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ARTISTS NOTE: Giclees are available of this painting. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Day One," 11" x 14", Paws With a Cause golden retriever mother and pup portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, painting in process but available for purchase, $399. $80 from the sale of this painting will be donated to Paws With a Cause in the buyer's name. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .

SOLD.

Today I am guilty of being terribly overambitious. Who can blame me, though, when handed the reference photo that inspired this painting? This is Hula and her litter of one, Peyton, on their first day, napping in a little shaft of sunlight.

And the pose demanded a larger painting. To date I hadn't completed an 11" x 14" as a dog a day piece. Then add in the two dog factor. Also, the reference photo was black and white. That meant I was flying by the seat of my pants when trying to visualize the nuances of wispy feathering, brand new fur, and a soft fuzzy blanket.

But working on this piece was a joy. The tenderness between the two dogs and the textural contrasts came together just like I had envisioned. A year ago I don't think I would have had the confidance or skills to tackle this one, or bring it this far in one day.

There are still some values to shift - I want the pup to glow inside a shaft of sunlight, and Hula's beautiful feathers will be added at the very end. I will live with this painting for another week or so, making careful adjustments/additions. The painting demands tighter detail that what it carries now, because your eye wants to linger as it circles around the composiiton. I need to make the viewing worthwhile, and place color and details that encourage this.

Thanks, as always, for looking.
And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family.
Have a very safe weekend,
Kim

PS Just a reminder that I will be personalizing AKC/Eukanaba posters at Margot's Gallery in Oxford, MI tomorrow from 1-4pm. Please call Margot directly if you have questions or need directions: 248-628-5398.

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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