Paintings With Soul

"Stephen's Bouquet," 24" x 36", acrylics on panel, depicting a dark thoroughbred with a crown of blooms. This one is available via auction - but hold one - there's a story here - please keep reading.  Stephen is 4. He is the nephew of a good friend. Last week, Stephen was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. His family has rallied around him, making the best of things in one of the darkest of times. I was asked to create a painting that could help raise money for Stephen's medical bills. I am honored to do so. Stephen has a dark Thoroughbred and the flowers crowning the horse were chosen to tell his story and send a message of love and support to his immediate circle. Aster - patience Chamomile - energy in adversity Cranberry - cure for heartache Edelweiss - noble courage Ginger - strength Pansy - think of me Peony - anger Primrose - childhood Sage - good health and long life Snowdrop - consolation and hope "Steph

"Sunflowers," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, $199 plus s&h. Inquiries may come to me . SOLD (THANK YOU!) I taught an afternoon workshop at my local library on Saturday, and we painted bouquets of sunflowers. My students did a fantastic job painting the essence and energy of their flowers. Each piece carried it's own interpretation of their sunny faces and jumble of petals. This is my demo piece, worked a bit further along today in my studio. I think it will be fantastic in a kitchen - or a powder room - or a foyer - or a guest bedroom........ I have been asked to do a repeat performance of this class in Montague, Michigan at Studio 2 . Let me know if you are interested, and we'll get you on the class list! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Reach," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, $699 to your door (inside the US). Inquiries may come to me . This is my newest self portrait. The flowers have special meaning to me - peonies grew outside my grandmother's farm house (I have a piece of that same bush growing in my yard), and ranunculus are one of my personal favorites. This is my hand, reaching for the beauty and promise of the blooms, but it also could be anyone's hand doing the same. What are you reaching for? Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Dutchess," from the P(e)ony Series of paintings, 24" x 48", acrylics and ink on panel, featuring a sweet baby girl prancing out from underneath a crown of Dutch tulips and ranunculas. This filly is $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me . Looking forward to taking some of the P(e)ony paintings to my art guild meeting this evening for a critique. The group always sees things I never do, and I come home with a tangled mess of ideas and possibilities. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim

Above, detail of today's workshop demo, representing approximately an hours worth of work, mostly wet on wet, acrylics on panel, 11" x 14". There's the adage that "those who can't teach," but I take issue with that. The best teachers I've had CAN and DO, and they articulate that, no matter how many times I (or my classmates) re-phrase the same question. I'd like to think I'm working my way towards that category of Teachers Who Can. That some day, one of my students will be able to say that my techniques/approaches impacted them in a powerful way that didn't include therapy. Meanwhile, I'm refining my teaching skills with an especially delightful group of painters on the western coast of Michigan. They are willing to try all sorts of things with their brushes during the day, and then in the evening, I retire to a Lake Michigan facing porch, sip my wine while listening to the tide, and forget about their tears. And

"Dixie Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics and ink on panel, featuring an Andalusian demurely peering out from underneath her crown of peonies. Dixie is $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me . I think she's done - I reserve the right to make any changes when I return from teaching on the West side of the state. Leaving as soon as I can throw my paints in my case! Really excited to work with a new group of students. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here   WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

FINISHED! "Black Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a Friesian galloping with a crown of various roses. She's $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me . I am exhausted - this painting has been on my easel all week, and constantly getting revised/painted in my head when I'm not in front of it. I'm onto something, though. This is a breakthrough piece - it's opened many doors. And windows. My head is exploding with the potential! Meanwhile, detail here . Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here   WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, T