New Painting:Pam Haner

I only have a minute, but I had to post this new painting! I'm really excited about these new pieces.

Ok, gotta run! So busy! Lots going on this week/weekend. I'll fill you in soon.

Love and TGIF,

-Fitz

New In-Progress Paintings

These are the pieces I'm working on right now. So far, so good. I'm discovering that working on two pieces this size at once is a good method. Drying time in between sittings works out perfectly.

In other news, I got to play a bit part in a T Sizzle (Tarrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens) production on Friday. I've already been nominated for a Razzie for my role as a cocktail waitress (j/k, but seriously I should stick with painting...) It was super fun. Thanks to my buddy Hilton (cinematographer on the project) for inviting me out!

On that note, I'll leave you with Hilton's latest video for NINE:FIFTEEN. 9:15 is Bisquite PowerPoppin (AKA The Character) and Blake 9. Enjoy.

Hearts,

-Fitz

NINE:FIFTEEN "BACHELORETTE PARTY" from Hilton Carter of FRESH KILL on Vimeo.

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Artist Statement/New Painting:Sarah Lee

*A note on this painting: In reality I painted Sarah's eyes a little too far apart. I was happy with the state of the work as a painting, however, so I decided to call it complete despite this discrepancy.

I've been working on revising my Artist Statement for an application process that I'm going through. Here it is, if yo interested, yo.

xo,

-Fitz

Artist Statement

I paint portraits to create the sensation of people watching. This activity is one in which every seeing human being has participated. We are drawn to look at others because they are attractive, or grossly unattractive. They have unusual style, features, or an air that we are envious of. We look at people to see what we would like to look like and what we are glad we do not. We look at people to see if we recognize them or can put them into context. In the same way one may watch reality TV, or sift through photos on Facebook to get an up close look at real people, my paintings allow the viewer to observe others in a non-intrusive way. I work with the model to portray him or her in a natural state, with the intent to not only capture visual likeness, but also something of what the person is “like.” Depicting just the right squint, snarl, or serene expression in my painting helps the viewer know more about the subject than just how he or she looks. It is important for this connection between artwork and viewer that the piece relies on the portrait subject alone, devoid of narrative or background setting. Because I paint many people who I’ve only met once, or maybe never before our initial photo session, part of my process is getting to form an instantly more intimate connection with my subject. Although my portraits visually capture my subjects, I retain a painterly quality with obvious brushstroke to explore a traditional subject matter in a fresh way. In future paintings, I want to include multiple figures on the canvas, preserving each figure as an individual with surrounding negative space, while inviting the viewer to imply relationships between the figures.

Here's An Almost Complete Portrait For Your Friday: Caitlin Mc

As I continue try to think like a painter, and not just a portrait artist, I'll mention that there is a bit of creative liberty in my paintings. I tend to exaggerate features, line, and shadow a bit. This can slightly age the subject. This doesn't mean that I think you are old. I am probably older than most of you anyway (Shut up! I'm totally skipping my birthday this year!)

That said, I'm really loving this painting of Caitlin. The light was perfect on the day that I photographed her. Her clean, simple look is translating into gorgeousness.

This may be a good time to talk about how one should "pose" for a portrait. When looking back through my work, I noticed that the paintings that I did based on photos of people standing in bright sunlight yielded many great results. The subjects were so focussed on keeping the sun out of their eyes that I was able to capture natural expressions on their faces. They couldn't help but not pose.

As you may, or may not know, I have two shows coming up that will require around 30 new portrait subjects. If you want to be a good model here's what you need to know:

1. Less is more. Ladies, don't overdo the makeup!

2. Your "this is how I look good in a photo pose" will look cheesy as hell in a drawing or painting. Any distorting that you normally do to get a good facebook photo will probably look weird.

3. I really don't want to paint or draw your teeth.

4. Think about what you are wearing.

5. Don't worry about zits. I'm not going to paint them on you. Sick.

6. Relax.

This is a good starter list. I'll be starting to select new models soon.

Ok, I'm going to get back to work.

K.I.T.

-Fitz

Two New In-Progress Paintings:Sneak Peek

I've been painting a lot lately... and I'm getting ready to paint a whole lot more. I have two up-coming shows that will consist of about 30 paintings (total between the two,) and I've also been working on pieces, like the in-progress portraits pictured above, for residency/fellowship applications. It feels great! I'm excited about where this is all going...

In other news, I have a chipmunk cheek.

In other news, I got an early birthday present...Orioles home opener tickets. I'm the most excited about that.

See you soon,

-Fitz

I'm still working on this painting, but I thought I'd give you an update, as it has changed quite a bit. New works coming soon.

xo,

Fitz

p.s. My buddy Abdu Ali Eaton has a blog: eatonthis and he featured this painting as well as the new Blaqstarr video. Abdu is on it.