Paintings With Soul

  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!   To implement this month's desktop calendar, simply download the file  directly from my website . I've set up a couple different ways to do this, either via the photo album or a direct link.   I am by no means an expert on the variety of operating systems, so I highly recommend that if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, don't email me for advice. Instead consult your computer's help files - they will be more concise, more knowledgeable and more responsive than I could ever hope to be.    I've sized this to fit a standard screen height of 768 - I realize there are lots of variables that could impact how the file displays on your screen. Let me know if, once you get the file installed, there are display quality issues (keep in mind, too, that options such as "stretching to fit," "tiling" and "cropping" will impact your display, so check those first!).   Meanwhil...

    "Liquid Sunshine," 10" x 10", another Water Dog painting starring the same muse as  "August,"  from last week. Done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, "Liquid Sunshine" is available for $539 to the first one  asking nicely .    May your coming days be packed full of joy and sunshine and treasured moments. I will return to daily painting in the New Year.   Merry, merry!! Kim, who cannot believe another year has come and gone - thank you for keeping me company ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "YELLOW," 8" x 10", portrait of a sunshiney yellow lab, valued at $469US.   I knew I could count on you!   On Monday of this week I announced a fundraiser for my local shelter, with the grand prize being the above painting or a gift certificate for a commissioned pet portrait. The event ran through noon today.   I just wrote a check to the Oakland Pet Adoption Center for $860! I can't wait to deliver it - I am filled with gladness, as this is a gift of pure compassion. Thank you to all who participated in the promotion!!   And earlier this afternoon I sent a congradulatory email to our lucky winner - I am imaging great rejoicing at their end, too. **UPDATE: The winner is torn between choosing YELLOW or a portrait of her orange tabby..... stay tuned for future developments!!   As a thank you, I have set up YELLOW for reproductions at cost through FineArtAmerica. Prints on paper start at $13.  Grab a me...

I'm asked all the time how I get seemingly so much accomplished. I feel like I don't get nearly enough done, but I guess that's my problem......   Anyway, I've adapted a couple tricks over the course of the years and I thought I would share: I take advantage of block scheduling, like running all my errands together one day every week. I also consolidate studio chores - for instance, Sunday evenings are spent varnishing paintings, Monday mornings are packing and shipping days. I schedule myself one half-day a week for client consults, photo shoots, painting deliveries, visits and other things that may take me out of the studio. I have a daily routine - household chores followed by several hours of computer work, with my end goal being getting to the easel by noon. Because everything else is done, I can paint until afternoon activities start up with my kids, typically around 4 or 5. My Better Half chips in and does carpools and dinners when home in time, and...

  "August," 10" x 14", another Water Dog painting, depicting a golden retriever playing in the sprinkler. This painting will hopefully get juried into The Art Show at the Dog Show  next month, and, if so, will be available for purchase through them.  Let me know  if you are interested, and I'll keep you in the loop.       Wishing you all a quiet and beautiful evening, Kim, who plans on having double helpings of quiet and beautiful tonite ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point I started measuring production instead of growth. I've been thinking a lot about this since the soul searching I did in October 2012 regarding authenticity and seeking direction.  Therefore I've given myself permission to actively pursue knowledge this coming year - whether that's via reading, painting lessons, taking in an exhibition, class study - whatever. And yes, that means some necessary time away from the easel and a decrease in production - but hopefully it will also result in an increase in quality. Because while it is all about the end product, it is also very much about the journey to get there.  I'll spend at least one day each week in active learning mode - and I started last week by working out some color theory concepts I couldn't wrap my brain around a few years ago. They are slowly making sense now! What will you give yourself permission to do in 2013? Kim, who...

If you have ever wanted one of my paintings but not been able to make it happen, now is your chance - read on! "YELLOW," 8" x 10", portrait of a sunshiney yellow lab, valued at $469US. The first layer of paint on this panel was a commission, and my buyer inexplicably flew the coop. After months of no response and feeling sad for this little face staring at me, I decided to make something positive happen. So, I got out my brightest paints and reveled in yellow. She got a facelift and a new name, with the intention of bringing sunshine where it is most needed. Then I got to work figuring out the best way to send YELLOW into the world. Here's what's going down - I'm raffling YELLOW off.  Proceeds will go to  my local shelter  - and I know there are many, many wonderful causes out there - but the giving does not end here - so, please, read on some more!! The winner can choose to take YELLOW for themselves, or they may ...

    "Mazey," 12" x 16", a commissioned portrait, depicting a cherished family member. In process pics of Mazey's portrait are on  the studio Facebook page .   I am devastated by the news coming from Connecticut today. My heart goes out to all those touched by this senseless tragedy.   Doing my best to hold onto a holiday frame-of-mind, Kim, who's hugging her kids when they come in the door ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

    "Napalm," a commissioned painted sketch, image approximately 4-1/2" square centered on a 9" x 12" page depicting one very furry mixed breed.    Two more portraits to go before I can start my own Christmas shopping!! Fondly, Kim, who's making a list and checking it twice ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

    "Buddy," 8" x 10", commissioned dog portrait, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. Buddy's painting has a home (THANK YOU!), and in process pics are on the  studio's Facebook page .   So, like, this is one of my all time favorite pieces to come off my easel.    I'm feeling rather pleased with myself right now.    Fondly, Kim, who's head might have grown a couple sizes this afternoon ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "Ali," 5" x 7", commissioned dog portrait of a Belgian Malinois, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. I don't get asked to paint these gorgeous dogs nearly enough - isn't her smile just amazing?   I'll  answer any questions you might have  about getting a smiling portrait of your own dog in your own home. Just let me know.   Again, this is my final week for commissions - I'm spending most of every day and a good chunk of the nights at the easel. All because I love sending paintings like Ali's out into the world.   Want a gift certificate? well then,  let me know !!   Fondly, Kim, who cannot read minds but is happy to make your portrait wishes come true ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "Rocky," 6" square, commissioned portrait of a Golden Retriever senior citizen, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. Rocky has a home (THANK YOU!) but I'll be happy to  answer any questions you might have  about getting one of my paintings in to your own home.   This is my final week for commissions - and in addition to celebrating the end of another spectacular year (including nearly 150 new paintings!!), the Santini family is marking two very special days. The Man Child turns 18 today, and The Princess will be 12 on Saturday.   Chocolate cake for everyone!!   (And Psst,  let me know  if you want to be added to the A-List of gift-givers, because I can totally hook you up with a gift certificate),   Kim, who is ready to start the party ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "Beare," 6" square, commissioned portrait of an Aussie, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. Beare has a home (THANK YOU!) but I'll be happy to  answer any questions you might have  about getting one of my paintings in to your own home.   It's been busy here - I'm now offering gift certificates to anyone wishing to gift a portrait for the holidays. Gift certificates are customized and full color, and can be emailed for easy-peasy shopping.   Let me know  if you want to be added to the A-List of gift-givers, Kim, who is down to her last week of holiday commissions before punching out until the New Year - how did this happen? ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "Bah Humbug," 12" square, portrait of studio muse Mona Lisa, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, $599 to the first  asking nicely . Just don't disturb her sleep!   In-process photos can be seen on  the studio Facebook page .   And my Christmas gift to you? I've set Bah Humbug up on Fine Art America so that you may  order prints or notecards . Right. Now.    (You can also order prints of Mona's other two seasonal portraits,  "Holiday Lights"  and  "Candy Cane."   Prints start at only $22 and make a fantastic gift!)   Happy holidays!! Kim, who is tip-toeing around quietly ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "Scout," 5" x 7", commissioned portrait of a well-dressed kitty, acrylics on a museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). In-process photos can be see in  the studio Facebook page .   Don't you just love those whiskers? I think they are rather Santa-like, Kim, who still believes, and asks for a pony each Christmas ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "Greta II," 8" square, companion piece to  Greta I  (painted yesterday), commissioned portrait of a mixed breed dog, acrylics on a museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). In-process photos of both Gretas are available on  the studio Facebook page .   Fondly, Kim, who loves to work in series' like the Greta's, and is looking formore water dog muses - feel free to email me your pics ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

"Greta," 8" square, commissioned portrait of a mixed breed dog, acrylics on a museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). Greta's blessed her family with 18 years of love and companionship - she was well due her time on the easel. In-process photos of her portrait are available on  the studio Facebook page . There's lots more paintings where Greta came from - just  shoot me an emal  and we can plan your own portrait. I'm currently booking for 2013 (think Valentine's Day.....) and can deliver a gift certificate well in time for the holidays. Fondly, Kim, who is off to mail five holiday gift paintings to their new homes ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Come On In, The Water's Perfect," the newest Water Dog painting, 12" square, depicting a Great Pyranees in a wading pool, acrylics on a museum quality panel, $599 (unframed) to the first one  asking nicely . But you have to  ask nicely  inside the span of a week, because otherwise I'm shipping this painting to Sheldon Fine Art in Naples, Florida. There it'll get framed up beautifully and snatched up, soon, too, I imagine. Lots of in-process photos are available on  the studio Facebook page . Fondly, Kim, who is off to dig out Christmas decorations and start decking her halls ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    "Repose," 5" x 7," depicting a friend's golden retriever lounging in her studio, acrylics on a museum quality panel. Sacha's portrait is headed to an exhibition, so not immediately available for purchase.   However, if you must have him (and I know how that is!)  shoot me an email and I'll put you in touch with the exhibition coordinators.   And if you would like to order notecards or reproductions, you can do so  here .   This painting went through some interesting changes - first a striped couch, then a solid pink cushion, before finally settling on a vintage pineapple pattern. After all, pineapples represent hospitality and friendliness, and who's better at making you feel welcome than golden retrievers? You can view photographs of the painting's progress and comment or ask questions on  the studio Facebook page .   Fondly Kim, who is thinking of sprucing up her front entrance to make it mo...

      "Dexie," 6" x 8," a chocolate labrador retriever portrait done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, headed to a private collection (THANK YOU!!).   However,  let me know  if you would like something similar starring your own best friend. It's too late to book a portrait for the year's end, but I can totally hook you up with a gift certificate. Or a killer Valentine's gift - think about THAT!!   You can view in process pics of Dexie's portrait on  the studio's Facebook page  - I update in process pics of whatever's on my easel at least several days each week.   Discipline is hard this time of year. I am preparing ideas for new works to exhibit in 2013, yet I have to stay focused and work on commissioned pieces and bide my time. I'm itching to spend a couple days painting my own c...

    "Phoebe," 9" x 12," a posthumous portrait done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a beloved companion. Phoebe's painting has a home, thank you, but let me know  if you would like something similar starring your own best friend.   You can view in process pics of Phoebe's portrait on  the studio's Facebook page  - I started her yesterday afternoon (November 26th, 2012)   While it's no secret that I love saturated color, I also love the challenge of working tonally in softer hues. Phoebe's portrait gave me a perfect excuse to hone my modeling skills using subtle tonal and temperature shifts.   And lots of room for abstracted brushwork, too.   Now I'm off to drive The Princess to ballet class, Kim, who is remembering the dozens of white-on-white still lifes she painted to learn subtle value shifts and the Color of White  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com ...

    And into the holiday season we rush..... but stop! Wait a minute - get yourself a cup of tea and sit and simmer. Savor all the delights that the end of the year brings - music, tastes, rituals. Enjoy some down time for yourself - make that your gift!   And Nita, well, she'll fetch snowballs anytime!!   To implement this month's desktop calendar, simply download the file  directly from my website . I've set up a couple different ways to do this, either via the photo album or a direct link.   I am by no means an expert on the variety of operating systems, so I highly recommend that if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, don't email me for advice. Instead consult your computer's help files - they will be more concise, more knowledgeable and more responsive than I could ever hope to be.    I've sized this to fit a standard screen height of 768 - I realize there are lots of variables tha...

The last week I both revised and completed paintings I had previously shared, so I thought I would provide updates.   "Poppy," 8" x 12", got a patterned blanket as opposed to the plain one I originally included. This painting is available for $529 - interested parties can  email me .       "Bear," 11" x 15," got a fine spray of water droplets and reflections added to his composition. Bear's painting has a home - stay tuned for reproductions and notecards, which I will make available next week.   I'm signing off for the week to maximize my family time. I hope you are able to enjoy the things you cherish this weekend as well.   Happy Thanksgiving, Kim, who is salivating right now over the promise of corn bread and sausage stuffing ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

  IN PROCESS:  "Bear," from the "Water Dogs" series, 11" x 15," done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a golden retriever. A very wet golden retriever. This painting is already spoken for, but let's talk about doing more water dogs -  email me .   You can view in process pics of Bear's portrait on  the studio's Facebook page .   I will finish Bear later tonite (and you can follow that on  FB tonite as it unfolds, too, so pour a glass of wine for yourself and join me) - but I'm dashing off shortly for carpool (this is hopefully my last school carpool for a bit as The Caped Crusader potentially gets a walking boot/cast on Friday!!) and post office (am sending three paintings to new homes) and ballet (sigh. I love that The Princess dances and I adore the group of young ladies that she dances with).    Toodle Loo, Kim, who compromised by listening to Swan Lake AND The Nutcracker in the studio t...

"Nikki and Yori," 12" x 16," done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a chow mix and a German Shepherd Dog. This is a commissioned portrait, and as such, is heading to a new home next week. However, inquiries on how you can get something similar may come to me . I started this one a little before 11 am (and that doesn't count the groundwork done prior to picking up the brushes, learning about the animals' personalities, reviewing photos, and putting a composition together) and just signed it a little bit ago. Granted, there was a break to pick the kids up from school and to inhale some dinner, but for the most part, this painting was done in one sitting. One nearly 11 hour sitting. Add the 2 hours of computer work I did earlier, and that's an honest day's work!! I LOVE days like this, and have enough adrenaline to start another painting tonite, but think I'll punch out and spend some time with ...

"Poppy," 8" x 12," done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, depiting a yellow lab, dreaming of no-place-like-home. This painting is available for $529 to the first one asking nicely.  And if nobody snags this painting as is, I may change that drape to green...... In process pics - lots of them - are on the  studio's Facebook page . Feel free to comment - ask about my process (arbitratray and unpremeditated) or what sort of music I was listening to (Rickie Lee Jones) or whatever you wish (coconut macaroons). Happy weekend, Kim, who is already cheering the LOHS Dragon football team on, even though the state semi-finals game is tomorrow afternoon ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS I woke up on Saturday (the day after I posted this) and decided I wasn't happy with the drape being the same color scheme (roughly) as Poppy, so I repainted it. I also modified the front of the couch so that it wasn't in such a flat sha...

  "Yoshi," a painted sketch, roughly 4" x 5" on a 9" x 12" sheet of bristol board, done in acrylics, blood, sweat and tears. This piece is in a private collection - thank you very much!   Fabulous date last nite with My Better Half and the Amazing Amanda Palmer. And tonite we have another date, this time with the Lake Orion High School Drumline Parent Corps (in other words, the parent volunteers).   Tomorrow I'm filming an interview at a local cable channel and delivering a couple paintings for an in-home audition before leading my wonderful group of grownUP Journallers in our last gathering of the year.   Wild and crazy stuff happening around these parts!!   Fondly, Kim, who is nearly finished with the book Gone Girl and isn't quite sure how to follow it up ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

  I didn't make it to the easel today. Sometimes days just work out that way, despite good intentions. But instead of pining for what I didn't get done, here's what I DID get accomplished: Packed three paintings off to new homes and shipped a half dozen to gallerys in New York and Naples Invoiced sales and booked new commissions Fielded inquiries for new projects Draftied an outline for Thursday's cable show interview (I will be on a local cable show which is filming in 2 days) Began collecting materials and reviewing my lesson plan for Thursday evening's grownUPs journaling workshop Placed a supplies order Got a much needed haircut - I've had a ponytail for the last 6 months!! Actually took a lunch break and spent an hour reading - gasp! - a non-art book (Gone Girl, for those who must know, and a title I simply cannot put down) So tomorrow I get to paint all day long. That is, if I can get through enough paperwork tonite. And t...