Paintings With Soul

SHOP ORIGINALS, NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS of THERESA INSPIRED PAINTINGS "Violet," from the Theresa's Rainbow series of paintings done in 2008, 8" square, pit bull portrait depicting the diva extraordinaire Theresa from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary . This painting was done in acrylics on canvas panel and is available for purchase, either exquisitely framed ($349) or in au-naturale ($299). Please inquire . Additionally, proceeds from the sale of any/all of the Theresa imagery benefits Best Friends Animal Sanctuary . If you don't know about Best Friends, please take a minute to introduce yourself to their website and mission. A world of no more homeless pets would be a truly beautiful place. Theresa may not ever get her forever home (she's been a long-time resident at Best Friends, in part due to ongoing medical needs). In the meantime, she's been a most excellent spokes model (did you happen to catch her on National Geographic's Dogtown?)...

"Phantom," from "The Gratitude Project,"** 9" x 12", portrait of a rescued Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord, $589. When this painting is purchased, a $120 donation will be made to Animal Ark Shelter in Minnesota. Inquiries may always come to me . Phantom is no longer available, but inquiries may come to me. Phantom came to Animal Ark from Ohio, where she was an unfortunate part of a dog fighting operation. The good news is that the dog fighting ring was shut down, and Phantom, along with her puppy Liberty, were relocated to Animal Ark. Animal Ark is the largest no-kill shelter in the Twin Cities, serving more than 1000 pets each year. Their approach to educating the public, providing innovative no-more-homeless-pets programs to their community (and beyond!) and pampering the animals in their care makes Animal Ark a huge winner in my book. Phantom was lucky to end up th...

"Rio," image approximately 5-1/2" x 5" and roughly centered on a 7" x 10" sheet of Multimedia Artboard, sketch done in Golden Open Acrylics, commissioned portrait of a shelter rescue, private collection (THANK YOU!!). Also, Rio's a Christmas gift, so if you know his family, please don't spoil the surprise. Rio's portrait looks differently than my other works, I know. It's what I consider a sketch, even though it's done in paint. I offer sketches on this fabulous paper that is almost like a board - and I can size the piece to match your wall or budget or dog (the paper comes in 22" x 30" sheets). Let me know if you are interested. Last night I put the third Dog a Day book to bed!! "Come Sit Stay" is well over 100 full-color pages packed with reproductions of my favorite paintings from 2009, an essay about the year, several lesson paintings, and more. The books will be available at the end of next week - I'll ...

Still in process - "Come" and "Play," each 8" square, Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, portraits of Oreo, a delightful little put bull who recently was adopted. Oreo came into the Berkeley (California) East Bay Humane Society as a 4 month old pup with mutilated ears and an injured leg. He spent some time healing, then learning manners, before finding his forever home. Which didn't take long - after all, he is a charmer, with looks and style. How can anyone resist? I'm still working on Oreo's two paintings and should have them done in another day or two, but if you are interested in one, please let me know , so that I may set it aside for you. Proceeds from the sale of Oreo's portraits will go to the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society as appreciation for the care they gave this special dog. Do you know a companion animal like Oreo? Please d rop me a line and we can talk about including him/her in the Dog a Day Gratitude Project. ...

"Bull," 8" x 7" sketch, done in Golden Open Acrylics on multimedia artboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, sketches starting at $29) may always come to me . Bull is also a gift, so if you know his family, please keep this hush hush. We don't want to ruin the surprise. A special welcome to the new Dog a Day readers who have wandered over from the Daily Painter's site - glad to have you here!! I try to create 4-5 new pet portraits each week, and share a little bit about my subjects or my process or whatever seems pressing at the moment. Welcome to the club! However, that said, I'm punching out for the remainder of the week. Please don't take offense - my brother is getting married (and I cannot wait to gather with my extended family to celebrate a new sister)! Then on Sunday I have my first Creative Journalling workshop session - 12 students ready to put pen to paper and express themselves, w...

ABOVE: "Scrappy," 4" square, commissioned dog portrait of a pit bull. BELOW: "Lena," 4" square, commissioned kitty portrait. Both paintings done in Golden Open Acrylics on canvasboard, both paintings in a private collection (THANK YOU!). Scrappy and Lena's portraits join a collection of four other commissions - the family is now almost complete! Both Scrappy and Lena are rescues - Scrappy came complete with a set of battle scars, and Lena's eyes were damaged so much so that she lost them. Despite their physical challenges or past, each animal became a delightful and loving companion. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Have a great weekend!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini TWITTE...

"Clio," 6" square, acrylic on board, commissioned pet portrait of a Pit Bull, 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 . Clio is a sweetheart, enjoying life with the vivacity and energy of a teen. This is in spite of the fact that she was diagnosed with mast cell cancer in Oct 2007. Her lumps were removed, but she wasn't expected to live beyond Feb 2008. That just goes to show you what a positive attitude and healthy outlook means to quality of life. Clio's Mom says she is blessed to have Clio teach her how to Be. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me GIFT CERTIFICA...

"Siblings," 12" x 14", acrylic on gallery stretched linen, depicting a litter of pit bull puppies, $799. A limited edition (25 only) of giclees on artists paper also available, image approximately 10" x 13", signed in pencil by the artist, $59. Proceeds from the sale of the original and the reproductions will be donated to my local shelter, the Oakland Pet Adoption Center. Inquiries may always come to me . I am thrilled to share my latest limited edition reproduction, this one extra special because it supports animal welfare efforts. Here in the US, we are on the cusp of our biggest shopping season ever. I encourage you to consider original artwork as you begin making gift giving decisions. Local craft and artisan fairs, independently owned shops in your area, and online storefronts are a great starting point for locating original one of a kind gifts. All of my paintings available for purchase are listed on Etsy (returning collectors get 10% off the li...

"Siblings," one of three of my paintings included in the Canine Art Guild's Helping Paws Exhibition, on display at http://www.canineartguild.com/gallery/ through the end of this month. The Helping Paws Exhibition is one of a kind. Participating artists, all members of the international group the Canine Art Guild (CAG) , partner with an animal welfare group or shelter in their area. Artists pledge proceeds from the sale of one (or two or three) artworks to their partner group or shelter. Many of them also include a statement summarizing their relationship with this particular group. People's Choice awards are given as well, allowing the viewing public (internet based!) to choose their favorite pieces of art. Typically a People's Choice award goes to the artist, but in this case, the People's Choice award goes to the artists' partner group or shelter. The membership of the CAG is especially proud that, in these particularly stressful times for shelters...

Siblings, 12" x 14", acrylic on gallery stretched linen, depicting a litter of pit bull puppies, $799. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to my shelter, the Oakland Pet Adoption Center . Inquiries may come to me . I was so excited about the outcome of this painting that I could not wait to share it with you. The light, the relaxed poses, the color, and that dark brindled pup in the back - I just smile as my eye roves over this one. This painting will go to the Canine Art Guild's Helping Paws exhibition. I'll share the details of that show with you once it is published online. And it's headed to a host of shows after that. A special thanks (again) to Lisa Fishler for sharing the inspirational photo. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Siblings," 12" x 16", acrylic on gallery stretched linen, depicting a litter of pit bull mixed breed puppies, not for sale. Inquiries may come to me . Inspired by a photograph sent in by Lisa Fishler, a photographer specializing in pet portraits, this painting has been in process most of this week. (You can see more of Lisa's work at Printz Photography .) Lisa responded to my request for rescue stories - this litter is from a shelter in her area (Poughkeepsie, NY). I'm prepping this painting for a special Canine Art Guild exhibition centered on shelter support and rescued dogs, but the further I get into it, the more possibilities I see. You know I'll keep you posted! Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Theresa's Rainbow," limited edition giclee on artist's paper, signed in margins, available in two sizes. Small giclee, image size approximately 12" x 6", $49 plus $15 s&h. Large giclee, image size approximately 24" x 12", $99 plus $15 s&h. Also still available are 4 of the original paintings that built this giclee: (identified by ball color) "Orange" (third from right, top hand row), "Yellow," "Green," and "Violet," each $299 plus s&h. Orders & inquiries may come to me . Yesterday I got the nicest letter from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (BFAS) , and because Painting a Dog a Day sales have raised thousands of dollars in donations to BFAS during the past 3 years, I thought I'd share it with you. "Hello Best Friends Members, "It's been crazy at Dogtown... but a good crazy. And we just want to thank you for all your help. "When the "Vicktory" dogs arrived f...

"Pink," 8" square, original painting in acrylic on canvasboard, all dressed up and ready for the prom (aka, the Art Show at the Dog Show).   "Pink" has been honored with Third Place in the Oil & Acrylic Painting division of the Art Show at the Dog Show.   The Art Show at the Dog Sho w is the only juried exhibition focusing solely on canine art, and as you may remember, I was beyond thrilled to have two paintings accepted this year. To have my work hanging in the esteemed company of these international artists and just participate in the exhibition is perk enough. To receive an award is icing on the cake.   I'd like to extend my thanks to the show organizers and the jurors.   Those of you in the Wichita Kansas area are welcome to stop by and view the show in it's entirety - it's open to the public (details on the website ). If you are like me and can't make it there, the winning entries will be posted online in the coming days...

"Lacey," 6" x 8", mixed breed dog, commissioned pet portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (or so I think - I've tweaked my original version, and hope this one is in line with what the client wanted - a sweet and gentle face). Inquiries may always come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .   Such a busy day today. Started out with a wonderful visit with my Grandmother, who regaled us with stories of her childhood, hearing homemade root beer bottles explode in the cellar (my husband and son have embarked on some serious soda-brewing). The day drew to an end at a local cantina, surrounded by friends, watching a good friend's teenage daughter's band perform their first gig (oh to have the talent they do in just the tip of my pinky - become a fan at  their website - the band is called Church & Broadway. ).   Anyways, that takes me to this moment, an event later one, when my family is all tucked in, quietly asleep. Except for ...

"Pretty in Pink (Theresa)," 6" x 12", commissioned pit bull dog portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!!). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I just can't get enough of Theresa! Her face is such a balance in contrast, and those spotted ears make me grin. A great way to I officially return to work and the daily dogs. The kids are all at school (today's their first day), and Finnigan and I don't quite know what to do with ourselves. Well, I do know what I should be doing, but have been distracted by the remnants of summer - a bag full of sandy beach toys, a squirt gun stranded on the garage roof alongside the wiffle ball bat that was used to try to get it down, an assortment of flip flops tucked under the coffee table. Everywhere I look there's a reminder of sorts. I hope the kids' brains are packed full of the good times we had too. Looking forward, I hung a show at the Sterling Heights City Hall this ...

"ROY G. BIV," from the Theresa's Rainbow series, 32" x 16", depicting a pit bull rescue, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, $999. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Yes, Theresa's back again. This is a painting inspired by the 8 smaller 8" pieces I did a few weeks ago. I wanted to be able to exhibit the Theresa's Rainbow Series, but had a challenge. Several of the smaller paintings had sold, which broke up the integrity of the group. I couldn't exhibit the giclee, because most spaces will hang only originals. That left me one other choice. To paint an entirely new compilation, all 8 images together, on one stretched canvas. I've been burning the midnight oil (quite literally) all week long to get it done in time for a show. This time I wasn't worried so much about getting a strict likeness - I concentrated more on edges and the balance of color/shapes/values across the painting's entire surface. This is a piece best viewe...

Theresa's Rainbow Series, top row, from left: "Pink, ( SOLD )" "Red ( SOLD )," "Orange," "Yellow;" second row, from left: "Green," "Blue ( SOLD )," Indigo ( SOLD )," and "Violet." Each pit bull portrait is acrylic on board, measures 8" x 8", and is priced individually. Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Also available, limited edition giclees (only 25 copies each!) in two different sizes. Giclees match the attached image, including all 8 paintings. Small giclee on artist's paper, image size approximately 12" x 6", signed in pencil, $49 plus $15 s&h. Large giclee on artist's paper, image size approximately 24" x 12", signed in pencil, $99 plus $15 s&h. Again, inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Proceeds from the sales of these paintings and giclees are earmarked for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab Utah ( http://www.b...

"Orange (from Theresa's Rainbow series)," 8" square, pit bull portrait in acrylic on board. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Some days you just keep moving forward. This was one of those days. This morning I received a phone call from a dear friend that she had put her wonderful dog to sleep. Dinah and Amos haunted my every step - it hit so close to my heart, having lost Miah just a few short months ago, and knowing that their relationship was so very much like ours. And then another dear friend (I do have too many to count, for which I am ever so grateful) informed me of last minute travel plans, heading cross country to help her ailing father. It seems very shallow or empty to throw a daily painting into the world amongst all this, but move forward we must. While remembering those who made our paths passable, whether they first offered a hand to toddling legs, or simply steadied us with their mere presence in times of need. So, with that I give you an...

"Pink (from Theresa's Rainbow)," 8" square, pit bull portrait, in acrylic on canvasboard. Purchase information to follow (see below), but inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. I've got 8 new Theresa's Rainbow paintings completed, of which the above image is just one. I will share the paintings with you bit by bit, as I work out the logistics of how to best manage the collection. But I can honestly say I don't think I've enjoyed painting a dog this much before. But I also was able to completely immerse myself in Theresa's joy de vivre for days on end, so in the process I learned to love her as though she were my own. Right now I can tell you that there will be 2 limited editions of 25 giclees available, identical in design, differing in size only. The giclee will include 8 square images, "Pink," Red," "Orange," "Yellow," Green," "Blue," "Indigo," and "Violet...

"Wanna Play? (Theresa)," from "Theresa's Rainbow" series, 6" x 8", pit bull dog portrait , acrylic on board, inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . ARTIST'S NOTE: Whoops!! I reversed my reference photo, but didn't think to then also reverse Theresa's markings..... I'll have to paint another version of this pose, and keep that in mind as I work on the other paintings..... A HUGE thank you to the Theresa fan who pointed this out to me!! Meet Theresa. She is a current resident of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kenab, Utah. You can read more about her at http://network.bestfriends.org/News/PostDetail.aspx?np=18523&archiveurl=/News/ArchiveList.aspx?month=9&year=2007&gu=lodgedogs&pg=1 . My client introduced Theresa, her ball and matching bandanna to me, and I fell in love. After the wheels got to turning, the one proposed painting multiplied into almost a dozen. After all, how could I choose which ball to include...