Paintings With Soul

"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...

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

"Ollie," 8" x 8," commissioned portrait of a German Shepherd, acrylics on a museum quality panel, a special gift for Ollie's little girl. Plenty of  in process photos are here . Want one for yourself? Inquiries may come  to me . I've been studying in-process images by master painters, and the one thing I noticed (light bulb moment here!) was that they paint entirely with planes. There is very little delineation happening - their subjects are sculpted with paint. So that was the approach I took with Ollie. No lines or drawing - just slabs of color going down. I rather like the effect. Thanks for following along, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Nikki and Yori," 12" x 16," done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a chow mix and a German Shepherd Dog. This is a commissioned portrait, and as such, is heading to a new home next week. However, inquiries on how you can get something similar may come to me . I started this one a little before 11 am (and that doesn't count the groundwork done prior to picking up the brushes, learning about the animals' personalities, reviewing photos, and putting a composition together) and just signed it a little bit ago. Granted, there was a break to pick the kids up from school and to inhale some dinner, but for the most part, this painting was done in one sitting. One nearly 11 hour sitting. Add the 2 hours of computer work I did earlier, and that's an honest day's work!! I LOVE days like this, and have enough adrenaline to start another painting tonite, but think I'll punch out and spend some time with ...

  "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  

    "Mini Halo," from the "Cherished" series.   This new favorite of mine (sorry,  "Momma,"  but you've been replaced) is this 5" square painting, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel and available for purchase for $269.   That is, if Halo's Mom decides to let this one go, which she might, because there's  a bigger Halo portrait  fighting for wall space, too. UPDATE: The bigger Halo has a home (THANK YOU!). "Mini Halo" is actively seeking one. Inquiries may come to me .   Inquiries on either piece may come  to me . And check out below if you want to play along in the "Cherished" game!   Thanks for supporting my art!! Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     Cherished Paintings   A collection of "Cherished" series of paintings will be displayed as part of this year's  ArtPrize  in Grand Rapids, Michigan.    ...

    "Halo's Heart," from the "Cherished" series, 9" x 15", one of two portraits I'm creating of this gorgeous long haired German Shepherd puppy. This one is acrylics on a museum quality panel, and she will go to the first one raising their hand for $529. Of course, first dibs on both Halo pieces belong to her Mom, but in the meanwhile inquiries may come  to me .   If I still have the painting this fall, Halo will be part of my ArtPrize  installation in Grand Rapids, Michigan.   In process views of this piece are on  the studio's Facebook page .   And now I'm rushing back to my easel - I have another very wet piece happening, and want to keep momentum going for as long as I can!   Thanks for following along with me and my art, Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     It's Summer Vacation, Baby!!   Which is a big deal to Clover and Lily, p...

  "Double Trouble," from the "Cherished" series, 10" square, acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting two partners in crime, available for $539 to the first taker.   In process views of this painting are updated on the  studio's Facebook page .   Inquiries can always come  to me! !! And thank you!!       The Cherished series is shaping up nicely. I'll have to create a space on my website where you can browse all the images, but meanwhile I did add links to the inspiration photos  shared on Facebook.   If you would like to submit your companion animal to the series, send non-flash photos to me. All the details are outlined in  an earlier post  on my blog. And you can see the candidates for the series of paintings on the studio Facebook page inside  the "Cherish" photo album .   Thanks, as always, for supporting and sharing my art with your friend...

"Hagen," 5" x 7", acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting a German Shepherd, private collection (THANK YOU!!). While Hagen's painting already has a home, I would be happy to create something special just for your -  email me ! Sketches start at $99 and paintings on panel, like this guy's, at $209. Hagen was born in Germany, and returned there for training. He failed training, though, because he didn't understand biting. Hagen is extra special in that he is a certified, non-biting GSD. How cool is that? I met Hagen this last February, when he was a finalist for the Painting a Dog a Day Valentine's Giveaway. You can see the reference photo that inspired his painting to the left, and the other finalists (many of whom I've already painted)  here . Thanks, as always, for looking at my artwork and sharing it with your friends, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Please Do Forward to a Friend! Forward this email to a fr...

  "Polar," 6" x 8", commissioned portrait of a long haired white shepherd, done in acrylics on panel, headed to a private collection (THANK YOU!).   Polar was adopted from a shelter when he was about 2 years old. He was a scaredy cat, but his new mom took it upon herself to properly socialize and safely expose him to his fears one by one. Even his sister  Zoe  ( yesterday's painting ) worked with him!! (actually, they were good for each other - Polar burned much of her energy off and she showed him the ropes.)   If you are interested, Polar's portrait was photographed as I painted, and he is included on  the studio Facebook page .   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     Bobby pins made from vintage buttons by  KreatedbyKelly   Keeping it Local and Handmade   We can deny it all we want, but the holidays are just around the corner. And with the holidays com...

"Heinrich (in process)," 16" square, acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord commissioned pet portrait of a German Shepherd, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . I hope my first blog posting of the year finds all of you happily emerging from the activities of the past few weeks. The Santini family enjoyed a stellar holiday, including the exciting addition of a new baby boy - congratulations John & Elise! This last week we (my husband and I) finished up the studio remodel that was started in June. I have shared some embarassing before photos (wow but this space was dysfunctional!!) and the shiney new sparkley after pics on my Facebook page . I am looking forward to the delight of working in a space specifically tailored to my needs - I don't expect to be more productive, but I do plan on enjoying myself even more so, if that's at all po...

"Heinrich," work in process, 16" x 16", commissioned German Shepherd portrait, acrylic on Ampersand Gessoboard. Inquiries may always come to me . Today I continued refining Heinrich's portrait, identifying values and modelling the shape of his head with bold and gestural brushwork. I'll continue much of the same in the coming days, gradually working with softer colors and establishing a strong sense of presence. Today, one of my last full days in the studio prior to Christmas, I also was graced with multiple visits from collectors and friends. It is rewarding beyond belief to be a part of so many families' gift giving, knowing that I have crafted something that will bring so much joy to the recipients (and gifters alike). Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity. Wishing you all the best in the coming days. May you be surrounded by family and friends of the two and four legged variety, and be served feasts to satisfy both the heart and belly...

" At the Top of the Stairs (Abby)," 8" x 10", commissioned pet portrait of a German Shepherd dog, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come  to me .   I get asked all the time if I have a favorite painting, and my answer is usually a recent one. It has to do with the things I learn to do better with every piece I complete. But then there are those that stick around as favorites long after their turn on the easel. Abby's painting will be one like that - I think it's got to be one of my all-time best ever.   Today was the first official day of summer vacation. There was a bit of running about, getting everyone situated with their various activities. They all tumbled into bed with tired, smiley faces. We're off to a great start!   And I'm back into my summer routine of working late into the night. My biggest problem? determining the appropriate volume for my music..... if I use my ipod and earbuds, I end up belting song...