AT TOP: The first Dog a Day painting, a 4" x 6" study of Arwen, from October 2006. At bottom, an 8" square Dog a Day painting from January 2015.
Who would have thought back in 2006 when I made my daily painting pledge and started “Painting a Dog a Day,” that it would grow into this?
The original premise was that each day would bring about one new pet portrait, and I was to keep this up for one year. But I had so much fun, I never stopped.
The idea caught on over the years, inspiring other artists to begin their own daily pet portrait projects. But I was proud that my commitment started well before anyone else's and continued long after the others put their daily brushes down.
2013 brought painting #1500 and with that a new title - "Paintings with Soul" - one I think better epitomizes the work coming off my easel these days.
2015 brought about the distinctive honor of being the Kentucky Derby Artist.
Over the years my subject matter expanded to include more than just canine friends - domesticated animals, children and vintage toys and candies are now a regular part of the mix. Future plans include a continued expansion of subject matter, especially in the area of young dancers (imagine Degas meets Matisse) and childhood treasure.
2015 brought about the distinctive honor of being the Kentucky Derby Artist.
Over the years my subject matter expanded to include more than just canine friends - domesticated animals, children and vintage toys and candies are now a regular part of the mix. Future plans include a continued expansion of subject matter, especially in the area of young dancers (imagine Degas meets Matisse) and childhood treasure.
But I haven't changed the archives up one bit - all the blog postings and daily paintings are still available on the blog.
Original paintings, along with reproductions and notecards of select images are available in my FineArtAmerica storefront. If you don’t see the painting you want, please let me know.
You can purchase Painting a Dog a Day publications here.
And yes, I am still doing pet portraiture - I accept a limited number of commissions these days, focusing on my own artistic growth, satisfying inventory needs for gallery representation, and traveling to teach multi-day workshops. Email me and we can start talking about your special project: ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com
