The Canine Art Guild

"Drip Dry," a favorite painting of mine inspired by a hot day, a delightful german shorthaired pointer, and a creekbed. We all drip dried on our way home! This piece has won many awards and is currently available via Spa Fine Art. Inquiries here.

The Canine Art Guild (CAG) is an international gathering of artists who - no stretch of the imagination necessary - specialize in dog imagery. Actually, the monikor is a little deceiving, as our membership creates far, far more than just artwork that stars Man's Best Friend, but the dog art is our common thread.   About a dozen artists and myself started the group years ago (2007? my brain is a little fuzzy these days) with the idea of creating a community where artists could collaborate, network, and share business practices. We modeled ourself off the now sadly defunct Equine Art Guild, an online forum where many of us met and forged friendships.    Initially, founding CAG members were connected via a group email. Over the years, our offerings expanded to include a website, a membership directory, online exhibitions, tutorials, editorial priviledges on our blog, both private and public discussion forums, and a host of other benefits. Our current membership numbers around 100 strong, and we have artists working in every possible media from all corners of the world.   Typically I spend at least a half day each week working with the members on one project or another, making sure things are running smoothly and that new ideas get the attention they deserve.   Larger projects are in store for the CAG this year, including a website overhaul, both in design and architecture, something I am currently researching and planning out. Even in the early stages, I can tell that this will involve a significantly greater investment of time!!   I also worked on building a private social media styled forum where members could more easily connect. And processed new member applicants while updating renewals.   Before I knew it, it was too late in the day to move to the easel. Drat. That means I'll have to work extra hard with the paints tomorrow!   You can find out more about the CAG, including how to become a member, and view our latest online exhibition here.   Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Detail of "Snow Much Fun," private collection (THANK YOU!)   Why Professional Affiliations?   Ok, so I'm an artist and the majority of the magic happens at my easel, so why do I need to network? Here's just a few reasons to consider joining a professional affiliation:   I  learn of exhibition and learning opportunities outside my normal radar I may survey others who offer similar products for best business practices I can share - and receive - links and information on industry specific trends I will foster and form lifelong friendships I can share my artwork with others at a variety of career levels, gathering both critiques and sharing advice I benefit from any exposure or marketing the group does I learn of other artists who are working with similar subject matter/materials as myself I build my own reputation for mentoring/studying vis the connections established I have the opportunity to work on committees, learning in-depth about processes and tasks I might not otherwise have been exposed to I can take advantage of others' knowledge when planning trips/projects outisde my known area I am able to network and open up the door for any sort of possibility - exhibit, gallery representation, teaching, travel, etc.