Paintings With Soul

"Freya," painted sketch, image roughly 4-1/2" x 9" on a 9" x 12" page, commissioned portrait of a Doberman Pinscher. This portrait has been sold (THANK YOU SO MUCH!!). However, if you would like something similar, I offer a limited number of painted sketches each year, and inquiries may always come my way  - I can add you to a waiting list. Taking a Cue From a Master  Carol Marine , a daily painter of tremendous renown, spends a lot of time traveling and enjoying her family. And one of the things that enables her to do this is what she calls "painting ahead" - she prepares her daily paintings ahead of time, and schedules her blog posts for those days when she may be on the road/unplugged from the internet. And this is what I did yesterday and last night - I stole her idea, and painted ahead. Why? Well, for one, I'm supposed to be teaching tonite (Thursday the 18th) (I say supposed to be because class is outdo...

"Phia," painted sketch, image roughly 7" x 6" on a 9" x 12" page, commissioned portrait of a Doberman Pinscher. This portrait is sold and I offer a very limited number of painted sketches each year, but inquiries may always come my way . Welcome to Summer!  School let out and we bolted for the hills! Irish Hills, that is! We spent a wonderful long weekend with the Kelly clan, fishing, boating, swimming, toad hunting, balloon animal making, feasting, pictionary-ing, playing volleyball and whiffle ball, toasting smores around the campfire, and generally making the sorts of memories that will be cherished a long, long time. Meanwhile, I'm adjusting to my summer schedule - starting the day out with a few household things, spending my afternoons with the kids, and whiling away late nights in the studio. I love being able to sleep in, take the dog swimming in the creek, and relax with The Caped Crusader and The Princess. I know they...

"Betty," painted sketch approximately 4" wide, roughly centered on a 9" x 12" paper, depicting a sweet little Yorkie, private collection (THANK YOU).  View Other Recent Sketches I can't put it off any longer. The Princess's summer vacation starts in 1-1/2 days. And while I'd like to swath her in lots of loose layers, summer temperatures have finally arrived.  Which means I get to go swim suit shopping. Today. Do you know how difficult it is to find age appropriate beach wear for a 13 year old? Here's hoping the stars are aligned. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim PS Not sure who this embarrasses more - her or me, but she's one bra size smaller than her mother. At 13. Ouch.

"Lexi," 9" x 12", commissioned portrait of a Doberman, acrylics on museum quality panel, private collection. Inquiries may come to me, though, as I can work this sort of magic with YOUR dog. Lexi has hiked many a trail in Big Sur and played in the Pacific waves, and despite recently losing a leg to cancer, she embraces life and the outdoors with the same energy and delight. It was important to include that in her portrait, along with a hint of Mother Nature. I'm waiting on pins and needles to see if Lexi's Mom approves of this one. I don't want to curse myself, but I think it might be one of my best portraits to date. None of that matters, though, if Lexi's family doesn't agree. Off to my presentation this evening at the Romeo Guild of Art - I'll be talking about using social media as a marketing tool. And tomorrow I have something extra special planned - I can't wait! Thanks for following alo...

    IN PROCESS, Triple Threat, 12" x 22", commissioned portrait depicting a family of little troublemakers (Yorkshire Terrier and Yorkie mixes), done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. This one is heading to it's new home as soon as it dries, but  ask  about having your own pets memorialized in an original painting!     I was angered yesterday to learn of yet another "artist" who copies others' artwork and presents it as their own. And a so-called "artist" selling original oil painting portraits that are really photos run through a computerized filter printed on canvas and coated with varnish. And a company that's made a habit for years of stealing artists' designs and selling them as their own.   It seems like there's no shortage of people trying to make a buck off another's hard work.   I'm sending warm thoughts to my friends and colleagues who are preparing for copyright battles - and thinkin...

    Patience, 12" x 12", depicting a beautiful tri-colored spaniel, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. Patience is the  #PaintMeSantiniOctober  winning portrait, and SM is gleefully adding this painting to her collection. Reproductions can be ordered  here , and inquiries about getting a portrait done of YOUR dog may always come  to me .     It was a tough call,  narrowing down the #PaintMeSantiniOctober contest candidates to a handful , and then choosing from among them. Thank you so much to everyone who played along and so generously fed my muse - I do see more paintings in the works here!!   But this piece is our winning portrait - chosen because of the timeless mood/pose, the fabulous play of pattern against quiet negative space, and the riot of color in his face.   Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

      "Bucky," image approximately 5-1/2" x 5" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" bristol board, done in acrylics, depicting a much beloved Daschund, private collection (THANK YOU!!).   Bucky's over on  the studio Facebook page  - there's a couple pics of his portrait in process.   Want a Santini original of your own?  email me  and we can talk about a portrait of your four legged family member! Thanks! Kim Santini ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

  "Leia and The General," image approximately 12" x 7" roughly centered on a 17" x 14" piece of bristol board, done in acrylics. This special commission will be headed soon to a new home (thank you so very much!).     It's not every Monday I get to paint Princess Leia and The General. I'm just saying.   Fondly, Kim, who is grateful for her little Star Wars jaunt today, but also for the sacrifices of the millions of men and women who put their lives on hold to protect my freedoms. And the freedoms of my family. There is no compensation for that, but my heart is trying. ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com