Remembering Turtle, my own studio muse

"Calico in Profile (Turtledove)," 8" square, calico cat portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, not yet available for purchase. I have two different shows on my radar for this painting, which will get framed and prepped to share with a new audience. Interested collectors may email me at ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .

This is my Turtle, the studio namesake, as she was several years ago, fat and content, before she started showing her age. I hadn't painted Turtle in many months, but doing Jack yesterday made me lonesome. Seeing her likeness materialize out of paint was oddly welcoming - like she had returned for a visit. There's a second painting of her on the easel right now, with that forthright gaze and her lopsided mask - that one has been more difficult to work on because her eyes lock into mine and demand interaction.

This painting, however, practically slid off the brushes. It was ridiculous. While working, I realized exactly how much had changed since the fall of last year, her final one, when she watched the leaves turn and the squirrels hurry about the yard. Had Turtle known then the journey she was about to begin?

Thanks, as always, for looking.
And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family,
Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.turtledovedesigns.com

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