Maya, Inspiration Times Four

"Maya," 6" x 8", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, portrait of a rescued Cattle Dog/Red Heeler, $324, with proceeds supporting my local no-kill shelter. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.

Maya has inspired quite a few lives. Firstly, she captured someone's eye and was pulled from a shelter and sent to a cattle dog rescue. Maya's current "Mom" learned of her via word of mouth and investigated. Living with the high energy and intelligence of a cattle dog takes a special person - these dogs aren't for everyone. But this match, Maya and her new Mom, was a perfect one. She now lives with her extended family in a home where she gets the mental stimulation, activity level and the unconditional love that these dogs thrive on.

Maya then inspired photographer Beth Adams (Candid Canine Photography), who shared imaged from their photo session with me. Beth saw the visual connection between Maya's photos and my artwork in the fall of light and soft range of colors. Then she learned I was owned by a cattle dog myself. The rest is history.

Because Maya then inspired me to paint her. Two times over. You see her Dog-a-Day painting above, and below is a new collage (I'll borrow Elizabeth St Hilaire Nelson'sphrase "paper paintings") also bearing her likeness. This image is the cover of the guest book I'm creating for my "Happily Ever Afters" exhibition at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary next month. It was created using layers of painted papers, scrapbook paper, tissue, foil, acrylic paint and other printed materials.

The guest book will carry rescue stories and experiences from people who are able to view the show as well as collectors of Dog-a-Day paintings. The contributions will eventually be edited and published as a stand-alone volume, with proceeds benefitting homeless animals. More details to follow, so stay tuned to this Bat-Channel.

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

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