14” x 39” Framed
Wax and Watercolor on Paper
Circa 1970
Created during her student years, The First Yes marks a decisive interior turning. Rather than rendering the observational exercises expected in the classroom, Chapin-McGill reaches toward something spiritual and self-directed. Vertically stacked figures emerge as layered consciousness, suggesting ascent, searching, and becoming. Shortly after this work was made, the artist left school and family expectations behind to move to New York alone. What others viewed as risk, she recognized as opportunity. Saying yes has always meant refusing regret. This early work stands as the moment before departure — the quiet, courageous affirmation that shaped everything that followed.
14” x 39” Framed
Wax and Watercolor on Paper
Circa 1970
Created during her student years, The First Yes marks a decisive interior turning. Rather than rendering the observational exercises expected in the classroom, Chapin-McGill reaches toward something spiritual and self-directed. Vertically stacked figures emerge as layered consciousness, suggesting ascent, searching, and becoming. Shortly after this work was made, the artist left school and family expectations behind to move to New York alone. What others viewed as risk, she recognized as opportunity. Saying yes has always meant refusing regret. This early work stands as the moment before departure — the quiet, courageous affirmation that shaped everything that followed.
