Paintings With Soul

All finished, "Caught," 8" x 12", acrylics on copper panel, portrait of a Golden Retriever complete with ball, $849 to the first asking nicely. As always, inquiries may come to me .  I've been thinking a lot about Daily Painting, the habits it has instilled in me, and how they might - or might not - serve the final painting.  One of my takeaways from my nearly 10 years of daily painting is that, originally, my goal was to complete a painting in a day. In the beginning, painting a 4"x5" portrait in one day was a big challenge, and as I became more comfortable with that, I expanded my focus to include larger and then more complex paintings. However, I have realized that limiting myself to one day just isn't the best approach for the sort of artwork I now want to create. I need to simmer with the paintings, consider and try out various solutions to my intended end. And that can't be boiled down into a specific length of time. ...

Two messages from me inside one month - I know, this is a little crazy!  The holidays are upon us, and can kick and scream all you want, but that doesn't change the calendar. So I thought I'd take a moment and share a few gift ideas for fellow artists, animal lovers, and fans of my artwork to help gets lists started. But first, we've all seen the meme about small businesses, right? That buying from a small business is buying dance lessons for a young princess (true!), music lessons for an aspiring musician (also true!), and team gear/equipment for an athlete (also true!). And as the owner of that small business, I want to thank you sincerely for your support in keeping my dream (working artist) alive, and furthering the dreams of my kids. Wishing you a Thanksgiving (or holiday) table full of laughter and light, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Kentucky Derby (& Oaks) Posters Now that American Pharoah ...

Available Originals 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 "Sprout," 12" x 16", $959. Inquire directly to me . "What's a Little Mud?" 18" x 24"x1-1/2", $2299. Inquire directly to me . "Swishy," 18" x 24" x 1-1/2", $2299. Inquire directly to me . "Airplane," 9"...

My book of color, "A Dog Named Blue," was released about a year ago. The pages feature full color images of my paintings paired with clever color-centric phrases. You can see inside the book here , and order your own copy (or copies of any of my other publications) here . But keep on reading - you could win a copy, too! Last week the Warrior Princess got her wings. Those of you who have been long time subscribers know The Warrior Princess, a friend of my teenage daughter. When The Warrior Princess was diagnosed with leukemia last summer, many of you rallied by donating blood and platelets, purchasing artwork flagged as a fundraiser for her family, donating items for a charity event, and sending notes/cards /prayers of encouragement. You made a difference. Because of your love and support, she rallied for an extended stay with us. But last week, that time ended, and we said goodbye, fittingly, at a funeral service capped by a community-wide group hug. Be...

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

Just a few gift ideas for those on your list: a custom portrait gift certificate , starting at $289 for a 5"x7" museum quality portrait an original painting , either framed or unframed, but equally cherished a book to be treasured with a young reader, shared with a horse lover, or gifted to a budding artist smartphone cases for those wanting to put a unique stamp on their third arm prints and notecards - of my work or my friend Kiki Kelly's - to bring a splash of color into any home Thanks for considering the gift of art and artist-created items.  May your gift giving be joyful and heartfelt, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

  Keenan, commissioned portrait of a Sheltie, done in acrylics on paper, image roughly 5" x 5" centered on a 9" x 12" paper. Private collection (THANK YOU!)     Keenan is one half of a pair of shelties I sketched today - his older sister Keelie will be shared with you tomorrow.   Thanks so much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Sweet Spot II," 8" x 16", acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting my ever willing model Mona Lisa, available for $529 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!! Do you remember  Cleo ? I painted two versions of her last month and reconnected with a favorite exercise from the past - that of working on multiple pieces, different in scale and composition, at the same time. Another Dog a Day fan loved my idea so much, they forwarded it to Daily Paintworks leader (and one of my favorite artists and mentors)  Carol Marine . Carol, in turn, invited me to lead a weekly challenge on the website. What spectacular company to be in, and what an honor to be included. After I picked myself up off the floor and my blood pressure had stabilized, I (hopefully) graciously accepted her invite. Than...

      "Colby's Chewie," 9" x 15", portrait of a yellow lab, done in acrylics on a panel.   Beating my head against the "painting wall" like I did yesterday , and then coming into the studio today and pulling Colby's painting out of nowhere, well, let's just sum it up by saying that life is a rollercoaster. And I'm so glad that Colby pulled me out of the free fall.   Enjoy the weekend, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     Kiki Kelly's Snowstorm   "If Snowflakes Were Colored," Kiki's take on a snowstorm, seems to have perfect timing.   Watch for future pieces related to sunshine (I know, eh, what's that?) and sea urchins (totally random, I agree).

FROM TOP: "Hey, You!," 6" x 8", equine portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, custom framed in beautifully detailed wood molding, $279; "Buckskin," 4" x 5", equine portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, not for sale. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . "Hey, You!" is from a photo my then 8 year old son took while accompanying me on a photo shoot. I do like the perspective, which was his literal point of view while this stallion towered above and zoomed in to lip the camera lens. It must've smelled of peppermints! My son negotiated a pint of ice cream as payment for copyright permission to paint from his photo. He's a kid after my own heart! And it never hurts to learn copyright respect at an early age! "Buckskin" is an early birthday gift for a dear friend, Juliet Harrison. She's a brilliant equine photographer (you can see her work at http://www.lechevalthehorse.com/ ) , generous with her ideas, always will...

Today has been unusually productive. I've gotten three stellar little paintings completed, all for the same client, and all as holiday gifts. This leaves me with only two dog-a-day paintings left pre-holiday, and those I am awaiting reference photos on. Oh, and I do have one other large canvas that I have been slowly working on - but he's not due till shortly after the holiday. Since October 1st I've completed 77 dog-a-day paintings, and 5 larger stretched canvases. That includes a week off for my brother's wedding, and another break for the AKC Eukanaba National Dog Show Championships earlier this month. I guess you could say I've been a little bit crazed. But this means that starting tomorrow I can actually kick back, take a deep breath, and maybe even get to meet a girlfriend or two for adult conversation and sustenance of some sort. Oh yeah, and I get to do Christmas shopping (and wrapping), start holiday baking (mmmm, homemade biscotti), and catch up on other ...

"Mop Head (Poiret)," 4x5, commissioned teacup poodle portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Talk about having a good time - I really should have photographed this piece as it progressed. The canvas was originally all a dark violet, like what you see between Poiret's eyes, and I gradually built up the layers of paint, adding lavendars, pinks, periwinkle and some teal. I used glazes to push some areas of his fur back, and then went in with looser lighter brushwork to pull bits of his fur forward. I had even more fun because I was trying out some new brushes, experimenting with their spring and shape. I am really hard on my brushes, so historically have bought cheap ones that don't hold their shape so well. I learned today that proper tools make a world of difference in the sort of brushwork I can lay down, and how quickly I can do it, too. And despite scrubbing to my hearts' content, these brushes have held up and are ready for more abuse...

"Tortie Kitten," 4x5, tortoiseshell kitten portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, $105. $21 from the purchase of this painting will go to the Oakland Pet Fund ( http://www.oaklandpetfund.org/ ) - you can read more about their mission to eliminate euthanasia from Oakland County shelters by 2010 at their website. I am proud to support their efforts through the Painting a Dog a Day project - inquiries about purchasing this piece may come to me at ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . This is a Spice Girl kitty. Her mother was picked up as a stray along with a litter of kittens, and when we were at the shelter last week, there were 3 babies left and momma. Each kitten was named after a spice, and I cannot remember if this one was Ginger or Clove. But I loved her markings, and how one side of her face was markedly lighter and oranger than the other. And I promised you a bonus painting, too, as this week was a short one (at least for me). Hence the brindled sharpei mix,a tender size at 4x...

"Shepherd Mix Pup," 6x12, puppy portrait in acrylic on canvasboard. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to the Oakland Pet Fund, dedicated to turning Oakland County ( http://www.oaklandpetfund.org/ ) into a euthanasia free community by 2010. This pup's tag said she was 2 years old, yet her scrawny build led one to believe she was much younger than that. She had an honest and earnest face, the sort of dog that devotes itself to its family. I hope that she finds one by the year's end. She was only one of dozens of dogs waiting to be adopted, and twice as many cats. It was so tough going into that shelter, knowing that we couldn't take them all home with us. Not even one. (Well, at least not last week.) You can view her and the other animals in waiting at www.oakgov.com/anmlctrl . . Adoption isn't the only way you can help out. Consider donating your time. Picking up an extra cat toy or two. Or donating old leashes, collars, and blankets. Toge...

ARTIST'S NOTE: I framed this piece up exquisitely, and sent it to the Starkweather Gallery for their Members Show. The painting was one of the first sales of the show. I wish the purchasers many years of enjoyment with this kitty. "Calico," 8"x16" (this is a small painting, yet is larger than lifesize!), $300. $60 from the purchase price of this piece will go to the Oakland Pet Fund, an organization dedicated to making Oakland County Michigan euthanasia free by 2010. Learn more about their mission at http://www.oaklandpetfund.org/ . SOLD. I wanted to give this dear little cat a better title, given the healing that she supplied me with last week (read November 28th's post on this blog, the one with the brittany portrait), but nothing came to me that didn't sound hokey or fake. So I decided to keep it simple, and titled it for both the background and her markings. Yes, this is the calico who, in her own way, helped my son and I come to better terms with t...

I cannot begin to tell you what a fantastic weekend it was. I left early Friday morning and boarded a plane to California for the AKC Eukanaba National Championships Dog Show, returning lat last night. The entire weekend was phenomenal. The dogs were stellar, all primped and primed for their moment, and the AKC staff went out of their way to make me comfortable (thank you!). The show participants generously allowed me to take as many photos as I liked (well over 500!), and the public who stopped by for their own signed copy of the commemmorative poster were eager to share their own stories. I even met several dog-a-day readers, which was a wonderful treat! And, for those of you who have been patiently waiting, signed posters are available for purchase online, through the American Kennel Club website. Posters are $25 (which includes shipping), and those funds go directly to Take the Lead, a non-profit benefitting those 2-legged folk at the other end of the leash. I am especially ...

"Filmore," 6x12, commissioned pet portrait, mixed breed (greyhound) dog painting in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). I love the soft light that's falling on this gentle dog's head. And how the shape of the piece mirrors his profile. It's a quiet and contemplative painting. Sort of the exact opposite of the kind of day I had, packing up and getting ready to head to the AKC/Eukanaba National Championships tomorrow. I will not be posting any paintings until next Tuesday due to the trip, but if time allows, I may pop in and give you an update. Let you know how my poster unveiling goes, and show you some of the imagery that will be inspiring future dog-a-day paintings. For those of you in the Long Beach, California area, I will be at the AKC booth from 10-2 on Saturday and Sunday. I would love to meet you! Don't forget, too, that next week is Animal Welfare Week (formerly called Shelter & Rescue Week), where I'll be profiling adoptab...

"Brittany Study (Bud)," 6" square, commissioned pet portrait, acrylic dog painting depicting a brittany spaniel, private collection (THANK YOU!). When my client first contacted me last summer about painting Bud, she was a little hesitant. Bud was the dog she had grown up with, and finding photos was going to be a chore. COuld i work from old polaroids and other scanned images? of course! She came through with a handful of beautiful, albeit faded, photos, most taken in natural lighting. I was able to paint a portrait for her to give her mother from those. I cannot wait to hear of her family's reaction on Christmas morning, for even after all these years, Bud has a hold of them all. This has been a week full of rumination on the power of these sweet souls. How they tag our hearts for a lifetime, and leave us in their gentle wake. My oldest son and I visited the Oakland Pet Adoption Center today to shoot reference photos of adoptable animals for profiling during next we...

"German Shepherd Study (Cujo)," 6" square, commissioned pet portrait, acrylic painting of a german shepherd on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Today's painting is another one packed with vibrant color. I am searching to find that perfect balance between color harmony and oversaturation. This piece works well in that regard - when I squint down at it, the values all read properly. And when I open my eyes back up, I can't help myself - I grin right back at Cujo. The Landscape 75 international show at the Richeson Gallery and School of Art in Wisconson has gone online - you can view my painting there, in some excellent company, at http://www.richeson75.com/ . It's not too hard to pick out which one came from my studio (although it IS NOT a dog!). I've been told that People's Choice voting will be online soon. Not that I'm suggesting anything...... I am also getting ready for my trip to the AKC/Eukanaba National Championship Dog Show la...

"Dashing Daphne," 8x10, commmissioned pet portrait, acrylic grayhound painting on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). I needed a smiling face to paint today, and Daphne fit the bill to a T. The exhuberance and delight in her face flowed directly onto my palette, and influenced my color choices. I started by toning the canvas a wonderful apple green, and then sketched Daphne's form in overtop it while still wet. Painting quickly at first, so that I could lift that green and mix it into my shadows, was liberating. Then, after that first layer dried, I went in with glazes of violets and pinks and blues, building the sense of light, and carefully defining my edges. Even though my reference photo was crisp, I wanted to capture that sense of movement - so only Daphne's face has crisp edges, while the rest of the painting seems to fade away. I also pushed her body further from the viewer's eye back into the picture plane by graying the shadows out, instead of m...