The New Addition!

I'll tell you more about him later, but here's the newest addition to the clan: Levi

New Design!

I've just updated the look of this blog page, using a template (of course!) to which I could add a picture of my own choosing.  I created background image you see using a photograph of a gorgeous leopard Appaloosa I was fortunate enough to photograph in early Autumn 2010, and combining it with a layer of clouds (again from a photo I took).  After converting the resulting image to black and white I added a sepia wash.  I can imagine many more things I could do to play with this image, "Cloud Runner", but thought that for now at least, simplicity was best!

Enjoy!

A Photo A Day Project

I'm working on a photo a day project, which you can see at my facebook page.  I'm not very far along, of course, but I'm certainly enjoying this experience. I must say that I've already had a couple of days where I've wondered what I've gotten myself into. Ah well, I've promised myself that this is the year to set aside fear - of both failure and success - and just move forward.
Here's a little taste of what I've 'caught' so far (primarily, I've caught a deeper passion for photography and can't wait to see it grow!)

I'm really hoping to start some portrait type shoots too. I won't know if I have a talent for it until I try, so...that will be an ongoing project.  Any volunteers?

01*01*11

Only, its really 02*01*11! LOL  Yesterday I was too busy reading photography discussion boards and blogs and then preparing to host my inlaws for our traditional Chinese food New Years Day dinner.

Its hard to believe 2011 has begun.  Where will the year take me? What will I do to challenge myself? Will I finally be able to let go of some of my fears? If I were to choose a motto for this year it would be "Fear: So What?"   I think I will go with that and see where it leads.  I read the statement in the book "Eat, Pray, Love" and heard the distinct 'ping' of recognition.  This is for me, who is afraid to fail AND afraid to succeed!

Another quote that I recently read makes just so much sense:
"To avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, be nothing" Elbert Hubbard

I suppose the same can be said of failure/success/change.

On an exciting note, for my Photographer self, I received the lens I've been longing for (for over a year): a Nikon AF-S 70-200 f2.8 GII ED, from my husband for Christmas (though my earnings from Zazzle will be paying for a goodly portion of this purchase!).  I have affectionately named it Konig, since the salesman referred to this lens as "the King" of lenses!  It was purchased at Aden Camera in the Pacific Mall, Markham. An excellent price - and rebate from Nikon at the same time. Couldn't be beat!

Here's a wee sample of my first 'play date' with Konig:

You can see a few more similar pics on my facebook page.

Someone STOLE an Image from me!

And I am very, very unhappy about it!
You - in Kansas - you downloaded the image of the charcoal drawing horse art I posted on June 2, 2010.
ALL of my art and photography is copyrighted by me - I ALONE have the right to use it, download it, reproduce it or use it on the web. 

Here's the info I have on you. I'm sure I can track you down further.
You have an option: contact me and apologize AND destroy the file you STOLE!
or things may go very, very ill for you!

Overland Park, Kansas, United States  IP Address: 76.92.116.157  Road Runner

New Horse Art

( IMAGE removed due to THIEVERY by someone in KANSAS IP Address: 76.92.116.157




I've been wrestling with my studio - its divided between two rooms, which feels like it divides my brain! Never a good thing!  I've paid my son to paint the upstairs room I use as a natural light filled studio. Really, its just a drafting table and a couple of storage pieces for now.  I share this room with three cats and their various perches. They insist on possessing window sills, so each of the five windows has something on which they may recline to view the world. I also share this room with a hand-me-down out-of-key piano, which my daughter plays on occasion; and two or three guitars hang upon another wall. Oh yes, one of the windows is occupied by a bird cage with three budgies.
Its a busy room.
No wonder I'm distracted in it!
I did manage to create one drawing so far (above)...I posted it as a Work In Progress on my facebook page.  Come on by and check it out!

Zazzle print from Renee: Portrait of a Dark Horse

CREATE  |   APPAREL  |   MUGS  |   POSTAGE  |   CARDS  |   POSTERS  |   GIFTS  |   ALL
Zazzle print from Renee: Portrait of a Dark Horse Portrait photograph of Jazz: edited from a photo taken in 2009 creates a beautiful print to buy for the horse lover at Zazzle. Visit ReneeFukumoto's store Join ReneeFukumoto's fan club	View "Portrait of a Dark Horse" by ReneeFukumoto Create your own products @ Zazzle.com

Zazzle shirt from Renee: Black Horse Head Bridled Equine Art Oval T-sh...

Zazzle shirt from Renee: Black Horse Head Bridled Equine Art Oval T-sh... This is the most recent adaptation of a design based on Jazz, my beautiful black horse muse. The design is a digital version of a headshot I took of him some time ago, encased wit Visit ReneeFukumoto's store Join ReneeFukumoto's fan club	View "Black Horse Head Bridled Equine Art Oval T-shirt" by ReneeFukumoto Create your own products @ Zazzle.com

My Equine Muse

My favourite equine muse in the world is Jazz. I have taken many pictures of this amazing guy (you can see them on my facebook page - c'mon over and become a fan! Renee Fukumoto Art & Photography) Jazz has been my muse for several years. He's the kind of horse that is trustworthy to ride, sensitive in the mouth, responsive and just all around fun. But one of the most exciting things to do is take him into the indoor arena when no one else is around and turn him loose. Explosions of energy and joy! He is the personification of "YeeHAW!" at that point, bucking, jumping and galloping around like the world was created just for him.

Sadly, Jazz has experienced ongoing trouble with Uveitis in his right eye for the past year. It has meant extensive stall rest, dim lighting, loads of medication (which he has so patiently tolerated) and very little opportunity to just be a horse. Thus, his turn out into the indoor arena became more precious. The design on the t-shirt above, of the horse kicking out high behind, is developed from a photograph I took of Jazz on one such occasion. I hope there will be many more to come! You can check out this design on many products by clicking the image or visiting my Zazzle store. Enjoy!

Pony Attitude!

Pony Attitude Girl's T-shirt by ReneeFukumoto

It was such fun painting the portrait of this little Chestnut pony.  I took a digital photograph, cut out the pony from the background in PSE5 and now can use it in a multitude of ways!  Here I'm using it at Zazzle on a t-shirt, but I also have it on  paper products like cards, business cards, postcards etc. I can use it on stationery, shoes, mugs and mousepads too! If you love ponies and appreciate "Pony Attitude" then this horse art design may just be for you!

Taking Cat Photographs

Such an interesting experience!  Of course, these are house cats, pets, princes and princesses of their domain. They do not perform. They do not permit placement or posing. So, you must accommodate their behaviour and attitudes. I do not carry light equipment with me. I do not actually own light equipment, actually. Perhaps someday...  I feel that animals like pets will often give you their best stuff if you make yourself part of their world, rather than trying to push them into some mold or ideal of ours.

Therefore I found myself crawling, lying on the floor in various positions, upside down and whatnot. The subjects of my house safari found me intriguing. The human must be doing something worth investigating. And so I was properly sniffed, climbed upon, and demanded attention of by the three performers. Approach and retreat and finally curl up and watch the silly human on the floor. Perfect!
 I'm interested to see how large I can print a couple of these portraits. I'm also looking forward to going back and taking more pictures!  There was one cat who didn't join our party - she slept my visit away, not ready for her close-up!
I've got the photo you see here and a couple of others at Zazzle. I've converted the portrait above into a graphic design for t-shirts and other items. Lots of fun, lots of possibilities!

To Ride is to Free Your Soul Horse Lover T-shirt from Zazzle.com

To Ride is to Free Your Soul Horse Lover T-shirt from Zazzle.com

Creating some new designs in the new year: this one sums up a horse lovers sentiments. A charcoal rendering of a bridled horse head with the text "To ride is to free your soul". Simple and unique.

Just Made it to ZPro!

Its pretty cool to be rewarded for one's work and efforts, especially when you feel as new to the process as I still do. I finally have the ZPro symbol beside my name on my posts in the Forum! It is so exciting to me to see the visible sign of having achieved a certain level of success at Zazzle. The Autumn and Christmas sales are what pushed my sales over the top, though I'd been climbing along steadily.


This sort of reward is definitely motivating. This year I really need to learn how to promote more thoroughly, design better, stronger designs, and continue getting my nature and landscape photography up and develop my other shops. I'm having so much fun with it while at the same time finding an audience for my work. It is wonderful!

Ever since damaging my back at work and experiencing a powerful flare up of Fibromyalgia I haven't been able to do much work outside the home. It was discouraging (to say the least!) until I found Zazzle. No, Zazzle is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Not by a long shot. However, the longer I'm in it, the longer I'm building up my design and product repertoire, the more I see it as serious business and the more I take myself and my artwork seriously. Its amazing.

I'm in a wonderful learning curve at a 'school' that includes so many talented artists and designers: my fellow shopkeepers at Zazzle!

I am very thankful! And very excited! Dare I already imagine making it to the next ZPro level?

Why not!

Live and Learn: A Commission Experience

http://www.zazzle.com/chestnut_pony_in_wooden_frame_print-228270136514590971http://www.zazzle.com/rich_chestnut_pony_portrait_print-228169531032407243

The originals of these are Stall Portraits, a small (5.5"x7") acrylic painted portrait of the horse or pony painted on a gesso'd wooden plaque, with the client's choice of background and trim colours. The lower portion of the board is open for an engraved brass name plate. I used to hand letter them, but I don't care for hand lettering really (I'm not a calligrapher!), so now that space is better served by the brass name plate. They are meant to be attached to the stall door, to be a portable and unique representation of the horse so even at an extended stay at a show you have a sense of home-away-from-home.  Of course, they're lovely used anywhere: a tack room, in the home...

 I retain the copyright to my artwork regardless of who it is created for (unless I've stated specifically otherwise, as with the donation of "Grace" to the Georgia Horse Rescue) so I think I will get busy putting their digital versions on Zazzle. They'll make lovely cards etc.  In fact, I've become rather attached to these little portraits.

Christmas Preparations...

In a departure from the usual 'picture' post I'm just gonna let off a little Christmas preparation steam.
We have been hosting the family Christmas (and Thanksgiving and Easter) gatherings for the past 7 years.  Everyone pitches in with bringing food dishes, while I do the turkey, stuffing, gravy and potatoes.  Usually the sisters-in-law and aunt cut up the turkey; people bring desserts and punch fixin's...Its a load of fun.

Unfortunately, over the last years, my own family of 6 has managed to accumulate a remarkable amount of detritus. Unwanted, unused, unnecessary stuff that really has no place here anymore. This crazy accumulation must stop! In fact, I've begun, over the last couple of years, to get rid of a lot of stuff. Somehow, everytime I turn around, there seems to be more of it. I"m baffled. Utterly flumoxed. Where does it all come from?  Why is it still here!?

Well, I've begun again to purge.  It doesn't seem to happen quickly enough, but I have, at least, managed to pass along a couple of real space-eaters: a ping pong table and an air hockey table.  I've discovered the most wonderful site:  http://www.freecycle.org/, where you can offer up your Stuff, free to good home! Love it! It makes me excited to unload our still good but unwanted stuff. Frees up all kinds of lovely space in my garage or basement, and gives the stuff a new life.   Whew!  Next will be to try Kijiji for the few items that are still worth a few bucks.

I dream, not of a white Christmas, but of a clean, uncluttered, airy home. A place where running the vacuum doesn't end up in a obstacle run, and dusting is simple because there is simply nothing to dust around! I can hardly wait!

Besides, how does one host a party for 22 people in a jungle like this?  I'm completely over having to shuffle stuff from one room to the next, hiding stuff behind closed doors, squirreling things away (in the likelihood they'll never be seen again!). Christmas is stressful because of all the clutter. Well, it may be a bit late for perfection for this Christmas, but I am declaring that by next Christmas, the clutter will not live here anymore!  (wish me luck!)  It will naturally entail giving away stuff that isn't mine, that in fact belongs to my kids or my husband. Too bad.  This is war. War on clutter. War on the junk that brings me down, that enslaves us all! (Maniacle laughter here). 

I'll try to update this...or maybe start a different blog to chronicle my adventure. Hmmm. that may be the answer in many ways.

Anyway, Merry Christmas, everyone. I wish you blessing and peace from the Father of Lights.

Horse Romance

"Romance"

Acrylic on Canvas
36" x 24"
© Renee Fukumoto
NFS - prints pending

This painting was inspired by the horses of a couple of my friends. On the left is Jazz, who remembers his stallion days and courted Friday (on the right) so sweetly. He trotted big fancy circles around her, showing off, then came to her quietly and curled his neck over hers. She tolerated him quite well. I took the picture of them in the sand ring; quite a poor photo really, and an uninspiring background. So, I gave them a domain of their own with the Niagara escarpment in the background.

I'd like to make prints of it, once I locate a place to have professional digital image made - anyone interested?  Contact me at reneefukumoto@hotmail.com

A New Camera!

Its been such fun to start using my new camera: Nikon D300s.  Though I haven't had occasion to use it extensively, I'm planning some excursions to explore the possibilities with this new tool.  My husband and daughter are excited for me, as this will leave my D80 as a backup camera and therefore available to them, they hope!  I took this photo of the crescent moon on one of the first clear nights after I got the camera. Of course, it only served to fuel my Lens Lust, as I took this photo with my 70-300 VR lens and oh boy would I love something quite a bit bigger!  I was also using my lightweight (and a bit flimsy) tripod for the shot.  Well, I figured, I'm so happy to have the camera I'll consider it incentive to get working, make some money and save for the next items on the List!  My husband, supportive guy that he is, bought my Christmas present already. He was so enthused about it, he gave it to me early (that's ok, I'll wrap the box anyway!). Its a sturdy new tripod, with lovely legs and a crank up extension. Should be such a breeze to use, compared with the old one!  Last night was another clear night, but I thought I'd wait for the moon to be full before I take another shot...of course that's a bit silly. Why wait?

Georgia Horse Rescue Art

A few weeks ago I was approached by a representative of "For The Love of a Horse", a new charitable organization in Georgia, USA, dedicated to rescuing horses otherwise bound for euthanasia or worse. They had purchased business cards with my pen & ink foal "Innocence" on them and were interested in possibly licencing this artwork to represent their organization, selling it on t-shirts etc for fund raising. I was honoured to have my art so highly considered, but since I'm unfamiliar with licencing and already sell "Innocence" on other products etc. I decided to offer them artwork created just for their organization. At this point I've completed a charcoal drawing of their "poster horse", Grace. You'll be able to read more about the organization and Grace on their website, though its under construction presently. I'm humbled and please to be part of such a worthy cause.

Dreams and Struggles

The Dream is to have a Studio space, large and bright and unencumbered by family detritus, pianos, guitars and budgies, outside the home. Separate. Sanctified (meaning "set apart"), Sanctuary.
Ahhh, the Dream will sustain me a while longer I hope.
For now the reality is cracking down on my at-home Studio Space...such as it is.
Once it existed in a spare bedroom. Then, as young people needed space of their own, it was squeezed into the 'front room' of the house; the place our out of tune gift piano resides, where things in this open-concept house continually get dumped because there is no place for them to live....
Then, I think I cluttered myself out of that space. Not to mention, it is a round room. At least, the portion of it I could occupy with drafting table, old kitchen table and easel. Carpet on the floor. Nothing worse in a studio than carpet on the floor one is supposed to preserve, somehow, in its pristine condition for eventual resale... Nothing but nothing stays pristine in a house filled with people, a dog, three cats and (now) 3 budgies, not to mention the four teenagers friends, visiting and stray animals, the general whirlwind of life.
I had ever considered the ineffectiveness of a round room. The toll it takes on one's phsyche to have no 'stop' and 'go' spot. It sure looks cool and creative. I think its best left for conversation space...and cats.

The Studio then moved to the space below that round front room (how artsy - in a turret). It landed in the 'dungeon' of the turret. Windowless, cold - not just chilly - and damp-ish, though I've been in worse! Its also a pass-through space for teenagers with hockey bags and sticks. Not conducive to leaving things in the potential path of destruction! They cut a swath of chaos with every pass. The worst of it is when they decide they just don't have time to put their bags away in their locker area, but dump it in my doorway or on the floor in the middle of the room. Aaargh!

I felt quite muddled by it and thought I was craving natural light (I am solar powered, this I know) and space etc. So I moved one drafting table back up to the front room...and my easel... but alas, no storage units so the clutter decends upon my table and prevents me from working. After wrestling with this all summer I've finally decided its time to move back down into the Dungeon, where I can shut doors, crank music or even turn on an old tv for company (watch out for snaking cords!)

Great, decision made. Unfortunately this space is now occupied by boxes of who knows what all from the adjoining workshop/locker/storage area. Oh for the love...!

Nevertheless, victory is within sight. I have determined to make this space my own, my Sanctuary, where creativity and creative messes can flow. Heaven help the boy or man who leaves their hockey gear in my space! I will paint it pink!!!

And now, I have a plan. A Plan to remove the stuff that doesn't belong. I am enlisting the help of my oldest, my girl, the delight of my eyes and my heart. She of the ordered mind, the helpful, tender spirit.

And now to visit the question of lighting....

American Saddlebred

I painted the original acrylic art from which this design is derived quite some time ago. I made the original for a friend as part of a stall portrait, meant to be hung on a stall door (or in the house.

The picture above is from my shop at Skreened I'm also using it and its variants at my Zazzle store, among other places.

You can check out my new website Ravenwood Studio for more pics, options and info.