The Princess and the Pea

(Working Title) "The Princess and the Pea," 12" x 14", yet another painting inspired by Mona Lisa, very much in process, and from last night's live demonstration at the Anchor Bay Artist's Guild. My reference photo is included at the left.

I brought my panel (a Raymar one, in case anyone's interested) already primed a saturated and lilting Manganese Blue, and began laying this composition down as I shared some ideas about painting.

As you can see, my mouth did more work than my brushes, but that's the beauty of watching an artist work. You can pick their brains and share their processes while the piece is coming to life.

So what did we talk about? all sorts of things!

the difference between what a photograph will tell you and what your eyes really see
how to work with a color wheel to choose colors best suited to your subject/composition
the benefits of working with a limited palette
particulars about the types of tools I use (panels, paints, palette, computer) and how/why they work
value vs local color
layering marks to achieve impressionistic design

And it was decided that I will be returning to New Baltimore and leading an evening painting workshop on January 15th. Take a peek at the sidebar if you are interested, and let me know because the class is nearly full already.

It was a great time - many thanks go out to the members of the Anchor Bay Artist Guild! I appreciate your time and energy and am really looking forward to working with you again!

Oh - and please stay warm and safe if you are in the path of this nasty weather!

Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PS You haven't forgotten about the 10% off newly booked commissions, have you ?? the project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested!

Painting Santini-Style, Mixing Color, NOT Mud!

Monday, January 31st, 6:45-9:45

Lighthouse Elementary School

New Baltimore, MI

Come spend an evening learning how to paint colorful, personality packed animal portraits in acrylics, with moi and some other uber fun and talented artists.

This class will focus on:

selecting photo references, using the camera as a tool vs a crutch
determining the best color for your underpainting and color scheme
loose, carefree brushwork that sculpts form

I will bring selected titles from my personal library for attendee's perusal during class. Students will also receive a packet of materials to further encourage exploration and experimentation with the techniques covered.

This workshop is graciously hosted by the Anchor Bay Artists Guild. Many, many thanks to them for making it possible!

Any questions? By all means, let me know!

Picture Book "A Dog Named Blue" - now available!!

The cover of "A Dog Named Blue," now available from Blurb publishers. When I first painted Amelia I never imagined that she would be re-christened "Blue" and inspire a book. In her defense, Amelia had a number of other partners in crime - animals who's portraits seemed to fall into a specific color category and prompt color-centric names. In typical ADD fashion, my brain started spinning 100mph. What if I turned those muses' paintings into a picture book for animal loving kids? I shared my idea with three friends in the industry, and they eagerly offered their expertise. I am truly indebted to them. Illustrator and author Matt Faulkner and children's book author and literacy expert Kristen Remenar edited an early version of the draft. They suggested key plot/conceptual changes that made it oodles better. Designer Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson worked her magic, pairing the images with perfectly color...

Tabby Kit

"Tabby Kit," 5" x 7", acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a tiny little orange striped guy from Morgue File . This painting can be yours for $289, which includes s&h inside the US. And in case you didn't see it, a little doodle of him is also available for sale here . Inquires may come directly to me . Although it certainly doesn't FEEL like spring here (snow and ice and wind chills, brr!), I can tell that spring is coming. The mercury is rising a wee bit each day and the days are getting longer and brighter. Over the weekend we drove with the moonroof open just to feel the sun's meager and oh-so-very-welcome warmth (although the heat in the car was cranked, too, in the interest of full disclosure!). I wanted to work with spring-like colors today, and this little guy was still on my mind , so I grabbed a small panel and got to work. Of course, I also have Poppy to finish and some changes to make to another po...

Dear Copyright Thieves

Dear Copyright Thieves, Just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it's free for the taking. So let's just stop pretending the internet is a free-for-all. Don't play the card that you didn't know - that's insulting. And don't also tell me that you meant to follow up and get permission but never got a chance to. That's insulting too. And by the way, don't you have a copyright protection notice on your own site? And don't even try and point the finger at a third party who commissioned you to make a copy of my painting - again, an insult - you and I both know the difference between a reference photo and a painting. And don't tell me that I asked for it because I share my artwork on the internet. I share my paintings and ideas and the stories behind them so as to encourage others to pursue their own passions . I do not share so that those lacking integrity and morals can copy and market the images as their own...

Paintings With Soul

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