Balto

"Balto," 8" x 10", done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, private collection (THANK YOU!). I painted Balto at the end of October for one of my collectors' families. It was a birthday gift intended for Balto's Mom, especially important because Balto had crossed the bridge a few months prior. Balto's reference photos were accompanied with letters from the kids who grew up with him, sharing fond memories of what made this guy so very special to their family. I felt like I knew, I mean really knew, this dog. And that showed, I think, when it came down to the painting process. I am so touched to have been asked to memorialize this guy for a family that's begun to feel as though they are an extension of mine. Thank YOU for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS Don't forget!! Tomorrow will be Artist Q&A Day on theblog - ask any art related questions over there, all day long, via the comments field, and I'll do my best to answer them!! PPS The proof of the new book has arrived! My goal is to have all tweaks completed and the ordering activated by tomorrow!! Emails to all collectors with artwork included in the book will start going out tomorrow as well. Rosie !! "Violet Rosie," from November 2009, 4" x 5", acrylic on canvasboard, available for $189. Last year I painted Rosie, a yellow lab diagnosed with Evan's Syndrome. 50% of dogs pass away within 2 weeks after being diagnosed. Good ole Rosie is showing them who's boss! Evan's Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, is a mysterious disease, one that attacks humans as well. Proceeds from the sale of Rosie's paintings (of which there were two - the other has found a home) will be donated to Meisha's Hope Fund, set up specifically for canine health studies of autoimmune/immune mediated hemolytic anemia, like Evan's Syndrome. Inquiries about Rosie's painting can come to me. If you want to know more about Evan's Syndrome, however, please visit Meisha's site.