Throw me a line

In case you missed it, you can read last week's post here.

The drawing continues, it's as much about erasing as it is about drawing. Nothing better than a kneaded eraser - like sculpting. I enjoy the yellowed tags, and the limited palette. Home. home. home. Throw me a line.

I know what I am doing.

You can read next week's post here.

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. 

Ready to walk out the door!

Looking for quality, vibrant art infused with mystery and you want it now? You're in luck! I've got a selection of five limited edition giclée prints that are ready to post! Usually, my prints are printed to order with an approximate one-week turnaround time, but these pieces below are ready to walk out the door!

A fine summer's day - limited edition print size A5

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/764cabba7d

Alchemy- limited edition print size A3

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/190da26f72

Always wanting more - limited edition print size A3

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/da15ae6498

Secrets by the sea - limited edition print size A5

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/8cfe680080

You can't make them say the old familiar words - limited edition print size A3

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/91e21bb6c7
PLEASE NOTE: The available copy of this print to walk out the door on the day it was ordered has sold! 
You can still place an order for this print but with a longer turnaround time. :) 

It's no secret that artists need to make a living, which is why I offer a selection of limited-edition prints. Not only will you be supporting me, but you'll also be getting a beautiful piece of art to hang in your home. 

Why purchase a print? For one, it's affordable. You don't have to spend thousands of pounds on a piece of art when you can get a high-quality print for a fraction of the price. Plus, prints are a great way to build your collection. By purchasing a print, you're directly contributing to an artist's livelihood and that money stays in the community. It's a win-win for all involved. 

I've been picky about which prints I offer and want to ensure they're of the highest quality. I chose to have them printed locally in Leith at Bare Branding, a self-funded, not-for-profit community interest company that functions in alignment with my values. The colours are vibrant, the details are sharp, and the paper is heavy-weight and archival. The edition size is just 50 for these particular prints, so they are sure to be collectable. 

For the above available prints,  I can pop any one of these (of the four still available) in the post on the same day you order - and send it first class.

And remember, as the popular internet meme says, "support living artists, the dead ones don't need it."  There are many prints and smaller works to choose from in my shop: https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop

PS. Missed my Tuesday Studio Video Visits? I've got you! Here's my first visit back to the studio in 2023! YAY! Please subscribe to my channel, like my videos, and hit the notification button. 

Thanks again for being here with me. Until next week, keep fighting. 

Thanks to this month's patrons and supporters over on Ko-fi: Pat, Tamsin, Jennifer, Bekky, Muriel, Clare, Jen and Sheila. You all are stars!

How to support artists right now

This print was purchased this week from my online shop - my first sale of the year!
Thanks, patron!

Art is often described as transformative. It has the ability to take us to new places, inspire us, and to challenge us. But what does it mean to truly support an artist? 

In a world that can often feel disheartening and bleak, art offers a source of hope. And for artists themselves, their art can be a form of self-care – a way to process and make sense of their own thoughts and experiences. For some, it is a form of catharsis – a way to release emotions that may be difficult to express in words. Unfortunately, not all artists have the same opportunities to thrive. Many struggle to make a living from their art and often go without the financial, emotional, or practical support they need to continue creating. 

This is where the role of supporters or patrons comes in. Anyone can be a supporter of artists, whether it’s through spreading the word about their work, attending their exhibitions, or simply offering words of encouragement. 

There are many ways you can get involved. Here are just a few ideas:

Share artists’ work on social media 

Attend art exhibitions and performances 

Buy artworks or commission pieces 

Donate to crowdfunding campaigns 

Support artists on Ko-fi or other Patreon-type platforms

Sign up for an artist’s mailing list 

Write reviews or articles about artists and their work 

Volunteer your time or skills to help with artist's events or promotional activities

Simply offer words of encouragement and appreciation

Whatever way you choose to support artists, know that it makes a real difference.

If you're looking for one-of-a-kind paintings and prints, take another look at my online shop. My work is inspired by music, memories, and all the little moments of alchemy that make life special. Each piece I create is meant to be treasured and to bring some mystery or joy to your life. Take a look around my shop and find something that speaks to you. Perhaps you'll find the perfect piece to brighten up your home or office.

Thanks for joining me this week for the Friday Studio Blog and for walking beside me on this path. I am very fortunate to have your support. 

Like what I share? Support me on Ko-fi. 

Shop Small Feel Good: Art is the Answer!

Here we are, it's Black Friday, and then Small Business Saturday, and then Cyber Monday - it's a weekend where you can choose to shop big... Or shop small and support your independent makers and artists. I hope you will choose to shop with me and my peers! My wee ko-fi shop is restocked and I have a deal for you!

Use THANKS20 or click the link below for 20% off everything. Prints, Originals, and even some professionally framed smaller Canvas Paintings! The discount is good until midnight on November 29th. So get shopping and know with each purchase you are making a real difference in my life. Feel free to share the code/link with your friends too. Take another look in my shop if you haven't in a while - there are over 60 pieces available and with the code/link the prices range from £16 - 260!

https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/link/THANKS20

If eco-friendly and artful t-shirts and totes are more your style - I have you covered! They make great gifts too and teemill is a company with an ethos after my own heart. There are several styles and loads of sizes to choose from. Shop here: https://gutlessapparel.teemill.com

My exhibition Divinations, Declarations and Whispers continues so please visit this online-only art experience if you haven't already. All the work is for sale and the majority of the portraits in the exhibition are priced at £270 (and that includes worldwide shipping!). If you have any questions regarding a purchase click the question icon next to the painting to send me an inquiry. If you know you want to buy just click the $ icon next to the piece.

Here is this week's video visit featuring some of the wonderful reviews folks have left me. Thank you all so much. I am delighted with the response and being able to present my work in a more accessible way. 

Last but not least, I do have a wide variety of paintings (small and large) that are available from my studio in Leith, Edinburgh. There will be no open studios this year in the building but my studio is always open by appointment and I am usually available to meet patrons there with just a bit of notice so if you find yourself in a last-minute worry for the perfect artful gift, just message me and I will meet you there.

Thank you all so much for your support - I honestly couldn't do this without you. 

Love what I do? Leave me a tip!

Abstractionistas Exhibition This Weekend!

You are invited to our new exhibition!

"Paper" is the latest exhibition by the Scottish women's art collective, the Abstractionistas, featuring artists, Megan Chapman, Judith Shaylor Art, and Susan Elizabeth Wilson. The group is delighted to bring their works on paper to the Granton Hub during the Edinburgh festival.

The three-day pop-up show is open to the public from 11-4 pm on the 12th, 13th and 14th of August at the Granton Hub, Madelvic House, Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh, EH5 1HS. The artists will have a public reception on Saturday the 13th from 2-4 pm. Join us!

Abstractionistas: Paper
August 12-14th 11-4 pm
Reception Saturday, Aug. 13 from 2-4 pm
Granton Hub, Granton Park Avenue
Edinburgh, EH5 1HS

Northwest Arkansas, my art is with YOU!

Dissonance
mixed media on canvas
6x8.5" © Megan Chapman 
$75.00

Listen to the wind
mixed media on canvas
6x8.5" © Megan Chapman
$75.00

Dear Northwest Arkansas Friends and Art Lovers,

I may be miles from Arkansas living and working in Edinburgh, Scotland but this special collection of original works and limited edition prints are with you in Fayetteville and available now to purchase for two weeks only! This special online sale runs from April 29th to May 13th.

These works once reserved and pre-purchased online will be available for collection from the Ozark Natural Foods outdoor dining area from my friend and fellow artist Maggie Ivy on Saturday, May 14th from 12-2 pm. There will be no work for sale at the collection site - only pick up of presold/paid for works.

20% (after PayPal fees) will be donated to Northwest Arkansas charity, Able Talks "providing high-quality learning experiences for young adults with autism."

If you have any questions regarding the sale or collection of these pieces click the purchase button, this will send me an email to simply start the conversation. To finalise your purchase I will send you a PayPal invoice.

Currently, my archive only allows me to post in GBP (£). Here are the conversion rates (these can vary slightly).

Works on deep edge wood panel: £160.80 ($200.00)
Small rectangular slim profile canvases: £60.30 ($75.00)
Small square slim profile canvas: £52.26 ($65.00)
Limited edition prints - square: £40.00 ($49.75)
Limited edition prints - rectangle: £44.22 ($55.00)

Thank you for your continued support of my work, you are a rare and wonderful community of art lovers and a tough act for any city to follow.

Sincerely yours,
Megan Chapman

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AVAILABLE WORK

In the house you live
12x12" mixed media on panel
© Megan Chapman
$200

Our stories align
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© 2017 Megan Chapman
1/25
$55.00

A most perfect obstacle
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© Megan Chapman 1/25
$55.00

I have only shared a few of the available pieces here in my blog. There are 11 original works on panel and canvas and 11 limited edition prints to choose from. When you click the purchase button it will send me a message with any questions or concerns you may have and we can go from there. Reach out - there are no silly questions, I just want you to live with my art and support a great organisation in the process. 

Thanks! 

- Megan 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AVAILABLE WORK

In Scottish art news, I will be setting up my work along with the Abstractionistas and many other talented artists at the Dalkeith Palace this next Wednesday for the Inception exhibition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 6-8th. Get tickets to attend. 

See you there! https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/inception-art-show/

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.

The Andromeda collection and Superman's ill-fitting belt

 

Our family tree made of charcoal dust. Interview out now!

Accidental portrait #16
mixed media
20x16" on heavyweight 250gsm linen textured paper. 

The original has sold. 
Prints of this piece are available in my Ko-fi shop: https://ko-fi.com/s/c157f20e2f

Last week I wrote in my studio blog that an interview was imminent, well it was published on Monday night! 

READ

I am very fortunate to have been interviewed by Peter Goodbody for P3DRO, a wonderful music and culture site based in England. A simple interview of 13 questions turned into something much more far-reaching and personal than I expected. I have to say this is one of my most favourite interviews to date. I really enjoyed knowing that it was going to be published on a mostly music-driven site, as music is so important to me and my process. I felt like I could communicate more effusively about the music connection to my art and be more completely myself- it was a more holistic interview. It all came together so well, it felt like a gift. 

I spent Monday night sharing it across social media accounts trying to reach the near and far. If you missed it or haven't read it yet, please do. This one is special to me and it would mean a lot. 

Read it here: https://p3dro.net/2021/03/01/megan-chapman-this-is-our-family-tree-made-of-charcoal-dust/

Thank you, Peter, for your brilliant questions and for this wonderful opportunity. 

Accidental portrait #17
mixed media
20x16" on heavyweight 250gsm linen textured paper. 

The original has sold. 
Prints of this piece are available in my Ko-fi shop: https://ko-fi.com/s/4704f6c20c

In other news, I have updated my ko-fi shop with new descriptions for many of my affordable works on paper. I'm trying to give you more of an experience as you view these works online as if you were talking to me at an open studio event. I hope you will take another look if you haven't visited in a while.

Gutless sketch #5/ Tell me how you really feel print #3
A3 size/11.7x16.5”
200 gsm heavyweight acid-free cartridge paper
2020
Both the original and prints are available in my Ko-fi shop. 
Print: https://ko-fi.com/s/63af21620b

Original: https://ko-fi.com/s/e2aea2ff51

Tomorrow is my birthday. It is the last one in my 40s and it is during lockdown. I am looking forward to taking a walk and speaking with friends and family near and far on the computer. I have a fresh bouquet of daffodils about to bloom in the house and my window boxes are exploding in the same fresh yellow. The Forth wildly crashes on the wee beach across the road. My cat, Theo sits by me looking out the window and I have plenty of tea. I am so very fortunate. 

Okay 49, I am looking at you squarely. I set an intention to live in compassionate simplicity along with forward movement peppered in joy. This sounds good to me.

Thank you for being part of all of this.

Faces, updates, support!

Hello lovely folks!

I hope you are well. Thanks again for your support of my work during these strange days.

I have not yet been back to my studio in Leith to begin working again. I am being slow and cautious in my re-entry. 

Just a quick update to say that besides my three accidental portrait prints available in my shop, I have added more of my works on paper that I created during the lockdown time, as well as adding the remaining charity canvas panel pieces to benefit Bicycles for Refugees and our new Scots. In this shop, I have work from £45-£270. You can see these available works here. 

https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop

I have updated my other shop that has my larger bodies of work from 2015-2017. These are all larger canvas pieces, varnished and ready to hang. In this shop, I have work from £440 - £1,080. Currently, I am offering these pieces at a 20% discount and free shipping as a thank you and to offer an incentive to keep supporting the arts. You can see those pieces here:

https://meganchapmanart.wixsite.com/painting/shop

You can also visit my website for some of my more recent works. Prices are marked, so send me a message about anything you might be interested in. Payment plans are always available for my work (even some galleries offer them- so don't be shy). I love working with interior designers, so if you are one please get in touch! 

http://meganchapman.com

And of course, you can find my work in the following wonderful brick and mortar galleries in England and Scotland and I know they will appreciate your business as they slowly begin to reopen and continue with online sales as well. 

Irving Gallery

Solo Gallery

The Velvet Easel 

Thank you for supporting my work and the galleries that represent my work. We can't do this without you. 

Be well. 

With love and gratitude, 

Megan 

Consider leaving me a £3 tip. Thank you!

Small works and a visit from the past

This week has been spent in the studio mostly laying the foundations for nine small works. You know I like to alternate between large and small as I build a series. Currently, we have five larger works on the go as well. The studio is warming up, slowly but surely, from the holiday break.

I am continuing to "refill the well" by watching art documentaries again this week (you can see the ones I watched last week, here). So far, these are this week's selections.

 Anselm Keifer- Remembering the Future. Brilliant documentary. I love Keifer and have had the thrill to stand before his great work but knowing more about the man, his process, and to see his studio spaces really brings it all home.

Marina Abramovic - The Artist Is Present, I admire Abramovic and understand her work much more after having seen this tender and moving documentary. 

Picasso's Last Stand. A fascinating look at the artist at the end of his career. 

Robert Rauschenberg - Pop Art Pioneer. I've been a fan of Rauschenberg for ages and this was a lovely way to spend some time with the artist and his work. His sense of humour and life force is contagious. 

Again, all of these are currently available on YouTube. Is there an art documentary you think I need to watch or one that has recently inspired you? Leave it in the comments for me. Thanks! I remember in art school, my mentor Ron Graff would tell us to just spend time in our studios, reading, looking at art, flipping through magazines- whatever- that time spent in the studio was good, so if you are feeling stuck, why not watch a documentary in your studio space, whether it's the kitchen table or a spare bedroom, think about art in there while you are not making it and watch what happens.

I have also started mentoring a couple of artists this past week. It has been wonderful to share in their work, their struggles, and to hear of their brilliant ways of seeing the world through their art. I am grateful to be able to do this work. I am still working on my mentoring website, so stay tuned, but if you think you want to work with me send me an email or leave me a comment to learn more. I look forward to hearing from you!

This week for the Tuesday Studio Video Visit, I did something a little different. This week, I filmed myself reading one of my first Studio Blog posts from 2007. It was an emotional experience for me to read my words as I let it sink in just how much has changed in my life and art. Here it is again in case you missed it. You can always find these videos each week on my Facebook Art Page. 

I think that's all I have for you this week. Every day we paint is a victory but we also have to take the time to keep learning and growing. We have to see the beauty and feel the sun on our faces and spend time in nature. We have to take care of our hearts and minds. 

With gratitude from my heart to yours, thanks for reading.

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!