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"Big, Bigger, Biggest (from the Tags, Toys & Treasures series)," 10" x 12", still life comprised of vintage Fisher Price toys, acrylic on panel, $440. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .

I was talking to another artist the other night - he has a beautiful series of old toy still lifes going as well - and we were laughing at how we felt, going into the studio to work on setups like this. It's enough of a treat to spend the day in front of my easel, and even better when I get to paint something as packed with great memories as these toys.

I remain surprised at how much enjoyment I've gathered working with still lifes. When I took last fall's class I expected to learn new approaches to painting, but I didn't expect the sort of revolution it brought along. I'm working my way through the syllabus a third time now, reviewing my notes and repeating each lesson. The lessons are starting to blur together, as I become more comfortable with the various challenges. That is exactly my goal!

This painting represents working with objects that are high in contrast, while also incorporateing a lot of white surfaces. This forced me to model and shape forms with brushwork and color temperature shifts. It involved a lot of studied looking, squinting down at the objects, stepping back often from my canvas and the setup, and meticulously careful markmaking.

I also indulged in some very loud music - I love that with my ipod I can create a playlist that compliments the days' activities.

I know I posted about this show a few weeks back, but it's worth another mention. Hosted by the Canine Art Guild, an international fellowship of dog-loving artists, it's a very strong collection of canine art. The show can be viewed at www.canineartguild.com/gallery . There's three pages of the artists' interpretation of the show's theme "Black and White," and you can vote for People's Choice. If you haven't visited yet, take a minute to do so.

Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family.
Tomorrow it will be a return to the Painting a Dog a Day roots, with two commissioned portraits, juicy in color and bursting with personality.
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
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