Paintings With Soul

"Sassy," 6" x 8", Golden Open acrylics on panel, commissioned pet portrait, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (seriously, it is NOT too early to begin thinking of holiday gift-giving - portraits start at $29 and my calendar is already filling) may always come to me . Tonight the 50th Annual Thumb Area Artists Exhibition opened. This is a show, a great tradition, that the Romeo Guild of Art puts on every year for artists working in Southeastern Michigan. RGA members coordinate the exhibition space, put out a call for entries, hire a juror, recruit sponsorship (we awarded over $1000 in prizes tonight!), handle all the press and facilitate a grand opening party. There's lots of other tasks that go on behind the scenes - it is a tremendous amount of work, putting such an event together. This was my 3rd year being an intrinsic part of the show committee, and while it is hard work, it is also incredibly rewarding. Of course, being out of the studio for al...

"Gina II," 6" square, Golden Open acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord commissioned pet portrait of a mixed breed dog, private collection (THANK YOU!). Yesterday you got to peek at an in process portrait of Gina, a profile view - I finished that piece up today, and added a jpg of the final painting to the blog here . Check it out and let me know what you think. Gina was a rescue chosen specifically because she got along well with children. She got along so well with kids that she was known to pounce and knock them to the ground in her eagerness to share some love - which, as my client pointed out, with tile floors could be a near death experience. She didn't use doors - it was quicker just to jump through screens (her family is now enjoying a screened in porch, an amenity they simply couldn't consider prior). And she made a regular habit of leaping the 6' back fence to visit with all the neighbors up and down the street (they brought Gina home when they tired ...

"Gina, Relaxed," at top the completed painting, and below a view of her in process, 6" x 8", Golden Open acrylics on a Raymar panel, commissioned pet portrait of a very special mixed breed dog, headed to a private collection (THANK YOU!). I got a very late start at the easel today, and while I have two different versions of the lovely Gina in the works, it's become obvious that neither will be complete by the witching hour. So before the clock chimes, I'm sharing the underpainting stage of the one piece that's furthest along - you can see the loose brushwork building the portrait's foundation. Next to come will be some value adjustments and I'll refine my drawing. Then it's the final dashes of color that will make Gina come even more to life. Tomorrow I promise you an eyeful - and Gina's most wonderful story. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come...

"Chopin," 6" x 8", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, commissioned pet portrait of a Cairn Terrier, private collection (THANK YOU!). This sweet girl is another Col. Potter Cairn Rescue from a puppy mill. At 5 months of age and only 4 lbs, she was the same size as her five pups. Gravely ill along with with eyes so infected they were sealed shut, it is a testament to Chopin's rescuers that she even survived. During her recovery, Chopin was diagnosed with Chiari malformation - a life threatening condition that causes hydroencephalitis, kidney issues, and other neurological problems. Of course this is something a responsible breeder would have caught had they allowed Chopin to mature prior to breeding her. But I think we all know that puppy mills shirk at responsibility of any kind. On another note altogether, apparently I didn't do a good enough job touting the results of June's Daily Painter's Contest - I've been asked several times in the la...

"Pretty Please (Squidge)," 8" x 10", Golden Open acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord pet portrait of a mixed breed. Last Friday I got a phone call from Tails Pet Media Group . They were working on an article, wanted to include some original artwork and thought mine would be the perfect match. Hoever, there were looming deadlines for building the composition, creating the high resolution jpg and final submission of the piece. Was I up to the challenge? What do you think my answer was? I had photos in hand not 30 minutes later and a bio soon afterwards. I spent the weekend painting in my head, and came into the studio this morning ready to go! My chosen muse, Squidge, hails from an accidental litter between a Yorkie and a Chihuahua (dare I say spay and neuter please ?!) and was headed to the shelter with his littermates. Fate intervened, however, and they found homes before that drastic step was taken. So now he has a fabulous life packed with love and attantion an...

"Patch," 8" square, Golden Open acrylics on Ampersand gessobord, private collection, portrait of a rescued Greyhound, not for sale. Patches belongs to Brenda and Chris Lynch, owners of Mutt Lynch Winery (see the vineyards in the background?!). I am so excited to have won the Mutt Lynch Winery label contest . And I'm even more excited to be a part of "Rusty"s wine release at the Dog Days of Summer event (August 14th, 2010). I'll be there, tasting the wine and all. And signing the limited edition giclee (archival prints) of my wine label design. But I'll also have my camera in tow, shooting references for future Dog-a-Day portraits. Proceeds from all portraits booked over the Dog Days weekend will support the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals. So, if you want to crash the party, get yourself a ticket here . And bring your dog - they are welcomed. And then get yourself on my calendar. And THEN you can meet Patch. The ...

"Bogey," 6" x 8", painted sketch, Golden Open acrylics on multimedia artboard, commissioned pet portrait of a rescued Beagle, private collection (THANK YOU!). Want one of your own? it's easy - sketches (like Bogey above) start at $29. Inquiries may always come to me . Bogey is a rescued dog, following in the footsteps of Puddles (who I painted back when the Dog a Days were just starting), another rescue.We recently discussed on my studio Facebook page whether rescue dogs were more appreciative of their homes - what do you think? Rescues have been on my mind as of late. Probably because I am prepping for a number of events in the coming months, all involving adoptions, rescues, and animal shelters. It breaks my heart to think of all the deserving animals residing in shelters and foster homes around the world, not to mention those scraping out a living on the streets. It's a rough world out there, and they didn't ask for this. That's why I'm...

FROM THE TOP: "At the Fence," "Red Slopes," and "Black Hills," each 6" x 8", done in Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panels, starring various Thoroughbreds, $329 each (remember that returning collectors get another 10% off!!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . My client fell in love with another painting , but it was too small for her wall. We got to chatting, identified the elements of the painting she liked, and decided to work up some options that could be done in a proper scale that would create the focal point in her room. So these are her options - we'll have to wait and see what she chooses. But meanwhile, either of these can hang on your wall. Just ask nicely. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com FACEBOOK...

With a bow to Karin Jurick , one of my favorite daily painters and the one I first saw executing this idea, I'm designating tomorrow, July 19th 2010, as my first ever Artist Q&A Day. An Artist Q&A Day is just that - a day I've designated to answer all your questions. Your art and studio related questions can be posted via comments to my blog right here. I'll work my way through them during the course of the day, doing my best to answer everything to the best of my abilities. I will only respond to questions posted as comments to this particular post on my blog - this will allow for the community of readers to share in the conversation and eliminate any repetition. Because my blog is moderated (darn those spammers!), your comments will not show up immediately, but if you choose to subscribe to the comments feed, you will be notified when there is activity. I don't know if I need to define an end time to the day - we'll play it by ear to start ...

"Maya," 6" x 8", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, portrait of a rescued Cattle Dog/Red Heeler, $324, with proceeds supporting my local no-kill shelter. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . Maya has inspired quite a few lives. Firstly, she captured someone's eye and was pulled from a shelter and sent to a cattle dog rescue. Maya's current "Mom" learned of her via word of mouth and investigated. Living with the high energy and intelligence of a cattle dog takes a special person - these dogs aren't for everyone. But this match, Maya and her new Mom, was a perfect one. She now lives with her extended family in a home where she gets the mental stimulation, activity level and the unconditional love that these dogs thrive on. Maya then inspired photographer Beth Adams ( Candid Canine Photography ), who shared imaged from their photo session with ...

"Suzie Q," 6" x 8", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, commissioned pet portrait of a Cairn Terrier, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . Suzie Q's portrait will be joining those of her siblings - I painted Sadie, Jeffrey, Vonnie and Brooke earlier this year. Each of these sweet little faces is a rescued dog coming from the selfless souls at Col Potter Cairn Rescue . Seriously, I don't know of a group that is any more accommodating or fun to work with. Check them out - especially if you are looking for a dog with spark, personality, and humor to join your family. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com PS Another thing to check out? An exhibition of kitty artwork , ironically enough, sponsored by ...

"Watching for Beepa** (Rory and Phil)," 6" square, Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, portrait of two Yorkshire Terriers, not yet for sale. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . Last week I went to a friend's house and played with her yorkies, Princess Aurora (Rory) and Prince Philip (Phil), along with their three pups. There's nothing like a morning spent with energetic little souls to set the tone for a fabulous day - and for some exciting paintings. Of course my camera was in tow and I've spent the last 5 days reviewing and composing how best to use the photos. This is my first painting. I promise there will be more. But meanwhile, I'm going to frame these two up in preparation for the 50th Annual Thumb Area Artists Exhibition opening later this month (at Margot's Gallery - details here ). Hopefully they make the cut and get juried in. Let m...

"Atticus & Brutus," 6" x 12", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, commissioned pet portraits, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . My client contacted me several years back about painting Lily (who's on the easel tonite, just not yet completed). When we got to talking about her Lily portrait, she shared some pics of these two "brutes" and asked if I couldn't also paint them. Sounded like a great deal to me. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini TWITTER: ksantini SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: cont...

"Sisters (Sarah & Chloe)," 6" x 12", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, commissioned double pet portrait of Basset Hounds, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . My clients were looking to add a puppy to their family when they visited Sarah & Chloe's litter. There were only two pups remaining needing homes, and how could they possibly choose just one? So both the girls came with them. And have enjoyed the sort of life that every dog deserves - long walks and great cuddle time. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini TWITTER: ksantini SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind COMMISSION ...

"Relaxed Tabby," 6" x 8", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, commissioned pet portrait of a gray tabby cat, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . It was a busy, busy week, with much accomplished - in essentially only 3 full days spent in the studio. I'm looking forward to a full week of painting starting Monday, the first one in a long time. Fingers and toes crossed that my kids stay healthy and things go as planned! Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini TWITTER: ksantini SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me ...

"Chillin' (Buffet)," 5" x 7", Golden Open acrylics on board, commissioned pet portrait of a yellow lab, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . Ok, I've just gotta give a shout out to Buffet's extended family. They can count rescue after rescue after rescue among themselves. It even went so far as their supporting a shelter dog I painted until he found a new home, which warmed my heart to no end. Buffet, however, has a warm and happy home. But there are many who don't. Please call your local shelter or rescue group and ask how you can help out - warm blankets (old towels/linens) and/or time spent walking kenneled animals is just as appreciated as adoptions. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com ...

FROM THE LEFT: "Airedale I" and "Airedale II," each image approximately 8" square on a 9" piece of Multimedia Artboard, done in Golden Open Acrylics, painted sketches of two Airedales, $95 each. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . I enjoy doing partner paintings - these two are intended to "look" at each other. The connected horizon line and similar colors further link the portraits. This is the first diptych I've paintd on the Multimedia Artboard - I like how this surface allows me to build up loose blocks of color and glaze. It's the perfect surface for my painted sketches. I'd love to do some more of these and explore other breeds, maybe even incorporate collaged elements. What do you think? Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com...

"I've Got My Eye on You (Tuxedo)," 8" square, Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, commissioned pet portrait of a long haired tuxedo kitty, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . Tuxedo presented a challenge in that the edges to her markings were sprinkled with a mixture of white and black hairs. She also had a markedly shaped and expressive face that was a joy to paint. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com www.paintingadogaday.com FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini TWITTER: ksantini SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Da...

"Stirrup," from the Saratoga Series and May's Virtual pARTy , still available for purchase. Inquiries may come to me . So I know things have been quiet on the newsletter and blog end, but trust me when I say they have not been that way at all here in the studio. And while last week didn't go at all as intended (a sick Princess kept me from the easel but I did make quite a bit of headway on emails, paperwork, and planning), I am certain that this week will be far better. Even though it's an abbreviated one with today being our holiday and my taking a vacation day this coming Friday (gotta cheer my son on at the Michigan Hershey Track and Field State Finals), I have great hopes for what I will be able to accomplish. And I am very eager to jump into the paint. Tomorrow. I may not sleep tonite because of the anticipation. But tomorrow will give me a nice window to play with color and create a couple (hopefully) nice paintings. I am a little behind with the commissi...