Paintings With Soul

  "Kinsley," 9" x 12", commissioned portrait of such an adorable little girl, acrylics on museum quality panel. This dog painting has a home - but does your home have a dog painting? Museum quality 8" x 10"s featuring one dog on a simple ground start at $499; other sizes and complexities priced accordingly.   Reach out  to start the conversation. Thanks, as always, for following along on my art journey, Warmly, Kim

"Queenie," 8" x 12", acrylics on copper panel, portrait of a very relaxed yellow labrador retriever, $849 to the first asking nicely. Here's an in process video where you can better appreciate the play of light on this painting. Inquiries may come to me .  I worked a little more on Annie's latest portrait last nite and made a mess of things (photo in above link conveniently taken prior to mess being made). So today I wanted to tackle a painting that was firmly entrenched in my comfort zone. Enter Queenie, from a friend's photo I have been wanting to paint for years (thank you Jen!). And of course I take my sweet old time with this one, savoring every brushmark, doing it all by the book, thinking it's all finished, scan it, and only THEN do I see some changes I want to make.  Grumble, grumble, grumble. Thanks for your interest in my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

We're going to call this one "Blackie," so as to protect those who might know his/her real identity. Because Christmas is on the line here. "Blackie" is a 6" x 8" portrait, obviously a black dog, perhaps a lab mix, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. And shortly, Blackie will be shipped, then wrapped and tucked away until Christmas morning. Blackie is the last of my holiday commissions - which means the pressure is mostly off. I say MOSTLY because I still have "13" to finish - a 30" x 40" exhibition piece that is due December 22nd.  But meanwhile I'm playing with ink lines and color and curved canvases . Because one of my superpowers is procrastination. Thanks for your interest in my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

I cleaned out my small painting storage yesterday and found a few pieces that I really loved, which, for whatever reason, have not yet found homes. Which means that you win, because I decided to mark those pieces with special pricing, in the hopes of them finding good homes. Adopting a painting is a great way to being love and smiles into your home. And there's no litter box cleaning, poop patrol, or pasture picking involved. Complete info is here . Enjoy your weekend and thank you so much for your interest in my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

From day one of our workshop, detail of my demo painting, roughly blocked in, with the focal point quadrant fairly well along. This painting stars/was inspired by Rush, a sweet and silly guy owned by my friend and fellow painter Marilyn Sadler (her website is www.MarilynSadler.com,  but as of this posting it appears to be down). Marilyn was kind enough to host us for a brief visit to Lexington (KY) this spring, and together with Yvonne Todd , also took us on a grand tour of all things equine and artsy. This piece is 10" square, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. I plan on finishing it once I return to the studio. All inquiries may  come to me . I Have 17 Victims!! More commonly known as students.  They are brave souls, and so far survived day one of my talking nonstop. Lots of drivel about color and harmony and the sorts of painting details that make my heart sing. This was my demo piece, an exercise in breaking a few rules, d...

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

"T-Boy," 5" x 7", acrylics on museum quality panel, a commissioned portrait of a rescued German Shepherd Dog. T-Boy has a home (both the painted and breathing versions, isn't that wonderful!), thank you so much (FYI, he was rescued on his kill day). and if you would like something similar starring your companion animal, please  let me know . Summer is wrapping up at our home. Our town ties things up with a festival surrounding the local legend of a dragon who resides in our lake. The weather wasn't the most cooperative, but the company of friends was thoroughly enjoyed. Choreography week is in full swing at the dance studio - the students are learning their numbers for the next competition season. The Princess danced for 6 hours straight yesterday. Then she came home and cleaned out the fridge. The Caped Crusader is car shopping - he pledged to have his own wheels by the time school started. I believe there will be a test...

"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...

In process image of "Zen Dog," 36" x 14", acrylics on panel, depicting Zevon, a friend's newly rescued family member. This is Golden acrylics on a Raymar panel and will be available when finished for $2999, including s&h within the contiguous US (and yes, I apologize, but there is glare on this image, which is what happens when one photographs at 10pm). In process photos are on the Studio FB page . Inquires may come directly to me .  Before I committed to daily painting (in October 2006), I specialized in larger than life pet portraits and animal paintings. How I loved to work on a piece where I could use the gesture of my entire body to make a mark - it was a dance, just me and my painting and the brush/ The commitment of daily painting limited my ability to continue to work at this scale, but I also thoroughly enjoyed immersing in a new composition each day, and thusly kept myself busy for years without missing things too much. ...

"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

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...

"Simon," 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a beloved rescued beagle, acrylics on a museum quality panel. This painting has a home, but I can fit just a few more pre-holiday commissions.  Ask nicely . Number 2 of 4 beagle commissions, this is Simon. I painted ahead a little bit (I had planned on being out of the studio later this week, but that fell through) - you can see in process pics of all 4 over on Facebook . Which means I may be able to start a water dog portrait this week, as opposed to next...... my brain and fingers are tingley at the opportunity! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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

From 2005, a gallery stretched painting titled "Pleased to Meet You (Introductions)," a lifesized portrait (20" x 18") of three labs.  All week long, I've been sharing older paintings, talking about what I would do differently today. It's been a great process - really reminding me that, despite my own feelings that I don't know much about painting, I actually do know quite a bit more than I did just a few short years ago. Today's painting, well, if I were to tackle this one again, I simply would choose not to paint it at all. The composition is so bad. The idea is fantastic, but I allowed myself to fall in love with the idea instead of the execution. That's impetuousness for you! But I'll critique it anyway: 1. Compositionally, there is a nice central point, but the yellow dog's head is a tough read, and the chocolate's front leg is awkwardly cropped. Furthermore, the black dog's back mim...

"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.

View Other Recent Sketches "Spencer," painted sketch approximately 4" wide, roughly centered on a 9" x 12" paper, depicting a German Shepherd, private collection (THANK YOU).  I was still pondering the happy and unexpected visual connections made by layering paintings overtop each other when I was smacked upside the head by another idea. What if I intentionally only painted the focal point, and left the rest unfinished? much like an earlier stage of Spencer's portrait . Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

"Gidget," 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting shaggy little blonde puppy. This painting is available for $469 to the first one asking nicely. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS Someone who will remain nameless has been giving me grief. Apparently I'm not painting enough dogs to suite her taste. She bullied me into this. I hope she's happy now. Maybe she'll leave me alone tomorrow. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

"Miles," 18" x 24", acrylics on a cradeled museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a wonderful Boxer, in process photos here . And of course I can paint your dog - shoot me an email ! I've been working on Miles' portrait since Monday, just in case you thought I whipped him together this afternoon. There will be tears when he ships home. Miles is quite the character! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Getting Cozy," 8" x 10", acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting Dugger, our 2014 Valentine's Day winner! This portrait will be shipped to his family early next week. In process photos are here , and you can see how tough a choice I had to make here . Extra special warm thanks to everyone who helped make this year's contest so much fun. I wish I could have painted more than one image.... Hoping your day has been sprinkled with love! Thanks for following along with my artwork,  Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Untitled and in process, 12" x 16," depiction of a yellow lab playing in the sprinkler (sprinkler not yet painted!), done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $629. Inquiries may come  to me .     Last night at my demo, I was so eager to talk painting that I completely flaked on taking photos!! But this is what I started and includes a couple hours of additional work today - I'm taking a little break for chocolate before starting on the water droplets.    Comment on the progression over on FB, where  I'm sharing photos of the painting  over the course of the day. Feel free to chime in on a title over there too!!   We talked about color and value, committing to becoming a better artist, setting realistic goals to make that happen, using photos (only with permission!) for inspiration and allowing a dialogue with the composition that fosters artistic license, and the importance of good footwear (I was sporting a favorite pai...