Paintings With Soul

"Spooning," 4" x 8", acrylic kitty portrait on canvasboard, $249. Inquiries may always come to me . SOLD. This is a little how I feel, just wanting to curl up and sleep. But I've got a mile long to-do list, especially because I am playing catch-up from the holiday and feeling a little squirrely to boot. Why is it that we get punished for shortened work weeks by having to cram in the missed hours elsewhere? I need a clone. Or two. Or maybe just a nap! Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Oh boy, do I have lots of places to send you: SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me (I've got a couple holiday spots left) GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me READING MATERIAL: Preview ...

"Siblings," 12" x 14", acrylic on gallery stretched linen, depicting a litter of pit bull puppies, $799. A limited edition (25 only) of giclees on artists paper also available, image approximately 10" x 13", signed in pencil by the artist, $59. Proceeds from the sale of the original and the reproductions will be donated to my local shelter, the Oakland Pet Adoption Center. Inquiries may always come to me . I am thrilled to share my latest limited edition reproduction, this one extra special because it supports animal welfare efforts. Here in the US, we are on the cusp of our biggest shopping season ever. I encourage you to consider original artwork as you begin making gift giving decisions. Local craft and artisan fairs, independently owned shops in your area, and online storefronts are a great starting point for locating original one of a kind gifts. All of my paintings available for purchase are listed on Etsy (returning collectors get 10% off the li...

"Butt...." 6" x 8", acrylic on canvasboard (originally shared on August 18th, 2009), $324. Inquiries may always come to me . I just wanted to take a minute and thank each of you for following the Painting a Dog a Day project. We are well into the 4th year of daily pet portraits, with over 800 paintings chronicled on the blog . I wouldn't have gotten past two dozen if it were not for your support. So tomorrow when I gather round our Thanksgiving table, I'll be thinking of everyone in the Dog a Day family as well. We make a great team. Wishing you a weekend riddled with laughter and pie. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS I have had a client release several holiday portrait spots in early December. Let me know if you want one!!

"A Wee Bit of Gold," 5" x 7", portrait of a Golden Retriever in acrylic on canvasboard, $249. Inquiries may always come to me . Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on the Painting a Dog a Day blog and the studio website .

"Cosmo (Pug)," 6" square, commissioned Pug portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you and welcome to the newest Dog a Day collector!). Inquiries may always come to me . Cosmo lives on in his family's hearts and this painting will be sure to trigger many memories. I also think it is, hands down, one of my best ever. It is a great example of what you shouldn't do (his nose is smack dab in the center of the canvas and the composition is a perfect "X"), yet for some unknown reason it just works. Must be Cosmo's magnetism. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books by November 30th - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Year...

FROM TOP: "Green Rosie" and "Violet Rosie," both 4" x 5", yellow lab portraits in acrylic on canvasboard, each $189. Inquiries may always come to me . "Green Rosie (Top)" sold. Rosie is one of the dearest girls ever, facing the battle of her life. She was recently diagnosed with Evan's Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder where her body essentially attacks itself. During the last week Rosie has responded well to natural treatments, but she still has a tough time ahead. And of course, it will be a time when those who know and love her will rally around, doing their best to provide a quality of life while also hoping for a remission. Not much is known or understood about Evan's Syndrome, a disease that attacks humans as well as dogs. Which made it seem even more important that I do something. Proceeds from the sale of both Rosie's paintings will be donated to Meisha's Hope Fund, part of the Morris Animal Foundation Family. The MAFF ...

"Playing Coy (Allie)," 6" x 8", portrait of a Cairn Terrier in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may always come to me . Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to Col. Potter Cairn Rescue , a group that never ceases to amaze me with the size of their hearts. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on the Painting a Dog a Day blog and the studio website .

"Carly," 6" square, commissioned Shih Tzu portrait for a special little girl, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . On Monday I hung a special exhibition of twenty-some paintings in Body Pure, a pilates studio in Birmingham Michigan. Yes, I know, it's not a traditional gallery space. But it does have a sizeable volume of daily traffic, the majority of whom do have pets or know someone who does. This sets my work apart even more so in that it is isolated in a gorgeous setting with individuals who are prepared to talk about my process and help to share the Painting a Dog a Day story (thank you Tina and Sharon!). Feel free to swing by and take a peek at the work - Body Pure is located at 33680 Woodward, just south of Maple. Call ahead of time (248-646-4350), as their hours reflect their class structures. And don't hesitate to let me know what I can do to help you get one of my paintings into your collection. If...

"Shelby," 6" x 8", commissioned Sheltie portrait of a beloved and missed friend, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . Shelby was in his senior years when adopted by my clients. He graced them with his presence for only a short time, but that time was drenched with love. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on the Painting a Dog a Day blog and the studio website .

"Dasher Squared," 6" square, commissioned mixed breed dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (and thank you SO much!). Inquiries may always come to me . I've painted Dasher before , and she's got one of those great distinguished faces, full of wise gray whiskers, with those juicy lavender blue highlights that black dogs get in the sunlight. And while her eyes aren't really rainbow hued, when they reflect the sky and grass and the light bounces all around inside them, it's almost as if. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on th...

"Stella in Profile," 6" square, commissioned terrier portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . I had Stella's painting finished this afternoon, but life got in the way of posting it earlier. A child needed a ride across town, then dinner had to be started followed by another jaunt across town to put the chickens and ducks away (we're farm sitting this weekend), with a quick stop at the library squeezed in. Then we rushed back home for a family meal, and chased it all with an event at my daughter's school. Now I want to nurse a cup of tea partnered with some peanut butter cookies. Which I will get to do shortly. After I throw a load of laundry in. There's never enough hours (or hands) to get it all done!! Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Have a great weekend - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great...

"The Boyes Boys, Reilly and Logan," commissioned diptych featuring two mixed breed dog portraits, each panel 5" x 4" creating a combined size of 5" x 8". This is done in acrylic on canvasboards and is headed to a new Dog a Day collector's home (thank you very much!). Inquiries may always come to me . Each of these boys is a rescue, Logan (the husky mix) coming from an abusive home and Reilly joining the family as a young pup. Of course now they are content and spoiled and adored, just like every animal deserves to be. My client mentioned the idea of a diptych (two paintings created with the intention of sitting side by side), and I found it very intriguing. I put a sliver of each boy in the other's frame, painting them both literally at the same time. I like this idea so much that I am considering a few other future multiple panel options. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@tur...

FROM TOP: "Kanga" and "Chloe", each 4" square, both commissioned portraits of mixed breed dogs, in a private collection (thank you!). Still, inquiries may always come to me . Kanga is currently going through a health crisis, and my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. It seems as of late many of my muses have taken ill or journeyed across the bridge. These things always seem to come to my attention in groups, which maybe makes it easier to bear, knowing there's great companionship on both sides. And there is always comfort in numbers, small groups of numbers, that is. But nevertheless, it is near impossible to see beyond the immediate grief such a loss brings upon us. I am so hoping Kanga will bounce back and enjoy many years of quality with her extended family. Bella's doing well, and last I heard Emma's news was positive too. Gotta keep the good vibes moving about. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork wit...

"Black Dog (Chloe)," 6" x 8", commissioned pet portrait (but shh - it's a Christmas gift!) of a mixed breed black dog, acrylic on canvasboard. I have a few holiday commission spots newly available (due to last minute cancellations - these spaces have been booked for 10 months+ ---- I am SO tired of this economy & the situations it is putting people in!!) - inquiries may always come to me . Today I learned that I am one of fifteen artists chosen by Polo Player's Magazine for their annual Sporting Art Issue. This is a great honor as my little Dog a Day painting from the Preakness Virtual pARTy (check it out here ) gets to rub shoulders with some artwork hailing from the best equine artists in the world. (psst! that Preakness link includes another mini painting lesson, so those of you who liked the last lesson, check this one out too!) The entire Santini family is doing the Happy Dance tonite. You are welcome to join us! Thanks, as always, for looking ...

"Hey! It's Ozzie!!," 6" x 8", commissioned dog painting of a Miniature Pinscher-Rat Terrier-Chihuahua mix (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . To paraphrase my client, Ozzie is 12 pounds of pure kinetic energy. He eats as much as his 50 lb sibling yet burns it all off dashing about and enjoying life. I can see that sort sort of metabolism definitely being useful this time of year, with all that Halloween candy lying about, just begging to be eaten. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Want a great gift this holiday season? Then order either one of the Painting a Dog a Day books - they are gorgeous summaries of the Dog a Day paintings. Painting a Dog a Day - the First Year covers 2006-2007, and That's 14 in Dog Years covers 2008. Information on how to order each book is on the Painting a Dog a Day blog and the studio website ...

"Spunky," 6" square, dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (congratulations!!). Inquiries may always come to me . This is Spunky, the dog belonging to the lucky new Painting a Dog a Day subscriber from the month of September. You might recall that during September I gave away two portraits - one to an existing subscriber who referred a new subscriber, and another to one of those new subscribers. So you didn't win one of the two Dog a Day Give Aways ( here's the other one ) - that's ok. There's another way you can get a Painting a Dog a Day piece for your collection: the 140 Hours Auction, the brainchild of New York gallery owner Gary Brant, the first fine art auction to be conducted via social media. I have sent one of my favoritest all time pieces (a painting which has won awards at juried art exhibitions, so it's not just me who likes it), and bidding starts at just $150 for a painting valued at $539. You can browse through t...

"Old Girl (Jessie, Beagle)," 6" x 6", beagle dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, headed to a new home. But inquiries may always come to me . During the month of September I ran a promotion where current Painting a Dog a Day subscribers could register to win a free Dog a Day painting. All they had to do was convince a friend or family member to subscribe to the dailies via email and their name was put into a drawing for their own portrait. All new subscribers during the same month also got their names thrown in for a second painting giveaway. Jessie's Mom, a long time Dog a Day collector and subscriber, got her sister to sign up (I don't believe there was much arm twisting), and in return, she gets this painting of her dear old girl. Tomorrow you will get to see the second recipient of the Painting a Dog a Day GiveAway and meet Spunky. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedes...

"Little Daisy," 4" x 8", commissioned puppy portrait in acrylic on canvasboard (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . Daisy is part of a group of holiday gifts I'm creating for a client. It's a great time, working each one up (I've done 4 so far), studying them collectively, and then trying to imagine them going to separate homes. There is the promise of thrilling times ahead, that's for certain! Speaking of which.... I'm excited to be participating in an exciting event that starts tomorrow. 140 Hours , the brainchild of New York gallery owner Gary Brant, is the first fine art auction to be conducted via social media. He has collected an inspiring and diverse group of artists (I feel lucky to be included!) and you can browse through the artwork and read more about the artists and the event itself on the site (here's a direct link to my piece ). To bid on the artwork, register with the 140 Hours site , then use your twitter accoun...

FROM BOTTOMS UP: "Light and Dark (Amber)" and "Amber," both 6" x 8", portraits of a Golden Retriever Therapy Dog. One painting will go to my client and the other one is up for grabs ($324 plus s&h, or only $291.60 plus s&h if you are a returning collector). Inquiries may always come to me . Both SOLD. It's phenomenal what a pet can bring into your life, but then there are special dogs like Amber who go well beyond what a regular animal gives. Therapy dogs are a calming and healing presence. They help individuals cope with trauma, provide comfort during hospice care, encourage quiet children to come out of their shells, bring smiles and unconditional love to those in nursing homes, even act as a surrogate set of ears for reluctant readers. There's no end to the good that a therapy dog can do, and Amber here is going to work miracles during her life. If you are interested in learning more please visit Therapy Dogs International . Thanks, a...

"Rocky (Bulldog)," 6" x 8", commissioned Bulldog portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Inquiries may always come to me . I don't get to paint these dogs nearly enough, and they are wonderfully fun to work with. Their folds are each a loaded brushstroke, and when white like Rocky, the pinkness of their skin glows from underneath. Rocky's painting is going to be a holiday gift. Have you started your list yet? A Dog a Day painting (you can shop them at my Etsy storefront ) is a great gift, as is a Dog a Day gift certificate. I've also had a client release her November portrait spots, so I can fit in a couple commissions if you let me know asap. Oh - and if you send cards out, take a peek at my Imagekind shop and consider ordering your holiday cards with a grinning face like Rocky's on them. ( Let me know if you want a particular painting added to Imagekind and I'll get it up asap.) Thanks, as always, for looking at...