Karma Chameleon

Karma Chameleon by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Karma Chameleon.” Collage on paper. 12″x16″
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Here’s my first attempt at collaging a chameleon. Next time round I’d like to play even more with the texture of the lizard, and perhaps have some fun with focusing on what chameleons are known for – changing colors. There are all kinds of possibilities…just think of how many unique backgrounds or settings could be used for the chameleon as it tries to blend in.

In other news, last week my solo show in Manassas ended. It was wonderful getting the opportunity to share my work at the Candy Factory, it’s just a shame that the time flew by so quickly. I was pleased to see that several collages now have new homes. As great as it is to sell your artwork, sometimes I find myself thinking “Oh no – I hope I can make something just as good to replace the sold work.” There’s always the worry of having enough consistent and cohesive work to exhibit in upcoming solo shows.

I’m going to be pretty busy working away on artwork for future exhibits this year and next year. After that, I think I’ll take a break from exhibiting my work so often so I can focus more time and energy on other projects like short animations or another children’s book.

Celebrating Twenty Years in Del Ray

Gorilla by collage artist Megan Coyle

Yesterday I gallery sat for the Del Ray Artisans. Their current exhibition “XX – Celebrating Twenty Years in Del Ray!” includes a variety of artwork depicting all kinds of subject matter. My “Gorilla” collage is in the exhibit and the picture above shows it hanging in this group show.

And now I’m off to gather inspiration for more animal collages as well as a few landscape/cityscape pieces. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

The Otter Sisters

What a Pair (the Otter Sisters) by collage artist Megan Coyle
The Otter Sisters by collage artist Megan Coyle
“The Otter Sisters.” Collage on paper. 18″x24″
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I have to admit that one of my favorite things about collage is how it’s always a surprise how a collage will turn out. Sometimes you can find some pretty interesting textures and patterns in magazines, and when they are cut a certain way – voilà, it all comes together. Other times you can end up with some pretty unsatisfactory results, but all in all, it’s an exciting process. I was pleasantly surprised with “The Otter Sisters” – at first I wasn’t too sure what to think of it. But after setting it aside for a while, then returning to work on it briefly, I was happy with the mix of texture on the otters and in the background.

Hippo’s Day Out

Hippo's Day Out by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Hippo’s Day Out.” Collage on paper. 18″x24″
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This piece was inspired by Happy the Hippo who used to live at the National Zoo. Aside from the meerkats, Happy was one of my favorite animals to visit there. Unfortunately they moved him to Milwaukee Zoo in 2009, although he must be happier there since he’s around other hippos. Anyway, the above collage is inspired by the many times I stopped by the zoo and Happy was outside in his pool. He’d hold his breath underwater for several minutes, as impatient tourists would stand by with cameras ready when he’d resurface. Whenever he did resurface, it was only for a few seconds before plunging back down into the water.

I’m currently working away on several new animal collages. And I’ve also started thinking about taking a break from exhibiting my work in galleries. I’d kinda like to focus on other projects instead of taking on the workload of promoting exhibits…we shall see what I end up doing…

March ARTreach

Polar Bear by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Polar Bear. ” Collage on panel. 10″x10″
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March 3rd – 18th, 2012
Target Gallery; Alexandria, Virginia
Map and Gallery Info

Art Party: Friday, March 16th
from 7:00 – 10:00p.m.

Megan’s “Polar Bear” collage was on display in her first-ever fundraiser art show, “March ARTreach.” The group exhibit was run by the Target Gallery and the March of Dimes, who teamed up to raise money for both organizations. All artwork on display was made on 10″x10″ wood panels. All proceeds from the show benefitted the Target Gallery’s 2012 outreach programming and the March of Dimes.

About March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization that is working to insure every baby is born healthy. It focuses on understanding genetic disorders, birth defects, and other concerns regarding the health of mothers and babies.

About Target Gallery

The Target Gallery is located inside the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town, Alexandria. The gallery hosts nine exhibits annually featuring a variety of themes and artists.

XX – Celebrating 20 Years in Del Ray!

Gorilla by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Gorilla.”
Collage on paper. 12″x9″
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March 2nd – April 1st, 2012
Nicholas Colasanto Center; Alexandria, Virginia
Map and Gallery Info

Opening Reception: Friday, March 2nd
from 7:00 – 10:00p.m.

This group exhibit celebrated the Del Ray Artisans’ twentieth year anniversary. The Del Ray Artisans is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1992, and whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.

“XX” showcased a variety of work from local artists. The media ranged from painting to photography. Coyle’s “Gorilla” collage was featured in the exhibit.

Polar Bear

Polar Bear by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Polar Bear. ” Collage on panel. 10″x10″
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This is one of the few collages I’ve done on panel. “Polar Bear” was actually created specifically for a fundraiser art show – “March ARTreach” – which will be up at the Target Gallery from March 3rd – 18th, 2012. I wanted to make something that was somewhat simple and featured an animal. What can I say? I’m in an animal phase.

Anyway, the exhibit features several works of art made on 10″x10″ wood panels that the gallery provided. Every work of art on display is for sale for $150 ($100 during the Art Party on March 16th). All proceeds from sales will benefit the Target Gallery’s 2012 outreach programming and the March of Dimes.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the other artists did with their 10″x10″ panels!

And I hope everyone had a happy Leap Day!