The universe sings

New work, 30x30cm, 2026

Spread thin like water, stretched and open - elemental. 

Colours dance and move back and forth

It can be that simple. 

_______________________________

In other news, Leith is the best. 

Whether it's having chai and a long blether with a friend in a local cafe on Leith Walk, going to see the opening of a brilliant group exhibition at MOTE 102, or walking down the road to Coburg House to visit all the lovely artists in their studios, Leith is the place to be. 

I thank my lucky stars for the community I live in. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such passionate, talented, kind, and solid people. Thank you for sharing your gifts. 

Go support these hard-working artists and inspiring venues.

Until next week, the project continues. 

Keep fighting.

Online Studio Sale & Sunday Open Studios

My Annual Online Studio Sale is happening now. I am thrilled that patrons are picking up some new pieces for their collections. Many of the selections continue to support @bikes4refugees as well. So that's a win-win. In the past month, we have been able to donate £195 from the sale of art to the deserving charity. Thank you! 

My portraits are also available for sale. There has been a renewed interest in them so go have another look. 

If you are in or around Edinburgh, the studio will be open to the public from 11:30 to 4:30 on the 10th of December (Sunday) at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith. Find me in studio G23 for Fine Art, Prints, and Commissions. Our studios are also open by appointment.

These artists and makers will have their studios open on the 10th:
@megan.chapman.artist
@aoife_in_leith
@kategeorgedesign
@preciousmetalsworkshop
@cam_life_designs
@felicityinkpen
@solencollet
@lostmaprecords

I hope to see you in person and or online this weekend. Thanks for your support and enthusiasm for my work.

Open Studios! Join us!

 

Join us for Open Studios at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall! Several resident artists and makers will have their studios open from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday, December 3rd and Sunday the 10th, during the Christmas Market.

I will have loads of small original works for sale to benefit Bikes for Refugees - Scotland SCIO that you can view in the flesh and purchase. I will also have never before seen works created this year that I can't wait to share with you! See you in Studio G23. 

These artists and makers will have their studios open

@megan.chapman.artist
@aoife_in_leith
@mairimacsweendesigns
@catherinegiselleart
@kategeorgedesign
@preciousmetalsworkshop
@cam_life_designs
@felicityinkpen
@remodecollective
@solencollet
@lostmaprecords

Here's a wee sneak peek of my part of the studio in the form of the Tuesday Studio Video Visit.

 

Hope to see you there! Good luck to all my peers. I see you. 

Exhibition News!

Irving Gallery in Oxford presents 'A Place to Breathe.'

The exhibition will include paintings by Gina Parr, Helen Booth, Megan Chapman, and Kate Shooter, prints by Maxine Foster and Julie Leach, and photography by Ian Hoskin and Gina Parr.

The exhibition opens tomorrow Saturday 29th February from 1pm - 5pm. 'A Place to Breathe' will continue until Saturday 18th April. 

I am beyond thrilled to have six new works showing as part of this heavy-hitting exhibition in Oxford, England. If you are in the area, please make plans to attend and send me photos! 

Irving Gallery
28 Essex Street, Oxford OX4 3AW, UK
Phone: 07969 673349
Gallery hours:
Wednesday and Thursday 11am - 5pm Friday: 11am- 3pm Saturday: 1pm to 5pm
Follow the gallery's Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated.

Solo Gallery presents ‘First Impressions.'

The exhibition will feature the work of local artist Louise Turnbull and will be shown alongside the work of Anita Phillips, Mary Morrison, Pascale Steenkiste, Megan Chapman, Debbie Lee, Moy Mackay, Barbara Cameron, and Hilary Forbes. 

If you're in the Scottish Borders on Saturday 7th March, come along to the opening from 2-5pm for nibbles and a glass of something bubbly. The exhibition continues until Saturday 4th April. 

I am delighted to have seven pieces in this exhibition and to be sharing the walls with such good company. 

Solo Gallery
51 High Street, Innerleithen EH44 6HD 

Phone: 07495 710687
Gallery hours:
10am - 5pm daily, except on Tuesday when the gallery is closed. The gallery is also open on Sunday from 12-4pm. Follow the gallery's Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated.

The Velvet Easel Gallery presents 'Where the Shadows Come to Play.'

A new and exciting mixed exhibition featuring a broad range of mixed media artists. Make plans to come out and support this sweet and varied gallery with something for everyone and receive a kind and warm welcome on Saturday 7th March. Join us from 10am to close on Saturday for the opening and enjoy drinks and nibbles whilst taking in some superb art. The exhibition continues until the 28th of June.

I happily have four new works in this exhibition.

The Velvet Easel Gallery

298 Portobello High Street, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 2AS
Phone: 07813 916684
Gallery hours:
10am - 5pm Thurs, Friday, Saturday. The gallery is also open on Sunday from 12-5pm. Follow the gallery's Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated.

Besides having my work in these exhibitions, my Studio G23 will also be open this Sunday, the 1st of March from 12-5pm at The Out of Blue Drill Hall as part of the Makers Marque. Come say hello! It will be my first Open Studio of the New Year and it would be great to see you there. 

The Out of the Blue Drill Hall

36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG 

Studio G23  

I am on the ground floor before you get to the cafe, look to your right, and follow the signs.

Follow The Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Facebook and Instagram. 

And of course, in April I will be having my solo exhibition and art talk at the Helensburgh Art Hub, in Helensburgh, Scotland. Do keep that in mind, but rest assured we will talk about that as it gets closer.

I am thankful for all the opportunities coming my way for my art here in the U.K. in 2020. I hope you will make an effort to support these galleries and artists. Until next week, I hope you are well, happy, and inspired. 

Last Open Studio of the Year!

What time is it? OPEN STUDIOS TIME! JOIN US this Saturday, December 14th from 11-5pm for the last OPEN STUDIO of the year as part of the final Out of the Blue Christmas Arts Markets at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall 36 Dalmeny Street in Leith, Edinburgh. Participating Open Studio Artists and Makers are @ethermaven, @mairibstitching, @pollythelwall, @rosalyj, @celticseajewels, @mandmcgrattan and more! (Yes, those are their Instagram handles- go follow them!) Don’t miss it! We love what we do and we want to share it with you. Support your local artists and makers.

There are a few other things going on behind the scenes but like many in the UK, I am feeling a bit wordless right now. Until next week, keep fighting! The world needs you and the gifts you bring!

Support me on Ko-Fi where you can find supporter-only content and more. Thank you.

I let go

A whip-smart rage filled my heart but you wouldn't let it just burn. You said let's have a laugh and so we did. I followed your lead, I closed my eyes and screwed up my face. I let go. We danced and jumped and worked together in a fever. We made all our favourite mistakes. 

_______

Come see these paintings and others at my studio G23 at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall Saturday December 7th and December 14th from 11-5pm. located at 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh.

Support me on Ko-Fi where you can find supporter-only content and more. Thank you.

The games we play

When it rains, it pours

Slowly things are returning to a type of normalcy. The studio has been put back together, all the work for upcoming exhibitions has reached its gallery of choice (The Velvet Easel, Doyle Fine Art, and Dancing Light). I am getting caught up on my blog (go back and catch up if you haven't- all gaps have now been filled). I even managed to record a Tuesday Studio Video Visit on a Tuesday! Here is the evidence (and note the progress of the studio as well!)



In other news, as you can see I am turning the hall into a small works gallery. I also started working on a new small works series, these are going to be charity works like I did in the Spring. It feels so good to finally be able to focus on making work and do it in a spirited and loose way. I started with a favourite palette of mine, one that really came to be this summer while I was working on my book series. I mean lets be honest I have been dancing around this palette for a few years, but anyway it's black, white, grey, yellow ochre, and an electric blue and pale sea foam green oil pastel. These colours thrash about, dance and do loopty loops across the A4 sized canvas board. I jump in time with the beat, I curse, I laugh and I dance as I work. This is the best part, to remember again after a break. To create a reason and then to let the momentum carry me. To get out of my own way and to trust my hand, my materials, my understanding and what I love and what I want in a painting. To be the conduit in my space, on my own terms. What a sweet relief, when it rains it pours.

And we're back!

As always, keep fighting. You will remember again if you forget, your hand knows what to do.

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

   

No longer a mystery

Cartoon by the brilliant abstract artist Ad Reinhardt

This month... where to start and do I dare? The quick story is that I haven't made any art since the week before Art Walk Porty. I was worn out from getting ready for the brilliant two-day event and then, of course, I was worn out from all the excitement and talking about the project for two days straight. It was a good kind of tired, mixed with enthusiasm and hope for the future and my work. I wrote about my books, made videos about my books, and then I crashed. 

I also had to rather abruptly switch gears to focus on my next visa application and study for my "Life in the UK" test. After a bit of a snafu last Thursday attempting to take my test here in Edinburgh, I took my test and passed on Monday in Glasgow. Such a relief! So now I am going through the final steps to get my application sent off and to hope for the best in this important step towards citizenship. It is a fraught and detailed process and is all-consuming. Sometimes art can and must wait. I am almost ready to return to my studio and my work with several ideas brewing in the background. 

In other news, I entered the RSA Annual Exhibition. I have done so at least a few times in the five years I have lived here and not once have I had my work accepted. Entering these types of things (and being rejected) is par for the course in this world. And as we all know painting is dead (again), abstract painting is especially dead, and concepts are king or so I've heard. Nae bother, it's only money and time. I probably should have entered my books. 

We need to create a Salon des Refusés! Perhaps just an online version first and then find a venue in the future. Automatic acceptance to all who are rejected from the RSA exhibition. Did you enter? Did you get in? Congratulations! Did you not? I am sorry but let's get together and show our work anyway! Online or in person, it deserves to be seen! Message me if you would like to have work as part of an online Salon. These are the two paintings I entered and had rejected. As Bill Murray says, "It just doesn't matter."

No longer a mystery

80x100x4cm

Acrylic on canvas,  £1,450

Megan Chapman 2019

The distance

40x50x4cm

Acrylic on canvas, £725

Megan Chapman 2019

In other, other news, My studio G23 will be open this Sunday the 29th of September from 12-5pm. Come see my books in person and a few of my new paintings at my studio at the Drill Hall. Besides the amazing Makers Marque on Sunday and Open Studios, there will be tours of the Drill Hall for Doors Open Day! I am looking forward to seeing you there!

Makers Marque

Sunday 29th September

12pm - 5pm 

Entry: £2/£1 concession 

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 and selling their unique products, plus artist and makers workshops, demonstrations and repair stations.

www.outoftheblue.org.uk/makersmarque-sep2019

Before, I let you go, just a reminder: 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 See you on Sunday from 12-5! 

Until next week, keep fighting! 

Walls too crowded, budget tight? You can still support my work. 

 

Thanks!

Open Studios!

Tomorrow is the day! Open Studios! My studio G23 (along with many others) will be open from 11-5pm at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall located at 36 Dalmeny Street in Leith, Edinburgh.

The Arts Market will be on in the main hall with many brilliant makers selling their creations as well, so there will be plenty for folks to see, enjoy, and purchase.

As you know, I made some special small works for the event (five of which have already sold!). I will also have many other smaller paintings ranging in price from £20-55 and as well as several under £200. My larger gallery works will also be on display. There will be something for almost every taste (if you like abstract art) and budget. Just a reminder that I happily offer payment plans for my larger pieces. I will have my credit/debit card reader on hand as well to make your art buying experience more convenient (i.e. I won't have change).

More than anything, I am looking forward to having my studio open to the public. I love the energy of the event and meeting folks and discussing the work. I really hope to see you there.

All that I am

Mixed media on canvas

80x80cm

© 2018 Megan Chapman

Sold

Here's a replay of my Tuesday Studio Video Visit. My phone had a mind of its own and cut me off but you get the idea. I was overjoyed to share that a large and favourite painting of mine (see above) had sold.



I guess that about wraps it up for this week. If you are local to Edinburgh, I do hope you will make it by the Open Studios. You can also find my work in Portobello, Edinburgh at The Velvet Easel Gallery and back in my old stomping grounds of Fayetteville, Arkansas at The Fenix Gallery.

Thanks to all my patrons that have purchased and supported my work reccently and in years past. You keep me working by supporting my vision and that means the world to me. Thank you. Until next week, keep fighting! Keep supporting artists and keep supporting each other.

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

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!

You said I made a bad decision: A new series of small works

See these new works (mixed media on linen panel 10x10cm, set into a 15x15cm tray frame) and much more at Open Studios, Saturday, December 1st from 11-5pm at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh. You'll find me in Studio G23. See you there. 

*******

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!