Petey #5

Petey #5, originally uploaded by debifitz.

So sorry I have been bad about posting!!!! I can not believe that September is almost gone... my mind is still in August! Which between that month and February... can't decide which I dislike more! I am also doing my taxes :/ I have always filed in Oct... nothing like waiting to the last minute! Especially when you LOVE doing them (NOT!) I will try to get the rest of poor Petey's pics up soon!! He will be getting a complex from only being half complete for so long!!

Petey #4

Petey #4, originally uploaded by debifitz.

Working left to right... top to bottom. Usually I do this pose vertically, but the client wants it for a space over her fire place where a vertical will not fit. This background however becomes a subject in itself and makes up for it! I have been taking my time with it because the client is extremely particular about everything!! Do not want it coming back for touch ups!

I have also been working on the 2014 calendar cover for Danny and Ron's Rescue. The iPad and it's brilliant new Spider Arm has come in quite handy. I took some photos of it in action.... I can't show the calendar cover until the first of Oct... when it comes out! But you get a little sneak peek here! Also a glimpse into my studio...

Petey #3

Petey #3, originally uploaded by debifitz.

Sorry I have not been on in a while... I just acquired an iPad!!! Been pining for one for a while now... to use in art work of course!! NO really! I have seen that a lot of artist are using them in place of photos for reference. I have started having issues with the co that does my printing. The photos always come out darker than what I am uploading from my computer. And my home printer's color is off. Not to mention, I was seeing the possibilities of using the iPad on the road as a portfolio and to show clients the photos that I take. I have a lap top that I have been using for a while now and I am worried about it dying on me. This way I have a back up for that also. But every time I save a few pennies, something comes up and empties the piggy bank! Well... Danny and Ron's Rescue to the rescue!! I got the most wonderful care package from them in the mail the end of last week.... an iPad 4!!! So I have been playing around with it all week. And I have started using it on their 2014 calendar cover that I am working on at the moment. I ordered an iPad armature for my work space... so that I do not have to hold it while I work. Got that yesterday and it is working beautifully! You should have seen what I rigged up while waiting for it to arrive!! I will post a pic of the new set up soon! Still getting used to the retina display instead of a photo. I will probably use both. But it is great for getting close ups for detail like hands and feet!

Back to Petey!! I do love the way this bg has turned out! In reality, the horse could not be standing on flat ground... there is a steep hill going up to the client's barn and home.  The client asked me to make it more realistic by changing the perspective of the ponds and fencing. That would have bunched them all up in the bottom third of the portrait. But compositionally, I like the way the fencing and ponds break up the piece horizontally. Petey and the pine tree are such strong vertical elements. And then I love the diagonal lines from the tree shadows soften it all.  I think this is one of my best back grounds!

Petey #2

Petey #2, originally uploaded by debifitz.

I am usually good about saving what I write for this blog before I upload it... just in case I lose it in the upload.... well I wrote this totally brilliant entry, was in a hurry, did NOT save it... and yes, I lost it!!! All about the composition and what the client wanted and how I ended up doing it... I don't have it in me to retype it... next post!!!

Petey #1

Petey #1, originally uploaded by debifitz.

19"X26" pastel on PastelMat

Here is my next work in progress to share. The horse is Petey. A hunter/jumper from Southern Pines, N.C.. Sweet guy... The back ground is part of the client's farm. Part of this is now owned by someone else, but was originally part of the family farm... so it is important to my client. So I am being a bit crazed about getting it just right. The client is a bit particular also... so I want her to be happy!! I actually love the way it is turning out... I love the sun light coming down through the trees. It gives lots of depth to the portrait.

Deya & Majee

Deya & Majee, originally uploaded by debifitz.

16"X20" pastel on PastelMat

This is a cute one I did not too long ago... I ended up doing back ground similar to a portrait I did of a springer spaniel last year.... the leaves became more pattern than realistic. I like this affect for small portraits. And believe it or not it is a little easier. I took the stepping stones from that portrait as well. I had the little dogs sitting on a outdoor table in their photographs... helps to keep the little guys from running around! And I do not have to lay down on the ground to take their pics!!

Dad&Me

Dad&Me, originally uploaded by debifitz.

Over the years I had started making cards for my Dad. I would usually find great quotes or even borrow the sayings on father's day or b.day cards (I always bought them before using!) I would go thru old photos and either cut them up and make collage cards or print them out on card stock and hand print the messages. This is all fine when I have the time... which I haven't in the last few years! And I am really bad about remembering Dad's birthday! It is the end of October... which is not close to any other family member's... not a great excuse... but that always helps! When I was in college, it was generally right before mid terms... I always forgot! Luckily he never failed to forgive me! Fathers are like that. One year while at school I was so proud of myself for finding the perfect card... well I did not read it very carefully... it was an Easter card. That was back in the days when they did not clear out the old cards from the stands! He got such a kick out of it! For my birthday (first of April) he sent me a money card for my barmitzvah! I have become known for being late with all cards. In fact it is usually considered a gift when they arrive on time!!

This year for father's day, I decided to do something a little more. I did this drawing from an old photos that I believe my grandfather took. He always loved taking photos of everyone all the time... nothing too exciting... just family lined up in front of the car or large flowering shrub! And you can tell he drove everyone a little nuts taking them all the time for every little event. I cherish each and everyone of them!

This is graphite on paper about 8"X12". But true to form... I have not given it to him yet!!! I decided to get it framed at the last minute and still have to ship it out! He knows something is coming and is being patient!