Paintings With Soul

"Curls," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, featuring a palomino Thoroughbred with a festive and somewhat tropically colored forelock of ribbon. $899 and the first asking nicely gets her! As always, inquiries may come to me . Wouldn't this (or any of my Beribboned paintings ) make for an incredible focal point in a nursery or child's room? Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Minx," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, featuring a black Thoroughbred mare with a tangled forelock of ribbon. Minx is available - what a stunning holiday gift she would make! $899 and the first asking nicely gets her! As always, inquiries may come to me . A couple weeks ago I roadtripped to Linda Shantz's home, hanging out together in her studio and in the barn. This painting is inspired by one of her layups, Quidi Vidi, and our childhood obsession with the Black Stallion . We both are convinced that Quidi Vidi is exactly what Black Minx, the Black Stallion's filly, would have looked like. Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Peppermint," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, featuring a lop eared rabbit crowned with a delightful candy cane striped bow. Many thanks to Cornelia K for allowing me to use her bunny as inspiration for this painting. Peppermint needs a home - she can be yours for $749 - the first asking nicely gets to adopt her! As always, inquiries may come to me . Not much to do while the snow flies but sling paint. Who should I crown next? hmmmm...... Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Dottie," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, featuring a teddy bear hamster with a spotted yellow ribbon. Dottie can be yours for $749 - the first asking nicely gets to adopt her! As always, inquiries may come to me . Next up in this series is a lop eared bunny. I can't stand it! Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Teddy," 11" x 14", acrylics on panel, featuring a teddy bear hamster with a beribboned 'do. Teddy can be yours for $475 - the first asking nicely gets to adopt him! As always, inquiries may come to me . I'm traveling and will have limited internet access until Thursday evening. Please bear with me - I will respond to emails and inquiries as soon as I am back on the grid! Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    PSST:  All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders. I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back. And finally, in the interest...

FINISHED! "Cocoa," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, featuring an aptly named chocolate guinea pig with her hair done up properly. I am absolutely delighted that Cocoa has already found a home with a collector as in love with her as I am (thank you DM!). Prints of Cocoa (and other goodies) are available here . And if you think you like Cocoa, wait until you meet Teddy..... As always, inquiries may come to me . Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    PSST:  All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders. I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check bac...

DETAIL, in process: "Cocoa," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, featuring an aptly named chocolate guinea pig with her hair done up properly. Even at this unfinished stage, this original painting is absolutely magical. And it can be yours for $749 (yes, payment plans welcomed!) - as always, inquiries may come to me . Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    PSST:  All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders. I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back. And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider a...

"The Best Gift Ever," 12" x 16", acrylics on museum quality panel, featuring an adorable and snuggly Golden Retriever puppy with a giant candy cane striped ribbon. This original painting is packed with texture and subtle color - it's truly a remarkable piece. And it can be yours for $629 - as always, inquiries may come to me . Gotta give a shout out to Karen Appleton , who's painted presents I have always loved. I'm sure you will love her work too! Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    PSST:  All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders. I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may b...

"Turtledove's Bow," 9" x 12", acrylics on panel, featuring the studio namesake, Turtledove. Turtle loved any sort of neckwear, and during the holidays she sported all sorts of finery. This original painting can be yours for $99 + s&h - as always, inquiries may come to me . SOLD (thank you!) I miss this cat, especially at Christmas. She loved playing in the tree. Every morning, we would come down to find the beaded garland stripped from the tree, but not a single ornament out of place. I would watch her all day long, pretending I hadn't untangled and replaced the garland. And then, at some point while we were sleeping, she would quietly remove it, and drag it someplace to "kill." It's one of the many warm memories I have of this gentle, sweet kitty. Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    PSST:  All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6"...

"Balancing Act," 24" x 9", acrylics on museum quality panel, featuring none other than Salvador Doggie practicing his mad balancing skills with a few holiday ornaments. This original painting is lush with drips and thick swaths of paint, and then there's those innocent eyes. Don't believe him, Santa, he's not that good...... "Balancing Act" can be yours for $549 + s&h - as always, inquiries may come to me . Thinking about balance today, what we believe we can do vs actual truth.  I am rabidly optimistic, and believe I can totally balance a cairn of ornaments on my head. While standing on one leg, too, no less. So why can't Sal? Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    PSST:  All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all order...

"Tree Pose," 24" x 30" x 1", acrylics on gallery stretched canvas, I suppose you could say this is a selfie of sorts. And yet, it also has a universal aspect, too. This meditative piece can be yours for $849 - inquiries may come to me . Continuing to seek a greater understanding of current events through my paintings - it's pretty obvious, no?! I could spell it all out for you, between the finch, pooh, the butterfly, fish, the flower choices....... But I would rather that you enjoy the piece and build your own story. What do you see? what does it mean to you? Thanks, as always, for following my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    PSST:  All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders. I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, ...

ABOVE: Just one of the special priced paintings available this holiday season - read below for more details. Thanks so much! It's the beginning of the holiday shopping season, at least here in the States, and while I'm a little late getting to the party (I've been having far too much fun with my family this year!), I do have some wonderful treats for you! Reproductions and items bearing my paintings will ship for free from FineArtAmerica today only - use #FAAHOLIDAY at checkout. All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders. I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back. And finally, in the intere...

"Emitt," a commissioned pet portrait, 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, private collection (thank you!!).  While I'm working on some holiday portrait gifts (inquiries may always come to me ), I'm also continuing to paint a few larger pieces that represent my reaction/current emotional state. And I'm doing a lot of journaling. Introspection is my preferred method of healing, growing and planning. Well, that, along with painting. And when my paintings combine things I am passionate about, like my kids or yoga or favorite book characters or other "hidden" symbols, they are like stepping into a fantasyland where there is bound to be a happily ever after . Not anything sappy like those endings Disney delivers, but more like a space where I can impact my own story in a positive manner (and have flawless skin) . Yeah, I know, I'm a dreamer. Who's with me? I know there's more of you out there!  Thanks f...

"Bittersweet," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, $199 to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may always come to me . I am slowly finding my way through the emotional mayhem following last week's election. We escaped to Chicago this weekend, where I unplugged from social media and played with my cousins' children. It was the perfect medicine. Back in the studio today, I struggled to find direction. Seemed like the perfect day to paint a turquoise dove with the remnants of my garden blooms. Continuing to work with the florals, thinking about the end of summer and a looming winter.  Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

Another one from The Dryad Series, "Seeking Faith," a portrait of my daughter, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, not currently for sale (this one is headed to an exhibition). However, inquiries may come to me . I could tell you that the inspiration for this painting came after a heart to heart talk with Annie about the election and believing in a system that has carried our country through centuries, yet has disappointed so many. But I can't lie to you. The real story is that I had the concept of a figure looking upwards and off to the side, with a sweeping drapery of blooms. I had literally (and I am using that word properly, trust me!) 60 seconds to capitalize on the natural light and take the inspiration photos before she ducked into ballet class. (All the flowers symbolically speak towards seeking affirmation, love, acceptance, remembrance and honesty. Or you could just say that they are super pretty, and enjoy them for that. Also, she re...

FINISHED!! "Namaste," a self portrait from my Dryad series of paintings, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, not for sale (this one is heading to an exhibition). However, inquiries may come to me . Today has been a somber one for those Americans, myself included, who have found themselves with a President-elect who does not reflect their own core values. I've been reflecting quite a bit about the results, and while I cannot change them, I can show the world that my heart is not defined by anyone. That my tolerance and compassion is limitless. And that in a world fraught with anger, terror, and fright, I can usher in sublime beauty and contemplation through my paintings. My friends, going forward I invite you to pray/meditate/breathe for those suffering opression and tremendous heartache. Listen to understand, not to judge, and love wholeheartedly. We are each of us human and equally deserving of love and opportunity. Thanks for following along ...

In Process" "Namaste," a self portrait from my Dryad series of paintings, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, not for sale (this one is heading to an exhibition). However, inquiries may come to me . I think creatives are, by nature, highly sensitive. It's that ability to read body language, hear unspoken words, and be attuned to attitudes and emotions. We need this in order to translate the human experience into our medium.  However, there are times when this extra sense is not such a blessing. The election is fully testing my capacity for grace. My hormonal teenager had final exams this week. Add in a puppy who chews pretty much everything (including a computer charging cable and a disposable razor he somehow got off a very tall shelf in the bathroom?!) and a surplus of Halloween candy (lots of sugar highs. and lows). And that pretty much sums up my week. An incredible yoga practice this morning flushed my brain entirely of the bad jujus. I...

"Lush," an original piece from the P(e)ony subgroup of the Florus Animalum series, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, $699 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . SOLD (thank you!) Forgive the glare here - Lush was photographed underneath the studio lights, as it's a rather gray day. This piece started as a demonstration painting for a local art guild. True to form, I made plenty of mistakes while working on it with an audience. They were very gracious. Now I want to invite them over to my studio so that they can see the finished piece in all it's glory. This is a special one! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Sunday Best," an original piece from the Florus Animalum P(e)ony series, 12" x 12" x 2", acrylics on cradeled panel so no need to frame, $500 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . The bulk of this painting was fueled by Halloween chocolate. Just trying to be honest. Here's to a safe night for all! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

ABOVE, full painting, BELOW, detail: "Welsh P(e)ony," an original piece from the Florus Animalum P(e)ony series, 24" x 36", acrylics on panel, $899 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . There is so much lush color and intricate marks in this one - I wish you could stand in front of her with me to fully experience it. Please scroll below for a detail. This will be absolutely fabulous in a child's room, don't you think? Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"The Struggle is Real," 16" x 16" x 2", acrylics on panel, $999 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . The newest from my series of selfies , this one pretty much sums up how sickened I am by the current state of affairs inside our political scene. I'm sure you can relate, regardless of party affiliations. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Mum Study," 11" x 14", acrylics on panel, $99 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . More sketching going on today, playing with some new ideas, painting from life, and dancing at the easel. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Ewok," 10" x 12", acrylics on panel, $219 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . I spent most of today sketching and working out some new ideas. I've found a rental space that will allow me to go bigger than I ever have before....... Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Endangered (Snow Leopard)," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, $699 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . This painting came about due to the challenge this week on DailyPaintworks - to paint a cat. I wanted to keep this piece in the same vein as the polar bear and snowshoe hare from last week, so decided on a big cat. Snow leopards are endangered, which inspired me to take advantage of the drooping tulips from last week's pieces. And I added dried roses, daisies, heather and alyssum to the mix. Perhaps it was today's gray weather that encouraged me to bring more color into this piece, too. Now let's find her a home - feel free to share and pass this one along! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Wolf Study," 8" x 8", acrylics on panel, $199 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . Working with beautiful, harmonic color today, familiarizing myself with wolves and prepping for a library class I'm teaching tomorrow and Saturday. I'll lead packs of kids in making our own covers to the classic book Call of the Wild. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Snowshoe," from the Florus Animalum series, a companion piece to last week's "Snowdrop," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, depicting a snowshoe hare and a crown of similarly colored florals. A commentary on global warming. And a beautiful example of white not being white. Another piece that just can't be fully appreciated on the computer screen - it will delight the lucky collector who speaks up first. "Snowshoe" is $699 plus s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . And yes, I can give preferential pricing to the collector who wants both Snowshoe and Snowdrop. Payment plans welcome. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here