Paintings With Soul

Day One of any workshop involves a demo-while-I'm-talking-performance. It can be hit or miss, and I'm sort of at the mercy of my muse and the space and my students. Today I was not disappointed by any of the above. I talked about building a composition, editing the reference to match one's idea, consciously choosing a color scheme, and building layered, gestural brushwork. "Floating Dorit," roughly centered on an 11" x 14" bristol board, done in acrylics, $200. Inquiries may come to me . That's the name of my 2 day intensive workshop. In 2 days we focus on how to see color with fresh eyes and how to translate what we see into juicy, gestural marks. It's a good time, as long as you have your running shoes on and are well rested. Lots of photos are being shared on my Facebook page . And information on future workshops is always here . Thanks so much for supporting my artwork, Kim

View In Process Photos I Want a Portrait Too "Mimi," 12" x 106", acrylics on museum quality panel, a still life depicting a lovely long haired dame, private collection (THANK YOU!). Mimi was adopted at the ripe age of 17 and spent 6 beautiful years with her family before passing away recently. Her Mom requested a portrait that depicted her as a dignified and mature lady. She particularly wanted a scruffier look to Mimi's fur, and I was secretly delighted because that meant I could use even MORE color. Mimi had a distinctive furrowed brow that made her look grumpy, but she was just the opposite.  It was even more fun having her on my easel because of that expression. I hope my portrait prompts many fond memories for her family. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

"Sun Bun (Bun II)," 8" square, acrylics on museum quality panel depicting Mr. Bun, a Lionhead Rabbit. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will help homeless buns - he's $399 to the first asking nicely. SOLD VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS I painted Bun again today (here's his first portrait ) - he's such a good little model! Next week we'll change things up a bit - it's Derby Week, and keeping with tradition, I'll paint horses each day. But meanwhile I'm off for a weekend of dance. In between numbers, I'll be doodling in the dressing room, making plans for new paintings. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Hidey, 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting a lovely dark haired feline, commissioned portrait, private collection (THANK YOU!). VIEW Hidey's IN PROCESS PHOTOS The Santini's adopted a new family member over the weekend. You can meet her here . I'm tempted to throw dinner in the oven and spend an hour or so sketching.... but scared what will happen when I give in entirely to her ridiculous adorable charm. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

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 

Bun, 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting Bun, a little Lionhead bunny who's accomplishing great things (read below), $329 to the first asking nicely. Proceeds from the sale of Bun's portrait (and reproductions and cell phone cases ) will benefit bunny rescue. A call for bunny muses introduced me to this little guy. I was drawn immediately to his velvety color, deep fur and sweet demeanor. Then I got to know his Mom and fell in love with his family and their mission - Bun as the face for responsible pet ownership. You, too, can become a Bun fan here . Here's a little video of the painting in process .  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS................. It was a shock this summer when I realized how much I've come to love neutral colors. Still working with a limited palette - titanium white, pthalo blu...

"Clinker," 9" x 12", portrait of a rescued and wonderfully sweet bunny, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, available to the first collector asking nicely, $540 including s&h inside the US. Inquiries may come to me . And in process images of Clinker's portrait are here . SOLD (thank you!) Baby Clinker was found with her sister and an older male rabbit in my friend's woodpile. Clinker was healthy, but little Stormy was riddled with bot larva and the adult rabbit had a BB in his jaw, making it impossible for him to eat. They now have quite the extended family and a happy home to enjoy. In honor of their happily-ever-after, I will donate $100 from the sale of Clinker's portrait to the Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary - a Michigan rescue group that does fabulous things for bunnies in need. Thanks for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

      "Bunny 1" (on top) and "Bunny 2," image approximately 5-1/2" wide on a 9" x 12" sheet, done in acrylic on paper, depicting sweet and fluffy rabbits. One of these paintings is for my client (who plans on donating it to a shelter fundraiser), and the other one could be yours for $100 plus s&h.  Let me know !!   Enjoy your weekend and stay safe!   Kim, who plans on losing her voice at tonite's high school football game ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com