Painting Pet Portraits - An Artists' Workshop

Last night I led a group of 15 brave-hearted artists in a workshop focused on painted pet portraits. These "kids" were amazing - for some of them, this was their first time using acrylics, their first time painting an animal, and/or their first time painting loosely. They tackled the assignment with vigor and attitude and laughter.

And I've gotta say, the results were spectacular!

Scroll down for more photos of the fun!

I shared my techniques for painting loosely, with a focus on expressive brushwork and using lots of bold (yet still harmonious) color. We discussed the elements of a strong composition, how to best accent the focal point, learned some color mixing approaches and a little bit of color theory.

The most important thing to me was that everyone learned something new which they could carry into their own method of working.

Even I came home with some new tidbits!

A special thank you to the Anchor Bay Artists' Group for inviting me out. And an extra warm thanks to the 15 who shared their time with me yesterday - I hope that you are all safe and warm and looking forward to painting your way through this next snow storm!

And that goes for everyone - please stay safe during this nasty weather!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Bad Kitty Update

This is Mona's new favorite spot - the top of my taboret.

It gets warmed by a heat duct and is conveniently situated so that she can watch Finnigan herding the snowflakes outside. When he heads around to the front door, she's got ample time to reposition herself for an ambush.

This particular perch is also key in that should I not be suitably worshipping at the shrine of Mona, all she need do is casually flip paintbrushes onto the floor for some immediate attention.

I'm not certain what the next couple days have in store for us other than a wee bit of snow (that would be sarcasm, folks), but rest assured that the Santini's will be safe at home. We have no plans to do anything other than periodically shovel ourselves out. And we'll be hosting the Bananagrams Championship of the Universe.

And of course, after I defend my Bananagrams Crown, I'll be painting. I'll update the Painting a Dog a Day blog, assuming we have power and internet.

Fingers and toes crossed that all in the path of this storm have the same (at least).

PSST - See the artwork behind Mona Lisa? This is one of my all time favorite pieces. It's a reproduction of Sheona Hamilton-Grant's "Legacy."(Sheona, I hope you don't mind your shout out coming from the Bad Kitty column!!) I love to surround myself with artwork that inspires, and Sheona's drawings do just that AND more.

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Paintings With Soul

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