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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 larger painting and to experiment with brushwork.

For those of you interested in following the progress of Joci’s other painting, you may do so at www.turtledovedesigns.com/wetpaint.html. I plan on completing all the preliminary work and beginning the actual painting in late Feb-early March.

Thanks, as always, for looking.
And for sharing these paintings with friends and family,
Kim

PS For more information on this fascinating breed, please visit http://www.leonbergerclubofamerica.com/ .


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
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