How to access the image file from project folder itself while writing to pdf using itext?

I am writing a pdf using itext where i add a image in the beginning of the document. When i use

image = Image.getInstance("C:\\company.jpg");

it works fine But when i use this code

image = Image.getInstance("items\\company.jpg");

it doesnt work.How do i accomplish that task? It tries to search for the image in the domain folder of the glassfish location.But i want it to pick it up from the project folder itself.Because later i deploy the project in a linux server where i cannot give a path of windows.So please help me accomplish this.I am using simple java program to write the pdf.Not a servlet.Thanks