A Closer Look Continues

A selection of my small framed works on canvas as part of A Closer Look

The exhibition was installed on Tuesday and is always the case - the artwork of the resident and affiliated artists of the drill hall clicked into place like a puzzle. With over 16 participating artists, there is a great selection of work on display. We had a lovely wine reception on Wednesday night and we enjoyed some tunes and some banter on the rainy evening. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us.

Besides the work on the walls and in the jewellery case, we also have a selection of prints, cards, and even some small originals available for purchase towards the back of the exhibition at our sales table. So do make sure to have a rummage through the racks so you don't miss some bargains.

I love the strength and variety of my peers' work on show together. It's been so great for us to get to know each other better over these last two exhibitions. It feels more like a proper community of artists currently and that is a great feeling.

The video above is a quick guided tour and the video below is a super quick jazzy taster. Remember though if you are local and able, nothing is better than seeing the show with your own eyes. 

A Closer Look
Wednesday 13th - Saturday 23rd September (Not Sunday) 

The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith EH6 8RG

Participating artists include: (Follow on Instagram)
@megan.chapman.artist
@aoife_in_leith
@catherinegiselleart
@felicityinkpen
@danmurrayartist
@jesscrisp1
@needle__bow_by_miss_modeuse
@elainewilsonvisualart
@mairimacsweendesigns
@thecityworkshop
@kategeorgedesign
@preciousmetalsworkshop
@remodecollective
@timbremnerart
@i.am.abi.art
@solencollet

Thanks for your support - until next week, go see some art and keep fighting! 

It's all in the details!

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

I am thrilled to share with you the incredible quality of my new prints. This print holds the essence of the original work with vibrant colour and clarity. I couldn't be happier with the outcome, and I can't wait for more folks to take the plunge and live with my art as affordable prints. 

I probably don't promote my print work as often as I should but after getting this one back from the printer I am definitely going to have to rethink that! From archival ink to heavy-weight paper, the print really speaks of quality. I love to support the local social enterprise designed to benefit and support artists that is, Bare Branding. They are wonderful printers. I'm thankful for Andrew and the team over there - they are doing important work! 

"Dancing in the Old House"

I packaged this one up this morning and posted it to Washington State. Where will I be sending the next one? 

Buying prints is a beautiful way to bring art into your life and also a fantastic means of supporting artists. When you purchase prints, you are directly contributing to our livelihood, allowing us to continue creating and sharing our vision with the world. This support can make a significant difference in our lives. 

As with original art, prints can also help us gain new patrons. When you display a print in your home or office, it serves as a showcase and can spark conversations about our work. This can lead to more opportunities for us, including commissions, exhibitions, or even collaborations.

Print buyers are valuable patrons of the arts. These buyers get to enjoy more affordable art as they build their collections while continuing to make a meaningful impact. Don't ever underestimate this! Thank you to all my print collectors past and present (and you future ones too). 

Visit my online shop to pick up your own print! I have 36 different images to choose from ranging in size and budget ranging £20-£55. https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop just click "prints" to view that section of my shop. Thank you!!

Until next week, keep fighting! 

Special thanks to collectors of my original works along with my prints and to my regular Ko-Fi crew. You all make my heart sing and keep my lights on! 

Outside + In. Don't miss it!

Outside + In

An exhibition of artists and makers from the Out of the Blue Drill Hall community is on for two more days. If you are local to Edinburgh or are passing through, don't miss the exhibition on display from 10am-5pm. this Friday (19th) and Saturday (20th). 36 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG.

There are 16 artists currently participating in this group exhibition and there is a range of pieces available to purchase and enjoy, from drawings, riso prints, reproductions, abstract and realist paintings, collage, textiles, felted work, as well as mixed media paintings on slates, photography, and gorgeous jewellery. Truly something for everyone at a multitude of price points.

The exhibition reception on Wednesday was well attended and was busy from the moment the doors were open from 5:30 through to 7:30. It made our hearts sing to have the work in the space and appreciated by so many enthusiastic community members. 

We hope that opportunities for the artists within the hall will become a more regular occurrence. If you feel the same way please let the management know. It boosts morale within the building and that spills out into the community at large. Creativity is contagious and community joy is strong medicine!

Please, if you are able, do make a plan to catch the exhibition before Saturday at 5pm. 

Thanks to everyone who has come already to view the exhibition and who came out in support of the artists of the hall on Wednesday night. It was wonderful to see you. 

Edinburgh City Councillor Susan Rae and I discussing my painting, "What it's Worth."

Follow these artists on Instagram if you don't already!

@hamillustration
@bethanyillustration
@mairimacsweendesigns
@timbremnerart
@catherinegiselleart
@megan.chapman.artist
@jesscrisp1
@cam_life_designs
@preciousmetalsworkshop
@mandmcgrattan
@twincitypictures
@aoife_in_leith
@mapplyco
@felicityinkpen
@danmurrayartist

Thanks so much for reading the Friday Studio Blog. Until next week, take care and keep fighting. The world needs you and the gifts you bring.

The show must go on! Shop update and studio sale!

Dear lovely friends and supporters. 

I was planning on showing three of my canvas paintings in a group exhibition this weekend as well as offering 39 affordable, original works of art for sale at a market stall with the Abstractionistas at the Edinburgh Palette at St. Margaret's House in Edinburgh this weekend. Many wonderful artists and makers are planning on being there. However, with the news of the Omicron variant changing by the day, I decided to not participate in this opportunity. 

BUT, the show must go on... and for me, it must go on, but just differently. I am delighted to share that everything that I was going to take to the stall this weekend is now available online through my shop with FREE shipping in the U.K. 

I will also be donating 10% of every purchase from my shop to my favourite Scottish charity, Bicycles for Refugees. I have raised money for them in the past through the sale of certain series of artworks and it brings me great joy to be able to help again. CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY SHOP.

I am also having a STUDIO SALE of 13 of my larger series works with many of them being offered at 50% off and with 4 monthly instalments available so that you can budget for art. I will also donate 10% of your first payment (if you use the instalment plan or 10% of the total sale (if you pay it off in one go) to Bicycles for Refugees as well this weekend. 

The three paintings I was planning to show in the exhibition this weekend can be found there too! CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY STUDIO SALE.

I hope you will consider supporting my work while also supporting a charity from the comfort of your own home. 

Thank you for your support. Be well and safe. 

- Megan 

Studio Sale! Come and get it!

Darkness comes in stages

Mixed Media on Canvas

30 x 122 x 4 cm

(11.81 x 48.03 x 1.57 in)

Sold

Megan Chapman

Hiding in plain sight

Mixed Media on Canvas

41 x 51 x 4 cm

(16.14 x 20.08 x 1.57 in)

£325.00

Megan Chapman

Time spent as someone else

Mixed Media on Canvas

41 x 51 x 4 cm

(16.14 x 20.08 x 1.57 in)

£325.00

Megan Chapman

Stolen moments

Mixed Media on Canvas

41 x 51 x 4 cm

(16.14 x 20.08 x 1.57 in)

£325.00

Megan Chapman

All the ways you taught me

Mixed Media on Canvas

76 x 51 x 4 cm

(29.92 x 20.08 x 1.57 in)

£550.00

Megan Chapman

I follow the new

Mixed Media on Canvas

51 x 76 x 4 cm

(20.08 x 29.92 x 1.57 in)

£550.00

Megan Chapman

It's time for my 2nd annual "Come and get it" Studio Sale!

I am offering a selection of my larger canvas works at a deep discount (50% off). The only catch is that you must come to my studio in Leith or send someone over to pick them up on your behalf.

I happily offer 3 monthly instalment plans for all of these works. This is a great way for you to budget for art and own one of my larger pieces for your collection. Just message me to set this up - when you hit the "purchase" button it will give you a field to message me - it will not instantly sell you the piece - so click that button with confidence).

All of these paintings are on deep edge canvas with the edges painted either black or grey for a finished look and are ready to hang on your wall. Thank you for supporting my work. Please feel free to share. Email me with any questions. (megancha@gmail.com)
- Megan

Click here to visit the studio sale site. 

Bio:
Megan Chapman is an internationally collected abstract painter living in Edinburgh, Scotland. She shares her art and process in her Tuesday Studio Video Visits and her Friday Studio Blog. Building community around art is an essential and joyful part of her process. “Give me a charcoal line and I will show you my heart’s story. Pair that line with paint and I will show you my life.”

meganchapman.com

Visit this week's Tuesday Studio Video Visit here. Thanks for stopping by and for your support. Please share my studio sale link with any of your Edinburgh area friends. Until next week, be well and keep fighting! 

I remembered

I have walked 68 miles so far this month and I am obsessed with Fair Isle socks, jumpers and of course, cups of tea and hot chocolate. I listen to jazz and atmospheric music with rain and crackling fire sounds. I make lists of art films I want to watch. This can only mean one thing, autumn is firmly here. 

And you know what? It's okay- it's actually rather lovely. I usually dread this time of year in Scotland because I get ahead of myself and think about what comes next, winter in Scotland - and the short days and rain.

I like spring, summer, and autumn here just not winter. It's important for me to realise that it is not winter yet, and it's always good to stay in the NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. 

Also another funny thing is that when I know WINTER IS COMING... I get out more in nature and am more active than in the sunnier and brighter parts of the year - it is my strategy to walk through the darkness. Strategies are good (I hope you have some). Anyway, I know this is an art blog but art comes from life - and walking in nature, being cosy, and falling into and recognising my autumnal strategies helps my art practice. 

So here's a bit about art, supporting artists, and your local economy and how the artist you support will in turn support their local economy too. You can see and hear me preach this gospel on the most recent Tuesday Studio Video Visit. 

So, there you have it. Our art is not on cargo ships but nearby, readily available, and waiting for you and I like autumn in Scotland just fine. Until next week, keep fighting. We need the magic you bring.

Thank you.

Small works are available from my shop.

Ghosts of the past revisited. Limited edition prints.

 

"You can't make them say the old familiar words their mouths move in different ways"
This is a limited edition, giclée print is on heavyweight archival matte paper (220gsm/81lb) and will be signed and numbered in pencil. The print is A3 sized/11.7×16.5" Limited Edition of 50
 Purchase

"There is too much space here and always of the wrong kind"
This is a limited edition, giclée print is on heavyweight archival matte paper (220gsm/81lb) and will be signed and numbered in pencil. The print is A3 sized/11.7×16.5" Limited Edition of 50
 Purchase

"You are of the land you left behind, you built the land that will remain a stranger"
This is a limited edition, giclée print is on heavyweight archival matte paper (220gsm/81lb) and will be signed and numbered in pencil. The print is A3 sized/11.7×16.5" Limited Edition of 50
 Purchase

"You see the faces of the forgotten and lost as shadows dance around your children" 

This is a limited edition, giclée print is on heavyweight archival matte paper (220gsm/81lb) and will be signed and numbered in pencil. The print is A3 sized/11.7×16.5" Limited Edition of 50

Purchase

This series combines genealogy, poetry, and painting, exploring many aspects of the Scottish diaspora in the United States.

I think of these paintings as giant pages from a weathered picture book of my family’s past. The silhouettes of my Scottish ancestors float across the painted page, while tea and coffee stain the background. The blue represents water, air, and dreams. The map lines connect the figures to their homeland and to each other through time as memories of the past and present haunt and comfort them. A type of poetry bridges the gaps and tells their stories real and imagined. This is my story and theirs but it is also yours and ours...

This is the first time these particular images from this 2013 series have been offered as prints and I am delighted with these A3-sized limited edition reproductions.

I am so thankful for the orders and tips I am receiving just now. 2021 has been much slower for me than 2020 and with fewer grants and less available funding so please know you are making a difference and keeping me going. Thank you! Have a great weekend. - Take care - Megan 

We've been here before : A mixed collection of works

This week I am presenting a collection of my available A3-sized works on paper completed in 2020. These works are from five separate bodies of work. These are all available in my shop and are for sale at £125 which includes free tracked and insured UK shipping. 

If you would like to break that payment into 3 installments of £41.66 just send me a message to megancha at gmail dot com and we can set that up. The bottom line is that I want you to live with my art and I want to keep doing what I am doing and be able to pay my bills. 

Thank you and please enjoy. 

Memory Serves Original mixed media painting A3 size/11.7x16.5” 200 gsm heavyweight acid-free cartridge paper, 2020 Signed, titled, and dated on the back   Purchase

We've been here before 

Original mixed media painting

A3 size/11.7x16.5” 200 gsm heavyweight acid-free cartridge paper, 2020

 Signed, titled, and dated on the back 

  Purchase 

A sequence of webs and sad after parties #3

Original mixed media painting

A3 size/11.7x16.5” 150gm smooth cartridge paper, 2020

Signed, titled, and dated on the back

Purchase   

A sequence of webs and sad after parties #1

Original mixed media painting A3 size/11.7x16.5”

150gm smooth cartridge paper, 2020 

 Signed, titled, and dated on the back 

Purchase

A sequence of webs and sad after parties #2

Original mixed media painting, A3 size/11.7x16.5” 

150gm smooth cartridge paper, 2020 

Signed, titled, and dated on the back 

Purchase

Solidly in the centre (not moving)

Original mixed media painting, A3 size/11.7x16.5”

150gm smooth cartridge paper,

2020, Signed, titled, and dated on the back

Purchase

Rebuilding. Sketches for a new tomorrow #4
Original mixed media painting, A3 size/11.7x16.5”
150gm smooth cartridge paper, 2020
Signed, titled, and dated on the back
Purchase

Rebuilding. Sketches for a new tomorrow #3

Original mixed media painting, A3 size/11.7x16.5”

150gm smooth cartridge paper, 2020

Signed, titled, and dated on the back

Purchase

At first, our boundaries will be defined
Original mixed media painting A3 size/11.7x16.5” 200 gsm heavyweight acid-free cartridge paper, 2020 Signed, titled, and dated on the back  Purchase 

Lost in the sea
Original mixed media painting A3 size/11.7x16.5” 200 gsm heavyweight acid-free cartridge paper, 2020 Signed, titled, and dated on the back  Purchase

Fresh like spring
Original mixed media painting A3 size/11.7x16.5” 200 gsm heavyweight acid-free cartridge paper, 2020 Signed, titled, and dated on the back  Purchase 

Held captive but the walls soothe you
 Original mixed media painting A3 size/11.7x16.5” 200 gsm heavyweight acid-free cartridge paper, 2020 Signed, titled, and dated on the back  Purchase 

Thank you for being here and for supporting my work. If your walls are full and your budget is tight, please consider leaving me a tip (click the pink button) for the art I provide for your enjoyment. Thank you. 

Until next time, be well. We need you and the gifts you bring.