Practice, Practice, Practice

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  practiceinstudio2016I think a common misconception about a person that is particularly good at something - aka painting, singing, drawing, playing piano, etc -  is that they have some magical talent, or some special product(s), or ability that is other-worldly - something that you couldn't possibly have. Perhaps they do. Perhaps they don't

I, for one, would like to imagine I have a magical talent, though I think more realistically what I have is a big strong passionate calling and definitive pure need to create. And  I sure do have a lot of cool products from the art supply store, though they don't necessarily guarantee me a good painting. And often when a painting comes out of the studio that is beyond WOW, I sure do give GOD full credit for coming in and working through me. Though I truly feel if we surrender and let Source work through us, its available to all of us.

The one under emphasized piece about people that are particularly good at their craft is that we practice, we practice, and we practice. Yup, simple, here on earth, showing up, getting messy, making mistakes, and just doing it again and again.

And here is what I want to share and admit with you tonight: I absolutely, relentlessly, love, love, love to practice painting. It's so fun and liberating because I know I'm just practicing so I can explore, make "mistakes", get dirty, throw it out, change it, re-change it, and mess it up. The practice is my time with me. It's my treasured time with God.

If I could wish one thing for you tonight, dear friend, artist, reader, fellow creative on your path, is that you find that thing you love and enjoy the process, enjoy practice - the greatest gift of all.

[Pictured Above, fresh 'Little Gems' 9" x 12" mixed media paintings from this evening's practice (c) Deb Chaney 2016 www.debchaney.com]

 

Upcoming Bowen Island Workshop November 16th, 2016

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bowenfundamentals2016_imageLearn the Fundamentals in Abstract Painting using Acrylics, Wednesday, November 16, 2016. 1 day. 9am-4 pm Location: Gallery at Gallery @ Artisan Square on Bowen Island Join Artist Deb Chaney for a full day of play and experimentation with acrylics while learning the fundamentals in abstract painting. You will learn the 3 C’s; a simple 3-step structure to create an abstract painting that works, along with some fun techniques to add intrigue, depth, and texture to your acrylic paintings. We’ll focus on having fun and supporting your creative expansion. Lots of demonstrations, plenty of painting time. $105 + GST. Does not include supplies. Supply list on registration website. Handouts provided. Register: (604) 947-2216 www.bowencommunityrecreation.com

'As The Crow Flies' Juried Group Show Opening Night Wednesday, Nov 2, 2016

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Fragments-of-life-28.jpgI'm honored and excited to be exhibiting 'Fragments of Life #28' 22" x 30" x 1.5"Mixed Media on wood panel at The Gallery at The Cultch

You are invited to the opening of

As the Crow Flies: Eastside Culture Crawl Society 20th Anniversary Exhibition

Opening reception: November 2nd  - 6pm to 8pm

Exhibition open November 2 - 21, 2016

To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, the Eastside Culture Crawl Society is mounting a multi-venue salon-style exhibition titled As The Crow Flies. This exciting event features work from 70 artists who have participated in the Culture Crawl over the last 20 years.  Juried by Paul de Guzman, Eri Ishii, and Katsumi Kimoto.

The exhibitions features works by Andrea Armstrong, Suzy Baker, Olga Campbell, Deb Chaney, Ben Z Cooper, Melanie Ellery, Bernadine Fox, Louise Francis-Smith, Ken Gerberick, Shannon Harvey, Tannis Hopkins, Jason Husmillo, Kari Kristensen, Bernie Lee, Dzee Louise, Marta Musa, Lisa Ochowycz, Ross den Otter, Sherri Rogers, Lori Sokoluk, Katrina Stock, Michal Tkachenko, and Alex Waber

The Gallery at The Cultch is wheelchair accessible.

Come to the opening night for a lively night of art or visit the gallery from 12pm to 4pm Monday to Saturday. Ring the doorbell to gain access to the gallery.

We deeply appreciate your ongoing enthusiasm and support and we look forward to sharing this evening with you. We hope that you can join us!

For more information, visit:  The Cultch Gallery Online

The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H6 Canada

New Painting : 'Glitzy 4'

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Glitzy4_DChaney2016_sm.jpg Glitzy 4 11” x 15”  Mixed Media and Acrylics on Paper, Little Gems Series (c) Deb Chaney 2016. Original Available on  the date of this post. info@debchaney.com. Prints now available at http://www.saatchiart.com/debchaney

Glitzy 4 is part of a series of smaller paintings called 'Little Gems'. These original paintings ‘Little Gems’  are all connected by their inspiration: practice, play, and experimentation with acrylics and mixed media. They are the results of my art making practice, often done in front of a workshop group! For this piece, the letter 4 is my daughter Ruthie's favorite number which I beautifully created with gold glitter. There are many other textured layers of intriguing mixed media also creating a look of layers going deep into the earth. Enjoy.

New Paintings! Here we are Again, Again i, ii & iii

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These original paintings are part of my Little Gems series and are connected by their inspiration:  practice and experimentation with acrylics and mixed media. They are the results of my art making practice, often done in front of a workshop group!

Here we are Again, Again i, ii, and iii 9” x 12” Mixed Media on Loose Canvas (c) Deb Chaney 2015. Original Available at date of this post. Prints at:  https://www.saatchiart.com/debchaney This piece in particular describes how on our personal healing journeys we may be confronted with the same patterns and situations again and again (watch the movie Groundhog Dog to really get this) and until we learn the lesson and clear the issue/misconception then we can move onward. Until them, here we are again, again i, ii and iii.

Your wild & precious life

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Wild&Precious_IMAGE.jpg Today's quote  from the poet Mary Oliver "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

Personally, I plan to feel good, dance, and make lots of art. I plan to adventure in beautiful natural places. I plan to help others by living as an example, in my truth, by being authentic and living an inspired life.  I plan to walk through deep clear puddles in the rain. To appreciate the magic moments. To dream, to write, to allow myself to desire great things for my life. To read great, entertaining and wonderful novels. To daydream and  play along side forest streams. To eat and enjoy gourmet food. To swim naked in the ocean. To camp. To sit by the fire and feel the warmth. To be with horses. To have a dog. To be with and of love and light. To eat layered chocolate vanilla ice-cream cake. I plan to attend a Coldplay concert. I plan to share connections with people  I love who inspire me, energize me, and help me collaborate with them in making both our lives even better. To visit the Hadaii Gwaii. To be at peace with the moment. To feel gratitude for all the good that has been, that is now, that is to come.

and you? what are you wild and wonderful plans?

New work! A to Z i, ii & iii

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All3AtoZ_DC2016.jpg “A to Z” i, ii and ii 9” x 12” Mixed Media on Loose Canvas (c) Deb Chaney 2016 www.debchaney.com original available at date of post, prints and giclees for sale at https://www.saatchiart.com/debchaney

I recently found an old dictionary at a thrift store, along with some new acrylic spray paint, so these started the process, inspired by practice and play. A friend of mine gave me some India ink and that came next. I blended acrylics with my fingers and results are these three Little Gem paintings ‘A to Z’ i, ii and iii.

keywords: graffiti loose energetic neutral black white debchaney letters

You're invited! Open Studio & Live Music and Art Making Event: Saturday October 22cd, 2016

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debgallery Join us for a unique experience at Deb's Art Studio.  In collaboration with a guitar instrumentalist, Deb will be creating a live contemporary mixed media abstract painting right before your eyes! Watch and listen as the art and music interplay, unfold, and are simultaneously created for your entertainment and inspirational enjoyment. The final painting will be auctioned off that night to the highest bidder. The Studio will be open both prior and after the show for connection, art sales, and art rental inquiries. Doors open at 7 pm. The Show starts at 8 pm. Please do RSVP. We look forward to seeing you!

Tickets. Event is Free of charge. Please get your tickets here while they are Available: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/live-art-music-performance-tickets-27551265577

 

Capture Coquitlam Exhibit in the News!

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CaptureCoquitlamNews_IMAGE.jpg I am so excited for you to see  my latest mixed media abstract painting ‘Evergreen Coquitlam’ hanging at the Capture Coquitlam Exhibit opening reception this Friday October 7th at 7 pm at Place des Arts - 1120 Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam. www.placedesarts.ca Art exhibit runs October 13-22cd. According to the curator it's one of - if not the only - abstract piece in the show!

Join us for Mixed Media playtime on Bowen Island Wed Oct 5th!

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WonderfulLifeArt_IMAGE.jpg Looking forward to making collage at with images, quotes, mixed media & acrylics on Bowen Island this week! It's Wednesday Oct 5th 9-4. Call (604) 947- 2216 to register.

EXPERIMENTING WITH ACRYLICS AND MIXED MEDIA on Bowen Island with Deb Chaney and the Bowen Island Arts Council – 1 day  – Wednesday, October 5, 9am – 4pm. Location: Gallery at Gallery @ Artisan Square Join Deb Chaney for a full day of play and experimentation with acrylics and mixed media! You will learn 9 mixed media techniques you can use to add intrigue, depth, and texture to your acrylic paintings. Try some gels, pastes and mirror leaf products and see the effects they can create. We’ll focus on having fun and supporting your creative expansion. Lots of demonstrations, plenty of painting time. Cost $100 + GST. Bring your acrylic paints & support. We’ll provide the Mixed Media. To register call (604) 947-2216 or go online http://www.bowencommunityrecreation.com/recreation-guide.html

The Music Inside You

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musicinyou_image I recently watched 'The Shift' movie with Wayne Dyer and was so deeply touched by its message, I decided to watch it again. I still feel like I could watch it many more times and learn the simple lessons that I keep forgetting over and over in this life. Today I was particularly inspired by the part where he shares the story of reading a Leo Tolstoy short story about a man, who upon his death bed, realizes he lived his  whole life wrong and who dies with regret. After Dr. Dyer read that story he decided to himself to not die with his music still in him. Well, this posted is dedicated to you Dr. Wayne Dyer, you who have certainly shared your music with all of us through your books, writings, teachings, recording and this profoundly beautiful movie. I know you can see this from where you are - so thank you, thank you, thank you !

Framed Little Gem Paintings Up on Display

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DebArtLittleGemINstal2016.png Thank you to Flow Home Staging for including my Little Gems paintings in your recent home design project here in Vancouver, BC. The pieces look beautiful as well as the whole decor and I love the choice of frames! It's such a pleasure to collaborate with interior designers who have such an appreciation for original artwork and the artists who create them! So grateful! Thank you!

Re-energizing your art practice

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September newsletter is all about re-energizing your art practice. Find out what got me re-inspired lately read here online: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=b78a4b953f58f04d0c14944fd&id=f74c45c201&e=45eabd7d34 or get it delivered right to your inbox, click here: http://eepurl.com/iplKI

New artwork featured above; ‘Summer in the City’, diptych 9” x 12” Mixed Media, Acrylics on Loose Canvas © Deb Chaney 2016. Originals are available for sale purchase@debchaney.com or (604) 736-5111. See more from the Little Gems Series.

Join me on Bowen Island to Paint & Play!

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BowenMixedWorkshop2016_IMAGE.jpgPaint, Play, Experiment in Mixed Media & Acrylics Join artist Deb Chaney for a full day of play & experimentation with acrylics & mixed media! You’ll learn 9 mixed media techniques to add intrigue, depth, and texture to your acrylic paintings. Try some gels, pastes and mirror leaf & see the effects they create. Focus on having fun & supporting your creative expansion. Lots of demos, plenty of painting time. Wednesday Oct 5. 2016. 9=4 pm. Cost $ 100 + GST. Bring your acrylic paints & support. We’ll provide the Mixed Media. Register:   (604) 947-2216         www.bowencommunityrecreation.com

Big Thank you to my Angel Helper Wendy !

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angelwendydeb16 I was so blessed at this past workshop with the Pacific Northwest Art Institute on gorgeous Whidbey Island to have an assistant! Introducing the wildly creative and oh so supportive Wendy Lee Lynds . Seriously, I swore I was going to put her in my trunk and take her home to assist with me for all my workshops! Wendy helped with set up, take down, cleaning brushes, taking photos, passing out hand outs, freshening up my water, and even took me to dinner at the end of the workshop. That's for sure one of my Achilles's heel soft spots - I love being fed! Wendy has found a permanent space in my heart. Big thank you!

[Actually I'm really hoping Wendy sees this post and joins me for my Advanced Abstract Painting with Mixed Media in thick layers this November here in Coquitlam, BC, Canada. Details here: http://www.illuminatetheartistwithin.com/advanced-abstract-painting-workshop/]

Here's what she said about taking my workshop:  “Many "AH HA" moments galore - both artistically and personally for me while in Deb Chaney’s workshop. Deb brings to the table equal parts arts professional and genuinely warm-hearted individual. This important combo brought me to a new way to approach my abstract work and the tools to have a painting that reflects “me”when completed. I would take another workshop by Deb in a heartbeat and would hardily point others in her direction, as well….."

- Wendy Lee Lynds, Artist at Silver Spike Studio http://www.wendyleelynds.com instagram: wendyleelynds pinterest: wendy lee lynds/silver spike studio

Fall workshop special, upcoming advanced workshop & what students are saying about Deb's workshops

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PacNWAug2016Group Fall 2016. Existing workshop students receive half of September 17-18 th 2016 workshop price.Usually $375 now $187.50. Valid for September 2016 workshop only. Student must have taken basic abstract painting course with Deb Chaney prior. Held in Central Coquitlam, BC. register@debchaney.com or call/text (604) 736-5111. Full details for workshop Layers & Process: A Workshop journey in Abstract painting with acrylics - description  at www.IlluminateTheArtistWithin.com

And for those of you who have taken this fundamental abstract workshop and are ready for the next level, I will be offering a 3 day Advanced Workshop painting  in thick with Gels & Mediums, creating encaustic (wax) effects with acrylics and learning to etch back into multiple thick layers of acrylics and mediums. Super fun. That'll be in November 25 - 17, 2016 full details at www.IlluminateTheArtistWithin.com.

Above photo: the painting workshop group on Whidbey Island at the Pacific Northwest Art Institute each holding their favorite painting they created during the 3 day Layers & Process workshop.

Here's what participants had to say about the last workshop:

" Deb's energy and humanity informs all aspects of her workshop. She is organized, sensible, and knowledgeable.  She sets a very supportive atmosphere for a diverse group of students. Her caring about individual students is rare."  - Mari Jalbing, Seattle WA

" Very balanced class - open to each person's ability and taking us on a very intense but useful 3 days. [The workshop experience] got me to try new things and think in a new ways." - Sue Lee, Kirkland, WA

" I feel that Deb was extremely well organized and led us through the course step by step.  The slide shows helped greatly to illustrate the points she made. I greatly enjoyed the workshop and learned a great deal. "  - Marilyn Sandau, Port Townsend, WA