Donating Art to Raise Awareness for Vulnerable Youth

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.

New Original Artwork: Becoming I of II

Becoming i of ii by Deb Chaney (9” x 12”)

This post is to celebrate the completion of my new original abstract painting titled Becoming I of II

About This Painting

Throughout the creative process, while painting this abstract artwork, I contemplated my journey of becoming an artist. I reflected on how it all began and remembered the sense of flow and fun that I experienced each step of the way.

Years ago, when I was living in California, I took part in the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show along the waterfront. One of the very first paintings I completed was called Nouveau Monde, and I actually sold it quite quickly after I painted it. It really made me feel like I was truly becoming the artist I wanted to be.

Prints of the Nouveau Monde are available for purchase online here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Nouveau-Monde-ii-of-ii/499285/4079403/view

The pink-gold colours in Becoming I of II are reminiscent of that earlier painting, as are the simplicity of composition and thin horizontal lines dragging lazily across the canvas. It resembles an aerial view of the ocean and the beach. Its calm, subtle energy has a delicateness to it, which is something we feel when we are beginning a new experience or chapter in our lives.

This mixed-media-on-paper painting measures 9” x 12” and is part of my Little Gems Series paintings.

You can buy the original painting online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Becoming-I-of-II/499285/10134823/view 

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

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Becoming-I-of-II/499285/10134823/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.