Paintings With Soul

"Playmobil SuperGirl," Toy #33, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a Playmobil caped figure. She could easily bring her superpowers to your house - $75 includes s&h. Email me to purchase (and thank you!). I'm playing teacher at the kitchen table.  Well, it feels that way at least, like playing. Today I had a private painting lesson with a student who traveled from out of state (technically, she had a couple of meetings in my area, too, so I'm not letting it get entirely to my head). My studio is kinda dinky for two people to work in, so we set up shop in the kitchen . We even put the leaf in the table so there was extra room. And played with Playmobil. And now I'm off to my journaling class . We're playing with watercolor and fountain pens and lists of gratitude tonite. Thanks, as always, for playing with me, All my best, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com The 100 Toys Album

"Minion," Toy #32, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a little guy borrowed from Gru's army. And this little guy has a new home, too - thank you very much to my returning collector! Is it wrong that I just want to sit on my couch and eat donuts? I'm probably still rebounding from my workshop last week and a killer UTI, but seriously, that's all I want to do.  I tried my typical creative boosts today - a long bath, a walk, a drive, a latte, some chocolate, procrastination, photo reviews, looking at art, reading about art, pinterest, loud music, drawing - but nothing worked.   Let's hope I've got an attitude adjustment by tomorrow!! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, All my best, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com The 100 Toys Album

"Madame Alexander," Toy #3, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a backlit porcelain doll from the Salvation Army. Please connect with me  via email  if you would like to purchase this painting - she's only $75, and that includes s&h inside the US! I spent the last 2 days prepping for my workshop in Ann Arbor tomorrow. This one is a 2 day intensive, where I try to boil down and condense all the goodies I throw at students in a typical 4 day workshop (and THOSE are fast paced too!). I also have a couple new exercises I wanted to use, which meant restructuring the flow of the days and reworking my slideshow. I work best under pressure, I suppose! And to top things off, I'm a couple hundred emails behind in responding. So please continue to be patient with me if you are awaiting a note - I promise I'll get to them asap. But I will have limited computer time the rest of the week. Now it's off to wrap and ship paintings h...

"Broga (Tree Pose)," Toy #30, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a GIJoe figure practicing yoga. Please connect with me  via email  if you would like to purchase this painting - it's only $75, and that includes s&h inside the US! I am by no means a master yogi, but I do practice yoga several times a week. It brings clarity to my fragmented mind and allows me a quiet pocket of time where the only assignment is feel my muscles stretch and settle and breathe into the poses. It's also improved my core strength and balance (although had you seen me face plant last week, that might be disputed). So when I saw these Brogas (Yoga Joes) online shortly after I started my #100Toys series, I had to have them. They've been waiting patiently to make it to my easel. Today was the day! (PSST - at only $75 each, the toy paintings are fantastic gifts - take a peek and snag a couple before they are gone!) Thanks, as always, ...

"Puzzle II," Toy #29, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting pieces from a Beatrix Potter puzzle. Please connect with me  via email  if you would like to purchase this painting - it's only $75, and that includes s&h inside the US! Putting the Pieces Together Try it - puzzle pieces are a tough painting subject, especially if you are trying to stay loose. What to paint? the pattern on the pieces or the shadow play? What other objects would you like to see painted? Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, All my best, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com The 100 Toys Album

"Jigsaw Puzzle I," Toy #28, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a few pieces from a Beatrix Potter puzzle. I might have a new favorite subject - puzzle pieces AND Peter Rabbit and friends! Please connect with me  via email  if you would like to purchase this painting - only $75, and that includes s&h inside the US! Deceivingly Difficult Umm, yeah. Carving those curves out with a giant brush (I didn't want tight, fussy brushwork), then getting the nuances on the table top, followed by the pattern on the pieces themselves (which ended up getting rubbed out as they swallowed up the whole painting). It was so hard that I had to walk away for a bit and go around the block for some fresh air. But it was a lot of fun to have such a simple setup that required so much of my brain. I'm going to try this again! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, All my best, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com ...

"Dollar Store Dolly I," Toy #26, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a stuffed polar fleece doll. She needs a home (as does her sister ) - and wouldn't they be darling in a child's room? Please connect with me  via email  and we'll get them into your hands! (NOTE: sale pending on both Dolly I and II as of this posting, thank you SO much!) The Welcome Home's Worn Off A constantly hangry child, bickering kids, a dog skunked late at night, a pukey cat, internet connectivity woes, out of control laundry (including wet skunky towels), last minute schedule changes, restless nights and PMS have all connived to make my past two days a little less zen than they might have been.    The perfect antidote? painting cute dolls (props to my friend who gifted me these dolls!) and journaling and homemade cornbread. Don't judge me until you've tried it.   Also, I've been tweaking one painting for a special client a...

Another demo from the workshop, "Sprout" was an example of my stepping out of my own comfort zone (greens terrify me). After all, if I'm asking my students to face their fears, I'd better walk the walk too, right? He's 9x12 or maybe 11x14 - it's been a long day and my brain is a little soggy - acrylics on masonite. And Sprout is heading to a new home, a home where veggies are loved as much as little green toddlers. But, nevertheless, please send your inquiries to me , and thank you so much. The Bar Has Been Raised I've gotta say that this group of painters has gotten me laughing harder than I have in a long time. And today they made me cry, too, you know those so-happy-I'm-feeling-the-love-too sorta tears? We've got one more day together before we all scatter to the winds. Sigh. And for those of you worried about my calorie intake, today included homemade fudge (DM you are The Best!), grilled oysters, fried drum fis...

A quick little demo after a day spent harping on color and value with the added bonus that there was no heckling or pelting with tomatos. "Curious George," 6" square, acrylics on masonite, depicting everyone's favorite little monkey. In typical George fashion, he's worked his way into one of my students' bags. But I will be painting him again, so by all means, let me know if you are interested. Inquiries may  come to me , and thank you so much. I Won't Go Home Hungry There's something about southern hospitality. I'm getting fed three squares, and plied with Tiger Cake, Apple Cake, homemade chocolates, muffins, skunk cookies, you name it! Plus have gotten cooking tips on how to make the bestest gumbo ever and been given a few secret jambalaya ingredients. And they have this thing in the south called grits. Good God, I don't know how I've lived nearly 50 years without tasting this miracle food, but I am now a...

"Kermie," Toy #25, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a vintage Fisher Price Kermit the Frog puppet (perched on an empty Scrumpies Hard Cider bottle, which you cannot see, but I assure you was delicious!). This painting already has a home (I don't think there's such a thing as a homeless Muppet, is there?) Meanwhile, connect with me  via email  if you are looking for something in particular. I keep doing  the Muppet flail . It's ridiculous, I know. But the kids are happy to be back in school and I'm delighted to be back at the easel during daylight hours. However I think I pulled something in my shoulder whilst flailing.  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, All my best, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com The 100 Toys Album

"My Little Unicorn," Toy #24, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a My Little Pony figuring. This painting sold about 5 minutes after I shared a snapshot on Facebook this morning. Many thanks to my returning collector, who has just snagged her first holiday gift! Meanwhile, you can always work on your gift giving list - connect with me  via email  and we'll get some original art in your hands! I grabbed this little unicorn last week while school supply shopping with the kids. They loaded the cart with notebooks and binders and postits, and I grabbed a couple plastic ponies and a new box of crayons.  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, All my best, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com The 100 Toys Album

"Lorek Byrnison," Toy #23, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a Schleich polar bear figurine I've dubbed Lorek, after the polar bear-ish character in The Golden Compass (book). This painting is $75, including shipping inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . My Fantasy World I absolutely adore reading, almost as much as I love painting. As a result, my head is full of lively characters, all personalities I bonded with during some marvelous adventure. And it may sound strange, but I consider them friends and confidantes, and do carry on conversations with them in my head. It's quite a party in there on any given day. I guess a true reader will understand. So Lorek Byrnison is just such a character. He hails from Philip Pullman's trilogy His Dark Materials . He honors promises and values true friendship. He embraces who he is and loves purely. And, to me, he became an emblem of almost religious proportions: m...

"Pooh Bear IV," Toy #22, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, depicting a tiny plastic Disney Pooh (with a smidge of velcro on his back - he must have been part of a game). This painting is $75, including shipping inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . SOLD (Thank you SO much!) Sing Along With Me   Winnie the Pooh Winnie the Pooh He's a tubby little cubby  all stuffed with fluff..... There's a reason he keeps showing up on my easel. Thinking I may also need to re-read The Tao of Pooh .  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, All my best, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com The 100 Toys Album

"T Rex," Toy #19, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite. This painting features a Schleich plastic dinosaur, freshly grown in our Dinosaur Garden. This painting is $75, including shipping inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . SOLD (THANK YOU!) Yes, you read that right. We have a dinosaur garden. It's a perennial one, self sows/reseeds every year underneath some giant hostas and magical foxgloves. It is home to Grandpa Toad (he's a very happy, very large toad) and his descendants, along with a collection of tiny dinosaurs and dragons that co-exist quite nicely. Kids always ask where we got our dinosaur garden. But it came with our house, so I'm not sure where to tell them to get one of their own. But I have heard, if you make a comfy dinosaur nest, you might entice one to move in and start up his/her own commune. Please note, there is a difference between making a dinosaur nest and a warm bed for feral cats. Make sure...

I'm always painting, or so it seems! The following paintings are recently available for purchase directly from my studio. These original works, unless noted, are acrylic on museum quality panel. All prices include s&h within the US. (A more comprehensive list of unsold originals can be seen here ) BONUS - Multiple paintings can typically be shipped together, returning collectors receive 10% off purchases (excluding paintings on paper or masonite), and I do accept payment plans (6 month plan with art shipped upon completion of payments).  Thanks so much for your interest in my artwork!  Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Domino," 7-1/2" x 12", $449. Inquire directly to me . "Bouquet IV," one of several floral paintings available, each created under the instruction of Lisa Daria Kennedy , 6" x 6", acrylics on masonite, $75. Inquire directly to me . You can view...

"Cowboy's Ride," Toy #19, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite. This painting features a small plastic horse - perhaps from some sort of game? He bears no stamp or manufacture's id. His painting is $75, including shipping inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . The Party's Over.... Re-entry is tough. I came home last night, and started on laundry and other neglected tasks (like email!). By midday today, suitcases were unpacked and all put away. Sigh.  Already looking forward to next year! And figuring out when I can sit and edit my photos from New York. And what sorts of paintings they will inspire. And also thinking about September, and Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days pledge . Care to join us? Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, All my best, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com The 100 Toys Album

"Captain America," Toy #18, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite. This painting features a tiny metal superhero figurine, fascinatingly articulated and detailed. I have absolutely no idea where he came from or who he was made by. His painting is $75, including shipping inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . SOLD (thank you!) From My Satellite Office in NY I spent the last week painting ahead with the grande scheme of scheduling all my newsletters and blog posts to automatically distribute themselves while I was traveling. Great idea on paper, but there wasn't enough hours in the day to make it happen! I've been traveling the last two days - drove to outside Toronto on Tuesday to spend time with Linda Shantz (we reminesced about our trip to the Kentucky Derby, played with her horses, and collaborated on a new painting), then drove across Canada and New York yesterday, arriving in Saratoga last night (where I enjoyed a fa...

"Baby Boo Magic," Toy #17, 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite. This painting features a pepto bismol pink unicorn with a glittery purple horn. This piece is $75, including shipping inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . You might say I am obsessed with unicorns. I've painted and drawn quite a few of them this year (you can see/order prints/notecards/cell phone cases/bedding/tote bags featuring them here , here , here (and this one's for sale!) , here , and here ). I've adopted the unicorn as my totem animal, at least for the time being. I relate particularly well to the specific qualities of unicorns - historically, one didn't see unicorns, nor did they come to help, unless one believed and was truly in need.  I have a dear friend who told me (when I was mourning the loss of loved ones) "When you can't believe you'll get through this, I'll believe it for you." It was at that moment sh...

"Finger Puppet I," 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, painted from the army of finger puppet guardians that watch over my studio entryway. This painting is $75, with free shipping inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . Another Year Older But am I wiser? that is the bigger question. (Today is my birthday) This year included soul searching and digging deep as I worked on making sense of the losses and heartache encountered in the previous 18 months. I have not figured it out, nor have I gotten one inch closer to understanding much other than teenagers and their mood swings (secret - it's all about full bellies, because, seriously, people, hangry (hungry+angry) can be dangerous). But I am learning to step towards what terrifies me the most (like my baby being in high school), to trust in the universe (there HAS to be a bigger reason we have a curtain and wallpaper eating cat in our household), and to linger more ful...

"Super Miracle Bubbles," 6" x 6," acrylics on masonite, painted from a fabulously shaped bottle of bubbles. This painting is $75, with free shipping inside the US. Purchasing is as simple as  asking . Resonance I'm feeling very satisfied - this series of toy paintings that I started, primarily to help myself work through some specific lighting and visual challenges, is resonating well with my collectors and fans.  Despite the fact that I'm NOT painting dogs or animals, at least not in the traditional or historical sense that this blog has featured, you have been very enthusiastic about these pieces. Commenting via emails, messages, Facebook - I'm trying to respond to each one personally as time allows. Thank you for your enthusiasm! And they are selling well - sales are validation that what I'm looking at and thinking about in the studio is resonating with the real world. I'm hovering around a 50% sales rate. The...