Paintings With Soul

"Brodie," image approximately 6" x 6" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" bristol board, acrylics, commissioned portrait of a golden retriever puppy.  Don't you adore that cowlick running straight up his face? ALSO: seats are still available in my Tulsa workshop which is May 4th and 5th. More information can be found here . Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

"Cookie Monster (Toy #6)," 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, a portrait/still life depicting another refugee from the stuffed animal bin at the Salvation Army, a little bean bag Cookie Monster. Your favorite cookie fiend (and, supposedly, veggie lover too!) is $75 and includes s&h inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . SOLD (TY!) Blue Times...... I had a mess of Eeyore blues on my palette still, so it seemed like Cookie Monster should be next in line.  Can't tell you how much fun it is, digging through my toy bin and pulling out candidates!! And I've painted myself a little ahead (Cookie Monster got painted on Wednesday) because of some other commitments and field trips that will take me out of the studio for a couple days. If you are considering pre-purchasing a toy painting,  send me an email , indicating in the body of your message which toy # you would like, choosing from #6 to #100. I'll confirm that painting...

Day One of any workshop involves a demo-while-I'm-talking-performance. It can be hit or miss, and I'm sort of at the mercy of my muse and the space and my students. Today I was not disappointed by any of the above. I talked about building a composition, editing the reference to match one's idea, consciously choosing a color scheme, and building layered, gestural brushwork. "Floating Dorit," roughly centered on an 11" x 14" bristol board, done in acrylics, $200. Inquiries may come to me . That's the name of my 2 day intensive workshop. In 2 days we focus on how to see color with fresh eyes and how to translate what we see into juicy, gestural marks. It's a good time, as long as you have your running shoes on and are well rested. Lots of photos are being shared on my Facebook page . And information on future workshops is always here . Thanks so much for supporting my artwork, Kim

View In Process Photos I Want a Portrait Too "Mimi," 12" x 106", acrylics on museum quality panel, a still life depicting a lovely long haired dame, private collection (THANK YOU!). Mimi was adopted at the ripe age of 17 and spent 6 beautiful years with her family before passing away recently. Her Mom requested a portrait that depicted her as a dignified and mature lady. She particularly wanted a scruffier look to Mimi's fur, and I was secretly delighted because that meant I could use even MORE color. Mimi had a distinctive furrowed brow that made her look grumpy, but she was just the opposite.  It was even more fun having her on my easel because of that expression. I hope my portrait prompts many fond memories for her family. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

"Sun Bun (Bun II)," 8" square, acrylics on museum quality panel depicting Mr. Bun, a Lionhead Rabbit. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will help homeless buns - he's $399 to the first asking nicely. SOLD VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS I painted Bun again today (here's his first portrait ) - he's such a good little model! Next week we'll change things up a bit - it's Derby Week, and keeping with tradition, I'll paint horses each day. But meanwhile I'm off for a weekend of dance. In between numbers, I'll be doodling in the dressing room, making plans for new paintings. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Hidey, 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting a lovely dark haired feline, commissioned portrait, private collection (THANK YOU!). VIEW Hidey's IN PROCESS PHOTOS The Santini's adopted a new family member over the weekend. You can meet her here . I'm tempted to throw dinner in the oven and spend an hour or so sketching.... but scared what will happen when I give in entirely to her ridiculous adorable charm. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Bun, 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting Bun, a little Lionhead bunny who's accomplishing great things (read below), $329 to the first asking nicely. Proceeds from the sale of Bun's portrait (and reproductions and cell phone cases ) will benefit bunny rescue. A call for bunny muses introduced me to this little guy. I was drawn immediately to his velvety color, deep fur and sweet demeanor. Then I got to know his Mom and fell in love with his family and their mission - Bun as the face for responsible pet ownership. You, too, can become a Bun fan here . Here's a little video of the painting in process .  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS................. It was a shock this summer when I realized how much I've come to love neutral colors. Still working with a limited palette - titanium white, pthalo blu...

Maslo, image approximately 4-1/2" x 5" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" bristol board, depicting an Aussie pup, private collection (THANK YOU!).  I don't offer commissioned sketches any longer, but recently a couple collectors asked nicely. And I simply could not say no, especially when it was to welcome a new puppy into the family and to memorialize a dear friends' dog passing. I forgot how wonderful it feels to sketch, stay loose, and gob the paint on. Oh, and there was some dancing happening, too. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

"Bubba O'Malley," 8" x 10", acrylics on a museum quality panel, a larger than life portrait of a bunny with a larger than life personality, $469. Bubba (his real name is Flopsy) was a 2014 Valentine's day finalist .  In process photos here  and  inquiries may come to me . Today's painting HAD to have some green. And just a touch of spring. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Oh boy, did I ever mess up!! It's three days into March and no desktop calendar. You guys really let me know it, too!! I'm feeling rather sheepish.... (couldn't resist!) To implement this month's desktop calendar, 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 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...

"Waving Hello (Tigerhugs)," 10" square, acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting The Man Child's best buddy from when he was more a child and less a man. In process photos are here , and if you love the end result, he needs a home - Tigerhugs is only $539 to the first one asking nicely. You can ask nicely via email to moi. This little guy was The Man Child's first best friend. When I found him tucked into a corner of the boys' room last week, it made me pine for our bedtime routine. We would snuggle under the eaves of their room, a sleepy boy tucked under each arm, and tackle a stack of books they both had memorized. I would snuggle with them, and they in turn had their own special snugglers (I'll have to find The Caped Crusader's little puppy.....). Tonite I'll be reading Sleeping Beauty and Jamberry before my own bedtime. Thanks for following along with my artwork,  Kim (who got the replacement 18"x24...

Flopsy, original painting 9" x 12", depicting a lively and larger than life lop eared rabbit, gorgeously framed for $679. Also available as a reproduction, print sized 15" x 20", only one print and only via an online auction benefitting  Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary .     I donated a reproduction of Flopsy to the Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary in memory of Lily, our sweet little rescued dwarf rabbit who passed away last winter. Lily - and Clover, who we still have and love on every day - were adopted from our local shelter years ago, but at the time we had also been talking to GLRS about the possibility of adopting from them.   They do a fabulous job rehoming those in their care, and it seemed fitting to help other buns out in Lily's name.   The auction runs through this Sunday (September 22nd).   So Bid Here For Flopsy's Print. And View The Other Auction Items Here.   And thank you SO much for supporting their efforts...

  Wow! It's June, which means school's out (or nearly so), and is a ready excuse for daily popsicles and brightly colored toes in flip-flops. Enjoy it!!   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 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...

  "Oscar," 6" x 6", commissioned portrait of a little yorkie, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). I always welcome inquiries on how you can commission a portrait of your own -  email me .       Oscar came to the rescue with a fierce infection in his mouth, and ended up losing a good chunk of his jaw.   But he did win the hearts of his eventual forever family in the process.   Thanks so much for following along with my artwork! Don't forget, next week is Derby Week, so grab your fancy hat and get ready for equine paintings!   Enjoy the weekend, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    "Daydream," roughly 9" x 14-1/2", done in acrylics on a museum quailty panel, portrait of Bear, one of my most popular muses - I don't think I'll ever get tired of painting him or his sister Nita (thank you, LH, for sharing them with me!!).   This painting is not currently on the market, but will be in several months. Interested parties, please  shoot me an email  for updates on "Daydream"s availability.   Additional views are posted inside the  Mobile Uploads folder on  the studio Facebook page .   My first challenge for this year is 30 days of painting focused on light - I've joined ranks with several hundred other creatives spurred on by artist  Leslie Saeta . Our goal is 30 paintings in 30 days. This is #3 for me.   Yesterday  Finnigan's portrait  was an experiment of patterning in shadow - Bear's is just the opposite. What fun these are - I have literally been...

    "Napalm," a commissioned painted sketch, image approximately 4-1/2" square centered on a 9" x 12" page depicting one very furry mixed breed.    Two more portraits to go before I can start my own Christmas shopping!! Fondly, Kim, who's making a list and checking it twice ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

    "Buddy," 8" x 10", commissioned dog portrait, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. Buddy's painting has a home (THANK YOU!), and in process pics are on the  studio's Facebook page .   So, like, this is one of my all time favorite pieces to come off my easel.    I'm feeling rather pleased with myself right now.    Fondly, Kim, who's head might have grown a couple sizes this afternoon ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "Greta II," 8" square, companion piece to  Greta I  (painted yesterday), commissioned portrait of a mixed breed dog, acrylics on a museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). In-process photos of both Gretas are available on  the studio Facebook page .   Fondly, Kim, who loves to work in series' like the Greta's, and is looking formore water dog muses - feel free to email me your pics ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

"Greta," 8" square, commissioned portrait of a mixed breed dog, acrylics on a museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). Greta's blessed her family with 18 years of love and companionship - she was well due her time on the easel. In-process photos of her portrait are available on  the studio Facebook page . There's lots more paintings where Greta came from - just  shoot me an emal  and we can plan your own portrait. I'm currently booking for 2013 (think Valentine's Day.....) and can deliver a gift certificate well in time for the holidays. Fondly, Kim, who is off to mail five holiday gift paintings to their new homes ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    Wow! How did another month whip by? Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I can't believe it!   Here is your November calendar boy, Percy. He'll do anything for a nibble of turkey......   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 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 di...