California Schemin'

In the time it takes
Acrylic on canvas, 46 x 32"
© 2020 Megan Chapman 

Today I had an amazing experience. I got to see one of my paintings on the big screen for the first time! I booked tickets for the first showing on opening day of James McAvoy's acclaimed directorial debut, California Schemin'.

I think I might have exclaimed "Holyyyyyyyyy Shiiiiiiiiiiiiit!" under my breath to my pal in the darkened cinema. Or maybe it was "Oh My God!!!" when the camera panned and my painting was right in the centre of the scene above the fireplace. This is the penthouse...

Screen grab from California Schemin' Promo
© StudioCanalUK © California Schemin

There it was, just for a few seconds, but a definite presence. My large abstract painting with its bold strokes of pink and black cutting across the canvas - the trappings of success: our Scottish heroes of the film, Silibil N' Brains, had made it big. I was so engrossed in the film that the sight of my painting caught me by surprise even though I'd spotted it in a promo clip on Instagram earlier in the week.

Something I painted is now in a major motion picture by a famous Scottish actor and now director, filmed in Scotland about two talented Scottish rappers from Dundee who adopt American accents to finally get their big break.

What this moment means to me is hard to put into words. As an American artist (now an American Scot) who uprooted my life to come to Scotland with so many unknowns before me, I am extremely proud to have my work be part of this film. I love everything about it.

If you are in the U.K. this weekend, go see California Schemin'! It's a captivating and wild story of talent and fierce determination, and a proud moment for Scottish cinema.

She tries hard not to talk like us

Here's a song to listen to while you collect the matches. X

And if you need to retrace your steps.

Overlooker (you don't need to think on it)

Overlooker (you don't need to think on it)
mixed media
A3 size/11.7x16.5”
150gm acid-free smooth cartridge paper

The wind is rattling the blinds against the window frame and my peony tumped over on the patio. The neighbour's laundry runs parallel with the ground while my wind chimes are caught in the vine I am training to take over the landlord's house. 

The sun hits my hands and I am warm but I take comfort under a brightly coloured and stitched blanket. I am a sunflower along the highway as I move my yellow chair to face the light. I had to broker a deal with my cat.

Such a cautious display