Cherish, A Request for New Muses

You know that any new series of paintings evolving around the human-animal connection is bound to star my two, Finnigan and Mona Lisa. I've been wanting to paint this image ever since the teeny Mo-Bug joined our family and put Finni on his toes. What a great opportunity to paint them both, maybe even larger than life. (You can't tell clearly in this photo, but The Bug walks around with her tail in a perfect question mark shape. I might just title this painting "Huh?")

I've been invited to participate in a large scale art event - while the details are still being finalized, my assignment is to create a handful of paintings that represent my concept. I am scrambling about with excitement, designing a fresh approach to hanging the work and incorporating text, planning new marketing materials, and scouring my own references for compositional ideas. Hence my latest request  - bring me new muses!! The idea here is "Cherish." I plan to paint the human-animal bond, and through my collection of images illustrate a small fraction of the realm of emotion these companions bring to our lives. You are invited to submit non-flash photos for consideration: Photos must be taken by the submitter - no exceptions.  Photos should be in focus, and the animal must make up at least 1/4 of the photograph.  Please note that by virtue of submitting photographs, submitters are granting me permission to create original artwork from the materials they submit.  Submitters are not required to make any purchase of artwork or reproductions, but will be offered first rights to anything created. Photos should be sent via email to with the subject line "Cherish" Photos I plan on painting will be uploaded to the "Cherish" photo album inside the studio's Facebook page. I will also add links to the completed paintings as the series of work progresses. I am really excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing the latest leg of the Painting a Dog a Day journey with you!! Happy trails! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Heading Out New paintings now available!! Some are headed to galleries, some to exhibitions - inquiries may come to me and I'll gladly point you in the right direction! THANK YOU!! (Pssst, artwork makes a GREAT Mother's Day gift. If none of these will work, connect with me - we can go through my archives, plan a commissioned portrait, or put together a gift certificate, all starting at $99.) "Carousel," approximately 5-1/2" x 13", $399. Available. "From Behind," 36" x 11" (yes, this is a Very Big 'Un!!), $899. SOLD. "Match," 16" x 20", $679. SOLD. Detail of "Hotwalkers," 9" x 14", $549.  Available.