Paintings With Soul

"Thistle," 24" x 24" x 2", acrylics on birch panel, featuring an inquisitive hedgehog. The image is entirely painted/wrapped around the edges, so there is no need to frame. This is another painting that would be fabulous in a playroom or nursery. Or really, any space where lots of smiling happens. Thistle is available for purchase (I accept credit cards and can structure a payment plan - just ask!). She's $1999, which includes complimentary shipping and handling inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . Tomorrow The Princess and I leave for her dance team's Nationals. I'm packing a sketchbook and plan to sketch while away. Not sure that I'll have the time to blog daily, but I will post the images to the studio's Facebook page - they will be available for purchase, all for under $99 each. So stay tuned to Facebook if you are looking to snag an original piece of art for a great price! Thanks for following along with my...

"Rosalie," from The Dryad Series, 18" x 24", acrylics on panel. Yes, another Princess inspired piece, this time with her snugged in amongst English Roses.  Wouldn't this be fabulous in a little girl's bedroom or nursery? The painting is available for purchase (I accept credit cards and can structure a payment plan - just ask!). She's $499, which includes complimentary shipping and handling inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . Lots of things happening in the coming days - I'm trying to keep my head above water, and so far managing "pretty ok" (as The Man Child is fond of saying). Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Iris," from The Dryad Series, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel. This one is a portrait of The Princess, emerging from a mass of iris. This painting is available for purchase (I accept credit cards and can structure a payment plan - just ask!) for $799, which includes shipping and handling inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . The Princess looks quite a bit like I did at her age (although she's got way more confidence than I'll ever muster!), and combining her likeness with iris, a flower I associate with some of my happiest childhood memories, turned this one into almost a double portrait. Her and I. We make a good team, even if she is a know it all hormonal teenager and I'm a crabby middle aged old lady. In life and in the studio! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

IN PROCESS, ABOVE the full painting, BELOW, a detail: "Squeaker," 48" x 48" x 3/4", acrylics on cradeled panel (with image painted to wrap around the sides, so no need to frame), featuring a mouse on steroids (Squeaker is 24" tall!!!) with an explosion of blooms. Squeaker is available and may be purchased or placed on layaway prior to the piece's completion. He is $8999, which includes shipping and handling inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . I started this one late Thursday evening, and have been painting away ever since. The flowers became therapy once I heard of the Orlando tragedy. Senseless and tragic and my heart hurts for what our world has become. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

FINISHED: "Wisteria," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, featuring a harlequin bunny with her wisteria crown. Wisteria has a new home with a long time collector, for which I am very grateful. I'm happy to paint more rabbits - inquiries may always come  to me . Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

IN PROCESS: TOP, detail, BOTTOM, full painting - "Wisteria," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, featuring a harlequin bunny and a headpiece made of wisteria. It can be yours for $599 (includes complimentary shipping inside the US). Also, as with all my work, payment plans are an option, and I accept credit cards through Paypal. Inquiries may always come  to me . SOLD (thank you very much!) My wisteria bloomed over the weekend, so of course, I had to paint it. Don't you love the leaves and stems?  Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

TOP, detail, BOTTOM, full painting - "P(e)ony," 48" x 48" (yes, this little pony is larger than life!), acrylics on panel, featuring a miniature pony sprouting a tangle of pink peonies. This is my favorite painting ever to come off my brushes. It can be yours for $8999. This includes complimentary shipping inside the US. Also, as with all my work, payment plans are an option, and I accept credit cards through Paypal. Inquiries may always come  to me . I have never painted with such intensity as with P(e)ony. These animal+florals are carrying me into brand new territory, and as I make wonderful discoveries with each one, I'm realizing that all my previously separate veins of creating are melding together into one cohesive and unique style. I am evolving! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

(please excuse the glare - this one is tough to photograph because of it's size and the gloomy day) IN PROCESS: "P(e)ony," 48" x 48" (yes, this little pony is larger than life!), acrylics on panel, featuring a lavender pony sprouting a tangle of pink peonies. This one can be yours for $8999, including complimentary shipping inside the US (also, as with all my work, payment plans are an option). And yes, if you love her now, you can pre-purchase - inquiries may come  to me . So my peonies aren't blooming yet, but my neighbor's are. I texted her one evening at dusk - "will you call the police if I come over in my jammies and steal some of your flowers?" Thankfully she said no, and told me to cut as many as I needed. I have the best friends!! (and the studio smells so lovely!) Also, one rainy afternoon last week I may have been spotted picking wildflowers from a roadside ditch. Anything for art, right?! Thanks for following along w...

"Arctic Roses," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, featuring a howling white wolf amid a mass of ivory tea roses. This painting is another stunner - I struggled so hard to keep all the color soft and nuanced, and it was super hard (for me!). This one can be yours for $599, including complimentary shipping inside the US (also, as with all my work, payment plans are an option). Inquiries may come  to me . If you follow me on Facebook , you've gotten peeks at some of the other critters in the studio, including a ginormous rhinocerous. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Pinwheel," 24" x 24" x 2, with painting wrapped around the edges (no need to frame) starring a baby zebra and a mess of candy-striped petunias (which were amazingly fun to paint!). This painting is absolutely stunning in person - I want to have you all over to see the scope and scale of what I've been creating!! Pinwheel can be yours for $2999, including complimentary shipping inside the US (and this is a heavy birch panel) (also, as with all my work, payment plans are an option). Inquiries may come  to me . It's a veritable zoo in the studio. And I'm not talking about my mess or the kids! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"White Lilacs," 24" x 30", featuring Lily (one of The Princess's bunnies from years back), sporting a crown of ivory blooms. This painting is $599 (and, as with all my work, payment plans are an option). Inquiries may come  to me . SOLD (thank you very much!) After the wild acclaim over the first Lilac, I decided I needed to paint another variation on the same theme. They are similar, and yet uniquely original.  Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

IN PROCESS "Pinwheels," 24" x 24" x 2", acrylics on cradled birch panel, featuring the baby zebra I discovered in the petunias this morning. This painting, when finished (Stripey, the foal, needs a bit more work), will be $2999 (with complimentary shipping inside the US). Yes, he can be purchased prior to completion, and yes, I do accept payment plans. Inquiries may come  to me . Did you know that a zebra's stripes are as unique as a fingerprint? Wishing all had a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!  Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Sonny," 12" x 46", acrylics on panel, featuring a Meerkat at attention, with a mess of yellow daisies, $1999 (with complimentary shipping inside the US). Inquiries may come  to me . Funny story about Sonny. I went to Home Depot (with paint in my hair and all over me, because when inspiration hits, who's got time to clean up?), bought an 8 foot long panel, and had them cut it in half. Took both pieces (48" square) out to my car, only to find out that they wouldn't fit. Schlepped both pieces back to the lumber guy and asked him to trim so they would fit. He took a foot off each one. Which left me with 2 tall skinny panels for 2 tall skinny compositions like Sonny's. Now I need to think of another one. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Maude," 30" x 30" x 1-3/4", acrylics on cradeled panel with the image wrapped around the edges. This painting was a commission, and I cannot wait to see Maude installed in my collector's new kitchen!  Original art is the best way I know to brighten up and personalize any space. I would be happy to paint something custom for your home -please  email me  and we can begin discussing your project. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

In Process, "Pansie," 24" x 30", from The Dryad Series, acrylics on panel, depicting a 6 year old Princess. This piece is $2499 - please  email me  if you are interested in seeing detail shots or have any questions. Another painting that will hurt my heart a little to send out into the world. Love this kiddo and all the women that pansies remind me of. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Dandy Lion," 18" x 24", acrylics on panel, $499. I can't stop thinking this is Aslan , which was entirely unintentional, but of course I absolutely LOVE that connection. Please  email me  to purchase. Next up? figuring out poppies...... Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Posie" 60" x 60" (yes, that size is correct), acrylics on gallery stretched canvas (with the image wrapped and painted around the sides, so no need to frame), depicting The Princess and a delightful "handful" of flowers. This extraordinary piece is available for purchase with one stipulation - that I am able to exhibit it this fall. Please  email me  if you are interested in seeing detail shots or have any questions. In process pics are  here. Yesterday was Rosie and today is Posie. I know. I'm rhyming. I'm also a painting dervish! Lots of new progress getting made on so many new pieces. It's very exciting! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Rosie" 36" x 48", acrylics on gallery stretched canvas (with the image wrapped and painted around the sides, so no need to frame), depicting a 7 year old Princess crowned with roses, daisies, freesia and bleeding hearts. I wish I could stand with you in front of her - she glows with a quiet confidence and the spark in her eye is contagious. This piece is $8499 - please  email me  if you are interested in seeing detail shots or have any questions. In process pics are   here. It will be tough to part with Rosie (The Princess actually LIKES this one!), but I have officially run out of room to store and hang any more paintings. Two other big ones are headed out to new homes tonite, but I brought 4 more into the studio today, and am getting a couple more large panels tomorrow. These babies are multiplying like rabbits! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Foxglove" 24" x 48", acrylics on masonite, all lovely and drippy and colorful and thoroughly alive, $999 to the first one asking nicely. Personally, I think my floral pieces are getting better and better, but I may be biased! Please  email me  if you are interested in adding Foxglove to your collection. Detail pics are here . I did not know that foxgloves were also called fairy houses. Guess that's why I love them so very much, because of my affinity for the little people. Foxglove version 2.0 will now have to include a tiny magical creature..... Always new ideas right around the corner! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

In Process, "A World Away," 24" x 30", acrylics on masonite, not for sale. Inquires may always come to me via  email , though. My daughter dances competitively, and every year they do a production number that features all the dancers on the team and tells a story. And every year I create a painting inspired by their production number, selling reproductions as a fundraiser for the dance studio. This year's number is about a girl's dream, complete with a ringleader, acrobats, cheetahs, butterflies, birds, a wedding, pirates, tribal characters - it's absolutely stunning to watch.  And has been thrilling to paint, too. I still have a ways to go on this one, but I am enjoying every minute! If you are interested in ordering merchandise with this image on it, please shoot me a note , and I'll make certain to send you a direct link when the information becomes available. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantin...