I'm Deborah Ann Klenzman

ArtistPhotography & Paintings in Oil & Pastel

Based in Northern California, I specialize in People & their Pets.

Portfolio

Portrait Photography

Whether it's a large family gathering or you and your furry companion, I will put you in the best light.

Pet Photography

I am best known for my pet photography because of my love & patience with animals, my knowledge of animal behavior & my ability to put my subject at ease.

Paintings

My paintings, in oil or pastel, are created by hand drawing, not copying or computer manipulation. Know that when you commission a painting, you are getting a true classic work of art.

Promotional Head Shots

Having worked in the commercial & fashion world for years, I know how to achieve glamour and style, or a professional look for the business executive.

Fine Art

My favorite subjects for my artwork are flowers and the bond between animals and people.

Commission Art

It is my joy to create a specialized portrait in oil of your loved one. I prefer to work from life, but if it's not possible, just provide photo references of your subject, whether it's a fur baby or a child, so that I can get a feel for personality.

About The Artist

I started drawing and painting animals when I was just 7 years old. Growing up on a farm in the Midwestern United States, I had many pet dogs, cats, and bunnies as well as farm animals to draw and photograph. I officially started my career in 1986 as a commercial photographer in Minneapolis, MN. After receiving a BS in Advertising with a minor in Art, I worked as a graphic artist and a professional photographer. My award winning photography and illustrations have been seen on TV, in national clothing stores, in books, newspapers and magazines. I have also worked in the TV industry for almost 30 years. I arrived in California in 1993 and started Progressive Portraits in 2014 after taking a course in "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron.

Testimonials

Cris Hart

Meadow Vista, CA

“We appreciate how quickly Deborah fit us into her busy schedule when we learned that our dog Spike was in his last days. She made an ill dog comfortable & at ease. The pictures were just beautiful! My husband & I will cherish these memories of our beloved Spike for years to come.“

Curt Hough

Rocklin, CA

“Debbie is multi-talented. An amazing photographer with boundless creativity, she is also an incredible artist. She painted a portrait of my two dogs & I was blown away by the end result. She has also painted a portrait of my wife's daughter as a small child, & the beauty & detail were breathtaking. She's very low-key & easy to communicate with.“

Dr. Nancy Kalish

Sacramento, CA

“I just love the photography that Debbie did of my granddaughter! Recently I adopted a new Briard puppy & Debbie took really wonderful shots of the both of us. In fact, those are the best photos I've had taken.“

Carol Ritter

Fair Oaks, CA

“I love the pictures of my dog Ruby! Deborah did a great job! I can't wait to put Ruby's photo in a frame and hang it in the living room for all my guests to see. Thanks!“

Roger Vanderplatts

Rancho Cordova, CA

“Debbie did a photo shoot of my dog Molly and I along the American River Parkway. She scouted out some great photo locations along the river that Molly and I frequented almost daily. The photos turned out fantastic. Molly recently passed away. Debbie's photos of Molly and I will be a life-long reminder of the many joyous hours we spent together.“

Brenda Hurst

Gold River, CA

“Our Kassie just truly loves you! The pet portrait you did of Kassie captures her completely. We get so many compliments on her picture.”

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a natural talent with animals to set them at ease. So many of my clients have expressed amazement that their shy pet will come to me. I've also studied dog, cat and bird behavior through years of observation, books and my local SPCA classes. There are some simple tricks that I use with hyperactive dogs that I'm going to keep as my secret for now.

Working from life is the best way to create a painting since I experience personality and the true appearance. However, sometimes this is not possible if your loved one has grown up or passed on. The more high-quality photos I am given, the better to adequately capture the spirit of the person or animal.

I have a studio in Placerville, as well as a mobile photography studio, which allows me to come to your location and quickly set up a studio that features lights, props and backdrops. This is more ideal for pets that remain more calm in their home territory. Outdoor photography is another great option with nearby natural backdrops like rivers, mountains, forests and the ocean.

My mother and aunts were artists, so I began painting and doing photography by age 7. I worked as commercial and fashion photographer as well as a graphic artist in the 80's and 90's. When I moved to California in 1993, I began working for a portrait photography company. In 2001, a health scare led me follow my dreams to become an independent artist. So I started my business, Progressive Portraits in 2004 after taking the course, "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron.

Portrait Photography

30

Commission Paintings

60

Fine Art

10

Creativity

100

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