Paintings With Soul

The Spirit Within. 16" x 20" x 1/2", acrylics on gallery wrap canvas (painted around the sides, so no need to frame). Inquiries may come to me. I have been trying to get this sort of surface for YEARS now, and I've finally figured it out!! At one point today I got so frustrated that I walked away, only to return after mowing the lawn to find my desired effect had occurred - it just took some time to set itself up. The acrylic paint appears to be melted wax, marble.moves like watercolor, and scumbles like oil. Some of these effects occur simultaneously. I wish you could see it in person!

Goldie, a Lesser Goldfinch, Bolsters Her Inferiority Complex with a Jeweled Tiara A Bauble Painting , 9" x 12" x 1/2", acrylics on gallery stretched canvas, featuring a goldfinch with a teeny tiny tiara matching her self esteem. This painting is $289 (includes s&h inside the US) to the first asking nicely .   Work in an obvious series, my friend Robert coached. It'll help you figure things out clearly and in an organized fashion. Little did he know he was unleashing a painting monster......

"Princess Aurora," another Bauble painting, 9" x 12" x 1/2", acrylics on gallery stretched linen (painted around the sides, so she can hang directly without framing if you choose). Available to the  first asking nicely , $289 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much. SOLD (TY) Make way for ducklings..... Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   WORKSHOPS:  May 17-20th, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Please contact Betty Klenke for more information.  June 21-23rd, Montague, Michigan. Please contact Korrine Rogers for more information.

FINISHED: "Pinkie," from The Beribboned Series , 12" x 16", acrylics on panel. Available (when finished) to the  first asking nicely , $579 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much. Pinkie got a facelift, literally. I put all my references away, including the ribbon setup. I redrew her features from memory, then decided that she needed to be a lighter value than the ribbon. Then I adjusted the bow a bit, too, and tucked her ear behind, so it all perched perfectly on her head. Because I was able to listen to the painting (instead of being married to my references and original concept), Pinkie's portrait turned out far nicer. Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Minnie Loves Playing Dressup," (yes, that's a bit of glare on this one as it's a gray day and I'm working under studio lights), 16" x 20" x .75", acrylics on cradeled panel (and painted around the sides, so no need to frame!). $699 for this dear little mouse, including s&h inside the US. Inquiries to me , and thank you so much. Minnie made me laugh all day long. She's got a great sense of humor. She is also done overtop another piece that had lots of texture, which is delightfully showing through. Harlequin patterning and various scratched in lines/patterns. Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Tulip Bowl," 24" x 30" acrylics on panel, featuring violet tulips in a goldfish bowl. Another piece created for licensing consideration, this one is available to the  first asking nicely  for $899, with one contingency. IF Tulip Bowl makes the licensing cut, I'll ship the artwork to my agency for a high resolution scan, after which the painting can be shipped to a new home. The scanning process should be completed by the end of March. Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim

FINISHED: "Fiestaware," 24" x 30" acrylics on panel, featuring a mixed bouquet tucked into a turquoise Fiestaware pitcher. This one is available to the  first asking nicely  for $899, with one contingency. I've been asked by my agent to create a few floral paintings for licensing consideration.  Which means that if she likes "Fiestaware" (or whichever of these floral pieces), I'll ship the artwork to her for a high resolution scan, after which the painting can be shipped to a new home. The scanning process should be completed by the end of March. SOLD (TY!) Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Valentine Tulips," (2) 16" x 20" acrylics on panel, that when assembled create one 32" x 20" image. This Valentine bouquet will never wilt, and is available to the  first to ask nicely  for a very affordable $399 (plus $20 s&h). Tell someone you love them today. And then tell yourself the same thing! Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

Another one from The Dryad Series, "Seeking Faith," a portrait of my daughter, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, not currently for sale (this one is headed to an exhibition). However, inquiries may come to me . I could tell you that the inspiration for this painting came after a heart to heart talk with Annie about the election and believing in a system that has carried our country through centuries, yet has disappointed so many. But I can't lie to you. The real story is that I had the concept of a figure looking upwards and off to the side, with a sweeping drapery of blooms. I had literally (and I am using that word properly, trust me!) 60 seconds to capitalize on the natural light and take the inspiration photos before she ducked into ballet class. (All the flowers symbolically speak towards seeking affirmation, love, acceptance, remembrance and honesty. Or you could just say that they are super pretty, and enjoy them for that. Also, she re...

"Lush," an original piece from the P(e)ony subgroup of the Florus Animalum series, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, $699 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . SOLD (thank you!) Forgive the glare here - Lush was photographed underneath the studio lights, as it's a rather gray day. This piece started as a demonstration painting for a local art guild. True to form, I made plenty of mistakes while working on it with an audience. They were very gracious. Now I want to invite them over to my studio so that they can see the finished piece in all it's glory. This is a special one! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Snowshoe," from the Florus Animalum series, a companion piece to last week's "Snowdrop," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, depicting a snowshoe hare and a crown of similarly colored florals. A commentary on global warming. And a beautiful example of white not being white. Another piece that just can't be fully appreciated on the computer screen - it will delight the lucky collector who speaks up first. "Snowshoe" is $699 plus s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . And yes, I can give preferential pricing to the collector who wants both Snowshoe and Snowdrop. Payment plans welcome. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Celestrial," 24" x 48", from the Florus Animalum series of paintings, acrylics on panel, depicting a giraffe with a cloud of flowers - ironically, all blooming types of ground cover. This one is $1499 plus s&h. Payment plans available. Inquiries may come to me . Another adrenaline fueled painting spree - when an idea hits me, I gotta run with it. I gotta!! Speaking of which, I have a giant panel started and a wide open evening..... Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Rhin-unculus," 48" x 48", from the Florus Animalum series of paintings, acrylics on panel, depicting a rhino momma and her baby saurus. And a mass of ranunculus. This happy family is $4599 plus s&h. Payment plans available. Inquiries may come to me . Thinking about the circle of life, endangered species, and nurturing today. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Sunflowers," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, $199 plus s&h. Inquiries may come to me . SOLD (THANK YOU!) I taught an afternoon workshop at my local library on Saturday, and we painted bouquets of sunflowers. My students did a fantastic job painting the essence and energy of their flowers. Each piece carried it's own interpretation of their sunny faces and jumble of petals. This is my demo piece, worked a bit further along today in my studio. I think it will be fantastic in a kitchen - or a powder room - or a foyer - or a guest bedroom........ I have been asked to do a repeat performance of this class in Montague, Michigan at Studio 2 . Let me know if you are interested, and we'll get you on the class list! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

Above, detail of today's workshop demo, representing approximately an hours worth of work, mostly wet on wet, acrylics on panel, 11" x 14". There's the adage that "those who can't teach," but I take issue with that. The best teachers I've had CAN and DO, and they articulate that, no matter how many times I (or my classmates) re-phrase the same question. I'd like to think I'm working my way towards that category of Teachers Who Can. That some day, one of my students will be able to say that my techniques/approaches impacted them in a powerful way that didn't include therapy. Meanwhile, I'm refining my teaching skills with an especially delightful group of painters on the western coast of Michigan. They are willing to try all sorts of things with their brushes during the day, and then in the evening, I retire to a Lake Michigan facing porch, sip my wine while listening to the tide, and forget about their tears. And ...

"Dixie Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics and ink on panel, featuring an Andalusian demurely peering out from underneath her crown of peonies. Dixie is $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me . I think she's done - I reserve the right to make any changes when I return from teaching on the West side of the state. Leaving as soon as I can throw my paints in my case! Really excited to work with a new group of students. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here   WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll. ...

FINISHED! "Black Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a Friesian galloping with a crown of various roses. She's $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me . I am exhausted - this painting has been on my easel all week, and constantly getting revised/painted in my head when I'm not in front of it. I'm onto something, though. This is a breakthrough piece - it's opened many doors. And windows. My head is exploding with the potential! Meanwhile, detail here . Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here   WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, T...

"Whistler," 18" x 24" x 1-1/2", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel (painted around the sides, too, so no need to frame), featuring a guinea pig, complete with cowlick, and a blooming mane, $1499, with complimentary shipping inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . Thusly titled because I can hear his little whistles and grunts. Guineas make some pretty entertaining noises! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

"Trouble," 24" x 20", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a a kitten crowned with spray roses, $599, with complimentary shipping inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . Some paintings exceed my expectations. This one takes my breath away. Whomever purchases him will get quite a treasure! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

IN PROCESS: "Trouble," 24" x 20", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a a kitten crowned with spray roses. On top of just being ridiculously juicy with color, this piece comes with a healthy does of personality. The painting is $599, with complimentary shipping inside the US, and will go to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may always come  to me . Warm thanks to Beth at Amazing Petals for helping me put together the perfect bouquet for this painting (and she thought brides were high maintenance!). The yellow pods (I forget what they are called) and the stabby greenery (knife something or other) were delightful to paint. And the soft greens in the spray roses..... they make me very happy. I know this painting will do the same for a lucky collector, too. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, ...