Paintings With Soul

FROM TOP: "Green Rosie" and "Violet Rosie," both 4" x 5", yellow lab portraits in acrylic on canvasboard, each $189. Inquiries may always come to me . "Green Rosie (Top)" sold. Rosie is one of the dearest girls ever, facing the battle of her life. She was recently diagnosed with Evan's Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder where her body essentially attacks itself. During the last week Rosie has responded well to natural treatments, but she still has a tough time ahead. And of course, it will be a time when those who know and love her will rally around, doing their best to provide a quality of life while also hoping for a remission. Not much is known or understood about Evan's Syndrome, a disease that attacks humans as well as dogs. Which made it seem even more important that I do something. Proceeds from the sale of both Rosie's paintings will be donated to Meisha's Hope Fund, part of the Morris Animal Foundation Family. The MAFF ...

"Playing Coy (Allie)," 6" x 8", portrait of a Cairn Terrier in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may always come to me . Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to Col. Potter Cairn Rescue , a group that never ceases to amaze me with the size of their hearts. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on the Painting a Dog a Day blog and the studio website .

"Carly," 6" square, commissioned Shih Tzu portrait for a special little girl, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . On Monday I hung a special exhibition of twenty-some paintings in Body Pure, a pilates studio in Birmingham Michigan. Yes, I know, it's not a traditional gallery space. But it does have a sizeable volume of daily traffic, the majority of whom do have pets or know someone who does. This sets my work apart even more so in that it is isolated in a gorgeous setting with individuals who are prepared to talk about my process and help to share the Painting a Dog a Day story (thank you Tina and Sharon!). Feel free to swing by and take a peek at the work - Body Pure is located at 33680 Woodward, just south of Maple. Call ahead of time (248-646-4350), as their hours reflect their class structures. And don't hesitate to let me know what I can do to help you get one of my paintings into your collection. If...

"Shelby," 6" x 8", commissioned Sheltie portrait of a beloved and missed friend, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . Shelby was in his senior years when adopted by my clients. He graced them with his presence for only a short time, but that time was drenched with love. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on the Painting a Dog a Day blog and the studio website .

"Dasher Squared," 6" square, commissioned mixed breed dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (and thank you SO much!). Inquiries may always come to me . I've painted Dasher before , and she's got one of those great distinguished faces, full of wise gray whiskers, with those juicy lavender blue highlights that black dogs get in the sunlight. And while her eyes aren't really rainbow hued, when they reflect the sky and grass and the light bounces all around inside them, it's almost as if. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on th...

"Stella in Profile," 6" square, commissioned terrier portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . I had Stella's painting finished this afternoon, but life got in the way of posting it earlier. A child needed a ride across town, then dinner had to be started followed by another jaunt across town to put the chickens and ducks away (we're farm sitting this weekend), with a quick stop at the library squeezed in. Then we rushed back home for a family meal, and chased it all with an event at my daughter's school. Now I want to nurse a cup of tea partnered with some peanut butter cookies. Which I will get to do shortly. After I throw a load of laundry in. There's never enough hours (or hands) to get it all done!! Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Have a great weekend - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great...

"The Boyes Boys, Reilly and Logan," commissioned diptych featuring two mixed breed dog portraits, each panel 5" x 4" creating a combined size of 5" x 8". This is done in acrylic on canvasboards and is headed to a new Dog a Day collector's home (thank you very much!). Inquiries may always come to me . Each of these boys is a rescue, Logan (the husky mix) coming from an abusive home and Reilly joining the family as a young pup. Of course now they are content and spoiled and adored, just like every animal deserves to be. My client mentioned the idea of a diptych (two paintings created with the intention of sitting side by side), and I found it very intriguing. I put a sliver of each boy in the other's frame, painting them both literally at the same time. I like this idea so much that I am considering a few other future multiple panel options. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@tur...

FROM TOP: "Kanga" and "Chloe", each 4" square, both commissioned portraits of mixed breed dogs, in a private collection (thank you!). Still, inquiries may always come to me . Kanga is currently going through a health crisis, and my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. It seems as of late many of my muses have taken ill or journeyed across the bridge. These things always seem to come to my attention in groups, which maybe makes it easier to bear, knowing there's great companionship on both sides. And there is always comfort in numbers, small groups of numbers, that is. But nevertheless, it is near impossible to see beyond the immediate grief such a loss brings upon us. I am so hoping Kanga will bounce back and enjoy many years of quality with her extended family. Bella's doing well, and last I heard Emma's news was positive too. Gotta keep the good vibes moving about. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork wit...

"Black Dog (Chloe)," 6" x 8", commissioned pet portrait (but shh - it's a Christmas gift!) of a mixed breed black dog, acrylic on canvasboard. I have a few holiday commission spots newly available (due to last minute cancellations - these spaces have been booked for 10 months+ ---- I am SO tired of this economy & the situations it is putting people in!!) - inquiries may always come to me . Today I learned that I am one of fifteen artists chosen by Polo Player's Magazine for their annual Sporting Art Issue. This is a great honor as my little Dog a Day painting from the Preakness Virtual pARTy (check it out here ) gets to rub shoulders with some artwork hailing from the best equine artists in the world. (psst! that Preakness link includes another mini painting lesson, so those of you who liked the last lesson, check this one out too!) The entire Santini family is doing the Happy Dance tonite. You are welcome to join us! Thanks, as always, for looking ...

"Hey! It's Ozzie!!," 6" x 8", commissioned dog painting of a Miniature Pinscher-Rat Terrier-Chihuahua mix (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . To paraphrase my client, Ozzie is 12 pounds of pure kinetic energy. He eats as much as his 50 lb sibling yet burns it all off dashing about and enjoying life. I can see that sort sort of metabolism definitely being useful this time of year, with all that Halloween candy lying about, just begging to be eaten. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on the Painting a Dog a Day blog and the studio website ...

"Spunky," 6" square, dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (congratulations!!). Inquiries may always come to me . This is Spunky, the dog belonging to the lucky new Painting a Dog a Day subscriber from the month of September. You might recall that during September I gave away two portraits - one to an existing subscriber who referred a new subscriber, and another to one of those new subscribers. So you didn't win one of the two Dog a Day Give Aways ( here's the other one ) - that's ok. There's another way you can get a Painting a Dog a Day piece for your collection: the 140 Hours Auction, the brainchild of New York gallery owner Gary Brant, the first fine art auction to be conducted via social media. I have sent one of my favoritest all time pieces (a painting which has won awards at juried art exhibitions, so it's not just me who likes it), and bidding starts at just $150 for a painting valued at $539. You can browse through t...

"Old Girl (Jessie, Beagle)," 6" x 6", beagle dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, headed to a new home. But inquiries may always come to me . During the month of September I ran a promotion where current Painting a Dog a Day subscribers could register to win a free Dog a Day painting. All they had to do was convince a friend or family member to subscribe to the dailies via email and their name was put into a drawing for their own portrait. All new subscribers during the same month also got their names thrown in for a second painting giveaway. Jessie's Mom, a long time Dog a Day collector and subscriber, got her sister to sign up (I don't believe there was much arm twisting), and in return, she gets this painting of her dear old girl. Tomorrow you will get to see the second recipient of the Painting a Dog a Day GiveAway and meet Spunky. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedes...

"Little Daisy," 4" x 8", commissioned puppy portrait in acrylic on canvasboard (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . Daisy is part of a group of holiday gifts I'm creating for a client. It's a great time, working each one up (I've done 4 so far), studying them collectively, and then trying to imagine them going to separate homes. There is the promise of thrilling times ahead, that's for certain! Speaking of which.... I'm excited to be participating in an exciting event that starts tomorrow. 140 Hours , the brainchild of New York gallery owner Gary Brant, is the first fine art auction to be conducted via social media. He has collected an inspiring and diverse group of artists (I feel lucky to be included!) and you can browse through the artwork and read more about the artists and the event itself on the site (here's a direct link to my piece ). To bid on the artwork, register with the 140 Hours site , then use your twitter accoun...

FROM BOTTOMS UP: "Light and Dark (Amber)" and "Amber," both 6" x 8", portraits of a Golden Retriever Therapy Dog. One painting will go to my client and the other one is up for grabs ($324 plus s&h, or only $291.60 plus s&h if you are a returning collector). Inquiries may always come to me . Both SOLD. It's phenomenal what a pet can bring into your life, but then there are special dogs like Amber who go well beyond what a regular animal gives. Therapy dogs are a calming and healing presence. They help individuals cope with trauma, provide comfort during hospice care, encourage quiet children to come out of their shells, bring smiles and unconditional love to those in nursing homes, even act as a surrogate set of ears for reluctant readers. There's no end to the good that a therapy dog can do, and Amber here is going to work miracles during her life. If you are interested in learning more please visit Therapy Dogs International . Thanks, a...

"Rocky (Bulldog)," 6" x 8", commissioned Bulldog portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . I don't get to paint these dogs nearly enough, and they are wonderfully fun to work with. Their folds are each a loaded brushstroke, and when white like Rocky, the pinkness of their skin glows from underneath. Rocky's painting is going to be a holiday gift. Have you started your list yet? A Dog a Day painting (you can shop them at my Etsy storefront ) is a great gift, as is a Dog a Day gift certificate. I've also had a client release her November portrait spots, so I can fit in a couple commissions if you let me know asap. Oh - and if you send cards out, take a peek at my Imagekind shop and consider ordering your holiday cards with a grinning face like Rocky's on them. ( Let me know if you want a particular painting added to Imagekind and I'll get it up asap.) Thanks, as always, for looking at...

"Mickey," 8" square, kitty portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, possibly sold, but inquiries (about this painting or one of your own) may always come to me . I had to paint a black cat today, in honor of Halloween. While going through my photos, I fell in love with this guy, Mickey, who's actually a lovely steelgray. Mickey's portrait was scheduled for Valentine's Day 2010, but I think he's a great substitute for a black cat! Hopefully my client won't mind that I painted him a little early. And if she does, well, that just means that I get to paint his squishey little face again! Since Mickey is a rescued kitty himself, and my client is a Michigander as well, proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to the Oakland Pet Adoption Center. Due to unfortunate circumstances, another client has regrettably cancelled her holiday portrait spots. If you are interested in a painting and can get me references within a window of 10 days, now's your chan...

"What the Blazes....(Broncs III)," 8" x 10", acrylic on canvasboard, depicting two horses, $449. Inquiries may always come to me . SOLD. With every deadline I'm frantically working up a new idea, literally until the 'n-th' hour. Seems to be a curse, this belief that the next painting will be so much better than the previous one. These two faces are no exception to the rule - they represent entry #3 for the Ex Arte Equinus exhibition, applications due tomorrow. I do like the direction my Bronc's series of paintings are going - the interplay of shapes has allowed me to wallow in the abstractions possible with multiple forms and tight cropping. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Pa...

"Cairn Curiousity," 6" x 6", Cairn Terrier dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, $249. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to Col. Potter Cairn Rescue , a group I've worked with in the past (they are delightful!). I can always rely on them to send the Best reference photos. Inquiries may always come to me . SOLD. This painting concept was initially a black Cairn on a light ground, and gradually flipped. It's quite different for me, and I like the drama, although it is the opposite of what I set out to paint (a tonal portrait steeped in neutral grays, blues and violets). Surprises like this are great learning opportunities. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting ...

"Pigtails," 12" square, portrait of a young girl and her Yorkshire Terrier, acrylic on board, $539. This painting was created in August 2008 and is included in my new book, That's 14 in Dog Years . Inquiries may always come to me . It was so hard for me not to move to the easel today. But I exercised some discipline and continued proofreading and tweaking the manuscript for the newest book, doublechecking captions on the images, and taking care of other details. Tomorrow I'll get to paint - I've got an exciting new Broncs painting started on the easel, along with several black and white dogs in the wings in case the horses don't behave. Meanwhile, today I revisited some of my favorite pieces from 2008, of which "Pigtails" is one. She's still looking for the perfect home - is it yours? Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS ...

"Golden," 4" x 5", dog portrait of a mixed breed terrier, acrylic on canvasboard. This dear little face can join your Dog a Day painting collection all framed up and looking spiffy for $279 - just ask nicely! Proceeds from the sale of this painting will benefit animal welfare, too. Inquiries may always come to me . Thank you to Dog a Day reader Cindy Earnshaw for sharing photos of Pokey, this Boston Terrier mix. I continue to look for black and white muses as I further my exploration of extreme values and pattern - if you know of someone who fits the description, you are more than welcome to send (non flash) photos my way . They just might end up gracing the Dog a Day website! Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a...