Paintings With Soul

Detail from a 10" square portrait of a cake. Yes, this is a portrait (as opposed to a still life) because this cake is far more than a mere cake. It's a special Sweet & Savory cake , chocolate with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting. And nobody warned me that setting this beast under a hot studio light would fill the space with the delectable smell of warmed sugar. I could eat the whole thing myself now. Right now. This is not a pumpkin pie, I know, but it's a pretty darned good second choice. Trust me on this - and I have a big ole slice with your name on it, as a thank you for just being you. Nearly 14 years ago, I quit my desk job to be a stay at home mom. I unpacked my studio shortly thereafter, and started painting at the dining room table. Somewhere along the way, you found out about my artwork, decided to check it out, and then decided to stick around. You may be even purchased a painting or told a friend about my work or came to a class. ...

"Millie," 10" x 20", acrylics on a Raymar panel, portrait of an Old English Sheepdog, private collection (thank you!). Let me know if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet  (and yes, I offer gift certificates for holiday gift giving). It's time to make the donuts. Or rather, stuff the turkey! I'm signing out to go play in the kitchen and fill our home with good smells. Hoping you are able to do the same - and if you don't enjoy cooking, then I hope that you are able to go sit in someone's home who does and benefit from their efforts!! Happy Thanksgiving! Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Unbelievable, that it's December already. Unreal. You can download the file   directly from my website . I've set up a couple different ways to do this, either via the photo album or a direct link. I am not an expert on operating systems, so if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, please don't email me - I will indubitably steer you wrong. Your computer's help files will be more concise, more knowledgeable and more responsive than I could ever hope to be.  I've sized this to fit a standard screen height of 768 - I realize there are lots of variables that could impact how the file displays on your screen. Let me know if, once you get the file installed, there are display quality issues (keep in mind, too, that options such as "stretching to fit," "tiling" and "cropping" will impact your display, so check those first!). Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

My book of color, "A Dog Named Blue," was released about a year ago. The pages feature full color images of my paintings paired with clever color-centric phrases. You can see inside the book here , and order your own copy (or copies of any of my other publications) here . But keep on reading - you could win a copy, too! Last week the Warrior Princess got her wings. Those of you who have been long time subscribers know The Warrior Princess, a friend of my teenage daughter. When The Warrior Princess was diagnosed with leukemia last summer, many of you rallied by donating blood and platelets, purchasing artwork flagged as a fundraiser for her family, donating items for a charity event, and sending notes/cards /prayers of encouragement. You made a difference. Because of your love and support, she rallied for an extended stay with us. But last week, that time ended, and we said goodbye, fittingly, at a funeral service capped by a community-wide group hug. Be...

Detail of an in process painting, working title "The 9th Race, On the Turf," 8-1/2" x 24", acrylics on Ampersand gessobord, featuring a field of horses crossing the finish line. Available for $1199, inquiries may come to me . My head is still at the track, and clearly not paying attention to the snowfall outside, thinking of sunshiney days and bright green grass. And that First Saturday in May. I'm sure by now you've heard the news that I'm the 2015 Kentucky Derby Artist . I'm still processing what that means, and today I allowed myself to think of nothing but Thoroughbreds, sunshine, and spring like weather. In process photos are on Facebook - feel free to join in the conversation over there! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Ursula and Daisy," 18" x 24", acrylics on cradeled Ampersand gessobord, commissioned portrait of canine sisters, private collection (Thank  you!). Ask nicely if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet  (and yes, I offer gift certificates for holiday gift giving). I've Been Working on These Two For a Couple Days You can see in process photos here . I am especially fond of the soft edge work. It amplifies the tenderness between the dogs. And despite the lack of variety in values, there is plenty of interest in the planes. Many thanks to those who have joined in celebrating my Derby Artist gig! I am delighted to share this honor with all of you - I'll share more info tomorrow on how you can follow along with my journey to the first Saturday in May. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Remember The Big Secret Painting From This Summer? It was the artwork for this coming year's Kentucky Derby. You can see my finished painting here , order a signed poster here , and read the official press release here . Saying this is an honor is an understatement. It is more tremendous than anything I ever could have imagined. And I would not ever have even been a candidate were it not for the love and support of an incredible network of friends and family. I've had a fan club from the very beginning and mentors who were always generous with ideas and inspiration. Add in a little old fashioned elbow grease, and something marvelous was bound to happen eventually. I still can't believe I'm going to The Kentucky Derby! As the artist! Pinch me!  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

My Suitcase is Packed.... ....and I'm off! Wanna guess where I'm going? I will share photo updates as my weekend unfolds. You can follow along with the beginning of a grand adventure on my Facebook page . Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Finished, complete with studio light glare in upper left, "Hidalgo," 16" x 20", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned equine portrait of a stunning paint horse, acrylics on a museum quality panel. Ask nicely if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet . So? is this one of my best ever? It could be the adrenaline, but I'm feeling that way. And now it's on to the next painting adventure. Just you wait! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Sniff," 18" x 21", tissue paper and acrylics collage on Ampersand gessobord, featuring canine noses representing 12 different breed groups. This mixed media piece was created six(?) years back for a poster contest and went into storage afterwards. I think it deserves a home, don't you? So I'll let it go to the first one asking nicely - for an "adoption fee" of $99, including shipping within the US. Excerpt below is truer to color and shows the patterning and detail in each of the noses. SOLD. An antique secretery desk is storage for my unsold daily paintings. It's perfect - all the little cubbies are great for nesting panels. And if a piece is too large for the cubbies, it goes into a portfolio behind my wall-to-ceiling bookshelves. Which means the paintings are out of sight. Which means I sometimes forget what's on hand. Which means that occasionally I need to revisit the out-of-sight-out-of-mind-sto...

In Process, "Hidalgo," 16" x 20", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned equine portrait of a stunning paint horse, acrylics on a museum quality panel. Ask nicely if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet . View In Process Photos Remember the paintings Luna inspired ? Hidalgo is picking up where they left off, in a gloriously sized way. I swear I can hear him blowing and snuffing around the easel when my back is turned. And he's not even finished yet. I may FINALLY have the pony I've always wanted! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Still Waters (Bear)," 16" x 20", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a Golden Retriever I've painted more often than my own dog (and hope to paint many, many more times), acrylics on a museum quality panel. Ask nicely if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet . Some faces are so timeless, I could never tire of painting them. Such is Bear's - I hope to get to create many more pieces inspired by him. Provided fate continues to allow that. While running errands today, I was delayed by a feral pregnant kitty. I tried unsuccessfully to lure her close enough for a good look (or a quick drive to a warm bed in my garage), but she outwiled me. After a fruitless 45 minutes, I left her a chicken breast, messaged my friend who's an animal control officer, and went on my way. Only to discover emergency crews caring for the injured at a serious car accident which occurred exactly at the point I would have been ...

In process, "Still Waters (Bear)," 16" x 20", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of Bear, a Golden Retriever I've painted more often than my own dog, acrylics on a museum quality panel. Ask nicely if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet . View In Process Photos I've been working on Bear's wet coat, the reflections of light, and the contrast balance for most of the day. Doesn't he look absolutely wonderful?! The end is in sight, very very close, but I'm starting to get cross eyed. While I am eager to sign this painting, I am also very aware of the dangers of pressing forward when my head isn't totally clear. Which was one of the toughest things for me to learn - when I need to fully embrace patience, and when it is necessary to power through a difficult passage. So I am going to set him aside for a little this afternoon. Perhaps I'll do some journaling or work on a small...