Paintings With Soul

"Big Red," 12" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a retired Thoroughbred from Old Friends at Cabin Creek in upstate New York. This painting is available for $599 to the first one asking nicely, and proceeds will benefit the Old Friends. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS SOLD (thank you!) Last summer I visited Old Friends Cabin Creek  and learned about their mission firsthand - providing dignified retirement for racehorses. The farm is staffed entirely with volunteers.  It was moving to hear the stories of their residents, and every single horse appeared happy, healthy, and well loved. I took many photos but very poor notes, and cannot figure out who this fellow is. Maybe the folks at Cabin Creek can tell me? Meanwhile, I asked for title suggestions - they are  here .  Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

"Anyone's Race," 7" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a field of Thoroughbreds two strides into a race. This painting is available through Spa Fine Art (in Saratoga Springs New York) for $529 to the first one asking nicely. Spa also carries a large selection of other racing scenes. Please contact them for more information. To implement this month's desktop calendar, download the file directly from my website . 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. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

"Baby Girl," 7" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a Thoroughbred filly full of baby curls and chestnut precociousness. This painting is available for $529 to the first one asking nicely. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS This is the 8th Derby Week I've celebrated with daily paintings of horses. How time does fly...... It all starts with a dream, doesn't it? And what better epitomizes the dream of those following horse racing than a baby Thoroughbred, all gangly legs and full of promise? The reference photo inspiring this one is from a visit to friend and fellow artist Linda Shantz 's farm. The painting stars Brigette Merlot, now a 2 year old who is just learning about life at the track. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

"Sun Bun (Bun II)," 8" square, acrylics on museum quality panel depicting Mr. Bun, a Lionhead Rabbit. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will help homeless buns - he's $399 to the first asking nicely. SOLD VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS I painted Bun again today (here's his first portrait ) - he's such a good little model! Next week we'll change things up a bit - it's Derby Week, and keeping with tradition, I'll paint horses each day. But meanwhile I'm off for a weekend of dance. In between numbers, I'll be doodling in the dressing room, making plans for new paintings. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

"Turn Up the Heat," 9" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting dancers from Broadway Dance Company. Reproductions in poster format will be available in a couple weeks - stay tuned! VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS Yesterday I shared an in process detail - today I finished things up. Well, on the painting. Remember this is a fundraiser? So the next step is to design the poster, coordinate a delivery date with the printer, and then we will be ready to take orders. And I think Anthony's head might be a bit too dark and too large.... might have to do a few adjustments. Next up is teaching grownUPs Art Journaling. I love spending time with my favorite group of ladies! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

In process detail of "Turn Up the Heat," 9" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting young dancers from Broadway Dance Company. This painting belongs to The Princess, but reproductions will be available in a couple weeks - I gotta finish the piece first! VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS My daughter (aka The Princess) is a competitive dancer. Every year I create a painting inspired by the studio's big production number. We then sell posters as a fundraiser to offset the dancers' tuition and competition fees. This year's production number is titled "Miami Heat," and it features these fabulous sparkley turquoise beaded costumes. And Anthony, looking dapper as always in a killer white tuxedo. I'll share order details as soon as they become available - but meanwhile am jumping back to the easel. I have a little work to do. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@tu

The completed painting - "I'm Not Listening. Wait. Maybe I Am," 11" x 14", velvety dark and rich acrylics on museum quality panel depicting the one and only Mona Lisa, $599 to the first asking nicely. SOLD (thank you!). VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS Got this one finished today AND got the initial sketch done of my ArtPrize 2014 piece starring daVinci. You can watch that project (and it's a BIG one, to match Vinnie's personality) unfold here . And learn more about ArtPrize, a fantastic art festival held in Grand Rapids Michigan each fall, here . Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

In process pic of "I'm Not Listening. Wait. Maybe I Am," 11" x 14", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting the one and only Mona Lisa, $599 to the first asking nicely . She WAS sleeping in a shaft of warm sunlight, but when I reached for my camera, I woke her up. She clearly was not pleased. Note that this is the only brush I've used to date on this painting. I like Big Butt Brushes (as we call them in my classes). Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Easter Bunny III, 10" x 10" (my scanner only grabbed 10" x 9", but the missing sliver is a continuation of the darker ground and whiskers), acrylics on museum quality panel depicting Rimbomba, a lop with Italian style. This painting is yours for $539 and proceeds from this sale will benefit bunny rescue at my local no-kill animal shelter. Inquiries may come to me. SOLD (thank you!) Another muse found via #bunnylove. It's like match dot com for bunny lovers! When The Caped Crusader's lacrosse game was called due to the weather and The Princess's dance cancelled because of a power outage at the studio, I found myself with an unexpected few hours at the easel yesterday afternoon. Rimbomba's portrait is the result. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Easter II, 5" x 5", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting a dutch rabbit, Spooky, $239 to the first asking nicely. Proceeds from the sale of Spooky's painting will be donated to my local no-kill animal shelter. Spooky showed up in my #bunnylove feed, and his owner kindly granted permission to paint him. I am so lucky that people are generous with their photos and critters. I think this week may belong to the bunnies (sorry dog fans)! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Hidey, 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting a lovely dark haired feline, commissioned portrait, private collection (THANK YOU!). VIEW Hidey's IN PROCESS PHOTOS The Santini's adopted a new family member over the weekend. You can meet her here . I'm tempted to throw dinner in the oven and spend an hour or so sketching.... but scared what will happen when I give in entirely to her ridiculous adorable charm. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Who Said Easter?, 9" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting the lop eared Maxwell, my newest bunny muse, $549 to the first asking nicely.  #bunnylove introduced me to Maxwell, and his owner gave permission to paint Maxwell's portrait. Don't you just adore this little guy? In process pics are here . I could paint bunnies every single day. Introduce me to yours! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Paige, 6" x 8", commissioned tabby portrait done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!).  Sometimes I flake. Today was one of those days.  I took a starting pic of Paige's portrait , then got to work. I was so busy painting away ( and dancing in my new shoes ), that I forgot to take any other pics until I was nearly done. Whoops! Hey, if you want a commission or gift certificate like Paige's, let me know ! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Bun, 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting Bun, a little Lionhead bunny who's accomplishing great things (read below), $329 to the first asking nicely. Proceeds from the sale of Bun's portrait (and reproductions and cell phone cases ) will benefit bunny rescue. A call for bunny muses introduced me to this little guy. I was drawn immediately to his velvety color, deep fur and sweet demeanor. Then I got to know his Mom and fell in love with his family and their mission - Bun as the face for responsible pet ownership. You, too, can become a Bun fan here . Here's a little video of the painting in process .  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS................. It was a shock this summer when I realized how much I've come to love neutral colors. Still working with a limited palette - titanium white, pthalo blu

Maslo, image approximately 4-1/2" x 5" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" bristol board, depicting an Aussie pup, private collection (THANK YOU!).  I don't offer commissioned sketches any longer, but recently a couple collectors asked nicely. And I simply could not say no, especially when it was to welcome a new puppy into the family and to memorialize a dear friends' dog passing. I forgot how wonderful it feels to sketch, stay loose, and gob the paint on. Oh, and there was some dancing happening, too. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Quiet, 10" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting my studio muse, Mona Lisa. This painting is reserved for an exhibition and will be available for purchase in the future. SOLD. I used the same limited palette as yesterday - carbon black, pthalo blue green, titanium white, cadmium yellow medium, cadmium red medium, light magenta and light ultraviolet. I think there's also a couple pops of cadmium orange.  I made a slideshow of the in process photos. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Carbon, 9" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting a black rabbit. This painting is reserved for an exhibition and will be available for purchase in the future. SOLD (thank you!) This painting was created with a severely limited palette - carbon black, pthalo blue green, titanium white, cadmium yellow medium, and cadmium red medium. At the last minute, I also added touches of light magenta and light ultraviolet.  I've been exploring my idea of dark and light, with my requisite splash of color, for the last few months. I created a little video short  highlighting some of my favorite pieces embracing this idea. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Clover & Lily, 11-1/2" x 14", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting two Netherland Dwarf bunnies, $599 including s&h within the US. My earlier post about these two is here . SOLD Having these two in the studio the last week has been healing for The Princess and I. We've had lots of laughs together, remembering their antics. And we are ready to let this painting find a new home. Clo and Lil will always be here with us. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  PSST - Facebook has changed how business pages feed into your newstream. "Liking" a page is no longer enough to keep the updates coming. Now, the number of times you actually interact with a page controls whether you will see those updates regularly in your feed. So, if you have been missing those updates from George Takei , chances are you haven't commented on his posts in a