Donating Art to Raise Awareness for Vulnerable Youth

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SinguLar Focus by Deb Chaney (9" x 12")

Earlier in the summer I met with the coordinator of the Foundation for Artistic Expression (FAE) and agreed to donate a painting for its fundraising event. The auction is in support of something very dear to me—mental health and well-being—and helping at-risk youth in the area.

Among the events at IGNITE2024 is a silent auction in which my painting will be available. The auction will be held at the gala event on September 14 at the Vancouver Island Convention Centre.

About the painting

The painting I’ve chosen to donate is called Singular Focus, an abstract artwork created with acrylic, pencil, and pastel on paper.

Cool tones of blue and gray create a serene and meditative atmosphere, while a vibrant circle of orange and red acts as a focal point, drawing the eye towards its warm, energetic glow. This contrast between the cool background and the fiery center creates a dynamic tension within the piece.

A variety of brushstrokes, splatters, and drips add texture and depth to the composition. The lines and shapes are loose and gestural, suggesting a spontaneous and intuitive approach to the work. Despite its apparent simplicity, the painting invites fresh interpretations with each viewing.

This small series of paintings is part of my larger Little Gems Series and each artwork measures 9” x 12”.

About the FAE

The Foundation for Artistic Expression is a non-profit organization committed to “shattering stigmas” and raising awareness for mental health and vulnerable youth in Canada.

Founded by Mariel Nichole Anderson, visit the website to read more about the organization and their mission, current actions, and future plans.

About the event

The title of the IGNITE2024 event says it all–Nature Nurture: A Mental Health Gala for Vulnerable & At-Risk Youth.

The event showcases local talent from in and around Nanaimo with the goal of helping vulnerable youth in the Nanaimo area. It aims to raise awareness for 2 programs in Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District 68, Learning Alternatives and the Take A Hike Foundation.

With the help of local makeup artists and hairstylists, volunteer musicians, dancers, and others will unite together in the spirit of giving back and igniting the spotlight on mental health. Activities include a 50/50 draw, a live mural painting, and the silent auction, then wrap things up with a dance.

  • When: September 14, 2024

  • Where: Vancouver Island Conference Centre

  • Tickets: Online or at local Save-On-Foods 

  • Website: FAE Upcoming Events

About my Little Gems Series

My ongoing Little Gems Series is a collection of paintings that begin as practice pieces. I use them to hone my skills as well as explore and try out new techniques and ideas. 

Each painting in the series is bursting with the joy, love, and passion I feel in the studio. And all that energy and positivity is infused in every piece of artwork – which becomes my gift to you!

You can see more abstract paintings in the series here at Saatchi Art.

You'll Feel Better Just By Looking At It

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All Of Your Life Can Feel Good by Deb Chaney (12” x 9”)

I’m excited to let you know that my new abstract artwork is now available on Saatchi Art. The original acrylic-on-paper painting of All Of Your Life Can Feel Good is still available to add to your personal art collection. High-quality reproductions can also be ordered in a range of sizes and formats.

About this painting

This abstract expressionist painting features a vibrant interplay of colors and textures, evoking a sense of energy and depth. Its bold palette of blues and greens are applied in broad, gestural strokes and lines across the canvas.

Three rows of dark blue rounded rectangles on a light blue background conjure stones on a rippling riverbed. These abstract forms may evoke the fluidity and ever-changing nature of life's journey.

Bright orange patel loops across the painting in scribbled strokes echoed in less prominent loops of light blue and white pastels. These layers of overlapping colours interact to create a sense of movement and dynamic composition. And the vibrant colors and energetic brushwork reflect the joy and excitement of life's experiences. 

This painting is part of my Little Gems Series and measures 12” x 9”

About my Little Gems Series

My ongoing Little Gems Series is a collection of paintings that begin as practice pieces. I use them to hone my skills as well as explore and try out new techniques and ideas. 

Each painting in the series is bursting with the joy, love, and passion I feel in the studio. And all that energy and positivity is infused in every piece of artwork – which becomes my gift to you!

You can see more abstract paintings in the series here at Saatchi Art.

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

You can buy the original painting of All Of Your Life Can Feel Good online at Saatchi Art here:

https://fwf0.short.gy/feel-good-o 

You can buy reproductions of All Of Your Life Can Feel Good here:

https://fwf0.short.gy/feel-good-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.

Is This The Greatest Gift An Artist Can Receive?

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Birthday Surprise by Deb Chaney

I’m thrilled to announce that my original abstract painting Birthday Surprise has been sold.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the buyer. I’m honoured that you have made it part of your personal art collection. Knowing that someone appreciates and values my original artwork is truly the greatest gift.

While the original painting has been sold, high-quality reproductions are still available online through Saatchi Art. You can have them custom made in a range of sizes and formats.

About this painting

I painted Birthday Surprise in celebration of my birthday a few years ago. It’s actually part of a limited series of 6 paintings within my larger collection of Little Gems. 

I created the fun, lighthearted paintings with leftover fragments of wrapping paper from my daughter's birthday presents from a few weeks earlier. 

The painting process involved layering the collage with gesso, scraping back using a rubber shaper, then adding in some new darker collage materials for contrast. The fun and challenge was balancing the shapes and integrating them all together with the paint gestures.

These small paintings help me hone my skills and are made for pure fun and joy. I make them for myself and create them with love in creative bliss.

The other artworks in this 6-painting “Birthday Series” (seen in the gallery above) are:

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

You can buy high-quality prints of Birthday Surprise online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Birthday-Surprise/499285/6332949/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.

What Do You Need To Feel Good?

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You Know You've Got it if it Makes You Feel Good by Deb Chaney (9” x 12”)

It is with great appreciation I share that my original abstract painting was sold earlier in the year. The one-of-a-kind painting is titled You Know You've Got it if it Makes You Feel Good.

I would like to send a heartfelt thank-you to Ms. Lasquite of Talisay City, Philippines for your incredible enthusiasm and passion for my artwork. 

I am so grateful to not only have worked together at Elephant Stock, but to now have you as one of my collectors. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

About this painting

Vibrant colours dance across the canvas, bursting with energy in a symphony of blue and green hues. The large, bold strokes of colour pulsate with life as they lead your eye around the artwork.

The title of this playful and energetic painting was inspired by the lyrics of the song Piece of my Heart, which was a huge hit for Janis Joplin. You can hear her version of the song and follow along with the lyrics in the YouTube video below.

The original painting measures 9” x 12” and is acrylic on paper.

My Little Gems Series

This little painting is part of my Little Gems Series, which I use for testing new techniques and practicing old ones. They are infused with the joy, love, and passion I feel in the studio. That energy is imbued into the painting as my gift to you!

You can see more original paintings in this collection here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art-collection/painting-collage/Litte-Gems-Small-works-on-paper-and-loose-canvas/499285/160111/viewTK 

Prints for Sale Online

While the original artwork has been sold, you can get prints and reproduction in a variety of sizes and formats here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-You-Know-You-ve-Got-It-If-It-Make-You-Feel-Good/499285/11237901/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 or agents.

How many stars do you see in this painting?

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This post is to announce that one of my original abstract paintings is available for sale along with high-quality prints in various sizes. The painting is titled The Universe is Your Sanctuary ii. 

This contemporary abstract painting is the second in my series of 3 paintings under this title. I talked about the first painting, The Universe is Your Sanctuary i, in a post last summer and I feel like it’s a good time for a follow-up.

How I chose the title of this painting

The painting evokes not only the depths of space, but the tranquility found within its vast quietude. It is a beautiful, wonderous place to feel safe and secure.

About this painting

Looking at the painting is like peering deep into space–as though looking through the Hubble Telescope. With mesmerizing galactic vibes, a feeling of celestial wonder and the massiveness of space radiates from the canvas. 

Stencils of sacred geometry repeat across the painting’s central expanse of black like a galaxy full of stars. The striking black-and-white composition is layered with bright teal and magenta. The harmonious colours evoke the serenity and tranquility of celestial bodies and the infiniteness of the universe.

The series of 3 paintings work well on their own or as a set and are perfect for a space where you want to ignite your imagination. A contemplative piece, the contemporary abstract artwork invites thoughtful introspection. 

This one-of-a-kind artwork is acrylic on canvas and measures 9” x 12”. 

This little painting is part of my Little Gems Series, which I use for testing new techniques and practicing old ones. While the original has been sold, prints in a variety of sizes and canvases are available through Saatchi Art online.

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

You can buy the original one-of-a-kind painting and high-quality prints of The Universe is Your Sanctuary ii online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-The-Universe-Is-Your-Sanctuary-ii/499285/10303725/view

You can see more paintings in the Little Gems series here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art-collection/painting/Litte-Gems-Small-works-on-paper-and-loose-canvas/499285/160111/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.

New Original Artwork: Love Letter to Myself

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Love Letter to Myself by Deb Chaney (9” x 12”)

This post is to celebrate a new original artwork called Love Letter to Myself becoming available for purchase. Its prints are also now available to order online.

About This Painting

This painting was inspired by the cultivation of self-love. I started by typing a love letter to myself and printing it out on very large paper. I then collaged and integrated the printed text with handwritten and painted words in multiple layers of the painting. It was created for and during an online workshop I conducted during the pandemic called “Mastering Mixed Media Abstract Painting”. More details on the process of creating this painting can be found in my previous blog post.

This painting has 2 main colours — ultramarine violet and yellow iron oxide. With hues such as lavender and periwinkle, light purple is the dominant colour. Spiritually, purple is associated with the crown shakra, which is the energy centre of the top of the body. The colour is associated with a sense of belonging and connection, and the knowledge that we are all divine.

Light yellow supports the purples with shades of amber and gold, while text, both typed and handwritten, is embedded within layers of the painting.

You can buy the original painting of Love Letter to Myself through Saatchi Art online here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Love-Letter-to-Myself/499285/10015165/view

You can buy prints of Love Letter to Myself through Saatchi Art online here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Love-Letter-to-Myself/499285/10015165/view 

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

This painting’s image is available in a high-resolution digital format for licensing for your interior design projects, TV and Film Sets, or personal art needs and print projects. Please contact the artist directly via email at info@debchaney.com for licensing agreement and costs.

New Original Artwork: Ho'Oponopono - Sepia

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Ho'Oponopono - Sepia by Deb Chaney (30” x 40”)

This post is to celebrate and announce a recently completed new abstract painting, Ho'Oponopono - Sepia.

About This Painting

This painting was inspired by the story and power of Ho'oponopono, the Hawaiian shamanic prayer of reconciliation and forgiveness.

I was introduced to the book Zero Limits: The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace, and More by Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len in 2019. The book recounts the extraordinary true story of Hew Len’s healing work at a prison for the criminally insane, and how he transformed and healed the prisoners through using this prayer.

I was approached by a heart-centered craniosacral healer in Vancouver, BC who asked me to paint a deeply textured painting inspired by this prayer and its Hawaiian origins. I created 3 paintings for her to choose from, and the prayer – I'm sorry, please forgive me, I love you, thank you – is creatively integrated into them in a variety of ways. Two of the paintings now remain and are available to add to your own art collection: Ho'Oponopono - Blue and Ho'Oponopono - Sepia.

This painting possesses a grounding, earthy ambiance full of browns, umbers, and earth tones. These colours were applied with textured layers of ink, gels, and paper. Looking closely, you can see the prayer words of Ho’oponopono in the background, repeated over and over in typeface. The words are also etched into the paint and written in pencil and ink, in both cursive and stenciled block letters. Finally, the semblance of a tree form connects all of the words together.

There is a second Ho'oponopono - Sepia original painting that follows the same inspiration, and it is also available for your collection.

You can buy the original painting of Ho'Oponopono - Sepia through Saatchi Art online here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Ho-Oponopono-Sepia/499285/10015107/view 

You can buy a print of Ho'Oponopono - Sepia through Saatchi Art online here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Ho-Oponopono-Sepia/499285/10015107/view 

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

This painting’s image is available in a high-resolution digital format for licensing for your interior design projects, TV and Film Sets, or personal art needs and print projects. Please contact the artist directly via email at info@debchaney.com for licensing agreement and costs.

New Original Artwork: Ho'Oponopono - Blue

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Ho'Oponopono - Blue by Deb Chaney (30” X 40”)

This post is to celebrate and announce a recently completed new abstract painting.

About This Painting

This painting was inspired by the story and power of Ho'oponopono, the Hawaiian shamanic prayer of reconciliation and forgiveness.

In 2019, I was introduced to the book Zero Limits: The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace, and More by Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len. The book recounts the extraordinary true story of Hew Len’s healing work at a prison for the criminally insane, and how he transformed and healed the prisoners through using this prayer.

I was approached by a heart-centered craniosacral healer in Vancouver, BC who asked me to paint a deeply textured painting inspired by this prayer and its Hawaiian origins. I created 3 paintings for her to choose from, and the prayer – I'm sorry, please forgive me, I love you, thank you – is creatively integrated into them in a variety of ways. Two of the paintings now remain and are available to add to your own art collection: Ho'Oponopono - Blue and Ho'Oponopono - Sepia.

There is a second Ho'oponopono - Sepia original painting that follows the same inspiration, and it is also available for your collection.

This painting creates a soothing and healing feeling with its blue and gold horizontal lines, and the integrated black, grey, and cerulean text in both cursive and block letters. The focal point is a bold white and gold 'uki'uki (Hawaiian lily) symbolic of the Hawaiian shamanic healing tradition.

You can buy the original painting of Ho'Oponopono - Blue through Saatchi Art online here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Ho-Oponopono-Blue/499285/10014999/view 

You can buy a print of Ho'Oponopono - Blue through Saatchi Art online here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Ho-Oponopono-Blue/499285/10014999/view

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

This painting’s image is available in a high-resolution digital format for licensing for your interior design projects, TV and Film Sets, or personal art needs and print projects. Please contact the artist directly via email at info@debchaney.com for licensing agreement and costs.

Just Sold, Original Abstract Painting 'Power Authorization'

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This original simple yet powerful purple magenta and white and black contemporary modern original one of a kind unique abstract painting on paper recently sold to Ms. Kit on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada. Dear Kit, thank you so much for not only becoming an art collector of my original work, but also sharing with me your personal interpretation of the images and meaning to you that you see in this painting. I was deeply touched to envision you as the woman leaning back against the tree and feeling deeply and utterly supported and in her life by the tree behind her. May you feel supported and loved every time. you look at your painting.

‘Power Authorization’ can. be available for your home, office, hotel or restaurant interior design. You can purchase print reproductions on fine art paper and giclees - prints on canvas - in various sizes of this painting are available here: https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Purple-Empowerment/499285/7255735/view

Other paintings in this small series that is inspired by personal power and the colour purple include ‘Purple Empowerment ‘ and ‘ Permitting Personal Power’ shown here below. Both originals are available on the date of this post.

Purple, sometimes known. as violet, indigo or magenta, is a colour that resonates with wealth, opportunity and royalty. In Feng Shui, following the principles of the bagua template, if you were to consciously place these purple paintings in the back left hand corner of your room you would accentuate your financial abundance, prosperity and opportunity.

Purple Empowerment  9” x 12” Original Acrylic Painting on Paper $150 USD

Purple Empowerment  9” x 12” Original Acrylic Painting on Paper $150 USD

Turning your painting practice pieces into sellable art

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This blog is dedicated to every single one of my students who  have taken my foundation workshop in abstract painting in acrylics and mixed media, particularly those of you who were with me this last month - thank you. Thank you for having the courage to show up. Thank you for having the courage to take risks and play. And most of all, thank you for trusting me and allowing yourself to make crap art. To allow yourself to practice, to play, to make shit art and be OK with is. Knowing that getting in the painting groove, into your own process, and re-igniting your creative fire - for this weekend experience at least - was  more important than coming out with  perfectly finished art pieces.

So, here's a few ideas of what you can do with some of those little paintings you might have done on canvas pads or thick water color paper or acrylic mixed media paper. The paintings that perhaps didn't turn out, the ones that you've lost interest in, the pieces whose composition fell short but who you do no feel like going back to and working and re-working. We all have them. Now it's time to turn them into something functional and have fun doing it!

Turning your painting practice pieces into sellable art, a few ideas, but really the only limit is YOUR creativity:

NOTE: For all the following craft projects use YES! Paste because it's made to dry flat. Put a layer of plastic over it once you've glued it down and then put a brick or a few heavy books to glue it down nice and flat.
  1. Art cards ( buy the blank ones at a craft store such as Michael's and then glue on covers from your practice piece. Ahhh yes, now you know why I had the paper cutter at the back of the workshop room! I was cutting up my practice pieces and making gift cards while you were painting yours!!!)
  2. Book marks ( cut the art piece in a long rectangle and get it laminited)
  3. Artist trading cards ( I wrote a blog about that last year or the year before, check it out for all the details)
  4. Blank notepads with your art on the cover ( Last year I took all the old programs from the Culture Crawl and had them bound at a printer into little blank recycled paper note pads and then used my old art canvas pieces make excellent covers - especially when you use Kroma Crackle Paste, it looks like leather!!! Use a view finder on the art piece you're done with and find the sweet spot for the art on the cover of your card.  People Love to buy these that want a piece of art but are not ready to commit to a big piece)
  5. Collage - cut up the old art and collage it into other new paintings (recycle!)
  6. Magnets (cut the canvas pad piece into any shape. Re-in force it with cardboard. Glue a magnet to the back of it. Optional: Pour resin over it to give it gloss and depth!! On  a personal note I was soooo wanting to do this and make a bunch of magnets for the upcoming culture crawl open studio show but at this point I just don't think I"ll have time :-( )
  7. Homemade journals (cut out the best picture from the practice art piece on loose canvas and glue it to a blank journal. I like to put a sticker or my biz card on the back to give it a signature feel.)


Hate reading? Yeah, I have those days...Wanna see me talk about this live and see some pictures of what I'm talking about? 

Here you go... YouTube video link:

Turning your painting practice pieces into sellable art

This is a short video from a workshop whereby I am showing my practice art pieces and the things I 
have made from them and sold at art shows and fairs: