Paintings With Soul

One of my favorite unsold paintings from 2008, "Lashes & Corkscrews," 5" x 8", acrylic on canvasboard, depicting a tobiano buckskin curly horse, $289. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com (but read further on how you can get a special deal on this painting!). Now it's ridiculously easy to browse my painting archives. All you have to do is visit my Etsy store . Etsy has a Shopping Cart (so you can pile it high with purchases from a variety of artists), is integrated with Paypal (although you may still pay by check if you prefer to), and is terribly simple to navigate. When the week has ended, I will have listed almost 100 of my favorite (UNSOLD!) paintings here, grouped loosely by subject matter. During 2009 I'll update the shop regularly, and add non-Dog-a-Day pieces as a bonus, thus making it easy to search for that perfect gift. Watch my daily postings for announcements, promotions and discount codes. If you do not receive the Dog-a-Day emails (...

FROM TOP: "Blissfully Pink (Bliss)," 6" square, German Shorthaired Pointer dog portrait, acrylic on canvasboard; "Katie," 6" x 8," brittany spaniel dog portrait, acrylic on canvasboard. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Now that I see her on my computer screen, I realize that Katie isn't quite the right color - her fur was more like a burnished penny. I'll have to correct that, but later. It's been a loooong day, and like the winter gear filled dryer that's run nonstop for hours, I'm tired and need a break. These paintings will get wrapped and tucked under my tree. I had to delete my parents from the Dog-a-Day distribution so as to hopefully keep them a secret for just a few more days. They'll look great added to my father's Dog-a-Day collection of past and present hunting buddies. I have one other painting that I am finishing as a (personal) Christmas gift. It's a view of an uncle's backyard in the sum...

"Basil," 6" square, commissioned golden retriever dog portait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . True confessions: today's painting was really done yesterday. Between tomorrow's forecasted 10" of snow and my complete lack of Christmas preparedness (meaning I'd done zero shopping), I realized I had a 24 hour timeframe to complete all my Christmas lists - and that was today. So I worked into the wee hours last night/this morning, hit the road first thing, and got it all done just in time to greet my oldest son as he got off the schoolbus. Unbeknownst to him and the other two kids (well, actually, I think Domenic is clued in to Santa's true identity, just too scared to say so), Santa is locked up in the studio closet. Too bad I can't bribe him to do our Christmas cards, too!! Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family.See you tomorrow! (...

"Shitake," 6" square, mixed breed dog portait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I'm reading Harley Brown's "Eternal Truths for Every Artist." It's a book that nearly every successful artist I know speaks highly of, but it's also a title that's very difficult to find, and therefore pricey. I snagged one (bargain priced, no less!!) on-line as an early Christmas gift to myself, and have been curling up with it each night for an hour or so. It is sheer brilliance! One of his many Truths is to start your painting with confidence. Attack the blank canvas with attitude, and carry that momentum through. Your initial attack should be an underpainting, regardless of the color, just as an exercise to "own" the surface and create a middle value upon which you can start your composition. Shitake has a seafoam green, brilliant teal and cadmium red underneath - you can see bits...

"Pure Joy (Ozzie)," 8" square, commissioned pet portrait depicting Ozzie, a yorkie-maltese mix, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . There's been so much gloom and doom in the news lately, especially around Detroit. In 2009 I will focus on beauty and laughter more often. Not that I plan to turn my back on the hardship - I simply want to set time aside daily where I am consciously grateful for the wonderful things in my life. I want to wrap my joy in a smile or hug, and pass it on - happiness is something that has gone missing in many lives lately. And we all deserve at least a glimmer of it each day, regardless of our circumstances. Here's a bit of a serendipitous poem that a friend shared this morning. From Solitude, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox - "LAUGH, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone. For the sad old earth must borrow it's mirth, But has trouble enough of it...

"Roxy (Cattle Dog)," 4" x 5", red heeler pet portrait, acrylic on board. Roxy's painting has a sale pending, but interested parties may email me - ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . (And that includes anyone considering booking their own Dog-a-Day portrait - I'm currently scheduling for January 2010.) Cattle dogs are an acquired taste, but, like steamed clams, they are delightfully slippery and delicious, with larger than life personalities. Being owned by one myself, I have a small bit of experience in that area (and I love steamers). From all I've heard, Roxy was no exception. Even blindness (at age 9) didn't slow her down. She's crossed the bridge now, but I know she's waiting to heartily greet only those she knows. And she'll "herd" them in the right direction when they do show. Speaking of herds, thanks to you, I've shipped close to 100 Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year books! I'll be putting together a second pre...

FROM TOP: "Golden Grin," 4" x 8"; "Golden Laughter," 8" x 10", $449, SOLD ; "Golden Gaze," 8" x 10", $449, SOLD ; all acrylic on board. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . My client gets her choice of the above paintings. After she takes pick of the litter, the remaining ones are up for grabs. Please send me an email if you are interested in any of these portraits - a paypal payment and priority shipping should get the painting(s) in your hands by the holiday. Thanks, as always, for sharing my artwork with your friends and family. Enjoy your weekend, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.turtledovedesigns.com

"I Love Lucy (Andy and Lucy)," 6" x 12", pug portrait, acrylic on board, private collection. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . This piece has been on my easel for three days. More than twice the time of the typical Dog-a-Day painting. I justified that because of the double portrait bit, but really I think I spent a lot more time than usual relishing in the pugs' folds. It was worth it, though. And it'll be even better when this one gets unwrapped. This painting is going to someone special, someone I've been looking forward to painting for for a long time, someone especially appreciative of all things pug. It's been a long time coming, but Happy (belated) Birthday & Merry Christmas, Claire!! If you are considering gifting a Dog-a-Day portrait, please send me a note (ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com). I have a few spaces reserved during the 2009 holiday season for repeat clients. Paintings make great birthday and anniversary gifts, too (I...

Thank you for spending a small piece of your 2008 following along with my paintings and artistic journey. I'll be toasting you come New Year's Eve (and whatever other evenings between now and then that find me with a little bubbly in my glass - it is the holidays, after all!). I'm looking forward to sharing another year of tail wags and saturated color with old and new friends alike. Kimberly Kelly Santini TurtledoveDesigns website: www.turtledovedesigns.com & www.paintingadogaday.com 346 N Anderson, Lake Orion, Michigan, 48362, USA

"Tia," 6" square, commissioned cat portrait, acrylic on board, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including how you can commission your own portrait) may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . This painting seems to be all about contrast - anchored with a few basic shapes and carefully chosen edges around her face. As straightforward as it might look, it is not a painting I could have pulled off a few months ago. It's harder (at least for me) to say more with less. But it's also so much more satisfying! Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing these paintings with your friends and family. See you tomorrow! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.turtledovedesigns.com PS Yes, I am feeling better. Thank you to all who asked!

"Lopsided (Boston Terrier)," 4" square, Boston Terrier dog portrait, acrylic on boar. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I cannot always share what I paint these days because many are holiday gifts. Today I had to paint an extra face because the first two were surprises for Dog-a-Day readers. Which reminds me - I have a few remaining spaces for commissioned pet portraits for 2009's holiday gift giving - I am reserving them for repeat clients. Send me a note if you are interested, so I can pencil you in and lock down my current prices: ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . We have miserable weather creeping in - 2" of snow, some sleet, and all topped off with a predicted 1" of rain. Sounds like a possible snow day tomorrow. And on top of that I feel a cold creeping in - my brain is waterlogged and sluggish. I refuse to get sick - I have no time for this. Darn germs - why can't the kids keep them to themselves?!! Thanks, as always, for looking a...

"In Profile II (Harley)," 4" x 5", commissioned chihuahua portrait, acrylic on board, private collection (or so I think - don't be afraid to ask if you love her little face). Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . This little gem of a painting came about because my client wanted a holiday gift for Harley's breeder. I love doing little pieces like this, especially when I get to work with a face like Harley's, who I have painted before ( http://t.ymlp67.com/ysataubeapamqaaausue/click.php ). And it gave me the perfect excuse to start another painting of her (a 4th one!), aimed for the Art Show at the Dog Show ( http://t.ymlp67.com/yuaraubeavamqapausue/click.php ). This weekend promises to be busy - Annie and I go see the Nutcracker tomorrow (our annual tradition), and our town hosts their holiday lighted parade tomorrow night. We'll decorate the tree and watch the Red Wings game after warming up with huge bowls of steaming chili. And you know wh...

Work in process, 10" x 12", depicting a Gypsy Vanner mare, acrylic on archival artists' panel. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . In the version I posted earlier this week, I had beautiful color happening amidst drawing errors. Correcting these were complicated by porr photo references and my lack of intimate equine anatomical knowledge. I allowed the piece to simmer until today, when I felt a little bit of confidance going back into it. Nevertheless, I still ended up painting the whole thing out and starting over. In order to finish the painting true to my vision, it was easiest to start over. Which is exactly what I did (that doesn't mean the "painting out" bit was painless, though. Or that the second time around wasn't also challenging.). She's not finished yet, but more solidly on the road to being done. There is a sense of mass, movement, and light which personifies the ideas I wanted this painting to express. Another day and she sho...

"Yorkie in the Grass," 12" square, Yorkshire Terrier dog portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, box framed, $599. She's already been exhibited (and won an award) here in Michigan, and therefore will be one of my entries to next year's Art Show at the Dog Show (in Kansas). That is, if she doesn't find a home first, which in all honesty I would rather see. I can always paint another piece for the show. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SALE PENDING. Yes I am recycling a painting from earlier in the year, but it's justifiable (at least in my mind). My daughter has been sick for almost a week, and today it's been difficult for me to concentrate at the easel. I'm whipped. Therefore, I've decided to give myself a little break, sneak some chocolate from the freezer stash, and challenge Annie to a game of checkers. Are you following me on twitter? not that I share anything more earth shattering than what music is currently cranked in the studi...

"Droopy," 4" x 5", basset hound mix dog portrait, acrylic on board. Won't he look darling framed and tucked into a special place? Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . After painting Droopy, I got the idea to paint the dwarfs from Snow White. Don't ask me how I made that connection - I'm not certain myself. But can't you see it? A bulldog as Grumpy, a golden retriever as Happy, a sheepdog as Sneezy, a mastiff as Sleepy - ahh, this could be really fun. Now all I have to do is carve out the time to paint them!! And to paint the foil wrapped holiday chocolates I picked up, too - truffles, Santas, and other great shapes. Gotta paint those before I eat them. So many ideas, so little time. But first it's off to make dinner. I've decided to grill a steak (in the falling snow, no less). Sweet potatos are in the oven and we'll have a big salad. Thinking of doing all these paintings works up a good appetite! Thanks, as always,...

Untitled work in process ("Fading Light"?), depicting a Gypsy Vanner mare, acrylic on archival artists' panel, 10" x 12". Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . The year is winding down, and that means I have several juried competition deadlines sneaking up. I've had this same mare on my studio wall for several years now - a huge stretched canvas that is at least 40" high - a canvas that I didn't take much further than an initial block in. I've loved the backlighting that tickles her fetlocks, and thought I'd give it a try on a smaller scale, conquer the fear of messing up, and see if I can't get a solid little painting for one of the exhibitions in my radar. I started with toning the panel a pepto bismol pink - it's easier (and way more fun) to paint on a colored ground than a white one. I then began massing in the areas of light and dark. I'll continue to refine the shapes and get her drawn in properly as I lay addition...

"Green Mandalyn," 4" x 8", kitten portrait in acrylic on board. Proceeds from the sale of Mandalyn's painting will be donated to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary ( www.bestfriends.org ) .Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Remember Mandalyn (from November 10th - http://tinyurl.com/56s37a )? Here's another painting of her. She is continuing to recover from her wounds, and seems to understand that she must leave them alone. She has won the hearts of the Best Friends staff, and I am certain that once her health issues are resolved, this little one will quickly find a forever home. You can follow Mandalyn's progress on the Best Friends website (listed above), in the Guardian Angel section. This painting is similar in composition to "Fierce Hunter" (from November 20th - http://tinyurl.com/62rc39 ), but looks entirely different. A combination of softer colors and a variety of edgework keep Mandalyn's portrait from being a simple exercis...

"Mastiff Profile," 8" x 16", acrylic mastiff portrait on canvasboard, available for purchase with proceeds benefitting animal welfare. Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . A portion of the sale of this painting will go to One Tail at a Time in Ohio. Within the last month, a friend had a very positive experience adopting a dear mastiff from their rescue. I had an opportunity to talk to the director of One Tail at a Time, and her energy and dedication was inspiring. I wanted to help support them and other dogs like Henry (aka Memphis) with a painting. Right now, One Tail at a Time has a litter of special needs puppies, and funds from the sale of this painting will be earmarked for their vet bills. You can read more about the rescue and pups at http://t.ymlp67.com/wjaiaujyafaujwhavausmm/click.php . If the above painting doesn't appeal to you, consider making a donation to One Tail at a Time and helping these pups (and the other dogs in their car...

WHOOPS! Posted to the newsgroup yesterday, but neglected to follow through after dinner and post to the blog. My apologies!! "Princess Cassandra of the Marigolds (also in Charge of Sweet Potatoes and Petunias)," 4" x 6", mixed breed dog portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, $199 (I'm waiting to hear back - this one might already be sold - but I'll start a waiting list). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . This painting, while small in size, carries the longest title of any Dog-a-Day piece to date. That's really her name. But you can call her "Cassie" for short. I especially love how the painting fades "into" her face - it reminds me of the way a form begins to take shape from a lump of clay. This part was entirely accidental - but a wonderful accident (that's my point of view, at least!). I've been debating the merits of taking some time off next week. I'd love to linger in the grocery (well, honestly, it...

FROM TOP/LEFT: "Fierce Hunter," 4" x 8", $249, SOLD ; "Cleo," 4" x 5", $184, SOLD . Both paintings in acrylic on canvasboard. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I've been in a Shih-tzu groove lately - once I realized that, I had to mix it up with an old standby - the black cat. I rustled through old photos of Miah, and came up with one where she was hunting Turtle's tail. You know the game - Cat A is quietly lying there, minding her own business, totally oblivious to Cat B, who is stalking and waiting for the right moment to pounce. That was my two. Hard to believe it'll be a year Saturday since Turtle died, and 6 months gone by since Miah. Sigh. Thanks, as always, for your time in looking at and sharing these paintings with your friends and family. See you tomorrow, Kim

FROM TOP: "Milo," 5" x 7"; and "Emma," 6"x8"; both commissioned shih-tzu portraits in acrylic on canvasboard, both headed to a new home (THANK YOU!). Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . These two remind me of Muppets. Such lively little faces, with fur and hair everywhere. And a total contrast to today's studio background soundtrack - I started out with The Nutcracker (it WAS snowing this morning), but it wasn't edgy enough, and I shifted gears to Amy Winehouse. What a fun day in the studio!! You might have noticed the subtle new look to the daily emails. That's because I've changed delivery services. I learned that Google Newsgroups, my old provider, was not reliable. Over the last week, when investigating why some Dog-a-Day subscribers were not receiving their daily painting, I discovered that some email servers block Google generated emails, especially those with attachments or images, as part of their spam reductio...

"Joe," 8" square, dog portrait starring an australian shepherd, acrylic on canvasboard, $349 to the first taker. Inquiries may always come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. This piece looks so blah on the computer. In real life, Joe is all aglow with light, you can see the waves of his fur, and practically hear him panting. Again, I want to mention the painting I have listed on ebay. The auction ends today around 8pm EST. http://t.ymlp67.com/wsaxaujqacahbwakausue/click.php is the link you need to view and bid!! Thanks, as always, for looking my paintings and sharing them with your friends and family. See you tomorrow, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/

"Susie Sheltie," 6" square, pet portrait of a Sheltie, acrylic on board, $249. Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Susie is the other "make-up" portrait that goes along with Bubbles (from Sat). Susie made the cut because of the tremendous effort her current family put forth to rescue her. Susie was starving, matted and terrified, bandoned in an industrial area near an international airport. It took a crew of volunteers several hours in inclement weather to crate Susie, after which she was taken immediately under the wing of one family and whisked into veterinarian care. Never daunted, the man who instigated all this (ironically, Susie bit him during the dramatic rescue) brought her without hesitation into his home and family, where she is now a beautiful and devoted companion. After Susie joined their family, they also became involved in Sheltie rescue, where they now assist with transports, opened their hearts and home to animals needi...

"Lona," 4" x 6", commissioned cat portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I love the color in Lona's portrait, and how the pink of her body bleeds into the orange background, which is also a mirror of the shadows in her eyes. I've placed a tag on my blog that will link you directly to blurb.com, where you can preview the first 15 pages of my book Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year. You may also place an order through this site. If you would like an inscribed copy of the book, however, your order must come through me. Send an email to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com if you are interested. Softcovers are $39.95 and hardcovers with a dustjackets are $54.95; shipping and handling will be an additional $4.95. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family, Kim

"Bubbles the Pug," 4" x 5", pug portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, $184. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. A few weeks back I had two portraits cancel with short notice. I asked Dog-a-Day readers to submit their stories, and from the group I chose a couple faces to paint. It was a tough choice, but Little Miss Bubbles was one of them. Can you see why? That face!! I just love it. And her story, too, of course. When she came into the rescue group, young Bubbles had a mysteriously broken hip. She had it corrected surgically, worked her little curly tail off in rehab, and was fostered for a year until she found her now forever home. Happy endings. That's what I love. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family, Kim

FROM TOP: "Lucy" and "Desi," each 5" x 7", commissioned Westhighland Terrier portraits, private collection (THANK YOU!!). Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Another busy day today. Finalized details on the first press run of Painting a Dog a Day - The First Year, proofed printed ephemera that one of my paintings is in, volunteered at my children's elementary school, and got these two paintings completed. I'm ready to call it a day! Not sure if I'll get to paint tomorrow - the kids are off school, and we all have dental appointments. Later in the day I have an interview with a local newspaper, and my oldest son has an away soccer game in the evening. If I don't get in the studio tomorrow, I will be showing up over the weekend, as there's still a few faces I would like to paint this week and some other details to tie up. I've heard rumors that the Google servers haven't been reliably delivering the dog-a-day emails. If...

FROM TOP: "All Squared Up," 6" square, and "In Profile," 4" x 8", $249; both chihuahua portraits in acrylic on canvasboard. Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . BOTH SOLD I tried something interesting with these two. The long and skinny canvas I toned a bright pumpkin orange, the square canvas I toned in a peachy flesh color. Then I laid the paintings down overtop the wet underpainting. Consequently, the smaller painting seems bolder - those snippets of orange add a firey glow to the piece. The square painting carries more softness, I think because of the lighter ground. I also used the exact same structure of colors, painting these side by side and simultaneously. I primarily used blues and oranges (compliments), yet the saturation is very different in each. The bolder underpainting demanded similar points of equal intensity. The softer underpainting allowed for a density and variety of edgework. Oddly (not sure this was intention...

"Fifty-Two Vignettes," 18" x 22", original painting, acrylic on gallery stretched canvas, depicting the top breeds as registered by the American Kennel Club in 2007. This was one of my entries for the 2008 American Kennel Club-Eukanuba Poster Competition. (The design that won was delightfully clever (and sadly not mine) - a child gazing at a sky filled with dog-shaped clouds.) When I shared "Fifty-Two Vignettes" with Dog-a-Day readers last month there were a number of you who asked for the opportunity to purchase this piece when I decided to put it on the market. Well, I've decided. It needs a good home. I'm trying something new - this painting will be auctioned off on ebay - you can see the listing at http://tinyurl.com/6dxn9x . The auction will go live at 6pm PST today (November 11th, 2008) and run for 7 days. Starting price is a mere $99!! This painting was created using over 50 portraits from the Painting a Dog a Day project. It is done on gall...

"Blue Mandalyn", 6" x 12", tuxedo kitten portrait, acrylic on board, $359. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . This is Mandalyn, a kitten I will be painting and blogging about regularly over the next few months. Mandalyn is under verterinarian care at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (Kenab, Utah) for a variety of serious injuries. Her little body may be encased in plaster, but that hasn't dampened her spirit. You can read more about Mandalyn on the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary website - http://www.bestfriends.org/ - under the Guardian Angels section. I don't know what it was about this kitten that spoke to me, but she spoke up loudly and clearly across the miles. And within a very short period of time, I was able to iron out a partnership with the staff at Best Friends, who welcomed my idea of painting Mandalyn regularly through her recovery. Every couple of weeks I'll share a new painting with you, and provide a little update on her progress ...

It's Dog-a-Day happy hour! 2 for 1!! FROM TOP: "You are Getting Verrry Sleepy.....,", 8" square, $349, and "Glow in the Dark Ears," 6" square, $249. Both pieces depicting a tri-colored Chihuahua in acrylic on board. My client will take one (she's making up her mind) - who wants the other? Takers can email me at ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Both pieces SOLD. This is a nice example of how the same photo inspires multiple paintings that are entirely different moods. Keep in mind that on the computer you are viewing these paintings the same size, but the full body piece is 150% larger then the little guy. The sweeps of color are beautiful - and you should see my palette, all full of the same lavendars, apricots and blues! Please do share these paintings with your friends and family, and have a great weekend! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/

"Dazzle," 6" square, Paws with a Cause service dog portrait, acrylic on board, $249 to the first buyer. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to Paws with a Cause. Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Paws with a Cause is a national group dedicated to providing assistance dogs for people with disabilities. They also provide a lifetime of support, fostering independance. I took this from their mission statement - read more for yourself at http://www.pawswithacause.org/ . In the beginning of the Painting a Dog a Day project I met UKON, a Paws service dog. Shortly after that, I got to paint Madison and Sirius, and the list goes on and on. Each Paws dog I meet is uniquely special, and to personally witness the bond they share with their person is humbling. To support the efforts of Paws with a Cause through my painting sales is phenomenal. I met Dazzle last winter at the Detroit Kennel Club dog show. She was all too eager to go thro...

"A Long Night (Emma and Marcy)," 8" x 16", commissioned golden retriever portrait in acrylic on board, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including how you can commission your own Dog-a-Day portrait) may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . "A Long Night" is a special holiday gift for my clients' parents, who lost both dogs this last year. Although there is a new generation of goldens in the household now, there is no denying the special place Emma and Marcy held. And yes, the title is a nod in part to how late I stayed up following election results. The piece isn't entirely done (maybe 90%) - it's scale and intricacy is far more than what I normally tackle in one day, even with a full eight hours of sleep. So I'll live with Emma and Marcy for a couple days, identifying what should be finessed. But in the meanwhile, I wanted to share their painting with you. Sleep well tonight! Thanks, as always, for looking at, and for sharin...

"Kimo," 8" square, commissioned dalmation portrait, acrylic on board, private collection (Kimo's painting is a holiday gift). Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I love painting black and white dogs. The fun for me is trying to imagine them without any spots, and I build the architecture of their face using soft flesh and pastel tones. Then I punch up the painting by finishing off the eyes, and the final touch is laying the spots down. I go from a generic, ghost-like face, to one bursting with personality, just in a matter of minutes. Thanks, as always, for your time in looking at, and sharing, these paintings. See you tomorrow, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/

"Sunbather I (Roxy)," 8" square, terrier mixed breed dog portrait, acrylic on board, collection of the artist. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Thanks, as always, for your time in looking at, and sharing these paintings, with your friends and family. Please do forward the images - it'll help Roxy's painting find a home, and in return, help who knows how many other shelter animals find forever homes too. I am feeling brave - I enabled comments here on the Dog-a-Day blog. Feel free to share your thoughts!! See you tomorrow! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/

"Gray and White Tuxedo," 5" x 7", long haired cat portrait, acrylic on board, $249 to the first buyer. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD . I've been in the studio a good chunk of the weekend and was so thrilled with this new little painting that I simply couldn't wait to share it with you. Hence, a Sunday Bonus Dog-a-Day. This is a cat who was at my local shelter a few weeks back. Such wonderfully soft fur, like angora, with a silent purr that tickled my bones. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to the Oakland Pet Fund ( http://www.oaklandpetfund.org/ ) to help this cat and hundreds others like him find forever homes. This painting would make a beautiful holiday gift, and in turn, would give also back to the critters at my shelter. Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing these paintings with your friends and family. See you tomorrow, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/

"Lashes and Corkscrews," 5" x 8", buckskin tobiano curly horse portrait, acrylic on board, $289 to the first taker. Do I see any hands? Inquires to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I really DID intend to paint today, but things got out of hand quickly. I think it was the Snickers bar breakfast that me going in the wrong direction right off the bat. Then the mid-morning helping of caramel corn followed by a Kit-Kat lunch.... straight downhill from there. For the last hour I have had my palette open and the brushes out, but trick-or-treaters are coming thick and heavy, and it's becoming very clear that I will NOT be finishing the sheltie paintings tonight (so sorry JB - they are coming, though!!). Instead I'll share with you a piece I did last week for an art competition. I won't find out about the juror's decision until December, but in the meanwhile, please enjoy Percy, my friend's new gelding. Isn't he a dear?! Be sure to make some time for...

"Amadeus," 6" square, Chihuahua portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Amadeus is brother to Arwen, model for the first Dog-a-Day painting ever. You can see Arwen's painting at http://tinyurl.com/5bsex3 . Ami's painting will be joining his sister's and their busy household. Thank you to everyone who helped locate my client yesterday. The problem wasn't her email after all - it was my fat-fingering her email into my address book. Silly me. I should know by now that I am the root of my worst problems. And thank you, as always, for your time in looking at and sharing these paintings with friends and family. See you tomorrow, Kim PS Another final plug for Painting a Dog-a-Day - the First Year. Please get your orders in by Saturday, November 1st, to guarantee holiday delivery. Softcovers are $39.95 and hardcovers are $54.95. Orders may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .

"Say Cheese (Hannah)," 6" square, commissioned terrier portrait, acrylic on board, private collection (THANK YOU!!). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Had a blast at the zoo yesterday with Annie's class - we spent a good amount of time in the butterfly house, watching them "hatch" from their chrysalises. It was very peaceful compared to the bus ride. I actually worked today without music (very rare), just to enjoy the solitude. Am off to start a pot of soup for dinner. Lemon rice sounds good, with roasted chicken and homemade pita bread. mmmmmm....... Thanks, as always, for your time in looking at and sharing my paintings with friends and family, See you tomorrow, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/

"Sadie," 6" x 8", commissioned beagle portrait, acrylic on board, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . My favorite part of this painting is Sadie's ears. They are loose and goey paint , simple layers of color, and perfectly frame her doe-like eyes. If I had painted the ears crisp and detailed, then Sadie's eyes would not lock you in like this. Notice how the collar and her mask, the only other harder edges in the whole painting, complete that frame around her face. If you are interested in booking your own Dog-a-Day portrait, I have a limited number of holiday 2009 spots remaining. I know it's crazy to be thinking about next year before this one's even come up, but that's the way it is these days. Send an email to me - ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com - and I'll get you pencilled in. Thanks, as always, for your time in looking at, and sharing, these paintings with your friends and family. I...