
EH5 1HS

I think that's us mostly caught up. I hope to get into the studio and make some marks this week as well as film some videos. I haven't actively painted for a month now and I don't like how that feels but I also have to give myself a break with all that is going on and obviously, I am still doing art-related things. Again, I will say writing a blog and keeping track of the art things - the making, the selling, the submitting, the thinking about, the ups and downs, and the dreamings and inspirations always makes me feel better about things. This is one habit I would recommend to everyone. Thanks again for your patience and support of my work and for going on this ride with me. Until next week, keep fighting. We need you and your work. 

*****************

You can find my work at the following galleries.

The Velvet Easel Gallery

Portobello, Edinburgh

Scotland

Doyle Fine Art Gallery

Glasgow

Scotland

Fenix Gallery

Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA

And of course around the internet on all your favourite channels!

Web: www.meganchapman.com

IG: instagram.com/ethermaven

FB: facebook.com/megan.chapman.artist

Twitter: twitter.com/ethermaven

And of course, at my studio G23, located at 36 Dalmeny Street Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8RG 

Walls too crowded, budget tight? You can still support my work. Click the link to buy me a coffee. Thanks!

Support Me on Ko-fi

   

Making, doing, seeing, being.

I started on three large canvases this week, bought more black paint, and worked on twelve small paper pieces. The week moved along until here we are, Friday.

My studio time was punctuated throughout the week by my brilliant friends. Tea drinking and charity shopping with Philip on Sunday, studio time and a meeting in the city on Monday, coffee and a walk with Jane on Tuesday (along with an exciting appearance of the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon), a gorgeous brass statue of Lord Ganesha was acquired on this day as well, and of course, we can't forget the filming of the Tuesday Studio Video Visit. Wednesday I spent working in the studio with periodic chats with my friend, Aoife. Yesterday, I walked up Calton Hill with my friend Tamsin, spent some more time working in the studio, and then enjoyed dinner with my friends Aoife and Megan. Today, I enjoyed an early morning meet up with my friend Peikko in a cafe in the Meadows before we participated in the climate strike and marched through the city centre. 

So as you can see, I enjoyed a partially sunny and full week of work and friendship, balanced by evening walks, photographs of the sea and sunsets, and even a couple of films. It feels good to have this lovely community of friends and balance in my life. I am truly thankful for it all. You may ask, what does this have to do with art and I would tell you again, everything. It is the foundation.

In strictly art related news, my studio G23 is scheduled to be open on Sunday from 12-5 pm as part of the Makers Marque at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall located at 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh. I will be sharing my book series, my small paper pieces, as well as previewing the beginnings of my new series. There may be some bargains to be had so come on by!

The Spring Exhibition at the Dancing Light Gallery is coming to close on the 29th of May. If you are in the area and haven't yet been by, don't delay!

Dancing Light Gallery
Whitmuir by Lamancha
West Linton
Edinburgh
EH46 7BB

Gallery Hours:
Mon-Sun. 10am-5pm
Phone 01968 660200
Email: info@dancinglightgallery.co.uk

Also, the Off the Wall exhibition at the Velvet Easel Gallery in Portobello remains on show until the 30th of June so if you haven't been by there yet, please put it in your diary as I have 4 small framed works remaining on show there. 

Velvet Easel Gallery

298 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh, EH15 2AS

Gallery Hours:
Thu-Sat. 10am-5pm

Sun. 12-5pm.
Phone 07813 916684
Email: https://velveteasel.co.uk/contact

And last but not least, for my friends and patrons back home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, you can find a selection of my small original paintings and limited edition prints at the Fenix Gallery. If my work is not currently on show, just ask to see it!

Fenix Gallery

16 W. Center Street

Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701

Gallery Hours:
Wed-Fri 10-5pm
Sat. 9-2pm

Email: https://www.fenixfayettevilleart.com/contact

Go out and see some art, support artists, and keep fighting for a more just and fair world for us all! Don't forget to see your friends while you are at it. Community is key, thank you for being part of mine. 

Commissions and Open Studios.

As ever, I am grateful to Paper and White for the opportunity to work with them on this exciting project. These four commissions were based on four separate series and pieces spanning a decade of my career. A unique challenge that I truly enjoyed. 

You can see a close detail of a few the pieces right before I had finished them all off in my most recent Tuesday Studio Video Visit. I hope you enjoy this calm moment of inquiry before I made finishing touches and packed them away for the courier. 



I will soon take a little time off to regroup but before then, I will have Open Studios and two group exhibitions to prepare for.

I hope you will join me on Sunday, February 24th from 12-5 for the Makers Marque and Open Studio event at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh. I will have my studio G23 open, so please come and say hello!

Thank you all for your encouragement and support of my work and for your patience while I have been working on this latest project. Until next week, keep fighting. 

One thousand miles an hour : Exhibition, Open Studios, New Flat

My brain feels like it is going one thousand miles an hour. A ping-pong match mixture of happiness, excitement (my show and open studios), disbelief (at world news and American politics), grief over the passing of a dear friend and relief for having found somewhere to live (finally!). This is how my brain feels even after my yoga and meditation.

Honestly, I think I am totally worn out. The stress of the constant search for a place to live over the last eight weeks was pretty intense and has caught up with me. I am grateful for all the leads, help, support, and just general good vibes we were given in the search. Thank you.

Now I just want to get in the new house and make it ours, a fresh start is needed. I also need to process my grief over my friend. This will probably happen when everything slows down or when I am least expecting it, at least I will be by the sea.

My exhibition,"Between memory and story" closed on Friday night at 5pm. It was a wonderful experience. Here's the Tuesday Studio Video Visit (filmed on a Wednesday) expressing my feelings about the exhibition.



Thanks again to everyone who supported the exhibition by their kind comments, visits, and sharing photos of the show on social media. It was a lovely experience.

After a bit of a studio clean up, I am ready to open it up to the public this Sunday from 12-5pm. I am pleased to be participating in the second Makers Marque and open studio event at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall. Learn more below.

Makers Marque
Sunday 30th September 2018
12pm - 5pm, £2 Entry/£1 Conc.

Makers Marque is more than just a market for local traders and designers. It is a chance for people to get involved, learn a new skill and see the processes that usually take place behind closed studio doors. The event is a mix of local craftspeople demonstrating their skills, artist and makers workshops, repair stations and marketplace.

We have workshops spaces, a beautiful and spacious market hall, on-site cafe and with local makers/ artists and designers selling their unique products and demonstrating their craft.

Drill Hall based artists Megan Chapman (studio G23) and Mairi Brown (studio F14) will be taking part with OPEN STUDIOS during the event!

Never a dull moment! We get the keys to our wee red brick 1840 fisherman's cottage in Granton on October 4th. I can't wait. 

I also can't wait to get back to a painting routine and just getting back to some type of normalcy albeit with a new perspective. I am grateful for all the support I have been given. Thank you.

Who knows, perhaps I can write next week's studio blog in the new place! Oh, there will be pictures - it's my next blank canvas. 

Special love to my dear friend, Antoinette. She is sadly not on this plane anymore but I know she is nearby on another and she would be so happy for this next seaside adventure.

Love and light to you and yours.

*************

Do you enjoy my blog, my video visits, the paintings I share, or the other content that I provide for free across social media? Consider buying me a cup of coffee in support of my work. I am a member of Ko-fi.com, A friendly way for creators to get paid! Thank you!

Exhibitions, Protest, and an Open Studio.

The orange one is in town and I am finding it hard to concentrate. This has been a busy and exciting week and I have to take to the streets tomorrow in protest. So let's get to it.

Last Saturday was the opening of "Defying Sameness" at The Velvet Easel Gallery in Portobello. Here is a snapshot of my thoughts afterward. "Just got back from a wonderful opening! So much variety and talent on every wall of the gallery. Rosalind Walker knows how to put on one hell of a show! I was delighted to get to spend time with fellow artists Tamsin Haggis, Jane Birrell MacKenzie and Brian McFie, his lovely partner Elaine, and his mum! A wonderful way to spend part of a Saturday." It really was grand, I left the opening feeling quite inspired after spending some time with kindred spirits surrounded by art in the bright and airy gallery.

My painting "I follow the clouds" hangs above Brian McFie's wonderful work.

I have two pieces in the exhibition. Gallerist, Roz Walker changes up the front window each Friday and my second and much larger painting made an appearance there starting today. 




Always an eclectic selection of art for every taste without the pretense, that's what I love about the Velvet Easel. Check out the show, it keeps changing as work sells during the exhibition.

On Monday I did some personal work involving the beginnings of an art manifesto (the outline was written while looking out at a cloudy sea). Let's just say things are percolating and I am reaching outwards and looking inwards for guidance and feeling a bit excited. Watch this space as things develop.

On Thursday night the private view was held for the "Summer Garden Party" exhibition at the Union Gallery. Again, here's a snapshot of my thoughts after this beautiful event written late last night. "Every time I have the privilege of showing my art in a public space and have conversations around the work, I am reminded of just how lucky I am. Small crowds or large, the connection can always be found. It was a beautiful private view tonight at Union Gallery. Gallerist, Alison Auldjo has curated another fabulous exhibition in her gorgeous gallery. Here are a few blurry snaps of my work. "Summer Garden Party" is on show until the 4th of August." 

Of course tomorrow, I will be protesting Orange #45 but then afterward I will be tidying up my very messy studio for the Makers Marque at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall. There will be makers from the Drill hall, Abbey Mount, as well as other Edinburgh makers participating. I will have my studio (G23 - follow the signs) open from 12-5. I will have some new paintings up, as well as some bits and pieces in progress to show you. Come on out! We can listen to Patsy Cline, drink coffee, and I can tell you about Arkansas.

Thanks to everyone who has come to an opening or had a kind or constructive word about my work. I really appreciate you. Until next week, keep fighting. The world needs you and your art.

July is the month to come out and see art!

July = Art. Here's where I will be showing in July. Find my work in these exhibitions. "Defying Sameness" at The Velvet Easel Gallery in Portobello. "Summer Garden Party" at Union Gallery in the West End. "Makers Marque" Open Studio (G23) at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith! I would love to see you at any and all of these events

I plan to be at The Velvet Easel Gallery around 12:30 for the opening (it's an all-day pop in affair from 10-5pm) tomorrow, so if you are planning on coming to the opening and want to catch me there please come around then. I would love to see you. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I will have two pieces in the Defying Sameness show. The gallery is hung salon style and often one or two works by each artist in the exhibition is on display and as things sell and the show gets freshened up and new work appears. It's such a charming gallery and this looks to be a brilliant show. 

Next Thursday night July 12th from 6-8pm. I will be at Union Gallery for the duration of the opening for the brilliant Summer Garden Party exhibition. I am very excited to have five paintings from my latest series on show in the front of the gallery on the left-hand wall as you walk in. I am thrilled to have these works shown together and Union Gallery is a perfect venue. If you are local or feel like making a wee trek to Edinburgh next Thursday night I would be honoured if you would attend in support of my work. It's going to be a stellar exhibition with many gallery favourites on show. 

July 15th from 12-5pm I will have my studio open once again for the Makers Marque at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall. There will be market stalls in the main hall and my studio G23 will be open. I will have a selection of small works on show and some new things not seen before. So come on out for some quality art viewing and conversation.

So as you can see there are plenty of opportunities to visit with me as well as view and purchase my work in Edinburgh this July. This is one of my favourite parts of being an artist. Making art is a solitary process and I love that part as well, but I believe it is in the sharing of the work, the ideas, and listening to the stories that the work conjures and inspires from viewers that is crucial.

We live in a modern world filled with information, graphics, photos and images. We think we see, know, and understand a lot of what we see. We think we are experiencing the art of the masters and our peers through a computer screen or on our phone. We are and we are not. Seeing art and having an artist present with the work in a space that showcases, supports, and elevates the work is an important and separate part of the process. 

Viewing art doesn't need to be stodgy, elite, or uncomfortable. We don't need to talk in riddles and meaningless concepts. Viewing and loving art are as basic as enjoying flowers that you don't yet know the names of and perhaps never will. It is innate, human, and basic. The more people that show up to have these conversations around art and artists, the better. Come on out and let's talk.