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"Bailey," 4" square, terrier mixed breed commissioned pet portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!).

I had to paint a little pumpkin face today, and Bailey fit the bill entirely. PLUS, she also fell into that whole skin tone category that I've been working on lately. And since I returned from class last night with a palette full of mountains of various flesh colors....

I got my wish at class yesterday, too - our model had a wirey gray beard and moustache full of undertones and textured just like a westie. That put me at ease immediately - I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I could tackle a human portrait with more success than a still life. Imagine that! I get next week's class to continue tweaking my portrait, and if I don't mess things up entirely, I'll share it with you. (Well, really, I should share it even if I do screw it up, simply as an example of one of many pieces that don't make it into the public's eye. I have a lot of "learning experiences" as I like to call them piled up int he studio, waiting to be painted over!).

I have another fun piece on the easel right now, but it needs a little tweaking still. Perhaps I'll get a few minutes between trick-or-treaters tonight to put the finishing touches on, and you'll get a second painting later on.

And, here's a link to the AKC's press release about the poster contest. The posters will be available for purchase through the AKC store on their website in early December. http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3335 Wow. This is for real. I keep pinching myself.

Thanks, as always, for looking.
And for sharing these pet portraits with your friends and family!
Enjoy your evening,
Kim

Kimberly Kelly Santini

http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/

distinctive pet portraits


come sit stay


proud founding member of

The Canine Art Guild

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