What Meaning Is Found Behind These Hidden Words?

The Writing is in the Air - Original Black - I of II by Deb Chaney (30” x 30”)

I’m thrilled to announce that a private art collector has added two of my paintings to their personal collection, The Writing is in the Air – Original Black – I and II.

The pair of paintings were sold to a gallery client who are in the process of renovating their new apartment. Thank you for choosing my artwork–and congratulations on making your home beautiful!

I would also like to extend my appreciation to Van Dop Gallery in New Westminster, with a big thank-you to Trudy Van Dop!

Visit the Van Dop Gallery website to see which paintings are at the gallery and arrange a private viewing.

About these paintings

The Writing Is In The Air I and II are monochromatic abstract expressionist paintings that invite contemplation and interpretation. The colour palette is dominated by a muted gray background with smudges  and strokes of black.

Each of the paintings in this series is an echo of my own personal spiritual learning and their inspiration was drawn from carefully chosen passages in a metaphysical book I was reading. 

I begin with a 2B pencil and a large ruler to draw lines across my canvas. I then look to the book’s passage to dictate my colour choice. Using an ink dropper with the selected colour of ink, I scribe the writings into the canvas. 

The words are not intended to be read, but they are applied to the canvas so that the energy they carry can be imbued into the painting. 

After the words are down, I may add or remove layers or play around with dripping water, alcohol, and ink, to arrive at the final image. The final image is then sealed and finished with a final satin varnish. Each painting is wired on the back and ready for exhibit.

Both original mixed media on canvas paintings measure 30” x 30”.

I’d also like to share some behind-the-scenes photos of the paintings in my studio before they were shipped to Vancouver for client approval. Before I ship paintings I often repaint the edges and double check the Varnal varnish just in case it needs a touch-up.

The Writing is in the Air - Original Black - I of II

The Writing is in the Air - Original Black - II of II

The Writing Is In The Air Series

This series of medium-sized artworks consists of simple abstract paintings that are inspired by nondescript writings that melt into the canvas. 

Each painting is an echo of my own personal spiritual learning. Imbued with wisdom and healing words, these paintings aim to elevate our collective consciousness.

You can see more paintings in this series here: https://fwf0.short.gy/series-writing-in-air 

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

Even though the original paintings of The Writing is in the Air – Original Black – I and II have both been sold, you can buy high-quality prints of the paintings online at Saatchi Art here:

• https://fwf0.short.gy/writing-air-black-i 

• https://fwf0.short.gy/writing-air-black-ii 

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.

Can You See What's 'Happy' in This Abstract Painting?

Happy by Deb Chaney (24” x 24”)

I’m happy to share that my original abstract painting Happy was sold. I’m truly honoured and thrilled that it is now part of someone’s art collection.

About this painting

This painting was originally created when my 15 year old daughter, Ruthie– who was enthusiastically re-decorating her room at the time–used the colour palette in this painting as her theme. 

She had initially asked to borrow a painting of mine that I had in inventory. But after looking through my paintings, nothing quite fit the bill for the colour and size specifications that she desired. Therefore, I did what I do. 

I painted. 

And I created this painting to match the theme of her room decor at the time. She of course grew up, as children do, and changed the colour palette and design of her room. As a result, the painting ended up back in my inventory. And due to that, it was recently purchased by a collector here on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada.

The original square painting measures 24” x 24” and is a mixed media artwork composed of gold leaf, sand, acrylics, and collaged book pages and cut-out letters.

The colour palette is largely white, with gold and greyish turquoise. Recurring patterns create a flow throughout the painting as swooping gestural brushstrokes move your eye around the canvas.

Prints for Sale Online

While the original painting has been purchased, you can buy high-quality prints of Happy online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Happy/499285/4394568/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 to Get “Belindas Painting” at Bed Bath & Beyond

Belinda’s Painting by Deb Chaney (18” x 26”)

I’m excited to announce that a reproduction of my abstract artwork is now available at Bed Bath & Beyond. (Of course, this is the new online retailer, not the big box chain that shut down!)

About This Painting

When my daughter was little, we'd walk through giant stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, IKEA, and Pottery Barn. I would ask her to imagine with me and picture reproductions of my artwork hanging in the model rooms, available for purchase in these international stores.

Well, my friends, sometimes dreams do come true. I present to you a beautiful little painting I created while working at Braid Street Studios in New Westminster, BC before the pandemic. 

During that period, I had a wonderful student coming to me for private lessons to learn abstract mixed-media painting. This painting was inspired by her – and titled Belindas Painting – then purchased by another artist-in-residence. 

Now, it is really great to see it available here for others to enjoy as well!

The painting measures 18” x 26” x 1.5” and is a giclee canvas hand-stretched and stapled over North American pine-wood bars. It is inset mounted in an elegant 2”-thick hardwood frame to create a floating illusion.

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/Home-Garden/iCanvas-Belindas-Painting-by-Deb-Chaney-Framed/37088163/product.html?ostk=true 

Original Artwork “(Up & Down) The Ladder Of Life” Sold

(Up & Down) The Ladder Of Life by Deb Chaney

This post is to celebrate the sale of my original artwork, (Up & Down) The Ladder Of Life. First and foremost, I would like to thank the art collector for choosing to add this abstract painting to their private collection. You are deeply appreciated and I am so grateful for your patronage.

Secondly, I would like to thank Free Spirit Gallery here on Gabriola Island for facilitating the sale of this artwork.

About This Painting

This painting is a mixed media abstract painting on paper using acrylics, ink, and elements of collage with printed text and paper. With a dynamic and vibrant composition full of motion and energy, the many layers and textures add depth and complexity to the piece.

The colour palette consists of bold hues such as deep blues and dark greens. These contrast with warm yellows, fiery oranges, and bright swaths of white. The colors blend and interact with each other, forming an organic and harmonious composition that invites exploration and contemplation.

Bold brushstrokes reveal a sense of spontaneity and intuition. Swirling lines, drips, and gestural movements add to the painting’s sense of movement and energy.

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 high-quality prints of (Up & Down) The Ladder Of Life online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Up-Down-The-Ladder-Of-Life/499285/6215799/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 "He Sailed to Platea"

He Sailed to Platea by Deb Chaney (11'“ x 15”)

This post is to celebrate the availability of my abstract painting now available for sale. You can buy both the original painting and high-quality prints (in various sizes) online through Saatchi Art. In a recent post, I mentioned that I had just found some paintings of mine from 2019 that had not been catalogued. He Sailed to Platea is one of the artworks that was among those paintings.

When I came upon the 3 paintings, I immediately set about photographing them for the website in order to make them available to share with you. This is the final painting in the trio and, like the two before it, He Sailed to Platea can now be seen for the first time since its creation 4 years ago!

These newly found abstract artworks are now all officially part of my Little Gems Series.

About This Painting

My Little Gems Series is an ongoing collection of paintings that start out as practice pieces. I use them to try out new ideas and techniques as well as to practice old ones. The passion and enthusiasm and love for art that I feel in the studio is expressed in every piece I create. And all of this energy is passed on through the canvas as my gift to you.

He Sailed to Platea is a mixed media collage painting measuring 11” x 15”. That makes it a little bigger than my other Little Gems, which are typically 9” x 12”. Like the other 2 pieces of art in this newly found trio of paintings, its inspiration comes from the collaging of old books and the beautiful tissue paper of dressmaking.

Sharing the same colour palette with the first 2 paintings, He Sailed to Platea is composed of yellow and ochre, many shades of grey, and a striking line of turquoise that evokes a river. The earth tones, bright blues, and hints of organic elements further create a connection to the natural world.

A dynamic arrangement of geometric shapes, lines, and pencil strokes evokes a sense of movement and energy that emanates throughout the entire piece. And typed pages torn from old books are collaged with layers of acrylic paint, charcoal, gesso, and pastels. Like ancient texts, the pages are aged with yellows and browns, inviting us to explore the past.

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

You can buy the original painting of He Sailed to Platea online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-He-Sailed-To-Platea/499285/10399995/view

You can buy high-quality prints of He Sailed to Platea online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-He-Sailed-To-Platea/499285/10399995/view

More paintings in my Little Gems Series can be found 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 “One of The Originals”

One of the Originals by Deb Chaney (11” x 15”)

This post is to celebrate a piece of my original artwork becoming newly available along with high-quality prints. I recently discovered One of The Originals along with some other prints that I painted back in 2019. They are part of my Little Gems collection but had yet to be documented. So, after photographing them, I’m excited to share them with you. This is the first of 3 paintings, which can now be seen for the first time since its creation!

About This Painting

As mentioned, this painting is part of my perennial Little Gems Series. These small paintings are my practice pieces which I use to explore and test new techniques and ideas, while also honing and practicing old ones. Every painting is infused with the joy, love, and passion I feel in the studio when creating art. And that energy is imbued into the painting – my gift to you!

Measuring 11” x 15”, this mixed media painting is a little bit bigger than the typical 9” x 12” size of most of my Little Gems. It is inspired by the process of collaging old books and the beautiful tissue paper used in dressmaking.

Collaged pages of old books mingle with rich layers of acrylic paint, charcoal, gesso, and pastel to create a visually dynamic surface that invites expiration and contemplation. Distressed surfaces alongside striking marks and scratches juxtapose more curious and playful looping pencil strokes and circles.

The book pages are aged with yellow and ochre paints to create a sense of antiquity, while other colours include splashes of vibrant turquoise, patches of black, and a lot of grey and white.

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

You can buy the original painting of One of The Originals online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-One-of-The-Originals/499285/10399923/view

You can buy high-quality prints of One of The Originals online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-One-of-The-Originals/499285/10399923/view

More paintings in my Little Gems Series can be found 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.

Original Artwork "The Lost Poem" Sold

The Lost Poem by Deb Chaney (9” x 12”)

This post is to celebrate the sale of my original abstract artwork, The Lost Poem. It was recently purchased by Ms. Jackson of Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada. I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks and appreciation that you have chosen to add my painting to your collection.

About This Painting

This painting was inspired by the idea of old writings – texts and books and poems – being lost for long periods of time and how they are often full of ancient wisdom and insights. When we finally discover these lost writings, it is like striking cultural gold.

The abstract painting features a rich tapestry of colours, textures, and expressive brushstrokes that come together harmoniously on the canvas. The main colours are gold and blue, with many tones and hues of each. Exploring the canvas, you will discover azure, cobalt, cerulean, turquoise, and more, contrasting with amber, lemon, and other yellows.

Layers of acrylic paint have been applied to multiple layers of collage with pages from old books, textured corrugated cardboard, and gold leaf, resulting in a complex and multidimensional surface.

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

You can buy high-quality prints of The Lost Poem online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-The-Lost-Poem/499285/4990089/view 

Other paintings are available here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/account/artworks/499285 

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: The Matrix

The Matrix by Deb Chaney (16” x 16”)

This post is to celebrate the completion of a new original artwork called The Matrix. Both the original artwork and prints are available for purchase.

About This Painting

This painting was inspired by the opening credits of the movie The Matrix, in which bright, neon green computer code rains down the screen. Letters and numbers continue to fall from the “computer sky”, and this effect inspired the alphanumeric-like marks on this painting.

Blue is the dominant colour in this painting – with hues like sky blue, azure, cerulean, cyan, and indigo – where it is the colour of both the sky and the sea. The painting is integrated with layers of bright gray and iridescent, lustrous silver, with hints of purples like indigo amethyst.

The square painting has a vertical composition, and words are written sideways in black with gestures and cursive text that flows up the canvas. The overall geometric patterns are reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphs in contrast to the more modern cursive text.

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

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-The-Matrix/499285/10135271/view 

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

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-The-Matrix/499285/10135271/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: Love Letter to Myself

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

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

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.

New Original Artwork: Understanding Statistics

Understanding Statistics by Deb Chaney (60” x 40”)

New Original Artwork: Understanding Statistics

 This post is to announce that prints are now available for Understanding Statistics, the new original abstract painting I recently completed.

About This Painting

The inspiration for this painting came to me on a rainy day in December. I was strolling along the beach at the edge of UBC’s campus and came across a damp and tattered textbook called Understanding Statistics. At first, it represented the misery of first-year university survey courses. But then it spoke to me and I recognized the beauty in math and how much it relates to abstract expressionism. (See my earlier blog post for more on how I found and came to embrace this book.)

The painting is a very modern contemporary art piece. The colours include light ochre yellow hues as well as black, white, and grey text elements. It has an edgy feeling to it and a slightly sarcastic tone, as a university textbook with the same title as the painting – Understanding Statistics – has been torn into pieces, then reconstructed into a mixed-media collage painting of abstract construction. 

The original painting measures 60” x 40” x 1.5” and is available for purchase here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Understanding-Statistics/499285/10012725/view 

Prints can be ordered in a range of sizes and are available here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Understanding-Statistics/499285/10012725/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.