Painting Inventory - how I keep track of my artwork

No. 8432

Pure Abstraction Series

40 x 30 x 3/4 "Mixed media, acrylics, sand, & oil on canvas

(c) Deb Chaney 2009

Original Available

Feng Shui Recommendation: Placed anywhere in your home/office this piece supports your inner health and vitality. To further amplify this area of your life, place this painting in the center region of your home/office.

There are quite a lot of programs and software options out there that can be used to inventory artist work. I used E-artist at one point when I had a PC but found it pretty clunky and not that fun to use. When I switched to Mac, at a friend's suggestion, I decided to keep things really simple and use Iphoto. Here's what works for me currently and how I keep track of all of my works - completed, sold and currenlty in inventory.

I start by creating a separate album for each body of work. For the sake of this blog and simplicity I'll work with my 'Pure Abstraction' series, since its my most current and what I am adding to and seeling from most right now. When I complete a painting and photograph it, I add it to this album. Then I click on the 'information section' that appears at the bottom left hand corner of iphoto of the particular painting image is selected, and in the notes section I add have the following information based on an "inventory" template I created. I do this for every painting I produce, sell, and exhibit so I can keep track.

Here's the blank inventory template:

Inventory Details

Painting Title:

Belong to group/series:

Medium:

Substrate:

Size: (H x W x D)

Year:

Sold/Selling person/interested:

location:

Feng Shui Recommendation:

Posted:

cafepress Y

Blog Y

website

Other notes -

Here is a specific example of the information I keep on the painting shown at the top of this blog.

Title: No. 8432

Belong to group: PureAbstraction

Medium: mixed media, acrylics, sand, & oil

Substrate: canvas

Size: (H x W x D) 40 x 30 x 3/4 "

Year: 2009

Sold/Selling person/interested: Available

location: inventory Vancouver

Feng Shui notes: Feng Shui Recommendation: Placed anywhere in your home/office this piece supports your inner health and vitality. To further amplify this area of your life, place this painting, with the intention to support your health & vitality, in the center region of your home/office.

Photographed for prints? Y (home done, not great, re-do)

Posted:

cafepress - need to convert RAW to TIF ( find out format required)

Blog - Nov. 17-09

website - TBA

Other notes - Emailed image of this painting to Gail at Pedro's cafe, Granville Island regarding exhibit there- need to follow up.

new Black & White mixed media piece in process

This piece is 30 x 40" on canvas and may still be in process. I just put a thin layer of heavy gel matte to act as an isolation coat and prevent the water soluble pencil ( Derwent) and other medias - gel pen, PITT pen, charcoal, C'aran Dash white water soluble crayon, and permapaque marker from smudging if I decide to paint more layers over it. I was talking to my friend Lyza over Skype the other day - we did art show and tell ( it was so fun and energizing) - and she said "ohhh I love this one, you should paint more" we'll see. Maybe there is another black and white hiding inside me somewhere but I am more excited about some other pieces I'm working on and don't plan a series of these. My friend Steve said I should check out John Virtue's work who paints mainly in black and white. His work is very dramatic and I must say its fun to limit the colour palette and just focus on form and contrast with just the two colours.

Missing Art Works - Possible Theft?

Please note that this blog will be updated as more information becomes available.

Near the end of July this year I made an agreement via UShip online to have my art shipped from Santa Barbara to Vancouver, Canada with a company called LA Pack Pros. The agreement read that the art would be delivered within 7-14 days of its pick up. Its now mid September and I have had one phone call with their office manager, Andre, acknowledging that they did indeed have my art works but have received no information after that regarding where my work is now and when it will be delivered. Regardless of emails and phone calls I have sent, I have had no communication since that call near the end of August.

On August 5th this year my entire art collection of completed works and works in process on canvas and paper plus an original piece by Michelle Williams was picked up in Santa Barbara at my friend Steve Richardson's home by a man who called himself Robin 'Rob' Letcher. According to my friend Steve, he was about 30ish and was a white man about 6 foot, sandy blond hair with dreds. The truck was a white ford ranger about a 1995 with a white camper shell. He left a cell phone number which I have called repeatedliy and left voice messages, none have which been returned.

The information about this shipping company that I contacted via UShip.com and made the original agreement will appear the bottom of this blog entry.

If you have any suggestions, information, as to the wherabouts of my art work, or how I can get a hold of this so-called shipper, or if you are willing to help in any way please do contact me debchaney@live.com. Thank you.

I have begun to file a theft report with the City of Santa Barbara (805)897-2300 (I will post a file # here when it becomes available) and will pursue the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Internet Crime Complaint Center. I have also called the franchisee corporation - Go Packaging - who issues business such as LA Pack Pros their business entity and they are helping me with this.

Any ideas to help solve this mystery: debchaney@live.com. Thank you!

Company: LA Pack Pros Name: Rob Letcher Phone: (310) 673-0615 Alternate Phone: (562) 686-2145 Fax: 310-673-0291 Email Addresses: uship@lapackpros.com; andre@lapackpros.com uship@lapackpros.com packpros@dslextreme.com info@lapackpros.com Franchisor: Packaging Store

Updated October 7-09

Since Posting this blog several weeks ago I have had the good fortune to finally be in touch with Rob Letcher (who apologized profusely) and said that, yes, indeed he did have my art work here. That he had tried to ship it to Canada twice and that it had now been returned twice at the border. WHy on earth he did not contact me about these attempts, I do not know. He since then put my art crate back on uship. com and the bid was accepted by another company and now I am waiting for full details - name, website, etc. Honestly, I was shaking and cried after he called. The funny thing was about the call was I was sitting at my desk at my computer looking at the paper work from the Santa Barbara Police department and reviewing a letter I sent to a layer in LA while in process of writing Rob an Email saying that enough was enough and I was going to be taking some serious legal action. He called just before I clicked 'send'. Interesting universe we live in. The saga continues though...

Interesting enough, I have received two emails regarding this blog post, of people in the exact same situations! Here they are:

Received today:

J. M. Kenworthy (jmkenworthy@gmail.com)
Sent:	Wed 10/07/09 2:11 PM
To:	debchaney@live.com
	1 attachment CIMG0114.jpg (1527.5 KB)

Deb,

I came across your blog because I am in a similar situation. I contracted with LA Pack Pros to take some furniture (including family heirlooms) from San Francisco to Lebanon, OH. A guy named Andre picked up the furniture in a rented box truck on August 22nd. I have attached a photo I took. You can almost make out the license plate. I have not heard from them since. I fear my furniture has been Stolen. I call the 562-686-2145 number about everyday and leave a message, but no one calls back. I did, however, get an address from uship.comfor LA Pack Pros (listed below). Unfortunately, It looks like an apartment building when I use Google Street View.

Have you ever heard back from them since you made your blog post? Its nice to know I am not alone, but I am also frustrated because I don't know what to do next. What email address did you use to get a response from LA Pack Pros?

Here is all the contact information that uship.com gave me.
Rob and Frank Letcher
uship@lapackpros.com
packpros@dslextreme.com
(310) 673-0615
(562) 686-2145
(310) 673-0291
2909 Arizona Ave #9
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Thanks for listening,
Jason

_______________________
J. M. Kenworthy
jmkenworthy@gmail.com

Jason (above Email) even sent me this photo of his shipment being picked up:

and here's an EMail I received last week:

Sean Kaylor (kaylorsean@hotmail.com)
Sent:	Tue 10/06/09 12:49 PM
To:	debchaney@live.com

Deb-

My wife and I had a number of items shipped from Texas to SF, CA. We also can't get a hold of LAPackPros and believe they have stolen our items. Unfortunately, most of the items were sentimental and of no material value.

If you get any word please email respond and I will do so in kind.


Sorry about all the troubles,

Sean Kaylor

By the way, I sent both of these inquiries to Kelly Dafleur who works for the Franchisor 'parent' company to LA Pack Pros. her contact information is as follows and she has been extrodinariliy helpful in this process of tracking down my shipment. Here's a big cheer for Kelly!!!

Kelly Dafler

Franchise Services Coordinator

Annex Brands, Inc.

7580 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 200

San Diego, California 92108-4417

Ph: 800-456-1525

Ph: 619-563-4800

Fax: 619-563-9850

www.annexbrands.com

kdafler@annexbrands.com

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Our "blackberry summer"on Whidbey Island, WA

We spent a lot of time this summer at our family cabin on Whidbey Island, WA, USA and I've had a lot of requests from my friends in Santa Barbara, CA to see pictures. And, by the way, we have officially named this summer "Blackberry Summer" because I think Ruthie pretty much lived on fresh vine ripe juicy blackberries when we were down there. Best blackberries in the world growing right on the beach, sweet, plump and right at your finger tips. Couldn't get much better than that for fresh eating. On the three hour drive home back to Vancouver Ruthie (age 6) would look out of the window and spot blackberry bushes and say "blackberry, blackberry...." So here we go, black berry summer, enjoy...

The cabin my parents build around 1978. Decor to match. :) My friend Lyza scoped it out live on skype and has decided it'll be the perfect retreat to do some art and hang out in PJs with a small group of women artist friends. We'll see...
Made lots of treats this summer..big batches of oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies.

Mid-tide, my favourite walk. Up where you can see the trees meet the water is where I saw several deer a few weeks back. Beautiful.
Nothing like throwing rocks in the water.
My Dad, who took all the photos here except this one, with Ruthie. I'm inside this amazing fort that someone built up the beach from us. Really cool. It was so big, you could camp in it. Ruthie and I had pretend tea parties there.

Don't touch the ground, it's hot lava. Gotta stay on the rocks.

Morning journal writing on the picnic table...smell that sweet ocean air. Lots of light. Peace.


When we first arrived at Whidbey after driving up from Santa Barbara. Grandma Margaret was there with balloons and groceries and big hugs for Ruthie!
Mum and I doing a clay face masc. Benstonite clay mixed with a bit of apple cider vinegar, makes a nice paste. Put it on, let it dry, sucks out toxins and is fun to do!

digging for sea creatures!

Painting rocks.

( I was inside hand painting little gift cards)

Selling art in non-gallery venues

RainStorm

Pure Abstraction Series

20 x 30 x 1 1/2 " (approx)

Mixed Media, Sand, Acrylics on Canvas

Original Painting is available, pricing on request

Prints and other items with this image at cafepress

Feng Shui Recommendation: earth & water element , career and reputation, health & vitality

I sell and have shown my work predominantly in non-gallery venues. Its pretty common for artists starting out who don't have gallery representation. Really, if you're creating regularly and producing work - fairly good, good, or great - its nice to just get it out there and get some response, feedback and sales.

Currently as I am getting all my bits and pieces together for my new website I was looking over my artist resume and remember all the shows I've held in the last number of years... Each one was its own experience with various results. Every one part of my journey of being an artist creating and showing her work.

Generally, I've made an effort to improve aspects of each show as the years have gone by. Better marketing of advanced notice for friends and collectors who would stop by. Better signage. More treats! Motivation for people to come - creating a draw. Asking for more help. Teaming up with other artists. Holding a raffle. There are always aspects to tweak and improve when doing an exhibit...

I would say the latest and greatest improvements I've made in exhibiting my work in non gallery venues are to create contracts with the store/boutique/restaurant owner so that we are all on the same page. I've been lucky to date and have never had any difficulties or challenges with any venues. However, even the process of creating a contract with the most recent venues makes a good conversation point to the agreements of having my art in their space - what's OK, what's not.

Here's where I started with creating my own contracts: http://snagmetalsmith.org/Publications/Professional_Guidelines/

Specifically look at the EXHIBITION CONTRACT (for non-commercial exhibitions) section.

I'd love to hear what you're doing to get your work out there, how you're improving with each show and exhibit. And I'm trusting this is helpful on your journey. Best, Deb

For the curious, here's where I've displayed my work for the last several years...The most recent listing have written signed contracts based on the above links.

Exhibits and Solo Events

2009 Solo Exhibit, Patchwork Paper,Via Roma Boutique,

2009 Nature and Asbtraction, group Show, Deb Chaney & Steve Richardson, Santa Barbara, CA

2009 Solo Exhibit, Select Pieces, Java Station Café, Patchwork Paper, Santa Barbara, CA

2009 SWITCH Boutique Beverly Hills Solo Exhibit, select pieces Raw Expression

2008- Group Show, Drawn Out, VIVA Design Studio and Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

2008 – Solo Exhibit, Carina Cellars, Trees & Abstraction, Los Olivos, CA

2007 Solo Exhibit; Raw Expression, Sojourner Cafe, Santa Barbara, CA
2007 – Group Exhibit, Art in Public Places with the Malibu Artist Association, Malibu, CA.

2006 – Group Exhibit, select pieces Raw Expression, Kanuga Water Color Retreat Center, NC

2006- Group Exhibit, Emerging, Fresca Café, Santa Barbara, CA

2005 – December 2006; Santa Barbara Weekly Arts and Crafts Show
2004 – Solo show Mini Hearts Coffee Attic, Redondo Beach, CA

2003 Solo Exhibit; Hearts Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Redondo Beach, CA
2003 Exhibitor; Leche League International Conference, Costa Mesa, CA
2003 Solo Exhibition; The Coffee Attic, Redondo Beach, CA
2003 Exhibitor; Annual Ron Cawdry Springfest Carnival, Redondo Beach, CA
2003 Solo Exhibit; Java Man Café, Hermosa Beach, CA
2002 Exhibitor; Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, Manhattan Beach, CA

Upcoming Art and Healing workshop

Sands of Time

Pure Abstraction Series

Size: 10 x 10 x 11/2"

(c) Deb Chaney 2008

available $350 USD

Feng Shui notes: Supports Health and Vitality

Need a day away? Looking for some time to make art, meet new friends and receive some healing? This might be for you...

My friend and fellow artist Amy Roemer presents a one day healing art workshop...

Gather in a gorgeous setting for a day of healing and creativity as (place) artist and Reiki healer, Amy Roemer, and local teacher and Reiki healer, Amy Ryan, guide you through easy daily routines to heal your life including the healing benefits of beautiful natural spaces like Boerner Botanical Gardens! Get in touch with the artist at your core!

Healing Art Workshop Saturday October 17, 2009 From 10am-3pm. At the Boerner Botanical Gardens Hales Corners, WI (Hales Corners is in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area) Registration: contact Monica Jeske 414-525-5659 mjeske@fbbg.org Cost $75

Your day will include: Yoga, painting, walk in the gardens, meditation, inspirational conversation concluding with mini Reiki session for each attendee!

I first met Amy Roemer when I was living in Hermosa Beach, CA and saw her art work at Ten Women Venice artists cooperative. Somehow we became connected --- I can't remember how our friendship all started --- but I do remember Amy being extremely wiling to share all her secrets of success on her path as an artist and after a lunch one afternoon nearly 8 years ago now we have been friends ever since.

Amy Roemer is on her own personal journey of healing. In 1987, Amy had her first episode of unexplained back pain. Over the years Amy had back pain so severe that she landed in emergency rooms, became a patient to countless doctors Western and Eastern alike, has sought out dozens of healers and books, taken prescription medications, herbs, and restrictive diets. Amy’s pain could be unbearable at times, she missed work, weddings, and vacations, underwent 4 surgeries and spent tens of thousands of dollars on health costs all in the search for pain relief. While some of the doctors and healers helped, her back pain persisted, unaffected by herbs and medicines. Through a series of practices that Amy learned over the years, She created her 5 Simple Steps to Healing Your Life and put them all together into practice with amazing results! Now, she wants to share them with you! She received her attunement in Reiki, a form of hands on healing, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she now resides with her husband and daughter, in 2009.

Amy’s art has been shown in galleries and art festivals in Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. Her pieces are full of emotion and vibrant color. Her art is in private collections across the country and in Japan. Her painting “Your Song” is owned by singer/songwriter Alanis Morisette. Amy has painted and made art her entire life, she attended Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, Santa Monica College in California, and studied under pastel artist Mark Miloff in Western Massachusetts Berkshire Mountains. Amy’s poetry has been published and awarded, her paintings were honored by an award from the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA. Amy has been a member of the West Coast Pastel Society, Ten Women Venice artists cooperative, and The Malibu Art Association.

Creative Journalling and Bookmaking

Aglow & happy 

(c) Deb Chaney 2008

9 x 11 " Acrylics on unmounted canvas pad

Original Available

Journalling has been a fundamental part of my art making process for years, well over 10 if I was counting. Morning Pages, free writing, making lists, circle exercise, some of which I discuss in a chapter on journalling in the Little Inspiration Book. But as artist I think its natural to want to push boundaries, explore new mediums and technique and try new things. So after writing and collage and painting and sketching I've been itching to explore book making for a while.

Last year I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with Sabrina Ward Harrison where I met a retired lawyer and artist & book maker - Eris Wagner who was also attending the workshop. Her hand made journal was incredibly beautiful, textured and detailed with thick heavy weight paper she'd glued into an old accounting ledger book and discard photographs she'd glued in, gessoed over and then scraped over so that you saw sneak peaks of the photos and got a faded antique feel. Her journal captivated me so I wrote her and asked her about the process of making it and how I could learn more. 

Here's what she wrote;

"I learned most of my bookmaking skills from Sheeren LaPlantz who died from cancer about 5 yrs. ago. Her books, which are widely available (Amazon) are a good place to start to learn book making.  She goes over all the basics.  Like any art, there's no substitiute for just doing it---practicing over and over...

The San Francisco Center for the Book has a nice range of classes and I took a number of them when I lived in northern California. I'm sure there is a Book Guild or other resource in your area that offers basic bookmaking classes.

There are TONS of books available on book arts...I actually learn better from books than anything else....

Another good resource is http://www.philobiblon.com/links.shtml...

Check out the links and then join the listserve and read the posts. If you have any questions you can post them---like "Where is a good basic bookmaking workshop in my area?" [Deb notes that in Vancouver, book making is offered at Emily Carr University]

From that list, I learned that the LA Book Arts Center is closing. Too bad....but I know there's plenty of things happening in Southern California. You might ask Carol Parks..."

Thank you Eris!

Using Acrylics to create a waxy – encaustic – look in your artwork

Leaping into the unknown

30 x 40 x 11/2”

Mixed Media, & Acrylics on Canvas

© Deb Chaney 2007

Feng Shui Recommendation: Health and Vitality.

To further enhance your health and inner vitality place this painting in or near the center of your dwelling.

For View at: Java Station Coffee House 4447 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 Ph (805) 681-0202

(Please do ask to see this painting it because its in the back!!!)

Original painting is available for purchase $1200 USD

Last week I had an interview with Golden Paints technical department on a new product they are in process of creating. At this point in time, because of their competition, I was asked to keep the interview a secret and not reveal any of the ideas or concepts we discussed.

After speaking with the Golden chemical technician he emailed me some great little videos clips (youtube.com) on using and applying Golden Mediums and acrylic paints. I thought this would be fun to share with acrylic and mixed media painters who read this blog.

Particulalry, I’m thinking of Shay Cajolet from Massachusetts who contact me last year with questions about using acrylic mediums to create an encaustic (wax – like) effect. She’d seen the workshop I’d organized for Nancy Reyner in Santa Barbara which was on this topic specifically: using acrylics to create encaustic effects.

Last time I heard from Shay she said she’d had some success and a lot of goopy experiences with the mediums….perhaps a few of these videos will give some more guidance that goes beyond a phone conversation.

Here are some great instructional videos on the products and techniques that I use and some new concepts too…

Using moulding paste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP3br4sx7Uo&feature=channel

Creating a Brushable Isolation Coat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jS3Rjd5P1g&feature=channel

Using Clear Tar Gel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIqEm7Vrvbg&feature=related

In my work to build layers I use Golden heavy gel matte medium, GOLDEN light moulding paste, Liquitex gloss medium and varnish, Golden fluid acrylics. ( Check out this link to a sampler set of many of these products and other cool ones)

As well, if you want to pour a thick layer over your work to emulate wax, from her workshop we learned that Nancy Reyner developed the following formulas she calls:

Sheen formula to match refined Beeswax

Mix together 2 oz. Soft Gel Gloss and ½ oz matte medium. Slowly add ¼ oz water. Add 3 drops of Interference Blue (fine) and 2 drops of Iridescent gold (fine).

Sheen formula to match unrefined beeswax

Use above mixture and pour half into an empty far. Add ½ drop or less of quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold.

You can make these formulas in an air tight container and then use them in the middle of your painting as a medium, directly onto dry or web acrylic paint or as a finishing sheen to your work.

Something that looks really cool and is fun to try – lay down a nice thick layer (1/4” or so) of one of the above sheen formulas using a palette knife. Soak a paint brush heavily with water. Tap the water soaked paint brush over top of your sheen layer ( don't touch the painting with the brush, let the water fall off onto the sheen layer) and let the water drops form an interesting surface texture on your waxy layer. Let it dry. Have fun!

New work and a great quote

Praying for Rain

(c) deb chaney 2009

mixed media, sand and acrylics on canvas

20 x 30 x 11/2 " (approx size as original is currently being shipped from Santa Barbara to Vancouver and my electronic inventory was lost in cyber cosmos!

Original available.

Prints at www.cafepress.com/debchaney

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our
presence automatically liberates others.”

Marianne Williamson. from A Return to Love

SMIGs has changed...

OK, I feel a little bad that I've kept you out of the loop. But honestly, there is no loop as I haven't told anyone before writing this blog. I changed SMIGs...a nightly ritual I made up to support artists and creative souls.

S - for success. For example, today I added 5 names to my database, worked on a project that for the sake of its creative gestation shall remain secret (for now), and had a great heart to heart talk with my mum.

Magic Moments - today I watched my daugther play in the ocean with another little boy, ohh it was so sweet. They were playing with a floating log and he was on the log and she was pushing him out to sea, it was so dear watching them work together.

Intuition - My intuition is guiding me to get more sleep and take care of myself right now. (this used to be Intention but this idea of holding some idea in tension seemed, well, a little tense so I decided to change it)

Gratitude - I'm so grateful for my Dad driving up the west coast with me and helping me move, i'm so grateful for a place to live, for all the wonderful phone calls and facebook posts on my facebook for my birthday, for being at whidbey island for the summer, for the ocean and the fresh air and peace and quite and I'm 'so grateful for my art and the joy it gives me to create it.

s - the little 's' reminds us to keep making small steps towards our dreams, goals and creative projects. Never, never, never give up. Shoot for the stars, you might hit the moon. The impossible just takes longer. Keep going.

Looking for a unique and personal gift?

Tote bags. Mugs. Aprons. Prints & Greeting Cards All with Deb's art.

The Little Inspiration Book, by DEB & Sand in my Bra

Deb's Original ART available to view and purchase

...in Beverly Hills paintings at SWITCH Boutique

...in Santa Barbara at Java Station Coffee House,

...in Los Angeles at Via Roma Boutique.

Join me on facebook: facebook.com/debchaneyartist

Follow me on Twitter: deborahchaney

The artist I admire the most

IBHF (inspired by helen frakenthaler)

(c) deb chaney 2008

mixed media, sand, acrylics on canvas

original available , inquire debchaney@live.com

prints at www.cafepress.com/debchaney

Helen Frakenthaler known for creating the technique of staining raw canvas, a pioneer in the color field painting movment, former wife to Robert Motherwell and a key player in the abstract exrpessionist movement is bar none the artist I admire the most.

Helen Frankenthaler was born in New York City on December 28, 1928, daughter to justice of the New York Supreme Court. She attended the exclusive Brearley School in Manhattan and the Dalton School where her art teacher was Rufino Tamayo.

More than any other known established artist, Ms. Frakenthaler's art rocks my world. I love so many of her pieces. I love her style. I love her work beacause its bold and confident and bursting with color. I love that very seldom you see brush marks...this intrigues me and something I aim to emulate in much of my work.

In an interview pubished in the new york times, she says about her painting process : ''With any picture, on paper or on canvas, the main idea is: does it work? Is it beautiful?'' Which resonates with me and answers questions about my own work and process. Honestly, I hadn't come out and said it so clealry and sycinctly, but this is what is going on for me also when I paint: is the piece working? is it beautiful?

I also think its very cool that in a time when most of her contemporaries were men - Clement Greenberg Hans Hofmann, Jackson Pollock - She, a Woman, was making strides, making great art.

TOday, yup last time I checked Helen's very well alive and painting in NY, she paints very similarly to me in that she paints in acrylics, painting laying flat and on waist high table tops. Cool.

Here here are some links to some of her work that I adore... Enjoy!

Helen Frankenthaler, Grand Tour, 1983, acrylics on canvas 97 x 124 inches (Can't find it online but this image can be found on page 123 in abstract painting concepts and technique by vicky perry)

Helen Frankenthaler, Seeing the Moon on a hot summer day, 1987, private collection.

Helen Frankenthaler, Southern Exposure, 37 x 34 in, Lincoln Center Institute

Helen Frankenthaler, The Bay, 1963 Acrylic on Canvas

Helen Frankenthaler, Nadar Rising.

Helen Frankenthaler, After Mountains and Sea , New York : Guggenheim Museum 1956-1959.

Awe-some new book to support Creative Mortals

My friend, mentor, teacher and fellow creative Jill Badonsky just released her awe-some new book:  The AWE-MANAC: A Daily Dose of Wonder.

I had a few questions for her about what's inside the book and her own creative

 process in writing it you may enjoy this tidbit from our conversation...

Deb - How did you choose the events that ended up in the Awe-servances part of 

The Awe-manac:

Jill - Good question. The creative prompts in The Awe-manac are designed from the events or celebrations that happened on those days in history. So the events had to actually audition for their potential for creative thinking, inspiration or humor. Also, I researched favorite celebrities and historical figures (and a few personal friends) and added them as well. Lastly, if a quote really inspired me, I tried to find the birth-date of the person who wrote it so I could include it.

Deb - Which "Anti-aging Potion" do you recommend for people to use to truly "stay young."

Well, all of them will give you a frame of mind of loving life more which is a sure antidote to aging, but the FOOOF potion is all about how thinking like a child can lighten you up. Stress is a leading cause of premature aging so lightening up can help that. Also, the Inner Awe-lixir reminds us that there's a whole world inside of us that can act as a refuge and a place of rejuvenation and inspiration.

Deb - Lots of things in this book make me laugh out-loud (which of course is a very good thing!).  Did you spend a lot of time laughing while you created this?

Jill - I had a blast writing this book. I laughed out loud quite a bit because it seemed like I was channeling someone very funny. To create laughter, to me is one of life's greatest gifts and making funny associations and inventing prompts is one of my very favorite pastimes. To get myself in the mood to be funny I would watch Ellen, John Stewart and Stephen Colbert beforehand, as well as read Paula Poundstone's book. So they were my Muses and helped keep me in a festively funny mood.

Deb - I love the fact that you can open this book on any given day of the year and begin!  Each day is a session in creativity unto itself.  How do you envision people using this book? 

I envision that they will open the book on any given day and have a session in creativity unto itself. I hope people don't think they need to do all the prompts everyday, but just sample and even just daydream what they would do with the prompt as well as during every opportunity possible find a few minutes to jot down some ideas and on occasion just pour their hearts out. My wish is that some of the thoughts and inspirations make each day more special and wake people up to the fact that the shift we need to make in this economic downturn can be positive when we take small moments and make them special, creative, or humorous.

Jill Badonsky is an artist, writer, playwright, yoga teacher, nationally recognized workshop leader, creativity consultant and founder of Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching.  Jill also writes a monthly column for Creativity Portal, and is chief editor of the monthly The Muse Flash.  Jill's services operate out of  The Muse is In, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unblock their creative potential. She is author of The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard):10 Guides to Creative Inspiration for Artists, Poets, Lovers and Other Mortals Wanting to Live a Dazzling Existence   and  The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder.

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Looking for a unique and personal gift?  Tote bags. Mugs. Aprons. Prints & Greeting Cards.All with Deb's original artwork. The Little Inspiration Book, & Sand in my Bra Written/co-written by Deb.

Original ART  available to view and purchase

...in Beverly Hills  paintings at SWITCH Boutique 

...in Santa Barbara at Java Station Coffee House, 

...in Los Angeles at Via Roma Boutique.

Deb Chaney Contemporary Abstract Artist PO Box 3931 Santa Barbara, CA 93130 805-570-1582 debchaney@live.com http://debchaney.blogspot.com

Creating with interruptions

If you are living in the modern world and attempting to create art of any kind – music, painting, pottery, writing, etc .- you are faced with interruptions. My opinion, one of the most interrupted people in the world are mothers.

 Its like there is this unwritten code that once you’ve given birth your body, life, breasts, time, solitude, and mind space now belong now to that which came from you and surrounding people who call themselves ‘family’ and take every ounce unless you set firm boundaries and decree otherwise. Yeah, Ok, some of my personal shite is coming up here but we’re all connected so I know I’m not alone here. Hello, I am an artist, I 

have ideas and passions and these require time so I can dwell on them, research them, expand them, create them, edit them, and bring them into the world just as I did you. You are born now, let me birth others.

 “mama, I need….”  ( seriously as I write this maybe 4 – 5 interuptions with request, demands, questions….)

Don't be fooled by how cute she is. Here is she is, my girl Ruthie, thinking about her next move to distract and interupt me. (:o)Look at that, she even has the gull to sit on my studio painting table and plan her next move!

 So, how do we stay on track, keep the momentum going, gestate and birth our creative creations, even despite and within the interruptions?

 I do a few things that work for me, but really I’m just dying to hear from you. So if you are super successful and have a private office/studio and a nanny taking care of your shopping, laundry, dinner, and kids you can refrain from commenting. Sit back, grin, remember the good old times when things were otherwise, but please don’t’ torture us folks here on the other side. I’m speaking to those of us who are on our way but not quite there yet and still mainly doing all of the above on our own plus making an effort to carve out some time for our own creative pursuits.

 “ Hey Deb, will you….” (ever notice how every one wants something exactly the minute you begin to get really into your project)

 For one, to stay focused and so I don’t forget, I post a sticky note right above where I am working. It’s got two words on it.

1. Focus
2. On writing this blog (what you are working on)

That way, every time  “ mama!mama!...” I can answer it, and remember what the heck I was doing. Really, I know mothers would understand this but really all parents in general.

This one I don’t recommend but quite frankly I become like a caged animal and that would be in simple speak pretty nasty to be around because as Jill Badonsky puts in her book 9 Modern Day Muses and a Body guard, we mortals get cranky when we don’t create. So I either piss everyone off or scare them away but honestly I hate getting to this point and I had a ‘friend’ recommend a hypnosis program for anger management which I’m gladly looking into.

 I’m also wishing the next man I date realizes that when I'm crabby its more than likely because I haven’t painted and that he puts a paint brush in my hand and takes my kid for a drive.  Thank you God in advance.

 Bring! Bring! ( this  is supposed to be a telephone)

 Ok that reminds me. We have some control here. We can turn off the phone, shut down the computer, turn off skype, click off facebook, shut the door, put up a sign, nicely tell everyone we will be busy for the next hour. Mommy time. Get out the body guard (read 9 Modern Day Muses and a Body guard) Let me know if that works for you, or for that matter what works for you.

So what about you? How are you making time for your creative pursuits in amoungst the noise and distractions of life?

______________________________________________________________

Looking for a unique and personal gift?  Tote bags. Mugs. Aprons. Prints & Greeting Cards.All with Deb's original artwork. The Little Inspiration Book, & Sand in my Bra Written/co-written by Deb.

Original ART  available to view and purchase

...in Beverly Hills  paintings at SWITCH Boutique 

...in Santa Barbara at Java Station Coffee House, 

...in Los Angeles at Via Roma Boutique.

Deb Chaney Contemporary Abstract Artist PO Box 3931 Santa Barbara, CA 93130 805-570-1582 debchaney@live.com http://debchaney.blogspot.com

Making Art in the Midst of Life

My friend John, who is a writer, told me last time we were hanging out that his 

dream was to work & save up some money, and then go somewhere and rent a little cabin and write.  It’s a great dream and know

ing him he’ll probably do it. The only part of it that makes me a little uneasy is the concept that the writing will be put off until that time. Fundamentally any art – writing, painting, pottery, running, singing 

needs to be done regularly, daily, and with some kind of consistently even in the midst of life.

 There is a good chapter in Eric Maisel’s book Coaching the Artist Within  entitled Creating in the Middle of Things in which Eric talks exactly about how we must learn to do our art even in the middle of our every day lives. To quote from this chapter;

 “ Unless you are impervious to the facts of existence – and no one is – you must learn how to create in the middle of things.  You must learn how to create when wares are raging and when your hormones are raging.  You must learn how to create even if you hate your country’s policies or your own painting style.  You must learn how to create even if you are embroiled in a bad marriage or living alone and lonely.  You must learn how to create even if you work eight hours a day at a silly job or, sometimes worse, find yourself at home with time on your hands.”

 I whole heartedly agree. We can’t be waiting for the perfect time, mood, or place. The time is now to make our art. It will never be perfect even when we have millions in the bank and are sitting cozy and comfy in our little retreat cabin. The time and place is now, in the midst of our lives, just as they are!

 Currently I have just moved with my daughter (now 6 years old) – third move in the last eight months, this was the biggest move from Southern California to Washington State. Thank God my Dad came down and helped us drive the UHAUL the 1500 + miles. That on top of being in the middle of a divorce, unpacking, re-doing my website, finishing my 08 taxes, filing for UI, editing a short video about my techniques and latest Pure Abstraction work, that on top of making daily meals and dishes and laundry and the other day to day of life. So there is a full life here but still room for art in the midsts of it. Always room for art, for the joy that it brings its worth the discipline to go and do it.

Boxes may be left unpacked, dirty dishes in the sink, but I’m still doing some art – however small. The photo in this blog is one my friend Lyza caught me when she brought by some boxes for us. One of my art tables folded up, ready to be packed, made the perfect little painting area and I started hand painting some journal covers the day before we packed the UHAUL the next day and drove up north….

 SO WHAT, I’m going to do some art anyways!

Looking for a unique and personal gift? Check out this one of a kind Breakthrough re-usable tote bag. Mugs. Aprons. Prints & Greeting Cards. Need a little inspiration? The Little Inspiration Book, ideas to empower women by DEB & Sand in my Bra, funny women write from the road.

Deb Chaney's original art can be viewed and purchased at the following locations...

in Beverly Hills Raw Expression paintings at SWITCH Boutique, 238 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212-3805, (310) 860-1650  

in Santa Barbara at Java Station Coffee House, 4447 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93110-1734, (805) 681-0202 

in Los Angeles Patchwork Paper - framed originals - at Via Roma Boutique, 17215 Ventura Boulevard, Encino,Ca, 91316 (818) 386 - 0736

Deb Chaney Contemporary Abstract Artist PO Box 3931 Santa Barbara, CA 93130

P. 805-570-1582  E. debchaney@live.com W. debchaney.blogspot.com W. cafepress.com/debchaney

LIVE TALK RADIO SHOW with Kim McCoul

LOCAL ARTIST INTERVIEWS CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT ARTIST AND AUTHOR ON LIVE TALK RADIO SHOW

 Davenport, Iowa, June 15, 2009 -- Kim McCool of Davenport, Iowa will be featuring contemporary abstract artist and author, Deb Chaney, on McCool’s  live radio talk show, “Discover the Heart of Art” on internet’s Blog Talk Radio on June 15, 2009 at 2 PM Central Time.

 Deb Chaney is an emerging contemporary abstract artist who lives in Santa Barbara, CA.  She paints large layered mixed media abstract paintings on canvas and paper. Deb Chaney is the author of The Little Inspiration Book, Ideas to Empower Women and contributing author to Sand in my Bra, Funny Women Write From the Road. Her most recent body of work, entitled Pure Abstraction will be displayed in a co-collaborative art show with Emily McBride June 2009 at VIVA design studio & gallery in Santa Barbara.

  "Discover the Heart of Art with Kim McCool" is a bi-weekly show where McCool interviews artists of all kinds - from classic art, such as painting and sculpture to writing, music and choreography discuss the heart of their art.  This art talk show is unique and informative.  McCool and her guest talk about what inspires the art, where the love of the art comes from and how listeners can discover the heart of art.   

If people are not able to listen to the live broadcast, they can go to McCool’s website (http://www.kimmccool.com/radio.htm) and either download the podcast for later listening or listen to the replay on their computer.  The broadcasts will be archived.

McCool is committed to not only creating her art, she does an average of 20 individual commissions annually, she is dedicated to keeping the art of porcelain painting alive.  In addition to training with some of the most esteemed artists in the field McCool has taken many student artists under her wing to teach them this wonderful medium.  Her studio is part of her home and is a special place for her two loves of creating porcelain art pieces and teaching others to create their own unique porcelain art through weekly classes held in the studio.

Interview Contact:

Kim McCool

Telephone 563.322.3219

k.mccool@mchsi.com

http://www.kimmccool.com

Spirit of the Heart Designs

3750 Nobis Drive

Davenport, IA  52802

Artplane workshop at Esalen

I'm currently at Esalen studying with Nicholas Wilton and Jenny Oppenteimer in their week long art plane workshop. The workshop is great and given me many new insights on design and contrast and their importance in composing a painting that works well - captures the viewer, keeps them interested and moving around the painting. Here are some photos from around the Esalen campus.

Deb Chaney Art Home Show Pictures

Photos taken byAnurag Bansal and David Bozzini from the art home show. Special thanks to

both of these wonderful men for taking photos. Also, thank you for Jack Mohr of Artamo Gallery for stopping by - this was an honor. April for a beautiful job on the food and musical interludes. Matthew-san for driving all the way down from San Francisco! Dad, thanks for your supportive email. I am blessed to know you all and receive your applause and support. Thank you.

It takes a village! Getting the art homeshow ready for this Saturday!

As they say... it takes a village to raise a child. I've always felt like my paintings are my children so I wanted to share here with you a little bit about the village - all the people helping out - with getting this home show off the ground,

First off, if you're reading this for the first time, the Art Show and Sale at my home studio here in Santa Barbara will be this Saturday May 23rd from 9-5 pm. Children are welcome. Refreshments served. Location: unit #21, 2025 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

Thank you to my village for your support, love and help! April Cooper for giving me the idea to do this in the first place. Steve Richardson for storing a gaggle of things in his car & sharing some his display easles. The local Greek House restaurant for bringing over some greek food catering gratis! (cool! thank you!) Jake's Cottage Cuisine Cafe for a loan of some table clothes. Jennifer and Joey at Tensley wines for bringing some of their local fine wines. Melody Wynn for sharing her Costco card with me so I can get even more food for hungry visitors. John for cooking, cleaning, wiring paintings, hanging paintings and playing that sweet guitar to calm my  nerves!  And all my fans and friends who put up

If you are in any way hesitating to come, please know that this event may be the last chance you have to visit with me  and see my art work live and 'in person' as Ruthie and I are moving north  this summer. So come one, come all! See you there!

Film Maker wanted

FILM MAKER WANTED

Deb Chaney is looking for a film maker to do a series of vignette videos about her work and behind the scenes in the studio for marketing purposes.

 The goal is to create twelve (12) 5-8 minute video vignettes featuring behind the scenes in the painting studios of Deb Chaney, contemporary abstract artist, plus a “who is deb” 3-4 minute intro video to get new comers acquainted with deb in general.

 The time line of this work is to begin Monday may 25^th , 2009( Memorial Day) and have the videos filmed and ready to edit and upload by June 25^th , 2009at the latest. The films would be shot in Deb’s home studio in Santa Barbara.

 I am looking for a video film/producer/editor  - could be a film student, professional or amateur hobbyist that know how to get around a SONY camcorder, create appropriate lighting and pick up excellent sound as well as transcribe the digital video to a computer, edit it and organize it in to jive systems web server, ready to broadcast.

 YOU must be on your game, organized, efficient and know your medium: FILM. My job would be to show up, dress up, look pretty, be passionate and talk about my work in my studio. All the other  details, including working with jivesystems to integrate the video into their system would be up to you.

 YOU must have prior experience and proficiency in recording short films.

 I have a tripod, SONY digital camcorder, lots of digital tapes, and a studio.

 YOU must have lighting, microphone, computer for editing - and know how to do it.

 YOU must have a can do/ get it done “I always find a way” attitude. What we don’t have we can borrow. What we need we’ll attract it. Etc.

Each video will stand alone and  be a story behind the studio production of deb’s art work and creative life. There will be quick introduction followed by a focus on a painting, how it got made, what its communicating, how deb stays inspired – studio tricks and anything else that someone purchasing a piece of art from a gallery would not know. The little feature can be entertaining, educational, light and fun.

 The goal of the features/vignette is to stay in communication with collectors, educate them, inspire them and for those who have shown interest in my work and encourage them to look through the website, see what’s available and purchase a work. As well as give them a call to action: if you want to buy a painting in inventory directly from deb, this is what you can do now.

 YOU must thoroughly Check out jive systems take their webinar (free) & see how they do this. (http://www.jivesystems.com/)

 PAYMENT/AGREEMENT. This would be an opportunity for you to support another artist, grow your portfolio, gain experience, get YOUR name out there. I have no budget or monetary resources at this time. If you are capable you could get a grant, this would make an excellent and clearly definable project. If you are a student, especially in film or art, you could do this project as an Internship and get a semester class credit. OR if you have a calling to help others – artist in particular – this could be your way of giving to others. This will be fun and we will both learn and grow in the process!

About Deb Chaney

 Deb Chaney is an emerging contemporary abstract artist who paints large layered mixed media abstract paintings on canvas and paper. Her most recent body of work, entitled Pure Abstraction, takes her art to a new level in expressing her deep passion for nature via the thick layering of mixed medias, sand, paper and acrylic paints. The process of creating her new work, Pure Abstraction, is shown in 9 minute video short (release date May/June 2009) wherby Deb is captured painting, dancing and in interview describing what these paintings mean to communicate. A selection of this work will be displayed in a co-collaborative art show with Emily McBride this June 2009 at VIVA design studio & gallery in Santa Barbara.

 Deb is also currently teaching Illuminate the Artist Within ™ workshops in Santa Barbara which playfully inspire participants to awaken the creator within them via play and experimentation, abstract painting techniques, and principles that support creativity. 

 Deb Chaney is the author of The Little Inspiration Book, Ideas to Empower Women and contributing author to Sand in my Bra, Funny Women Write From the Road.   She also writes a blog (http://debchaney.blogspot.com) about life as an artist, mixed media painting techniques, studio habits, and staying creatively inspired.

 Deb grew up in Vancouver, BC, Canada where she developed a deep love of the outdoors and nature. She currently lives with her daughter in Santa Barbara, CA. When she’s not painting Deb is parenting her 6 year old, loves ocean swimming, hiking and doing yoga.

 She has sold over 50 paintings in Canada and the U.S. and is an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists and a member of The Society of Layerists in Multi-Media, The International Society of Experimental Artists, Collage Artists of America, and The International Society of Acrylic Painters.

 Contact deb after you have looked at the jivesystems website !

(805) 570-1582 debchaney@live.com

New Art! New Products on Cafepress.com!

My art student intern has been busy re-formatting the cafepress art store! Thank you Kelly!

Click here to see my favourite product so far...