Paintings With Soul

I knew every dog in our neighborhood by name. I had read every dog book my library owned at least twice. I had a poster on my bedroom wall of AKC recognized breeds from which I sketched regularly. I begged my parents for a dog, preferably a collie (who didn't want their own Lassie in the 70s?!). And I loved relentlessly on this dog, Bridget, my father's hunting companion. This painting was done somewhere around 1978-1982, I think. It was a gift of some sort for my Dad. It's 15" x 20", acrylics on art board. I remember working on it with a tiny brush (Present Kim's toes curl when she thinks of Past Kim painting large pieces with a tiny brush - like nails on a chalkboard) and thinking that it was The Bomb. Now it makes me cringe a bit. Obviously it's from a flash photograph - that reflection on the bean bag chair is undeniable. And Bridget herself is literally white and orange - there is no nuanced or reflected color happen...

"Riley," 5" x 7", acrylics on a Raymar panel, commissioned portrait of a pointer, private collection (thank you!). Let me know if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet  (and yes, I offer gift certificates which can be delivered in time for holiday gift giving). View In Process Photos It's December, which seems wrong. It should still be, like, August. Not sure where the days went, but they did - and the holidays are upon us! I have 2-1/2 remaining holiday commissions to paint, but don't despair - if you didn't reach out to me in time, we can still do a gift certificate. There is nothing more appreciated than a custom portrait, which start at $399 - inquire via email. Meanwhile, I am making plans to create new works for my galleries. And I have a couple of exhibitions in mind. You'll see horse racing scenes, more still lifes starring toy horses and ponies, and some vintage doll paintings, along with my re...

Finished, complete with studio light glare in upper left, "Hidalgo," 16" x 20", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned equine portrait of a stunning paint horse, acrylics on a museum quality panel. Ask nicely if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet . So? is this one of my best ever? It could be the adrenaline, but I'm feeling that way. And now it's on to the next painting adventure. Just you wait! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

In Process, "Hidalgo," 16" x 20", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned equine portrait of a stunning paint horse, acrylics on a museum quality panel. Ask nicely if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet . View In Process Photos Remember the paintings Luna inspired ? Hidalgo is picking up where they left off, in a gloriously sized way. I swear I can hear him blowing and snuffing around the easel when my back is turned. And he's not even finished yet. I may FINALLY have the pony I've always wanted! Thanks 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

"Hayley," 18" x 24", a memorial portrait of a beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, acrylics on museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). I do have a few spots left for holiday portraits -  speak now or forever hold your peace! Hayley got lots of attention this weekend and today, and I think she may be finished. I just sent jpgs over to my collector and am holding my breath......  I am especially happy with the detail and color in her ears, and how they frame her beautiful and tender little face. In process photos are here . Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim

IN PROCESS, "Hayley," 18" x 24", a memorial portrait of a beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, acrylics on museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). And yes, I have just a few spots left for holiday portraits -  speak now or forever hold your peace! Here is Hayley's portrait after a few days of work - slow and steady progress is being made. I adore her soulful eyes and those long, silky ears.  This painting will sing with color and gorgeous, deliberate, brush strokes. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim

Who Said Easter?, 9" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting the lop eared Maxwell, my newest bunny muse, $549 to the first asking nicely.  #bunnylove introduced me to Maxwell, and his owner gave permission to paint Maxwell's portrait. Don't you just adore this little guy? In process pics are here . I could paint bunnies every single day. Introduce me to yours! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Here's a warm pile of puppies to help you through the frigid hug that Mother Nature's blessing us with these days. 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 options such as "stretching to fit," "tiling...

"Mel," 6" square, acrylic on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a loved and sorely missed little guy. I predict that Mel's portrait will be a cherished gift, perhaps the one most cherished of all. We're out of time for me to get a painting under your tree this year, but I can deliver a gift certificate. These are wonderful in that they allow the recipient to participate in the process, and that's a pretty fun time. Paintings are priced by size and complexity, starting around $300. Inquiries may always come to me .  I have one final portrait left that is due prior to Christmas, and this one is a local delivery. Which means I'm shifting gears and preparing exhibition pieces for the winter season of juried shows and my extra special show with Laura Locke . You can always send me pics of your muse - who knows what it will inspire?! Non flash photos, please, that you yourself have taken. I'll see if ...

  "Beamer," 6" x 6", commissioned portrait of a ridiculously cute mixed breed stinker, acrylics on museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!!).   Want a pet portrait of your own? What are you waiting for?  email me !   In process pics of Beamer's portrait are on  the studio Facebook page  - and thanks to my new iPhone, I can create separate photo albums for the paintings, making it easier for you (moving forward) to locate the in process pics of a specific piece!! Yeah for iPhones!!   Thanks so much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   Last Chance to Order!!     This poster was created specifically to benefit the dancers at  Broadway Dance Studio  (where The Princess studies), and it features a beautiful full color reproduction of my painting " Dress Rehearsal ." Proceeds from poster sales are earmarked for the team's trip t...

"Fiddlesticks," 8" x 10", portrait of a sassy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. $469 to the first  asking nicely . Do you remember " Pile ," the commissioned portrait that was ultimately donated to a breed specific fundraiser - this painting was inspired by a photo that was included in all the reference materials for the Pile project. I asked Facebook fans to name the piece - suggestions came via Facebook , and got a hefty number of suggestions. It was tough choosing just one - I could have added several sub-titles!! And while you are there, you can see the  in-process pics  of this painting, too! Thanks so much for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

      "Begonia," 10" x 16", acrylics on a museum quality panel, still life of potted plants alongside a sleeping orange tabby, $629. Inquiries can come  via email , thank you very much.   And don't be afraid to ask about our putting together a special painting starring your furry companion.   Thank you for the wonderful response to my call to throw more creativity and beauty into the world ( yesterday ). I think I feel a shift in the balance of positive energy already.   And it's not related to the box of Girl Scout cookies I ate this afternoon, either.   Thanks so much for following my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     photo courtesy of Diana Ostrand - copyright protected When Diana showed me this pic of her Frieda taking a break from making trouble, she recognized the look in my eyes. I think that's because she's a painter too. I didn't even have to ask (T...

    "Clementine," a commissioned painted sketch, image approximately 5" x 6" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" paper, acrylics, depicting an Aussie pup. In process pics of Clem's portrait can be found on  the studio's Facebook page .       Oh boy, did it feel good to dig into the paints today! I'm off to run carpools, but will be back later tonite to play some more.   Best mental health fix ever!! Fondly,  Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

      "Pippa," roughly 6" square on a 9" x 12" paper, commissioned portrait of a Brittany Spaniel, not for sale.   I grew up with Brittanys, and spent today remembering Beau, my first dog. Every so often I feel his head at my knee, nudging me forward when I'm most afraid. Even though he's been gone for 22 years, he knows when I need him.   In process views of "Pippa" were shared on the  studio Facebook page . You can find them inside  the Mobile Uploads folder . And by the way, you do not need to have a Facebook account to view either of those links.   I'd love to talk about creating spectacular original art for you -  email me  and we can talk. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     

      "Gettin' Jiggy"," 11" x 16", portrait of a mixed breed dog playing in shallow waters, done in acrylic on museum quality panel, $609 to the first one  asking nicely . Check out the detail of Jiggy's face below!!   This was my assignment - to create a painting using only color temperature - not value differences - to define depth of field. I started the piece yesterday - posted an in-process image to  my blog , and multiple jpgs to  the studio Facebook page .   It was absurdly difficult, and I know I can get better at this, but in the meanwhile, can you see me doing cartwheels?   Kim, who enjoys celebrating little victories ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com