Paintings With Soul

From 2007, a gallery stretched painting titled "The Red Collar." This piece has been in a private collection for many years (THANK YOU!). You can read about Harley, my muse, and the painting's seed of inspiration here, and then this post includes the story behind the painting's unveiling . Artists are always learning and growing, and it's sometimes hard to remember that those who might be considered accomplished started out learning the same basics as everyone else. So, as requested, this week I'll share a few older paintings, along with a checklist of what I've learned since then. First off, let me say that The Red Collar is a strong painting with a lovely mood as is. However, given the things I've learned the last few years, were I to paint it again (and I'm very tempted to!), I would change some things up. 1.  A direct light source would help accentuate the dog's beautiful form. He is very fl...

View In Process Photos I Want a Portrait Too "Banjo," 10" square, acrylics on museum quality panel, a commissioned portrait depicting a lively freckled fellow, private collection (THANK YOU!). Banjo has perfected the eye roll - he's great at giving drama, complete with heavy sighs. And he's got the neighbor's trained well, too - apparently he'll go to the shared fenceline, make eye contact with them through the windows, and bark, as if to ask politely for a treat. Which he gets. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

    Hard to believe this time last year there was no DaVinci.    And folding laundry wasn't an aerobic exercise in swinging objects through the air outside of a certain kitten's reach. And the trash can sat undisturbed in it's cupboard, along with it's contents. And I slept with my glasses on my nightstand instead of in my sock drawer. And I could leave a sandwich on the counter without second thoughts. And close a door without it getting battered from the opposite side.   He's so darned cute!   To implement this month's desktop calendar, simply 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 by no means an expert on the variety of operating systems, so I highly recommend that if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, don't email me for advice. Instead consult your computer's help files - they ...

    "Blue Heeler," 12" x 16", done in acrylics on a museum quailty panel, portrait of Finnigan, the eldest four legged Santini.   This painting is not for sale - I've got big plans (including time on my own family room wall) - however, if you want something similar starring your own pet, send me a non-flash close-up in-focus photo and we'll get things started.   Photos and inquiries should come  here .**         **Paintings in this patterned style are offered 8"x10" and larger, starting at $469 for one face on a simple ground, with a non-refundable $100 retainer. And yes, I am more than happy to set up payment plans!  Let's discuss your portrait. I visited the  Detroit Institute of Arts  this last weekend and realized that my favorite paintings were simple and direct.   I tried that approach in this one, an homage to  Odilon Redon's  ...