Paintings With Soul

This is my Finnigan, who takes snowflake chasing very seriously. So much so that he often comes in from even the briefest jaunt literally caked with the stuff. This winter the snow shovel has become as great a toy as the Frisbee. Finn’s usually intense “throw it for me NOW” face changes completely when his eyebrows have furred with snow and he’s grown icicle whiskers. Here is “Cattle (Snow) Dog,” 6x8, acrylic on canvasboard. Finn’s merled coloring is always a challenge to paint, and combined with the falling flakes and chunks of ice, there’s a lot of surface activity here. To simplify that aspect, I restricted the background to layers of blue and lavender, with the strongest and purest color concentrated in his eyes and nose. Much of the brushwork was done with a #1 liner, in transparent glazes. It’s a great piece to let your eyes travel across. This painting is going directly on my wall, so sorry, but it’s not for sale. But I could paint your dog playing in the snow. It’s as easy as s...

What I wouldn’t give for my own regular naptime. A cozy spot to curl up in a sliver of sun, and grab a quick powernap. Just the thought gives chills up and down my spine. Maybe I’ll get to grab a few minutes, if I disguise it as catching up on some of these magazines stacked here next to my desk….. But back to today’s painting. This is a golden mix, or maybe a blond cocker mix – and the painting is awash in oranges, yellows and pinks. Lots of relaxing warm colors to compliment to pose and yummy brushwork. “Siesta,” 4x8, acrylic on canvasboard painting, $60. All inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Today’s dog is an old and wise golden retriever. Set against layers of green and khaki, the gold highlights glow softly. I also employed directional brushwork to suggest the feathering and layers of curls on his ears. “Golden Retriever Profile,” 5x7, acrylic on canvasboard, $60. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks as always for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family! Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

I took a long walk this morning, which, being abnormally thin-blooded, is something I don’t regularly do when the temps plummet. But the snow was falling steadily, and with several fresh inches beckoning through the studio window, I could resist no longer. I chased snowflakes with the dog, and worked up a sweat (and an appetitie) shoveling. I returned to the studio with the crunch of snow ringing in my ears, a renewed sense of purpose, and a big gooey brownie. And then I painted a beagle. Yes, I know, one doesn’t normally associate beagles with calmness and silence. But just take a peek at her, and you’ll see why this particular reference spoke to me this morning. She’s poised and carries a beautiful glow about her. “Beagle Study, 4x8, $60. Please send inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-...

I have always admired the brassy sheen of a vizsla’s coat – from back in the dawn when we moved to our current home, and I coveted our neighbor’s Molly. Seen bouncing around behind the hydrangeas, her orange was perfectly offset by the garden’s coloring. Of course, I’ll admit my ignorance, too – I had never heard of a vizsla before. Molly broadened my horizons. Since then a remarkably astute client and breeder told me that vizsla’s were like weimereiners left out in the rain – shrunk a little, and rusted. So with that little bit of background, I give you today’s painting – a little 4x5 head study of a precocious little Vizsla. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Ar...

I first met Brutus earlier last year when I got to paint him in a dual celebration of his 10th birthday and a liver cancer victory. As with every animal I get to paint, I developed a great fondness for his exceptionally sweet temperament. And that massive tongue – he was ALWAYS grinning. So it was with a heavy heart that I read the email telling me that Brutus had been put to sleep. This piece is for those who are feeling a bit empty without him. Brutus, 6x8, acrylic on canvaboard, private collection. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Enjoy all the slobbery (or not so slobbery) kisses you can today, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Don’t you love the way black dogs just glisten in the sun? Their coats act like a mirror, reflecting all the color around them. They also are fun to paint – you approach it sort of backwards (at least for me) – blocking in the darkest shadows and color first, then going in overtop with the highlights. It’s always good to mix it up periodically! “Black Lab Study (Will),” 5x7. This one isn’t for sale – I’m sending it to Will’s mom, who also happens to be my cousin. Enjoy him, Rachel – both the real, and the painted versions! Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

There is something about the grizzled old face of a dearly loved dog that speaks to us all. That’s what I was hoping to emphasize with Charlotte’s portrait. I played with all the color around her eyes, and placed the foremost one directly in the center of an elongated canvas. Imagine that her chin is resting in the palm of your hand, and you can almost feel her breath on your wrist. My most successful paintings are not just about the individual, but speak more generically to an experience we’ve all shared. “Charlotte (Beagle Study),” 4x8, $60. SOLD. Thank you, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Today’s painting is another commissioned dog-a-day. This is Shadow, a cocker spaniel mix. Cockers have the most soulful eyes, and Shadow is no exception. I cropped in real close to his face, so as best to show off those eyes. And his cute little violet nose (yes, it really is violet!!). Shadow, 5x7, acrylic on canvasboard, headed shortly to his new home. And thus we finish up yet another week!! Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Stay warm this weekend – Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Meet Coco. Everybody loves Coco, and it’s easy to see why. A smile is contagious, that’s for sure. It’s even more welcome on a gray day like today. Llasa Apso Study, 4” square, $50. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family! Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Today I played hookey from the studio in order to spend some time with my grandmother, who is one of the most remarkable women I know. Of course, now I’m paying the price, being in the studio at a later hour than usual. It was well worth it, though – every so often the soul needs rejuicing, and this sort of visit was just what I needed. So, I hope this was worth the wait. Here’s Joci, a Leonberger, shrunken down onto a 5x7. This is a breed that’s relatively new to me, but I am already hooked. Not just because of her delicious coloring, that teddy bear fur, and her incredible size (these dogs are upwards of 100 lbs, with a full coat of fur that resembles a lion’s mane). The clincher was the sheer depth of character in her eyes. I hope I’ve conveyed their wisdom and playfulness. I’ll be painting a larger version of Joci, too, around the area of 12x16 – a straightforward gaze, with dramatic lighting. This smaller piece provided me the perfect opportunity to work out my palette for the lar...

Daschunds have gumption. I mean, come on – they have to! All that attitude packed into such an odd little package (and I do not mean that in a cruel way whatsoever – I love their endearing proportions). This guy is no exception. I found myself playing a bit with the edges as I worked on this. First, loving the bone structure and angle of the pose, I had the shape of his body all crisp and curvy. Then I ran a dry brush across him to blur out/soften all but his face. It was interesting to see how that accented the focal point, and made the painting a little stronger. “Daschund Study,” 6x6, $60. All inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway ...

Today’s painting is of a dalmation. While one might think that a dalmation was black and white, it’s really not that simple. Their pink skin shines through their white fur, shadows dance between violet and ultramarine, and their spots are an inky blue with shimmering lighter rings – they are always so much fun to paint. So here you go – “Dalmation Study,” 6” square, at $60. Inquiries can come to me, ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for taking the time to share these paintings with your family and friends. AND for your patience last week as we sorted out the bug in blogspot that was preventing me from posting images!! Everything has been updated now!! Stay warm! Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Today’s dog is coming to you later than usual, as I’ve had a sick child today. Guess the Santini house will be flu-ridden this weekend. I’m not looking forward to it. Perhaps that prospect and last night’s lack of sleep drove me to subconsciously choose the image for today’s painting – a snoozing shitzu. She’s peeking out from under her fringe, but not terribly excited about much of anything. The color in this one is very subtle – light washes of lavender with apricots. She’s 4x8 and $60 – a fun little painting to tuck into a frame and brighten up some little spot in your home or office. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Stay well (I’m off for more oj, myself, and some airbourne!!), Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the g...

Today’s painting stars Chumba, a basenji who was loved dearly and lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. At 6x8, the piece is large enough to give detail and life to his laughing profile, and really capture the unique qualitiy to his gaze, yet still retains an intimacy about it, too. Thank you again, to Maria Cotter, for commissioning me to paint her two, Taku and Chumba, this week. I had a great time translating a few of her favorite photos into paint. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these dailies with your friends and family! Take care, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Today’s painting is of a saluki pup. He’s dramatically lit, with a full range of blues and violets. I love the textural contrast between the silky sheen of his profile and the fringe on that one ear, and would like to paint a similar sort of pose cropped a bit more loosely in a lifesize or larger canvas. “Taku” is a 4x8 canvasboard, and he’s sold to returning collector Maria Cotter (thank you, again, Maria!). Last week Maria sent me digital photos of Taku and Chumba (who you’ll get to meet tomorrow). Getting your own dog-a-day painting is just that easy! Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Today’s little lady is very sweet. An earnest fawn pug, dripping with layers of blue and green glazes. Balanced off with apricots and pinks. (Sometimes computer monitors just do not do justice to subtle layering of colors). I really like this piece – it’s quiet (not at all like a pug’s usual snurgeley demeanor!) and harmonious. Fawn Pug Study, 4x6, $50. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks as always for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family. Stay warm today – it’s a cold one (at least here in Michigan!) Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

I love the silky little faces of yorkies, and was in heaven a few years ago when asked to paint a double yorkie portrait. Here’s a little study done from some of my old preparatory sketches and reference materials for that painting. Just goes to show you that some little muses have staying power!! “Yorkie Study,” 4x6, $50 SOLD. I want to extend a special welcome to our new readers – the dog-a-day family is growing rapidly, a testament to your generosity in sharing my paintings and spreading the word. Thanks, as always, for looking. Have a great day! Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

I wish you could see this guy in person. The paint is laid down in thick, gooey layers of subtle color. It’s a terribly gray, wet and gloomy day here (what’s up with 50 degree weather in Michigan in January?!), and I had to photograph this piece under the studio lights, which washed him out a little bit – but there are lots of pale apricots, pinks, and yellows buried under the layers of hair. “Wheaton Terrier Study,” 6x6, only $60. SOLD. How can you not grin back at him? Thanks as always for looking. And for sharing the paintings with your friends and family. Our ranks are growing - welcome to all new readers! Have a great weekend, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Today’s dog is now full grown, but as a puppy, I found him to be highly entertaining and very inspiring. Actually, I still do – I love his grin and the way his fur swings and bounces when he runs to greet me. I think that golden retrievers are the original Walmart greeters! Here’s Ben as a little guy, enjoying that hard, deep puppy sleep. 4x8, $60. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks as always for looking. And for sharing these paintings with family and friends. Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

This is my brother’s dog, Chewie, so named because he looks quite a bit like Chewbacca. A big ole brindle mishmash of breeds, he also could be mistaken for a 100+ lb teddy bear. In case you haven’t yet figured it out, I love painting brindles – there is so much color in their fur, and it’s a challenge for me to model their shapes without getting lost in the stripes and splashes of orange and blue. And Chewie was an even bigger challenge – not only is he brindled, but his coat is thick and fluffy and peach-fuzzy in places. Needless to say, I had fun. So here’s Chewie, downsized into a 4x5 painting, peeking at you from his slumbers. This one isn’t for sale – it’s for my brother, who year after year gets ripped off with a birthday the day after Christmas. Hope you like it, Sean - Happy birthday!! Thanks as always for looking. And for sharing the paintings with friends and family. Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged painting...

Today our household sort of eased our way back into somewhat of a regular routine. The kids return to school tomorrow, and I am looking forward to a block of uninterrupted studio time. I have a couple blank canvases staring me down, and some new commissioned portraits to start chipping away at. I am eager to set up the easel and play with color again!! But meanwhile here’s today’s painting, “Sweet Dreams,” a 5x7 study of a german shepherd powernapping. Lots of loose brushwork and layered glazes, which, unfortunately, are still a little wet, and are reflecting the studio lights – hence the “speckled” look to the painting. Available for $60 to the first buyer – inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family! Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding memb...