Ashland, Oregon

This October I drove from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco, California to meet with a friend who is opening an art gallery downtown San Francisco next year.

My boyfriend and I decided to make a trip of it and made a few artistically inspirational stops along the way that I wanted to share with you here from our trip.

Here's our first stop in Ashland, Oregon -where the annual Shakespeare festival is held- and where we enjoyed some fabulous food at the Dragon Fly Restaurant, a walk through town and some time in nature at the park located in the center of town.

Recent Studio happenings - October 2010

Recent studio happenings from this summer 2010 and fall...

Lulu Fiedler, jewelry maker by trade, decided she wanted to learn abstract painting and signed up for a series of six private lessons with myself in the studio. Her jewerly work is fabulous and for view at www.starfishbylulu.com. Lulu is working on abstract landscape pieces and her goal is to paint a large piece for her home.

This painting in process is making me think of frogs and frog ponds!

I"m in love with a new liquitex product! Liquitex Pouring medium - its like using the gloss medium and varnish but with a lower viscosity. Very cool.
A glipse of my new custom made dry rack table. I can work on up to six large painting and have them dry flat underneath the table. Works really well for my painting style.

Getting organized with a tryptic commision painting on the right table there. In the background is a piece that needs a few more layers...I'm still getting up the courage to touch that one!
In the background on the wall, Song for a Winter's Night painting in process. Just a few more layers and she's there. Love the dark graphite underneath the thick snow-like glossy waxy layers. I used Nancy Reyner's Encaustic formula for this one as well as lots of other products such a s moulding paste, pouring medium and regular gel! It's been a labour of love!
Odd random studio shots....

Often times when I'm working I stop and stand on a chair to give myself perspective on the painting I'm working on. Here's what It looks like up on that chair!

Studio visitor - artist Lisa Penz

This summer fellow Vancouver artist Lisa Penz came to paint and play with Ruthie and I in my studio....a wonderful afternoon was had by all! Please scroll down past the photos for details about Lisa and her work and recent accomplishments.

Lisa Penz is proud to announce that she will be showcasing her stylish acrylic pop portraits at Aphrodite’s Organic Cafe (3598 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC/604-733-8308) starting June 22, 2010 from 10 am to 9:30 pm 7 days a week.

Penz, known for her alluring explorations into female imagery, has participated in only very exclusive public exhibitions since returning from Australia in 2008, citing a need to revisit her artistic expression. Recently, she begun showing her work to the mainstream market again starting with a custom painting of Coco Rocha commissioned by the international model for her annual ‘Strut For A Cure’ cancer fundraiser gala and live auction hosted at the magnificent Berkeley Church on May 27 in downtown Toronto.

“I am excited about the opportunity to showcase my art to Vancouver again.” says Penz. “Aphrodite’s is a unique and dynamic venue that really supports the contemporary art movement – a rare opportunity in the Lower Mainland.”

Penz’s style focuses on highlighting dramatic female features. Within each painting, Penz uses her talent for creating vibrant and invoking images to tell a story that captivates and inspires onlookers.

Fans of Penz’s work will also be treated to exquisite alternative themes that she has explored. This includes Penz’s venture into roses, which according to the artist, are “similar to painting women because they have many layers, that when unfolded, reveal beautiful perspectives. Most artists like to experiment with other themes, just to enhance their creative approach, and I’m not alone in that by any means. Unfortunately, most of us do not get to present these journeys when we exhibit – we only get to show one side of our talent. It’s nice to be able to tell my whole story as an artist at a single venue; at a single point in time.”

Penz’s work will be available for viewing from June 22 to July 15. Select prints will also be available for purchase on location. Visit www.lisapenz.com for more information about the artist.


Penz is available for interviews and private tours of the gallery. Please contact her at lisapenz@lisapenz.com or phone at 604-512-0555.

Breathing Space - Lighthouse Park West Vancouver BC

Beautiful hike last week in Lighthouse park west Vancouver...nothing like being in nature to re-vitalize the spirit and nourish the inner artist.

Brock House class gets painting!

We have a full house this fall at Brock House community center for the experimental and energizing abstract painting class in acrylics. After talking about how to set up,design composition and the three c's (curious? next 2 day workshop in Vancouver October 30/31st register info@debchaney.com) students got painting! Here are some photos from the class...

Fall 2010 Two Day Intensive Abstract Painting Workshops

Upcoming Workshop Event Announcement! This Fall 2010 Illuminate the Artist Within™ proudly presents two day workshops in Vancouver and North Vancouver introducing energizing and experimental abstract painting with Deb Chaney. Join us in Vancouver Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 5pm September 25 & 26, October 30 & 31 or in North Vancouver November 27 & 28th.

This is a two-day class where you’ll learn the fundamentals of abstract painting. Each portion of the class

will progressively introduce new techniques and skills—such as glazing, layering, removal, staining—and we’ll also cover lifting of paints and layering of collage elements. This is a fun and intense workshop! Emphasis is on experimentation and play as it relates to the creative process.

The workshop cost is $285. Space is limited, so please act now to secure your space if you are interested. Complete details are provided below.

Bring a Friend Deal; register with a friend and receive $20 off your workshop registration. Register now to reserve your spot, call 604-736-5111 or Email info@debchaney.com. Visit for full details www.debchaney.com/workshops

“The things I learned in the workshop about creativity, expression, control and practice, all have great relevance to my life as a whole. Deb did more than just pass on artistic technique. I feel she laid the groundwork for an understanding of how I can let go and enjoy being creative!” ~Sarah E. Vancouver, BC

“Deb Chaney's workshop was wonderful because it helped rejuvenate my inspiration in my art. She explained a technique, showed you how to do it and then let you explore on your own. What I loved was that I left with an abundance of information and examples to take home so that I could continue what I learned.”

- Patricia Kaplan, Los Angeles, CA

TO REGISTER CONTACT:

Deb Chaney, SCA

Contemporary Abstract Artist

Studio The Old Foundry Building, 1790 Vernon Drive, Vancouver, BC V6A 3T8

Phone (604) 736-5111

Email info@debchaney.com

_____________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION TO ENERGIZNG AND EXPERIMENTAL ABSTRACT PAINTING

Dates, Times & Locations

September Workshop (Vancouver West)

Saturday, September 25, 10AM to 5PM

Sunday, September 26, 10AM to 5PM

October Workshop (Vancouver West)

Saturday, October 30, 10AM to 5PM

Sunday, October 31, 10AM to 5PM

November Workshop (North Vancouver)

Saturday, November 27, 10AM to 5PM

Sunday, November 28^th, 10AM to 5PM

Cost & Requirements

$285 Paid in advance

Student level: All levels welcome

Materials list & Exact Class Location provided upon registration

Registration Information

We accept Credit Card, Debit, Cash or Personal Cheque. Email us your intent to participate with your full contact information (Your name, Address, Email, Phone) and we’ll process your registration. Thank yoiu info@debchaney.com 604-736-5111.

Fall Classes in Abstract Acrylics - Brock House Vancouver

Art - Energizing & Experimental Abstract Painting in Acrylics - 2010 Fall Class at Brock House in Vancouver, BC

BROCK HOUSE SOCIETY - 3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver, BC, V6R 1B3
phone: 604-228-1461

http://www.brockhousesociety.com/?hp=start

cost: $80/9 weeks

convenor: Deb Chaney

location: Art Room

Dates: September 14 - November 9

AR102

This is an energizing and informative abstract painting class with an emphasis on experimentation & creative process. Students will learn the fundamentals of abstract painting. Building on this foundation, each class will progressively introduce new techniques and skills. Techniques include glazing, layering, removal, staining, lifting of paints as well as layering in collage elements. How to achieve line, depth, texture & interest in the paintings will be covered. We will be using liquid & heavy body acrylics, as well as acrylic mediums and gels and paper collage elements. Each week builds on the next with a demonstration at the start of each class and plenty of time to practice and experiment with the techniques & concepts shown.
A list of materials necessary for this course is available in the office