Paintings With Soul

"Cheyenne," 5" x 7", commissioned portrait of a frisbee-loving aussie, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come to me . A sweet little treasure painted earlier that I couldn't share because she was a Christmas gift. Cheyenne was the perfect candidate for capturing attitude, energy and movement inside a small frame. Thanks for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Mona Lisa's Rainbow," 7" x 8", casein on museum quality panel, depicting that famous kitty with the elusive smile. I'm not certain that this piece is finished, but anticipate some will be in love with her as is, so set things up on FineArtAmerica (reproductions, notecards and smartphone cases) - order away right here . Meanwhile inquiries may come to moi . I've cut back on commissions so as to actively study and play with my materials. Play is a huge part (for me) of maintaining creative energy, and it's the first thing that gets set aside when my calendar starts to fill. It's important, too, that I continue to challenge myself to grow as an artist. Painting with other artists, exploring new media and approaches, along with continuing to work from life and study light and color, is mandatory. And these are all things set aside if I don't say "no" often enough. Today was a "yes" day f...

"Finnigan," 8" square, painted by The Princess, casein on museum quality panel, depicting our very own Finnigan Jones Santini, not for sale. The Princess painted beside me in the studio on Monday and Tuesday. She generously offered to share her piece via the newsletter and blog so that I could take a guilt-free day off this week (she knows me too well!). And then she upped the ante even more by secretly wrapping the painting and tucking it under the tree. With my name on it. So that's the story of our own Christmas reveal and my newest acquisition. I just love it!! Thanks, as always, for sharing the journey, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"HoHoHo," 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a vintage roly-poly Santa doll, $329. Inquiries may come to me . It's official - my Christmas break is beginning in a handful of minutes. Thank you SO much for a year of jolly cheer and sharing our love of painting. Thanks, as always, for keeping me company, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Waiting for Santa," 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting my blue heeler mix Finnigan lounging in My Better Half's quilt draped club chair, $469. In process pics are here . And inquiries may come to me - I'd love to share a little cattle dog craziness with another household! Every year I do a holiday painting  - Mona's inspired the last three (how did THAT happen?), so Finnigan's been way more than patient for his turn on the easel. Thanks, as always, for keeping me company, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Boutros," 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a much loved and deerly missed lab mix, private collection (THANK YOU!). In process pics of his painting can be viewed on Facebook . And just because I anticipate that he will quickly become a favorite of everyone, I've set him up for reproductions/notecards/smartphone cases as well. Inquiries may come to me - gift certificates can be delivered via email throughout the weekend.  I'm officially done with commissions for the holiday!! It's always a great feeling, to think of all the treasures awaiting gift giving (and those who've already been shared). It expands my Christmas exponentially. Thank YOU for making my holidays warmer, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

A new-to-me vintage plate rack is the perfect desk top hold-all for studio treasures - including an orchid from my Grandmother (I hope it'll be happier in here than it was in the kitchen), a Pillsbury Doughboy painting by The Princess, and my ever handy voodoo doll. Now my desk is spiffy clean. Once I've shipped my last painting for the year, I do a happy dance and enjoy some really good chocolate. Then I roll up my sleeves and give the studio a deep cleaning. A couple vintage discoveries made this morning, one of which is pictured above, prompted major reorganization along with the dusting. I'm delighted with the fresh look my work space has taken on and excited to pick the brushes up later tonite and make some magic happen in here. Thanks so much for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 2013 Stats Created 154 paintings (got one more holiday commission left) Shipped 121 paintings (thankful...

In process detail of a much larger mixed media piece intended as a gift for a friend. I've been so busy making everyone else's holidays happen that I hadn't even started on my own until last nite. So today I got to work on a few handmade gifts from the heart of the studio. And tonite I just might start baking. Hope your season so far is warm and welcoming, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"George," 8" square, acrylic on museum quality panel, portrait of the one and only, Curious George, $399 to the first asking nicely . In process photos are here . Want this one under your tree? Overnight shipping within the US ($30) and paypal will do it. Email me !! Still thinking about old dolls and that whole creepiness factor that happens once they are painted. Now this little guy isn't creepy - why is that?! Thanks so much for supporting my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Mel," 6" square, acrylic on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a loved and sorely missed little guy. I predict that Mel's portrait will be a cherished gift, perhaps the one most cherished of all. We're out of time for me to get a painting under your tree this year, but I can deliver a gift certificate. These are wonderful in that they allow the recipient to participate in the process, and that's a pretty fun time. Paintings are priced by size and complexity, starting around $300. Inquiries may always come to me .  I have one final portrait left that is due prior to Christmas, and this one is a local delivery. Which means I'm shifting gears and preparing exhibition pieces for the winter season of juried shows and my extra special show with Laura Locke . You can always send me pics of your muse - who knows what it will inspire?! Non flash photos, please, that you yourself have taken. I'll see if ...

"Mona Lisa," 8" x 11" (no that's not a typo!), acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting everyone's favorite muse. Act quickly, because I suspect that this Mona is going to find a home very easily. She's $489 and inquiries may always come  to moi . In process pics of her are  here  and yes, I do set up payment plans -  email me . SOLD For those who are new to my art, Mona Lisa is one of my studio muses. We adopted her two years ago - well, actually, she adopted us, given that she latched onto The Caped Crusader's sleeve when he had his back turned to her crate at the shelter. Mona has inspired many a painting ( here's just a few ), and taught me how to properly appreciate the beauty of the striped feline form.  She's also a fantastic snuggler when I settle down with a book. I hope you have a good snuggler yourself on this cold winter's evening, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Frog Dog," 10" x 16", acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting a very flexible chocolate lab named Ace. This painting is hopefully heading to a juried exhibition in early 2014, but inquiries may always come  to moi . In process pics of Ace are  here  and yes, I do accept a limited number of commissions -  email me . A friend shared Ace's photo on Instagram and I called her up, begging to paint him. Thankfully she gave me permission - I would have been haunted by this composition otherwise! In other news, the studio got a much needed cleaning and reorganizing over the weekend, which means I purged some of my art books and put them up for sale on Facebook. There are a few still available  here . And in still more news, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting one of my idols and long time inspirations, cellist  Zoe Keating , over the weekend. If you don't know  her music , you no longer have an excuse, and if she's...

  "Miss Kitty," 8" x 10", commissioned calico cat portrait, acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting a lovely long haired tortoiseshell kitty, private collection (THANK YOU!).      Petite in size but huge in personality - isn't that how it usually goes? Miss Kitty was a rescue who became well known in the neighborhood for accompanying her family when they walked the dogs. She crossed the bridge about five years ago, but still holds a special spot in many hearts.   Her family will be very excited to have a portrait of her in their home. I wish I could be there for the reveal!   In process pics  here .   Thanks so much for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     Upcoming Workshops and Talks Social Media & Marketing, Jan 14, 2014 Coloriffic in Orlando Jan 31-Feb 1, 2014  - nearly full!  

"Ginger," 6" x 8", commissioned cat portrait, acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting a lovely diluted tortie, private collection (THANK YOU!).  Ginger was adopted by her family this summer - the Humane Society thought she was about 8 years old, but they were off a bit. The love of her family got Ginger digging deep to find a 9th life when she had a recent health scare. This painting is intended for her special someone. What an awesome gift! In process pics of Ginger's portrait are  here . Thanks so much for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Upcoming Workshops and Talks Social Media & Marketing, Jan 14, 2014 Coloriffic in Orlando Jan 31-Feb 1, 2014  - nearly full!

"Oliver," 6" x 8", commissioned portrait intended as a Christmas gift, acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting a suspected labradoodle, private collection (THANK YOU!). In process images are here .  ORDER PRINTS/NOTECARDS/SMARTPHONE CASES (you won't BELIEVE how cute Oliver is on a smartphone case!!) This painting was a challenge on many fronts - Oliver passed away suddenly, and the only photos my clients could squirrel away from his family were less than stellar. Nevertheless, I think he's got a dashing sense of color. And some excellent hair going on, too! And he's so darned cute, that I also activated reproduction ordering so that everyone could have a little bit of Oliver for themselves. Thanks so much for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Bailey," 8" x 10", commissioned portrait intended as a Christmas gift, acrylic on museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). In process images are on Facebook . Inquiries may come to me . I painted ahead yesterday, planning to take a personal day today (the 3rd). Hoping you have a great Tuesday and that your December is progressing rather merrily. Thanks so much for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Just a few gift ideas for those on your list: a custom portrait gift certificate , starting at $289 for a 5"x7" museum quality portrait an original painting , either framed or unframed, but equally cherished a book to be treasured with a young reader, shared with a horse lover, or gifted to a budding artist smartphone cases for those wanting to put a unique stamp on their third arm prints and notecards - of my work or my friend Kiki Kelly's - to bring a splash of color into any home Thanks for considering the gift of art and artist-created items.  May your gift giving be joyful and heartfelt, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

In October 2006 I started my daily painting commitment. Somehow you found out about it, signed up for the newsletter or hooked the blog into your feed and are here today, following along. I am thankful for your attention, your encouragement, your honest criticisms, and your friendship. You have kept me going strong over the years and you have enabled me to be a better artist every single day. I wish I could give all of 5000 or so of you a hearty slice of fudge pecan pie with a generous dollop of hhhh-whip cream (that's how we roll in the Santini household, with lots of hhhh-whip). I'll enjoy a piece on your behalf. Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

It's been a couple years since I shared my palette system and paint choices, so I figured it was time for an update! Above is a recent photo of a setup from a demo done this fall. The paints have puddled together a little bit due to the car ride/transport, but I think you can get the idea. Pure pigment on the edges, mixtures in the center. And the mixtures are further lumped into a yellow-ish area, an orange-ish area, etc. This helps me keep mixtures clean and bright (if that is what I want!) You'll also see how I mix one mother-puddle and push and pull that into various combinations. I also arrange with lightest values on the left and darkest on the right. My paints always go in the same place and I always use the same colors. This is a Stay-Wet Masterson Palette and I'm using exclusively Golden Heavy Body Acrylics. My colors: Titanium White Naples Yellow Cadmium Yellow Light Cadmium Yellow Medium Cadmium Yellow D...

Excuse me? for real? it's December?  To implement this month's desktop calendar, 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!)....

    "Man's Best Friend," 8" x 10," commissioned portrait, acrylics on a museum quality panel, a special gift for a special guy - you're in on the secret, so if you recognize either of these fellows, mum's the word. Plenty of i n process photos are here . Want one for yourself? Inquiries may come to me .     This is my second commissioned figural portrait. I'm just delighted with how this has turned out - and fingers and toes crossed my client is too!   Thanks for following along, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Ollie," 8" x 8," commissioned portrait of a German Shepherd, acrylics on a museum quality panel, a special gift for Ollie's little girl. Plenty of  in process photos are here . Want one for yourself? Inquiries may come  to me . I've been studying in-process images by master painters, and the one thing I noticed (light bulb moment here!) was that they paint entirely with planes. There is very little delineation happening - their subjects are sculpted with paint. So that was the approach I took with Ollie. No lines or drawing - just slabs of color going down. I rather like the effect. Thanks for following along, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PLEASE NOTE: If you would like me to come teach in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email and we can talk about it! Thank so much! Kim Santini

"Rory," 12" x 16," commissioned portrait of a Black Labradoodle with The Best Eyebrows Ever, acrylics on a museum quality panel. Plenty of in process photos are here, including closeups of his eye and nose along with a shot of my palette. Rory has a home, but there's plenty of other paintings in my head (and studio) that do not - inquiries may come to me . Although this photo is a little flat and gray because I had to shoot it under artificial lighting, my boss is somewhat happier about my productivity today. Let's see what my client has to say, though - I'm awaiting final approval. And permission to punch out and head home.  Thanks for following along, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Updo," 6" x 7," acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a tousled-hair Barbie. Inquiries may come to me . Today was supposed to be spent finishing up a commission, but that didn't play out. Which makes two days in a row that my days have not gone as planned. But who's counting, right? I'll tell you who - my boss. She's certifiable. So with limited time to paint today, I decided to finish this little Barbie piece started last nite after everyone went to bed. (And I DON'T get paid overtime, just for the record) So who's putting money on how tomorrow goes? I'm not holding my breath, but I AM lighting a candle for my muse to be uninterrupted. And be highly productive. Or else I'm fired. Thanks for following along, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Rose" 8" x 10," acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a sleepy-eyed Nancy Ann Story Book doll (does anyone know this doll's original name?). In process photos can be viewed here . Inquiries may come to me . Today didn't go as expected. Kids home (no power at school) and bouncing emails were just a couple of the surprises. (And for those of you in the path of last nite's storms, I hope you have a warm place to stay and all your loved ones are accounted for.)  I rolled with the punches, did lots of yoga breathing, put out all my fires, and found myself mid-afternoon with some time at the easel. I could have worked on a commission, but didn't trust the fates to leave me alone. So I chose a little doll who seemed to match my pensive mood. Here's hoping tomorrow is not a repeat of today! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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...

"Poppy," 8" x 12", acrylics on a museum quality panel, gorgeously framed and well-traveled. Poppy's been displayed in exhibitions around the country, and has recently returned to the studio. She's ready for a home - inquiries may come to me . Today there's a Christmas gift on my easel, and I can't share because the recipient is a fan and follower. I have just a few pre-holiday spots left. So speak up now if you want to gift an actual painting - once my calendar is full, I'll be offering gift certificates through the end of the year. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Tennis Ball I," 4" square, acrylics on a museum quality panel, currently at auction on my Facebook page with proceeds going to the Oakland Pet Adoption Center . Click through on the image to bid. And thanks for supporting homeless pets. The above was my warm up painting - then I indulged and painted for myself. So what do you think of this doll? is she a little more vulnerable and a little less creepy? "Pout (Cindy)," 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, painted from life, a 1950's Cindy Horsman doll. Inquiries may come to me . Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Lucky," 5" x 7," acrylics on a museum quality panel, commissioned portrait featuring a terrier-chihuahua mixed breed, private collection (THANK YOU!). In process photos can be viewed here . Inquiries may come to me . Lucky was found on the side of the road 16 years ago. Since then he has fully enjoyed life, hiking mountains, playing tug-of-war, waiting by the door for his kids to come home from school, snuggling and watching tv, digging up carrots from the garden and chasing squirrels. His family is readying to say goodbye and relishing the days they have left together. It was my honor to paint him before his final journey. Travel safely, my friend. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Calvin, Sketch," image approximately 6" x 6" on a 9" x 12" bristol board, acrylics, featuring a sassy Weimereiner pup, private collection (THANK YOU!). In September I pledged painted sketches to fans making a $75 contribution to an ALS walk in honor of a family friend. Calvin's is the first of these portraits. I took extra special pleasure in painting him, layering marks and color and detail in appreciation of his Mom's support of a cause close to our hearts. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    The cover of "A Dog Named Blue," a labor of love the last couple years.     "A Dog Named Blue," my first children's book, will be available for holiday gift giving. This year.   Some of my fondest memories are of reading with my kids, and this book was designed for just that - snuggling in with your little one and learning the names of colors. Together. I'm finishing up the last bit of editorial revisions, choosing paper quality, and determining binding options.   I'm very excited to share this book with you!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   About Kimberly Santini 

Welcome to November! I hope everyone has a safe evening trick-or-treating tonite (if that's how you choose to celebrate Halloween). Feel free to eat an Almond Joy in my honor. Actually, you are welcome to eat as many as you want! To implement this month's desktop calendar, 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, t...

In Process detail of "Rag Dolls," 8" x 16," acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting two vintage handmade rag dolls, including one rather sorry looking Raggedy Anne. Inquiries may come to me. Was reading Richard Schmid's "Alla Prima II" over the weekend, and came across a tenderly rendered painting of a doll. He acknowledged that dolls can be spooky, but also said that they are a reflection of who we are.  I was greatly reassured to read his words and know that even a great master like himself also plays with dolls in his studio. More pics of these two ladies, including my still life setup, on Facebook . Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS Thank you JW for your handmade doll - she's been sitting here in the studio all these years, and today was delighted to be chosen for her own special painting!

"Annie, Sketch," 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, the most recent in five different sketches (the other four are underneath). You can see the first one here . If you've taken one of my workshops, you know how many sketches and studies we do together in a handful of days. It's a pressure-free zone, sketching. It's easier to take risks because it's just a study. If it turns out, fantastic - and if not, we just paint overtop and try it again! After a workshop, I come back to my studio, jump right into creating more finished paintings, and forget about the beauty and importance of sketching regularly. I'm making a conscious effort to change things. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com About Kimberly Santini  Facebook

"Triple Threat," 12" x 22", acrylics on museum quality panel, a commissioned larger-than-lifesized portrait of three wonderful little terriers, private collection (THANK YOU!). I have a few pre-holiday spaces left for commissions - please  email me  and we can talk about the process. I just sent the jpg of this one to my client for final approval. Fingers and toes crossed that she's just as delighted with today's work as she has been all along! In process pics are here . Thanks as always for your attention, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com