Sage

Sage, originally uploaded by debifitz.

pastel on suede
private collection
actual size 11"X14"

My last surprise christmas present! Hand delivered... the client loved it! Yeah! This one was a little more difficult than I expected... all that white... or actually lots of color on a white dog. So many shades of pink and purple. I really have to be careful that all the grays, pinks, purples, and browns don't become dirty looking. After I had the head done, I thought it would al be a breeze... but all the swirls in Sage's chest kept me busy all last nite and half of today!! I debated whether or not to put her collar in. Finally decided she looked naked with out it! Plus it matched her so well!

Jake

Jake, originally uploaded by debifitz.

pastel on suede
private collection
actual size 15"X20"

This is another of my christmas present commissions. I just heard that the recipient loved it! This was done from the client's photo... and a really good one at that! I really liked the background... Didn't change a thing from the photograph. It was really nice to have a good quality photo to work with... not always the case when the photos are supplied. This dog had passed away last year and was commissioned by the owner's daughter.

I worked on the darker grey suede... as you can see from the edges.

Sketch

Sketch, originally uploaded by debifitz.

pastel on suede
private collection
actual size 16"X20"

http://www.djfitzgerald.com

This is one that is a surprise christmas present. I was given a photo that was taken at a studio with a very pink back ground. I assume that the owner likes pink and the little dog just seemed so happy that I decided to do a flowery back ground... might have gotten a little carried away. But I think it reflects the dogs personality.

Sammy, William, & Greta

Sammy, William, & Greta, originally uploaded by debifitz.

pastel on suede
private collection
actual size 20"X26"

www.djfitzgerald.com

This sweet little portrait is even more poignant in that, the dog, Greta started having seizures about 2 weeks after we shot the photos for this pastel. They were not able to control them and she had to be put to sleep. She was a very sweet and special dog... She had been at the mother's side through many tough times. And as you can see here, dearly loved William. She is missed.

I did this on suede matt board again... too pressured for time to experiment with other surfaces right now. This one was not too bad though. I did it on a lighter board, as there were no really dark areas to contend with.

I still have 4 more small pastels to complete for christmas... but 2 of them are not surprises and there for I don't have to kill myself to get them done in time! They may end up as new years presents!

Reggie

Reggie, originally uploaded by debifitz.

pastel on suede
private collection
actual size 20"X26"

www.djfitzgerald.com

This portrait was a little more difficult... the dark animals are just hard to get nice and rich looking. Plus, it seems that my computer is not in sync with my photo printer... the prints come out darker than I see them on the monitor. Eventually I will have to have some one come out and fix that. I can work around the problem until then. Working on the darker suede has helped with the blacks. But I am still trying some new surfaces... I just hate trying them on client work. If I am not happy, I end up starting over on the suede instead of trying to work out the problems.

Tux, Magnolia, & Donald #13

Tux, Magnolia, & Donald #13, originally uploaded by debifitz.

finished pastel on suede
private collection
actual size 20"X26"

Done and shipped! The frame turned out a bit golder than I remember the sample being. But I still like it... It was framed by Roger's Frame Shop here in Ocala. He has been doing all my work for the last 25 years. He does great work and is a good friend.

http://www.djfitzgerald.com/

Tux, Magnolia, & Donald

Tux, Magnolia, & Donald, originally uploaded by debifitz.

Finished and off to the framer! I took photos of this outside in the sun light... so it is a little different color than the others... which were shot off my easel. And I think it is a little dark too. But close enough! I will add a photo of it in its frame when I get it back.

Tux, Magnolia, & Donald #12

Tux, Magnolia, & Donald #12, originally uploaded by debifitz.

pastel on suede
private collection
actual size 20"X26"

www.djfitzgerald.com

almost there! Still need to work on Magnolia (shoulder and body) , the grass, and then pulling it all together.