Conversations and quandaries

Broughton St Mary’s church turret in autumn

Hello Dear Reader, 

Here we are again, another Friday. I hope you are okay. I am not great but at least I am not ill and I haven't had any migraines lately so that is a positive. This week was frustrating and difficult for a multitude of reasons. Even with the beauty of autumn as a backdrop - I am weary. Are we all weary now? Is this just how it is going to be? I sure hope not. 

So let's focus on the beauty and the good parts, that seems to be all I know how to do. I can be struggling and still recognise the wonders of life. 

I went for a walk with my friend Jen on Saturday and introduced her to my favourite local tree. I had been hesitant to go by and visit my scottish friend tree as I was worried it might not be there due to some recent council heavy pruning. Jen kindly accompanied me as I faced that concern and we were both delighted to see its far reaching majesty, albeit very lopsided.  

On Sunday, I met my friend Julia, for a ramble through the city centre and down into Stockbridge. We enjoyed warm drinks and chips while sitting in the window of a crowded cafe. Afterwards we went to a charity shop where I scored a wonderful scarf. We then continued down the road to see the current exhibition, Beneath the Veil at The House of Smalls. This is only the second exhibition I have seen at The House of Smalls and I have been equally impressed and deeply moved each time. If you are in Edinburgh or passing through, I would highly recommend putting this gallery on your list to visit. Amy is a friendly and helpful gallerist and has created a space with an important and commendable ethos.

chai latte with Julia before the exhibition

After meeting up with Julia, there was of course my Sunday session of painting and talking about art with my mom. I worked on the two canvases below. Just adding different washes of paint. Roughing in and wiping away the colours in layers while listening to Brian Eno and drinking tea. Not a bad way to spend some time. I like them pretty well as they are, but may continue to work on them this week. 

work in progress

work in progress

On Monday, the haar rolled in, and it seemed like the perfect time to take a walk and make some photos. I feel fortunate to have this wilderness so close. I know these trees and this patch of land so well and in return I feel known by them. I find so much support and solace in these nearby woods and the paths by the water of Leith. 

As usual, there was work and all the other bits and pieces that make a life - exercise, meditation, meals, conversations and quandaries. I am now sitting on the sofa, listening to one song on repeat and feeling grateful to have shared this Friday ritual once more with you.

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. 

May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. 

May all beings rejoice in the wellbeing of others. 

May all beings live in peace, free from greed and hatred. 

Thank you for being here. Until next week, take care. 

Know your rights

tis the season for tarot

good matcha with friends

painting on a Sunday

and for making a statement

Hello Dear Readers, 

As the captions state, tis the season for tarot, good matcha with friends, painting on a Sunday, and for making a statement. Add in a bit of work, genealogy, a planned walk with a pal tomorrow and a planned meet up with another pal on Sunday and that is where you find me this week. I am a bit tired, careworn, and restless.

Thanks to all you culture warriors for being here and for continuing to fight for goodness and beauty. You rule. 

I will be with the folks back home in spirit tomorrow. Know your rights. 

Return to that important ritual

It's starting to look a lot like autumn

Hello Dear Readers.

The magic google switch must have been toggled off on my blog the last few weeks as my numbers have plummeted and from such great heights. Oh well, I never quite believed them anyway. If you missed last week's post, I shared a fair amount of art - you can see it here. 

The viruses have finally left me and I managed to get out for a few daily walks this past week after not being able to, due to injury and illness. Now the migraines have decided it is their time to shine, so for the past two days I have been dealing with crazy auras, pain, light sensitivity, and muscle spasms. My sleep has been pretty horrible too. I am fed up and feel like crying more often than I'd like. 

My blog has turned into that call you have with your ageing relatives or friends and all they do is tell you about their aches, pains, and various ailments. Tis the season. 

yellow leaves on cobbles

It can't be all bad and it really isn't. The walks in the yellow leaves were enjoyable, and it felt good to return to that important ritual. Two of my other routines that I enjoy that didn't happen for the past two weeks, returned this week - so that was good too. 

I managed to work on two more canvases during the regular "Sunday Sessions" that my mom and I continue to share. I lay the ground work so that they can be finished off this week perhaps. The series continues to build and I am glad of that. 

New work in progress

I also attended an online talk and I returned to an online group that I missed last week as well. And I tried something new that I enjoyed. All of those activities were supportive and helpful. So if it hadn't been for the migraines, this would have been a pretty good "rebuilding" sort of week. 

I watched a great documentary, a show I enjoy, and started rereading one of my favourite series of books as a comfort - all while working, connecting with friends and family and doing all the other tedious things that adults must do. I will consider this week a success, even with the dumb migraines. 

Edinburgh Central Library Board Room Window

Yesterday, I met up with most of the SAU staff team along with our new president, Tamara Rogovic for an in person meeting at the Edinburgh Central Library. I feel very fortunate to work with the fine folks at the union - we are a small and hard working team. It was a productive meeting and so good to spend time with each other again - as it is such a rarity since we all work remotely. 

Are you a member of the Scottish Artists Union? Membership has numerous benefits and it's the members that make the union what it is and what it can be! Join us!

Jenni's October 2025 design on the wall behind the envelope containing the 2026 edition! 

To round out the week, when I got home from the meeting, there was sunshine in an envelope waiting for me! The 2026 Jenni Douglas Calendar has arrived! I am not a fan of the years zipping by, but if they have to - I am going to mark it with Jenni's gorgeous and colourful designs. This year she has two calendar designs to choose from - Scots Creatures or Art. You can get one for yourself here.

That's all I have for you this week. I hope you are doing okay. Thanks for being here. When I sat down to write this, I wasn't feeling too great in my body, mind, or spirit. However, writing this has given me some much needed clarity. There was a lot of good this week, even with the pain and frustration.

Ever onward with grace, acceptance, plenty of rest, and deep breaths. 

Please keep fighting - we need you, and we need each other. You are part of the good. 

Forgotten Landmarks

When the sun bounces off the neighbour's window and illuminates my easel 
(raiders of the lost ark style) 

Hello Dear Readers, 

We meet again. How are you this week? There is so much going on in the world, I am not sure how anyone is really okay. But we keep showing up in our own little ways, in our little pockets and larger communities - surviving the madness together. 

As I mentioned last week I have been unwell, so it was another week spent in recovery mode. September felt like a month of sickness, with a week here and there feeling less bad, but not great. I want to give my thanks and gratitude to NHS Scotland, from reception, to doctors, to pharmacists, - I am always amazed and thankful. We must protect and support our NHS at all costs. Coming from the states, I certainly never take it for granted. 

Thankfully, I am feeling much better this week and I'm planning to meet Julia for a coffee nearby later today as a bit of an experiment. Read her blog - it's almost as good as meeting my talented friend in person.

Speaking of friends, my very kind pal, Philip left me a gift in my garden last Friday. I was feeling pretty glum about being so ill again as well as not celebrating my Scotland milestones. It was such a boost to receive this thoughtful tote filled with an assortment of teas, a matcha advent calendar, and The Book - The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding Civilization. The Book is filled with gorgeous illustrations and it brought to mind one of my favourites from childhood, Gnomes. The kindness of friends and community is everything. I am very lucky. 

kindness

This week, rather than watching old films, I spent some time researching the ancient family (my autumn hobby). I didn't get too far but it was a good way to spend some recovery time. I plan to spend a bit more time this weekend with the old ghosts. 

I had cousins that lived in the Canongate, here in Edinburgh, and one even married in the Canongate Kirk in 1731. They left behind a fascinating set of letters to their first cousin, Governor Samuel Cranston of Rhode Island, who was my 8th great-grandfather. His father John Cranston (also a governor) came to the colonies but John's brothers Caleb and Samuel (my 9th great uncles) stayed in Scotland.

I of course, would still love to know more about my more common and much more recent Scottish dirt farmer ancestors my 3rd great-grandparents Murdoch Campbell and his wife Christian McNeill, but I fear their records are lost to the mists of time. So the fancy people it is. 

And to round out the week, there was of course, painting - I managed to work on three canvases this weekend. I need to get better photographs of two of them, but I will share the one I was pleased with here. I put the image against a black background to share what it might look like in a simple tray frame or against a dark wall. 

Latest finished piece in the series

There are now thirteen works in my series Fire on the Hills of Yesterday. This series began in July as my mother and I began chatting about art and working on our pieces each Sunday. It has been great to share this experience with my mother. 

My latest work is directly referencing a previous series of paintings from 2004, that was called "Within the twilight." A dark landscape series that I was fond of but that never really found its audience - however many of these works did find homes one way or another, over time. That series eventually started to shift as I evolved as an artist and gained gallery representation. It is fun to revisit the ideas behind this work. If you have been following my art for a while you may have recognised the reference and may live with some older cousins of these new works. 

A dear friend and fellow painter wrote that these new works were like "lost 18th century masterpieces of forgotten landmarks." I will happily take that! 

the illuminated easel 

We are on a wandering path, full of learning, unexpected beauty, and choices. Every choice, loss, and discovery makes us who we are. Thank you for being on this path with me.

Until next week, take good care.

Special thanks as always go to my dedicated wee group of monthly Ko-fi Supporters who encourage me to create these works, write this blog, and stay on this path through their regular support. Thank you, Jennifer, Tamsin, Jennifer, and Annie!

Thank you, Pat, for the monthly gift you arranged that continues to support my art. (I know you would have loved the Canongate story most of all). You are missed.

Illuminate me in my current puny state

Works in progress, laying the ground with gold, cadmium, and black

I am unwell on the sofa again - a tearful, anxious, snotty and coughing mess. Thank goodness for the sun that has just angled to illuminate me in my current puny state. It's not all bad, thanks to the kind delivery person (who I have now seen two days in a row) I have what I need to care for this devilish cold. She was like Florence Nightingale. I bowed my thanks to her and enjoyed our mutually compassionate conversation. Workers make the world go around - we have to stick together. Don't let the bastards divide and conquer and for the love of your god or none, don't do their work for them!

Katharine Hepburn, film still from Sylvia Scarlett. Directed by George Cukor. 1935

In other news, I have watched three films and a series of interviews. My current interest is in Katharine Hepburn. I mean I have always loved her but somehow I love her now more than ever. I have not yet viewed Sylvia Scarlett but I am not letting that stop me from sharing the stunning image above. 

I watched Katharine starring in Keeper of the Flame and Holiday, both films are by George Cukor. Then I watched several old interviews with the somewhat elusive actor - Dick Cavett had a great 2 part interview with her which you can find on YouTube.

Then I turned to Ingrid Bergman and the Arch of Triumph. As I mentioned on social media, this one was a bit of a slog - but what has struck me from the past 3 films I have watched from 1938, 1942, and 1948 is how current they feel.

Before someone put the plague upon my hoose, I enjoyed some autumnal moments and worked on a couple of other canvases (I now have 4 that are in various states of progress, which is fine by me and a good sign).

Evidence of autumn 

One of my many rituals

walking along the water of Leith

Even my latest two works in progress (seen at the top of this post) have an autumnal flash about them. I must say, I have been enjoying these Sunday paintings. I can find working a part time job and painting regularly difficult to balance. I am pleased to have prioritised my art again and I am glad my mother and I can both talk about our projects and hold each other accountable. I enjoy the humour of currently being a literal Sunday painter. I am hoping to feel well enough this weekend to work back into the two paintings above.

In other news, eleven years ago today I arrived in Scotland to make a go of it and five years ago this week I became a citizen. I hope my ancestors are happy. Thank you for being a part of it. Until next week, keep fighting but don't forget to stop to rest.

We need you and the gifts only you can bring.

Like a mirror to my soul

Conversations on stillness, mixed media on canvas panel © Megan Chapman

Hello Dear Readers, 

I had two paintings on the go last week that I meant to return to and work on but I started a new one instead. See above, conversations on stillness. I enjoyed working on this piece, building up the layers and textures. It was an old fashioned meditative experience (I need more of those). I was listening to Brian Eno and Nils Frahm while I worked and I think you can tell. 

On Monday, my friend Julia and I went to see Resistance: How protest shaped Britain and photography shaped protest at Modern Two. The exhibition was conceived by artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen. It was compelling to see the stark and powerful exhibition and to learn some of the stories from a century of protest. If you are local to Edinburgh or are passing through, do go see it before it closes in January. Did you know that on the First Monday of each month you can pay what you wish (minimum £2)? It's a very helpful offering for artists and arts workers on a budget. 

We also crossed the road to Modern One and I have to say even though we ran through the lower floor with haste before closing time, my heart was so happy to see some of my favourites. I don't visit Modern One near enough and it was a delight to see these old and new friends. I do think of certain artists' works as a key that opens the door to my very existence - like a mirror to my soul - there you are and there I am...

Artists such as Frankenthaler, Albers, and Morandi set my brain on fire and then we entered a room with three Agnes Martin paintings?! Oh, you can bet my heart was singing! I love Agnes Martin - she speaks the language of painting so beautifully and deeply that I could roll around in it. No bullshit. Honest. My day was made. 

Untitled #5 by Agnes Martin National Galleries of Scotland
ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008  ©Estate of Agnes Martin

I even saw one of the wee Francesca Woodman photographs from the collection (the gallery has 23 of her photos). I feel very fortunate that all of this great art lives in my city. It still blows my wee Arkansas born mind at times but mostly just fills me with gratitude and genuine awe.

This weekend there will be more painting and more rest. Thank you for checking in here and spending some of your time with me. I hope you are doing okay. I know it is hard out there. Keep fighting. We need you and the gifts you bring, now more than ever. 

Work well not hard

Small canvas work in progress

Hello Dear Readers,

I am not sure what is going on but my old studio blog is getting a lot of traction, especially in these last two months - the numbers suggest bots, but I will choose to hope there are real people behind the ever expanding view count. Hello! Thanks for joining me on this Friday ritual that has spanned over 18 years now. 

It's a gorgeous morning, a cool breeze rustles the leaves of the bay tree two doors down. I have a cup of Earl Grey (been off the matcha since having Covid) and I am listening to frequencies designed to help me focus.

The world continues to be "wild at heart and weird on top." The flood of information and outrage is really too much to bear by design. 

I have the privilege and deep need to focus on the breeze on the back of my neck, the way the sunlight makes patterns on the floor, and currently the ability to prioritise my relative peace. 

As I mentioned last week, I had Covid. I am now on the mend and grateful that I recovered as quickly and as easily as I did. Still not fun and quite worrisome at times of course, but I am glad to be feeling better (and grateful for vaccines and science).

You know that statement, "Do something your future self would thank you for?" I often struggle to know what statements like this actually mean, but I think I have figured it out. I just happened to feel inspired to batch cook and freeze portions of 3 different meals for myself before I got sick. It was incredible to have these tasty and wholesome lunches and dinners waiting for me each day that I was ill. I was struck by how smart, efficient, and caring it was to have done this small task that took maybe an hour and gave back so much more than the time I put in. This is something I will try to do more of in the future. I am a good cook (I think a lot of artists are) and it was such a gift to myself to be able to enjoy these meals. 

In other news, I was able to paint. I worked on two more new pieces in my Sunday series, just laying the ground work for what I will try to finish this Sunday. I seem to be developing more natural rhythms in my life that work with my brain rather than against it. It feels good to have these particular days, times, or hours for these specific activities. I have always mentioned that in painting, I find a limited palette more expansive. I think I am working toward creating a more "limited palette" for my whole life. You can do so much with four of your favourite colours, why mess with the ones that confuse, conflict, and muddy the waters? Seems like applying this to life could also be beneficial. 

canvas panel in progress

I will continue to take it easy this weekend, work more on my paintings, enjoy the light, music, and try to cook myself up some more care. I hope you can do something similar. You are worth the kindness you show yourself. You are worth the slowness, the time spent lost in your thoughts and dreams. These are gentle acts of resistance, joy, and love and are more important than you know. Please keep fighting.