Do You Think This Is Easy?

/

It’s time to share another card from my illustrated deck of affirmations–The 68 Secrets Of An Illuminated Artist–along with the painting behind the scenes. 

I created these cards of positive and encouraging words to empower your creative side. But of course, these affirmations can be applied to more than just painting!

Take a look at my previous blog posts for more about the meanings and paintings behind specific cards.

Having fun makes everything easier 

As noted above, this is a good one to apply to everything you do in life. It’s no mystery that having fun—enjoying what you do—is a key factor in one’s overall happiness.

Not only is it the best path for mental well-being, your outlook and attitude is reflected in what you produce. This is especially true when creating art. So even when I face a challenge while working on a painting, I embrace it, find the fun within it, and turn it into a positive.

This is easy!

I allow this project to be easy, fun, and enjoyable.

The painting behind this card

The backdrop of this card is a section of my original painting Tangerine. So right off the bat, this painting is in sync with the card’s message, as its title suggests a sense of warmth, sweetness, and maybe even a touch of playfulness.

Bursting with vibrant hues, the canvas is dominated by a bold, fiery orange that immediately draws the eye, contrasting with cooler tones of green and blue. 

The dynamic composition of organic shapes, dripping lines, and circles create a sense of movement and energy. The expressive brushstrokes evoke a feeling of joy and vitality. 

Together these elements create a visually stimulating and emotionally resonant artwork that exudes the “make it fun” ethos, which is why I chose it for this card.

Testimonials for ‘The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist’

“Impressive! I love this deck because it is meaningful and visually beautiful. The insights open new roads to consider, and this is very useful for artists …and to others. I use it with friends to open a circle of conversation, or in my work as an artist to connect on a deeper level with my work. I highly recommend it.”

– Tyrrell Clarke, Artist

How to get your own pack of inspirational cards

You can purchase your pack of cards online at The Game Crafter or in the following retail stores:

  • Surrey Art Gallery Gift Shop

  • Free Spirit Gallery, Gabriola Island, BC

  • Iron Oxide Art Supplies Nanaimo

  • Blackberry Gifts in Ucluelet, BC

  • Page's Inn & Marina Bookstore, Gabriola Island

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

This card features a section of my abstract painting Tangerine. Not only is the original still available for purchase, it is also framed and signed. 

You can see the full painting and buy custom reproductions on Saatchi Art here:

https://fwf0.short.gy/tangerine 

Reproduction prints on Saatchi Art are available in 3 formats:

Fine Art Paper

310 GSM, 100% cotton linters, archival quality, natural white finish with a slightly structured, soft-textured surface.

Metal

Specialized inks infused into specially coated, thin, high gloss aluminum sheets. Exhibit mounted on 2mm black Styrene and finished with a black Metal Inset Frame.

Canvas

Museum grade, matte textured (20.5 mil), bright white, poly-cotton blend with no additives and no agents.

This is Why I Never Take it Personally

/

I’d like to share another card from The 68 Secrets Of An Illuminated Artist, my illustrated card deck of positive and encouraging words to bolster your creativity. Go to earlier posts to see and read about the first and second cards that I’ve chosen to write about so far.

Like water off a duck’s back

As with many of my cards, this can apply to many aspects of life in general. But this one is vitally important as an artist, for it’s a basic truism that creatives need a thick skin.

Art is subjective, so everyone who views any artwork is going to have an opinion about it. And those opinions are going to vary greatly.

People like different things. And not everyone likes or appreciates—or understands—abstract art. So if somebody comments negatively about my artwork, I’m not going to let it hinder my progress as an artist. It has no bearing on what I value and what I’m trying to achieve creatively and professionally.

Selecting a card from the deck of "The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist" by Deb Chaney

I never take it personally.

Comments about my artistic work reflect the speaker… not me. I stay true to my goals and aspirations.

The painting behind this card

The backdrop of this card is a section of my original painting Clearing Fear. The painting is part of my Pure Abstraction series, which is inspired by the divine experience and feeling I get when surrounded by nature. The original artwork is an acrylic mixed media painting on canvas measuring 36” x 48”.

This painting also appears in the Netflix series The Imperfects, which you can read more about in a previous post.

Testimonials for ‘The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist’

“Absolutely love these cards! I have it placed on my coffee table and it has been a great conversation starter. I find the words very inspiring and apt for the moment. As an admirer of Deb’s work, I am proud that I own a small pieces of her spiritually inspired healing work of art, that bring me joy and help me stay in the present.”

– Suman Sengar

How to get your own pack of inspirational cards

You can purchase your pack of cards online at The Game Crafter or in the following retail stores:

  • Surrey Art Gallery Gift Shop

  • Free Spirit Gallery, Gabriola Island, BC

  • Iron Oxide Art Supplies Nanaimo

  • Blackberry Gifts in Ucluelet, BC

  • Page's Inn & Marina Bookstore, Gabriola Island

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

This card features a section of Clearing Fear. While the original has being purchased, you can see the full painting and buy custom reproductions on Saatchi Art here: https://fwf0.short.gy/clearing-fear-p

Reproduction prints on Saatchi Art are available in 3 formats:

Fine Art Paper

310 GSM, 100% cotton linters, archival quality, natural white finish with a slightly structured, soft-textured surface.

Metal

Specialized inks infused into specially coated, thin, high gloss aluminum sheets. Exhibit mounted on 2mm black Styrene and finished with a black Metal Inset Frame.

Canvas

Museum grade, matte textured (20.5 mil), bright white, poly-cotton blend with no additives and no agents.

Embrace The Power Of The Great Outdoors

/

This week I’m continuing the new type of post I started last month in which I choose one of the cards from my deck of illustrated affirmations. This one is really important to me and my process—but it’s even applicable far beyond art. For any creative process, or simply your emotional and physical well-being, this card’s message is an important one.

The power of getting outside

I’m fortunate to live on beautiful Gabriola Island, so I’m literally surrounded by nature—and the ocean—and all I need to do is step outside.

And looking at my artwork, you can see that nature is an important part of it. So much of it is not only inspired by nature itself, but by memorable moments I’ve experienced in the outdoors as well, such as Where (Forest and Beach) Become One.

I spend time in nature.

I am refreshed artistically when I am in the outdoors and connect with mother earth. I hike a trail… walk next to a river… sit in a park and watch the clouds… snowshoe in a forest.

While exploring the great outdoors is easier for some than others, even a stroll to a park down the street—just stepping outside for some air—can free your mind and reinvigorate your spirit.

The backdrop of this card feature part of a painting called Ignore Reality which is from my Pure Abstraction Series. The abstract acrylic painting has torn book pages collaged into it and further texture added with layers of sand.

It is the divine experience and feeling I get from being in nature that inspires Pure Abstraction. From glaciers to mountain peaks to quiet streams, watching the river flow over rocks. This series of abstract paintings is my interpretation of my relationship with nature.

Ignore Reality by Deb Chaney (48”x 48”)

Testimonials for ‘The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist’

“Wow. I love these cards...when I get 'stuck' I spread out the cards on the table and randomly pick one...it's always the ‘right’ one...and once again I am re-connected to myself and the Flow of Creativity.”

– Tim Sullivan, Artist

How to get your own pack of inspirational cards

You can purchase your pack of cards online at The Game Crafter or in the following retail stores:

  • Surrey Art Gallery Gift Shop

  • Free Spirit Gallery, Gabriola Island, BC

  • Iron Oxide Art Supplies Nanaimo

  • Blackberry Gifts in Ucluelet, BC

  • Page's Inn & Marina Bookstore, Gabriola Island

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

This card features a section of Ignore Reality. You can see the full painting and buy custom reproductions on Saatchi Art here:

https://fwf0.short.gy/ignore-reality-o

Reproduction prints on Saatchi Art are available in 3 formats:

Fine Art Paper

310 GSM, 100% cotton linters, archival quality, natural white finish with a slightly structured, soft-textured surface.

Metal

Specialized inks infused into specially coated, thin, high gloss aluminum sheets. Exhibit mounted on 2mm black Styrene and finished with a black Metal Inset Frame.

Canvas

Museum grade, matte textured (20.5 mil), bright white, poly-cotton blend with no additives and no agents.

Do You Know How to Make it Fun?

/

To change things up (and add some fun!) I want to add this new kind of post to my blog. 

Back in January of this year I gave an Update on The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist, which is the set of illustrated affirmation cards I created. 

Each card features one of 68 positive messages I use for motivation, inspiration, and general well-being. But rather than talk about the deck as a whole, I’d like to hone in and get a bit more focused. So each of these “illuminated posts” will highlight a single card and reflect on its meaning or message.

Make it fun!

What better way to kick of this series than with one of the most important messages of all?

Make it fun!

When I’m stuck I add some sparkle. Making it fun gets my creativity flowing.

The backdrop of this card is very fitting as it features a painting from my Little Gems Series. Not only do I use these paintings to hone my artistic skills and practice new techniques, I paint them first and foremost for joy and fun!

With many things, but art in particular, it can be easy to discern whether the artist was having fun or not during the creative process.

If you’re not enjoying the creative process, there’s a good chance that’s going to come across on the canvas–or whichever medium you’re using.

I might add sparkles–literally–or sand or collaged books pages or wrapping paper. Look around and you’ll be surprised by all of the things that can add some pizzazz.

Testimonials for ‘The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist’

This set of artist inspirational cards are a hit with my customers. They appeal to artists and beyond. I have a sample set out and rarely does someone pass by without reading out a card that resonates with them. I've even had grandparents buy them for their grandchildren as they offer such profound life wisdom. I'd definitely recommend these to any retailer out there!

Free Spirit Gallery & Shop

How to get your own pack of inspirational cards

You can purchase your pack of cards online at The Game Crafter or in the following retail stores:

  • Surrey Art Gallery Gift Shop

  • Free Spirit Gallery, Gabriola Island, BC

  • Iron Oxide Art Supplies Nanaimo

  • Blackberry Gifts in Ucluelet, BC

  • Page's Inn & Marina Bookstore, Gabriola Island

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

This card features a section of Christmas on Gabriola Island. You can see the full painting and buy custom reproductions on Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Christmas-on-Gabriola-Island/499285/8480800/view 

Reproduction prints on Saatchi Art are available in 3 formats:

Fine Art Paper

310 GSM, 100% cotton linters, archival quality, natural white finish with a slightly structured, soft-textured surface.

Metal

Specialized inks infused into specially coated, thin, high gloss aluminum sheets. Exhibit mounted on 2mm black Styrene and finished with a black Metal Inset Frame.

Canvas

Museum grade, matte textured (20.5 mil), bright white, poly-cotton blend with no additives and no agents.

Update on The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist

/

In recognition of a stunning number of sales, The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist card pack has been recognized as a Naquadah Seller! 

My pack of artistic cards also earned other sales badges, such as Red Stone Seller, at The Game Crafter. The badges are included in the gallery below. 

About the card pack

The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist is comprised of 68 individually illustrated cards. Each card has its own unique, positive message displayed on a beautiful and energetic full-colour abstract painting background. 

Furthermore, each card shares a positive idea, inspiration, or guidance to support you in your creative process. Key points include:

  • Versatile to be used to support a variety of projects (anything involving creativity)

  • Beautiful, aesthetically pleasing

  • Fun and easy to read and use

  • Simple and to the point

  • Touch on and support all parts of the creative process

  • Inspirational and uplifting

  • Wonderful gift item

What people are saying about the cards

“The Illuminate the Artist Within card pack is a practical tool that can be used daily to help people keep moving through stuckness. The card deck can also help people by introducing new perspectives that are an important part of the creative process. I think this deck is especially useful for people who are new to letting their creativity come alive.”  

– Kim Boivin, physiotherapist

“Wow. I love these cards...when I get 'stuck' I spread out the cards on the table and randomly pick one...it's always the ‘right’ one...and once again I am re-connected to myself and the Flow of Creativity.”

– Tim Sullivan, Artist

“This set of artist inspirational cards are a hit with my customers. They appeal to artists and beyond. I have s sample set out and rarely does someone pass by without reading out a card that resonates with them. I've even had grandparents buy them for their grandchildren as they’re such profound life wisdom. I'd definitely recommend these to any retailer out there!“

– Catherine Hall, Owner, Free Spirit Gallery

“Lovely and inspiring deck. I’ve known Deb for years and her creative drive has been such an inspiration in my life. Grateful to have these cards near my computer as a way to bring my beauty into my daily life. Thank you for this artistry and goodness!”

– Lindsay Clark

“Impressive! I love this deck because it is meaningful and visually beautiful. The insights open new roads to consider, and this is very useful for artists …and to others. I use it with friends to open a circle of conversation, or in my work as an artist to connect on a deeper level with my work. I highly recommend it.”

– Tyrrell Clarke

“Absolutely love these cards! I have it placed on my coffee table and it has been a great conversation starter. I find the words very inspiring and apt for the moment. As an admirer of Deb’s work, I am proud that I own a small pieces of her spiritually inspired healing work of art, that bring me joy and help me stay in the present. Thank you, Deb.”

– Suman Sengar

“I love, love, love these cards. They are beautiful, fun and inspirational. I use them in my own self-reflection and awareness work and as a professional coach, use them with my clients … who also love them :-) I have given them as gifts and they’ve been a big hit as well. In short, you can’t go wrong with getting a deck … or two … or three :-)!”

– Maria Malmgren

“I find this deck both beautiful and inspirational. Reading a card is a lovely, thought-provoking way to start the day. It gives me an opportunity to slow down and think about how I want to focus on a project. Thank you, Deb for your art and creating these beautiful cards!”

– M. Brindle

“Amazing Gift! Use as an artist tool for guidance or inspiration - or as a personal guidance/clarifying deck. A wonderful way to keep going when feeling stuck and needing a nudge forward, or just as part of your daily self-care or artistic journey! Highly Recommend!”

– Kamila

“Highly recommend! A lovely gift or personal tool, this deck designed by Deb Chaney features beautiful multi-media artwork and well-crafted words of wisdom for your cosmic heart and creative soul! I use it at work whenever I need a pick me up or intuitive guidance, and like all divination tools, it never disappoints—delivering timely messages and new perspectives whenever I need them most. Even my team mates visit regularly to pull a card as an inspirational pick me up during times of stress, or to set the tone of their day. Whether you’re an artist working on a creative project or in need of creative inspiration while deep in a work project, this deck is a trusty companion whose powerful whispers speak to the depths of your soul.”

– Katarina S.

“I am not an artist but like anyone I always love a nudge to be inspired and focused on what I want to create and who I want to be in the world. I relate to every card in this deck and love the transformative power they hold.”

– Dr. Tonya Tire

“The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist” cards are a fantastic tool of inspiration offering direction and encouragement to keep you on the right track. As an artist, whenever I find myself hitting a creative block, I look to the cards for guidance – they remind me that just one little step will get me that much further in my process!”

– Kirsten Courtland, Interior Designer

How to get your own pack of illustrated cards

You can purchase your pack of cards online at The Game Crafter or in the following retail stores:

  • Surrey Art Gallery Gift Shop

  • Free Spirit Gallery, Gabriola Island, BC

  • Iron Oxide Art Supplies Nanaimo

  • Blackberry Gifts in Ucluelet, BC

  • Page's Inn & Marina Bookstore, Gabriola Island

My “68 Secrets” Illustrated Card Deck is Available in 3 Brick & Mortar Stores

/

68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist on display at Page’s L’IL Market in Silva Bay

Last year I wrote and self-published a card deck of affirmations called The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist: How to Stay Inspired Despite Any Obstacle. The cards were initially available through a wonderful print-on-demand website called The Game Crafter, but they are now for sale in 3 brick & mortar stores.

The Inspiration for Creating Affirmation Cards

The creation of this affirmation card deck was a 10-year project in that it is the culmination of a decade of introspective journaling. Over the course of those 10 years, I’d written notes in my journals reflecting on how – despite raising my daughter on my own and enduring my own periods of mental unwellness – I was able to keep painting art, teaching workshops, and exhibiting my artwork. 

I was able to continue working toward my goals as an artist even though there were so many challenges and obstacles along the way.

Wanting to share what I’d learned and realized, I went back through my journals and picked out the 68 most prevalent inspirations, ideas, and lessons that I felt really supported me in staying creative.

With those 68 insights in hand, I collaborated with a retired English teacher in Oregon and she helped me edit and organize them into these wonderful succinct cards with the main caption and a descriptor below it.

For the second phase of the project, this past year I went through the process of selecting 68 original abstract art pieces to go behind the captions. Each piece of artwork was very consciously chosen to correspond to the captions and the message each card imparts. There are some incredible stories and connections, and it’s really fun to see how the art is supporting the words.

It’s been a long-term project and is something I’m so proud of and I’m very excited to see it go out into the world. So, seeing it move from online-only into tangible, real-world stores is quite the thrill.

Where to Buy The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist

The first store is Iron Oxide Art Supplies, which is just a quick ferry ride away in Nanaimo, British Columbia. They’re located in the gorgeous historic Old Firehall Building and carry a fantastic selection of art supplies, from paints to canvas to clays, and everything in between.

The second store is Li’l Market at Page’s Resort and Marina, here on Gabriola Island. It’s located in the serene Silva Bay, at the southeast end of the island. what began as a fish camp and store in the 1940s evolved into a full-service resort. They are steadfast supporters of the island’s creative community, boasting over 400 titles written, illustrated, or published by Gabriolans.

The third store is the shop in Free Spirit Gallery Studio & Shop, also on Gabriola Island, which I mentioned in a blog post earlier this month. They opened just near the end of last year and are a wonderful addition to the community, showcasing both established and emerging artists from the island.

If you don’t live in the area, you can also find the cards online at The Game Crafter. They are a Wisconsin-based company that makes board games and card decks on-demand, with an online store and an active online community of creatives.

Source: Page’s Resort

What Others Have to Say About My Illustrated Affirmations

Hearing from people about what they like or appreciate about a piece of work is always satisfying and encouraging for an artist – or anyone, for that matter. So reading the positive comments about The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist on The Game Crafter’s online shop was truly touching and I’m thrilled to share some of them here. 

“Reading a card is a lovely, thought-provoking way to start the day.”
— Brindle
“A wonderful way to keep going when feeling stuck.”
— Kamila
“Well-crafted words of wisdom for your cosmic heart and creative soul.”
— Laterina S.
“I relate to every card in this deck and love the transformative power they hold.”
— Tonya T.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

Most of the artwork I chose for the cards in The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist are available for purchase – either the original artwork, or a print, or both – online at Saatchi Art.

Saatchi Art has a range of options to fit your individual preferences and needs. You can choose to have your prints on paper or canvas, and most are available in 4 sizes to fit any room. There is also an option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.