Paintings With Soul

Three views of the same painting, lit from the left, the center and the right. "Neptune," 9" x 12", acrylics on copper panel, depicting a dark bay pony. This portrait is $849, with complimentary shipping inside the US.  Let me know if you want Neptune in your home and we will make it happen! It's difficult to photograph copper so that you get a proper sense of the light and reflective quality. I'm figuring things out here, though, so that I can best show these paintings off. I am also working on getting back into the groove after a period of not feeling well and some downright ugly starts on other pieces. With Neptune I think I might be scratching and clawing my way back. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

FINISHED! "Stepping Out," 14" x 18", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a black Gypsy Vanner horse. I couldn't be happier with this piece - the color and movement and edge treatment fills me with joy. This is a special piece, I think one of my best to date, and, as such, it needs a special home.  Let me know if you think that's yours. $1299 includes complimentary shipping inside the US. This fills me with happiness - celebrating the things I love by making beauty. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

In process, "Stepping Out," 14" x 18", acrylics on museum quality panel, painting of a black Gypsy Vanner horse. I am trying out a couple new-to-me things with this panel, and so far I am very much in love with it, although the outer legs still need some shifting/adjusting. My intention is for this to be a color-blasted dark horse on a lovely harmonious ground - it'll be all about contrast, unexpected color and movement. If you are interested in purchasing this piece when finished, please let me know so I can send you an update and detail shots when it is finished. I don't want to jinx us by bragging that no one is home sick in bed any longer, so I won't mention it. Hope nobody is sick in your household, too. This year's flu is a nasty houseguest indeed. It sure is nice to be upright and pushing paint again! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

"Blaze," 8" x 12", acrylics on copper panel, portrait of a lovely Gypsy Vanner mare, $849 to the first asking nicely. Because it's on copper and you need to SEE the light move across it, here's an in process video . As always, inquiries may come to me .  This morning I made some changes to Queenie which I am very pleased with, and then started Blaze. The unfinished/sketched in areas of Blaze are intentional. I want the copper to read as more than just an element of the background. I also thought it interesting that as I painted the green ground in, I subconsciously made a box around the focal point. Similar to the painted sketches I used to make, where the animal's face projected from painted "windows." I loved that effect, so left it in here as well. So now comes the tough part - what to paint tomorrow?! and isn't that a lovely problem to have! Thanks for your interest in my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovede...

The following paintings are available for purchase directly from my studio. These original works, unless noted, are acrylic on museum quality panel. All prices include s&h within the US. Multiple paintings can typically be shipped together, returning collectors receive 10% off purchases, and I do accept payment plans (6 month plan with art shipped upon completion of payments).  Links to reproductions and other products are at the bottom of this newsletter.  Thanks so much for your interest in my artwork!  Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Nicker," 16" x 16" x 2" (note that this piece is on a cradeled panel, with the image wrapped around the sides), $999. Inquire directly to me . "Momma's Got Your Back," 10" x 12", $599. Inquire directly to me . "Blue Gypsies," 12" x 12", $599. Inquire directly to me . ...

"Blue Gypsies," 12" wide, acrylics on an Ampersand gessobord, depicting a Gypsy Vanner mare and foal from my own photo archives. This painting needs a new home - added bonus? these two beautiful ladies do not need their stall mucked and no farrier or vet bills! $599 includes s&h inside the US. In process photos are here and inquires about getting your own commission or a different painting may always come directly to me .  The Gypsy Ladies are one of my entries in the 2015 Equus Film Festival. This is an event relatively new to my radar, one that I hope will help me get my equine paintings in front of an equine-centric audience. Because, truly, I am so much more than The Dog Lady. Honest to god, that's what I get called all the time. So here's how the poster thing works - the film festival has a ginormous album of images on their Facebook page, and if you like and share mine (assuming that you do like them and do want to sha...

"Momma's Got Your Back," 10" x 12", acrylics on a Raymar panel, depicting a spanking new filly and her momma, both from Freelands Gypsy Horses . Photo used with permission. This painting can be yours for $500, including s&h within the contiguous US. In process photos are here and inquires may come directly to me .  Sometimes time is all you need. After taking a break from this piece over the weekend, this morning I saw immediately what needed to be done. And I did it. Or so I think - we'll see what my eyes tell me tomorrow morning! Meanwhile, I sorted through 77 Valentines Day Painting Giveaway entries - you can see the finalists on FB. Which photo do you think I'll be painting on Friday? Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork! Warmly, Kim   ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

IN PROCESS: "Momma's Got Your Back," 10" x 12", acrylics on a Raymar panel, depicting spanking new filly and her momma, both from Freelands Gypsy Horses . Their photo used with permission. This painting can be yours for $599, including s&h within the contiguous US. In process photos are here and inquires may come directly to me .  This painting is particularly challenging because it is high contrast and has very few crisp edges. And I am head over heels in love so far because it is mostly light and dark shapes and has lots of lost edges. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? I'm off to a show opening, but remain excited to return to this one with some fresh eyes and perhaps a glass of wine later on. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork! Warmly, Kim   ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Painted overtop a bad painting (yes, I have lots of them!), "Welcome (Kari and Delta)," 6" x 8", acrylics on panel, depicting a Freelands Gypsy Vanner broodmare with her fresh little filly born last week. Painting was created with the permission of the farm's management from l ive footage  (yes, this is an actual foal being born, so if you are not ready to witness the UNCENSORED miracle of birth, it's simple - don't click on the link!). This piece is available for $329, including s&h within the US. Inquires may come directly to me . Thanks so much in advance! #YourTurnChallenge, #DayThree We are rolling along into our #YourTurnChallenge week. (#YourTurnChallenge is a  Seth Godin  inspired weeklong blog commitment - learn more here ). Today the challenge is to address what can be improved. But as a recovering OCD Perfectionist, I don't think my list can be edited to merely one blog post. So I'm going ...

My bedroom door proudly displays "The End of The Day," a 16" x 20" glorious and peaceful equine painting, complete with the most perfect framing job ever courtesy of Accent on Art (Lake Orion, Michigan).  This painting can grace your bedroom door or any wall in your home for $899 -  just ask nicely . When I've thrown my heart into a painting, I want a framing job that is exemplary. And that's what I get every time I take my work to Diana and DJ at Accent on Art . For this one, DJ floated the painting overtop a shallow linen lined box, and Diana finished off with a beautifully detailed gilt frame with carvings matching the delicate curls in the mare's tail.   This says exquisite on every possible level. And it makes me happy. Very happy.   Let it make you happy too - "The End of the Day" is currently available, and payment plans are accepted. Email me to make it yours.   Thanks, as always, for following along with...

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 don't email me for advice if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper. 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 "stretching to fit," "tiling" and "cropping" will impact your display, so check those first!). Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

"The End of the Day," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, depicting a beautifully feathered Gypsy Vanner draft horse, $679 to the first asking nicely . View In Process Photos In person this painting literally glows with layers of subtle and harmonic color. I even hear crickets and the drone of a fat honeybee. Paintings can do some remarkable things. I'm sharing some of my secrets in a 4 day workshop next month in Traverse City - we'll do a heck of a lot of painting, but we also laugh pretty hard, eat very well, enjoy sunset wine tasting on the peninsula, and make new friends. We need a few more bodies to make this happen - if you are interested, talk to Kathryn and figure out how you can join us. Thanks, as always, for your interest in my artwork, Warmly, Kim

In Process, "The End of the Day," 16" x 20", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a gorgeous gray Gypsy Vanner horse. This painting is available for $679 to the first one asking nicely. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS Started a new painting today that is high key - I needed a little visual break from deep shadows and dreary gray days. This is the perfect antidote. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

"Hooligans," 18" x 24" x 1", acrylics on a museum quality cradeled panel, the newest installation in my studies of light and dark, $1500. This one is impossible for me to photograph properly - I'll have to hire a professional. But trust me, they are spectacular!  In process photos here  and  inquiries may come to me . I met these three youngsters on a green drizzley day several springs back. I'm hoping to return to their farm this spring with camera again in tow. There's nothing like a herd of Gypsy Vanners set against fresh green. Unless, of course, you place them in a dark alley and dial up the color. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Braids," 6" x 8", acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a Gypsy Vanner mare with her hair done. A couple in process photos are here , and if you want to add this one to your collection ($329) email me . SOLD This is the same mare from Baby Steps and Like Her Momma , in case you are looking for a threesome. Of paintings, that is. Thanks for following along with my artwork,  Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Baby Steps," 10" x 5-3/4", acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a Gypsy Vanner mare and new foal, $399 to the first one to email . In process photos are here . I needed a breath of spring in the studio today, so I spoiled myself with some bright green grass. And indulged in another favorite of mine - black and white. Which as you know isn't really black or white. But that green? It is most definately green. Horses courtesy of Mt Christie Gypsy Horses , which I visited two springs ago with a friend, just days after this little one hit the ground.  Is it possible to have spring fever in early February? I'm in for a long couple of months if so..... Thanks for following along with my artwork,  Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shasta Solomon, at top, the finished portrait, below, the painting after one day's work. 12" square, acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting the fine Gypsy Vanner stallion Shasta Solomon from  Shasta H Ranch , available for $599. Inquiries may come  to me . Today's workshop started out with a bang - a demonstration painting that I am just delighted with. It's a challenge to paint and talk simultaneously. It's a bigger challenge to paint and articulately talk simultaneously. It's an even bigger challenge to paint well and articulately talk simultaneously. Then my students asked me to also sing and dance. It was all downhill from there! That's ok - tomorrow, it's payback time!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Windswept," 12" square, portrait of the exquisite Gypsy Vanner stallion Natwest, owned by Eric and Mechelle Barton of  LexLin Ranch , inspiration photo used with permission of Mechelle Barton.  This painting is in acrylics on museum quality panel and available for $599. Inquiries may come  to me .      Isn't  this guy  simply incredible? He's breathtakingly beautiful!! And was a joy to have on the easel! Lots of in process photos of his portrait are  here .   I am making final preps for my annual trek to Saratoga Race Track - I leave tomorrow!! If you are interested in following along with my adventure, I'll post regular updates to  the studio Facebook page.   Thanks for your support! ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    "Wheeee (Gideon)," 7" x 13", portrait of a Gypsy Vanner, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $529 to the first asking me nicely . And lots of in process photos are  on Facebook .   This handsome guy was born at Shasta H Ranch and is currently owned by Courtney Vallery. The inspiration photo for this painting was used with permission from Christine Hadden, owner of Shasta H. Thank you so much, Christine!   And thank YOU for following along with my paintings! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    "Clarisse," 8" x 10", portrait of a Gypsy Vanner mare, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $469 to the first asking me nicely . And lots of in process photos are  on Facebook .   Gypsy Vanners are one of my favorite subjects to paint. They are mythical, curvey, packed with glorious color, and move with grace and beauty. And they have the kindest eyes.   So when I somehow came across  Ceo Na Terra Gypsys  one late nite on the computer, I was blown away. I started communicating with Shannon, the owner, and she arranged permission for me to paint a number of her horses (remember, you can't just take imagery you find on the internet and repurpose - you have to get permission first!)   I've been in heaven ever since!!   Wait'll you see  what happened next !!   Thanks for following along with my paintings! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com