Frodo Sage & Sadie

Frodo Sage & Sadie, originally uploaded by debifitz.

pastel on le carte pastel paper
private collection
actual size 25.5"X19.5"

www.djfitzgerald.com

This is the first time I have tried the le carte pastel paper. I had it mounted on matte board for stability. I almost always have my papers mounted before I work on them... I figure the framer is going to have to mount the piece for framing, so I might as well do it. It makes it easier to work on and ship. And I don't have to worry about it coming back because it was smeared in the mounting process. As for the le carte paper... I liked it for this piece... all the white was a pain. But I like the way I could get more detail in the dogs, being as small as they are here. I think I like the le carte board better... but I don't think I can get it in the bigger size. It has a little bit stickier surface, which I found interesting.

I have just ordered 2 new pastel surfaces... one is a velour board made by Hamuhle. This is my last try with velour! The other is one I am a little excited about... Clairefountaine pastelmat card. All the reviews were extremely positive... including a couple that were ready to give up on pastels until they tried this surface. There was also 2 really nice portraits as examples. I am really excited to try this one... just have to figure out which piece to do on it first!

I hand delivered this portrait to the client on my way up to Tn. for a family reunion in the Smokey Mts.. The client was very happy with the piece and I had a great time at the reunion. I will post some pics from the mountains soon. I drove home a long the Blue Ridge Pky.... one of my favorite things to do. I discovered another craft center on this trip. I love looking at appalachian hand crafts. I have decided I want to take up whittling... in my spare time of course!!