"Gigi," 10" x 10", portrait of a fluff ball, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, my gift to Gigi's Mom for playing along with the Dog a Day Valentine's Giveaway.
Over 100 faces were submitted for consideration this year and it was difficult to narrow them down. I choose 22 finalists, but honestly didn't know until the absolute last possible minute who I was going to paint. And how I wish I could have painted each of them.
And I chose Gigi because she seemed to be overflowing with love, today's theme.
Happy Valentines Day from all the Santinis,
Kim
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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...
Gigi and I are still "in love" with this painting now framed on our wall. A million thank you's still wouldn't be enough.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Gigi's mom
A, you make me smile - so happy you are enjoying the painting!! Many blessed returns for a wonderful new year!! Ear scratches to Gigi!! :)
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