The new 2016 calendars are ready with a unique work of art produced in 2015 for every month. Calendars measure 4.5 x 5.25 and come in a self-standing jewel box. These little beauties are just $10 with free shipping. What a great way to keep track of your schedule and support original art!

There I was at my desk toiling away on something or other when I received the call. “Deborah, I’m pleased to tell you that you are a finalist for the Nancy Pearl Award.” I wasn’t sure I’d heard her. Who was this, really? After some assurance, it was confirmed that the little book that could had actually placed in the top five of the Memoir category for the prestigious prize. I am beyond thrilled to be considered among so many talented writers. The awards dinner is on July 18th, smack dab in the middle of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association’s conference. Can’t wait to meet and greet the best and brightest in the field. You can find the book in digital or hard copy form on Amazon or buy from Etsy (hard copy only).

It’s raining in the Paramount Hotel in downtown Seattle. Six paintings from the Rainy Ladies series were commissioned and now hang in the hallways on the 2nd and 4th floors. The hotel was searching for water-related original art and the umbrella paintings filled the bill. If you find yourself in need of accommodations, check out this fine local supporter of home-grown art.

I’m happy to have a painting of mine make the cover of Stone Voices art and literary magazine! The publication features a wide variety of artists and they did an amazing spread on my work. I wasn’t expecting to make the cover and I was stunned when I opened the package! I urge you to check out the site and see some of the great work from the publisher Shanti Arts.

Hey guys and dolls. Save the date for our sweet, sweet Holiday Art Party at the super cool Piranha Shop gallery in the shadow of the mighty Seahawks Stadium. There’ll be food stuffs and music and wine by Welcome Road Winery. I’m doing my part by painting my heinie off and Brooke Belman will have brand-spankin, amazeballs photos for your viewing enjoyment. Invite all your pals and don’t you dare miss it!

24 x 24, Acrylic, pastel, brass tacks and gold leaf on wood panel

Linus Art Gallery in the US Southern California region is hosting its annual abstract juried competition. I’ve been fortunate to be among the exhibiting artists in this stunning show. Check out this beautiful gallery and the amazing work in this year’s competition.

24 x 24, Acrylic, pastel and gold leaf on canvas

I’m please to announce I’ve been awarded Best Painting in Still Point Gallery‘s Earth Water Fire Air: Our World in Abstract. There’s some great work in the show and I’m honored to be part of it.

Still Point Art Gallery is a production of Shanti Arts Publishing, promoters and champions of artists and writers around the globe.

Abstract art uses color, shapes and lines to create art independent from visual references in the world. A type of art full of expression and passion. And yes, abstract means something that is not attempting to represent reality but with a basic idea of the history of abstract art, you can apply a method to every painting you see—so when you’re faced with a “what the heck am I looking at” piece, you’ll know where to begin. Artsicle has a great blog to help understand the language of the abstract.

24 x 24, Acrylic, pastel, brass tacks and gold leaf on wood panel

Linus Galleries out of LA, Pasadena and Long Beach California hosts regular online competitions to promote a range of artistic themes and disciplines. I’m please to announce a painting of mine in the ‘Red’ series is a finalist in the international Abstracts competition. Finalists go on to be judged for acceptance in a live show in one of the Linus Gallery locations so fingers crossed, I may be headed to the Golden State.