Paintings With Soul

Contour Study 3, 12" x 16", mixed media on artboard, $250 plus s&h tothe first asking nicely.I accept paypal, venmo, personal checks and payment plans.

I've been bouncing back and forth today between a number of these studies. Some come together quickly, and others need to simmer. I am learning quite a bit, in this process, and get more and more excited to try some of these ideas and processes out on a canvas. I have 10 of these artboard studies to complete, and then I'm going to go BIG.

Thanks, as always, for following along with my art journey,
Warmly, Kim

Contour Study 1, 12" x 16", mixed media on artboard, $250 plus s&h tothe first asking nicely.I accept paypal, venmo, personal checks and payment plans.

The last couple paintings I've begun started with a clear idea, but along the way, I realized I didn't have the toolbox to properly and clearly express that idea.

So what to do? Well, for one, I go to my journal and start writing. Make lists. Visualize bits. Break down the end result into smaller pieces and identify the things I need to learn. Look for artists who are onto something similar, and deconstruct their process. Talk to friends. Give myself permission to fail. And to have fun. And I start by making less imposing pieces.

Like this one.

This piece isn't the sort of end result I am seeking - but it taught me quite a bit about how to achieve said end result. And I'll be applying those lessons to another study, and hopefully that will teach me a bit as well.  Lather, rinse, repeat, right?

Thanks, as alway…

Kimberly Kelly Santini
paintings with soul
because our world needs more beauty
"Empathy," acrylic on oval gallery wrapped canvas, 16" x 20", $699 plus s&h tothe first asking nicely. I accept paypal, venmo, personal checks and welcome payment plans.Studio Newsletter, May 2019 Spring is FINALLY in Michigan, at least for the moment. I am delighting in the fresh greens and birth of color outside my windows. My heart feels lighter when color lives beyond the studio. Here's a recap of studio happenings since the February newsletter (these are supposed to be monthly, but you'll see why I'm asking forgiveness!):

In March, I hung asolo show at Stones Throw Theaterin Lapeer, Michigan, featuring over 20 siren paintings. Thank you to all who were able to visit and share their support. Special thanks to Tony for facilitating this, and in particular, being such an advocate for the arts. I look forward to working together again.

April kicked off my own 30 day challenge…

In Process Detail, currently untitled, featuring a miniature horse and a handful of hyacinths. Entire painting is 24" x 36" (pictured section is approximately 24" of the 36" width) and, when finished, will be $1599 plus s&h to the first asking kindly. Inquiries may always cometo me. I accept paypal, venmo, personal checks and payment plans.

I am seeking to become less literal and more emotive with form. I've been doing this with color and brushwork for the last couple years, and now I want to do so compositionally. It's so freaking hard, to shift from painting an actual object to painting the spiritual essence of that object. I've been at the easel for 9 hours today, and I am far more exhausted than I'd be had I just been painting this pony's likeness directly. But every minute was worth it - I'm learning SO much.

And this painting will be a stunner!

Thanks, as always, for following along with my art journey,
Warmly, Kim

"That is the Way it Was," 23" circular panel, acrylic on pine, featuring my rescued bunny Gertrude Stein, $999 plus s&h to the first asking kindly. Inquiries may always cometo me. I accept paypal, venmo, personal checks and payment plans.

Some days, I question my calling altogether. What's most important when this happens is to show up anyway, and continue to show up. Because the brushes won't pick themselves up and finish the piece for us.

Thanks, as always, for following along with my art journey,
Warmly, Kim

"The Rebirth of Wonder," 16" x 20", acrylic on gallery stretched canvas, $649 plus s&h to the first asking kindly. Inquiries may always cometo me. I accept paypal, venmo, personal checks and payment plans.

What is it about youth that is so full of wonderment? and how do we sustain this sort of wonder long-term? 

I watchedBrene Brown's Call to Couragelast night. I've read all of her books and find her studies (shame, vulnerability and courage) fascinating. This special was entertaining and enlightening, and I thought it was also serendipitous that it came across my radar randomly the same evening I was pondering the final direction of this painting.

Thanks, as always, for following along with my art journey,
Warmly, Kim