Paintings With Soul

Just a sampling of some recent creativity, clockwise from upper left, detail of "Charlie"s painted sketch, detail of a racehorse themed contour drawing, and detail of a journal page. Inquiries may come directly to me .  A couple days went by and I didn't get a chance to blog/email. I promise I'm not slacking!   I've been finishing up the 20 sketches sold in February (my goal was to have them done and shipped by the end of this month - I'm nearly there!), working on 36 new contour drawings (to be revealed at a local Kentucky Derby poster signing event next month), keeping abreast of my homework (remember Year of the Spark ?), communicating with my galleries about their Derby Day plans, keeping my desk clean (that means staying on top of paperwork and emails!), continued research about painting on copper (I got my copper panel last week), prepping (6) 16"x20" underpaintings for my Stanka Kordic workshop (I am giddy with antic...

"Sadie," 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of another beagle, also rescued and very beloved, acrylics on a museum quality panel. Ask nicely if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet . The nice thing about working in a series (like this recent collection of beagles) is that once momentum happens, it's easy to keep moving. My palette is full of rich velvety beagle-y colors, the paintings look wonderful as a grouping, and my client (so far) is very happy. It'll be a total change of gears tomorrow when I hit the studio. I'll be working on a water dog commission - for those who aren't familiar with my water dog paintings , well, I suppose you will get an introduction tomorrow. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Simon," 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a beloved rescued beagle, acrylics on a museum quality panel. This painting has a home, but I can fit just a few more pre-holiday commissions.  Ask nicely . Number 2 of 4 beagle commissions, this is Simon. I painted ahead a little bit (I had planned on being out of the studio later this week, but that fell through) - you can see in process pics of all 4 over on Facebook . Which means I may be able to start a water dog portrait this week, as opposed to next...... my brain and fingers are tingley at the opportunity! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Simon," 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a rescued beagle with the dearest eyes, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. This one already has a home, but I can take on a couple more pre-holiday commissions.  Just ask me nicely . Back to the dogs. And back to my regular palette, too - while I loved working with the grays all week, there was something super reassuring about having the opportunity to make decisions today. Like lime green. And pthalo blue. And cadmium orange. Those colors make me so happy. But I know it's all about finding a balance. I'm working in that direction! Meanwhile, Oliver starts of a pack of beagle faces. You can keep up with them all over on Facebook . Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

  "Twilight," 5" x 8", portrait of a well-loved Beagle, done in acrylic on a museum quality panel, not currently for sale but reproductions available soon. Inquiries may come  to me .         I've painted the rescued and elderly Jessie  before , and when I recently put a call out for senior muses, her Mom reminded me that I had photos on hand in their file.   I immediately remembered the photos, especially the one where Jessie's shadow stretched out before her like a lifetime of memories.   And that is what I painted today, using a series of glazes to build up a background that just glows with color and soft light.   This painting is headed to an exhibition, the Canine Art Guild's show featuring "Old Friends." I need one more muse to complete my entries - do you have any ideas? email me !   Thanks for supporting my artwork!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   My New Favorite   Even in the early stages,...

"Mo," approximately 4" x 5" on an 8" x 10" sheet of multimedia artists board, a commissioned portrait, done in acrylics, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come  to me .        I have a limited number of painted sketch spaces available - let me know if you are interested in commissioning one.   Prices for the painted sketches start at $99 for an image roughly sized 4" x 5" on an 8" x 10" paper. The price increases with the overall size, level of complexity in the portrait and density of detail.   Send me a couple photos and we can work out a great little painting for you - or for someone you love (Shadow's portrait is going to make a certain someone very, very happy!!)   Now a break for ballet class and a basketball game, then dinner and a glass of wine, before returning to the studio this evening, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     The 2011 Dog a Day Valentine Giveaway painting "You Will ...

      "Twilight," image approximately 6" x 7" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" mounted artists' multimedia board. This is a commissioned portrait of two dogs, one in the twilight of his life, the other a sage youngster comparatively speaking. Done in Golden Open Acrylics. A special thank you to my new collector SB, who's been planning and waiting patiently for her painting.   Marley (the Beagle) had been scheduled for a single portrait but when his Mom shared a remarkable photo of Marley and little (bigger) sister Billie slowly ambling off together, the concept for his painting changed completely.   He left this world peacefully in July, at the ripe old age of 15.   I just love how this composition sums up his relationship with his family. Always at their side.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     COMING UP ~~ PAINTING ...

"Neighborhood Watch (Shadow & Charlotte)," 8" x 10", portrait of a Cocker Spaniel and a Beagle, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. This painting is headed to a new home - but if you are interested in something similar, contact me . My end of year studio purge unearthed the original of this composition, an unfinished 16" x 22" gallery stretched canvas. A few days later, Shadow and Charlotte's Mom emailed me. "Do you remember that painting you started of my two years ago? you were doing it for an exhibition.... did you ever finish it?" she asked. "No," I answered, rather sheepishly. "But I'd love to revisit it!" She was enthusiastic. So was I. So today they got another turn on my easel. I decided a fresh start would give the painting a brighter outlook. Besides, I really love painting on Ampersand Gessobord. The idea of working on canvas again gave me the heebie-jeebies. I know. Crazy. (I'...

"Simon and Sadie," 9" x 12", Golden Open acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord commissioned pet portrait of two rescued Beagles, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . Simon and Sadie are the latest of a long and happy line of rescues that my clients have welcomed into their family. They are also the most recent portraits I've created for one of my favoritest collectors, a husband and wife who moved into the home of a prior client. After receiving several of my mailings, they contacted me, and the fun began! I've painted multiple times for them and as gifts for family members, but my fondest memory stems from a painting I did of a shelter dog here in my home town. It was one of the earliest Dog a Day pieces. I painted a beagle portrait inspired by a sweet little one I met at my local shelter. As is my custom, I pledged proceeds from...

"Bogey," 6" x 8", painted sketch, Golden Open acrylics on multimedia artboard, commissioned pet portrait of a rescued Beagle, private collection (THANK YOU!). Want one of your own? it's easy - sketches (like Bogey above) start at $29. Inquiries may always come to me . Bogey is a rescued dog, following in the footsteps of Puddles (who I painted back when the Dog a Days were just starting), another rescue.We recently discussed on my studio Facebook page whether rescue dogs were more appreciative of their homes - what do you think? Rescues have been on my mind as of late. Probably because I am prepping for a number of events in the coming months, all involving adoptions, rescues, and animal shelters. It breaks my heart to think of all the deserving animals residing in shelters and foster homes around the world, not to mention those scraping out a living on the streets. It's a rough world out there, and they didn't ask for this. That's why I'm...

"Simon," 6" x 8," acrylic on canvasboard, commissioned pet portrait of a rescued Beagle, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me . I feel like many of my clients are family. Simon's is no exception - and our paths crossed simply because they moved into the home of a past Dog a Day collector and received one of my mailings. Years and many paintings later, we are still working together, our latest endeavor a portrait of their newest family member, Simon. A posthumous portrait of Simon's brother Shadow will follow later this week. A larger version of Simon is also in the works for my summer solo show. "Happily Ever After" will focus on the second chances rescued animals get - and give. It is serendipitous to include Simon in this collection, the latest little guy in this family's history of rescues and sponsored dogs. ...

"Old Girl (Jessie, Beagle)," 6" x 6", beagle dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, headed to a new home. But inquiries may always come to me . During the month of September I ran a promotion where current Painting a Dog a Day subscribers could register to win a free Dog a Day painting. All they had to do was convince a friend or family member to subscribe to the dailies via email and their name was put into a drawing for their own portrait. All new subscribers during the same month also got their names thrown in for a second painting giveaway. Jessie's Mom, a long time Dog a Day collector and subscriber, got her sister to sign up (I don't believe there was much arm twisting), and in return, she gets this painting of her dear old girl. Tomorrow you will get to see the second recipient of the Painting a Dog a Day GiveAway and meet Spunky. Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedes...

"Out of the Dark," 4" x 8", beagle portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, $249. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to my local shelter, the Oakland Pet Adoption Center. Inquiries may come to me . SOLD. Busy day today - I've got an event this evening. It's an Arts Night at an elementary school. I'm given a classroom, which I turn into a pet portrait gallery, complete with a digital slideshow, finished artwork and pieces in process, including preparatory sketches and studies. For 4 hours tonight I will lead short drawing lessons and talk about the faces you have all seen as part of Painting a Dog a Day, encouraging children and young adults to consider their love for art as they plan for their futures. It's always a great night, and I return home exhausted yet painfully energized. I'm looking forward to it. And exercising the option of not painting tomorrow, should I feel like I need a little down time. So perhap...

"Lucy," 5" x 7", commissioned pet portrait of a mixed breed dog, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (I think this one has sold - I'm still waiting to hear back from my client as to final approval). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Lucy, a Beagle-English Pointer mix, was a dear, gentle soul. She's long since crossed the bridge, but left her pawprint firmly on her family's hearts. It's so rewarding to paint departed companions, and give my clients something tangible from the years shared with their dog (or cat). This piece was no exception, and perhaps even more special because Lucy will be joining several Dog-a-Day paintings already on my client's walls. I spent this afternoon adding new paintings to my etsy store . I've added a number of pieces that previously have been hung in galleries and various exhibitions, most of which I haven't yet shared with the Dog-a-Day group. Take a peek at the store under ...

"Sadie," 6" x 8", commissioned beagle portrait, acrylic on board, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . My favorite part of this painting is Sadie's ears. They are loose and goey paint , simple layers of color, and perfectly frame her doe-like eyes. If I had painted the ears crisp and detailed, then Sadie's eyes would not lock you in like this. Notice how the collar and her mask, the only other harder edges in the whole painting, complete that frame around her face. If you are interested in booking your own Dog-a-Day portrait, I have a limited number of holiday 2009 spots remaining. I know it's crazy to be thinking about next year before this one's even come up, but that's the way it is these days. Send an email to me - ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com - and I'll get you pencilled in. Thanks, as always, for your time in looking at, and sharing, these paintings with your friends and family. I...

FROM TOP: "Schatzi's Kerchief (Corgi Study)," 6" x 8", corgi pet portrait , acrylic on board, $219; "Pongo (Beagle Study)," 5" x 7", beagle dog portrait , acrylic on board, $165. BOTH SOLD. I was certifiably insane for a small window of time yesterday, and asked you to submit photos for consideration for today's Dog-a-Day painting. I pulled in mountains of emails, and every single one deserved to be painted. I went to bed scratching my head - what on earth had I done? I wish I could have whipped out 50 paintings today, but alas, I am a mere human. Fighting off a cold, at that (as are all the Santini's). So today I'm giving you only two, but with the promise that I will have more BONUS! Dog-a-Day days in the future. Schatzi and Pongo's families get first dibs on these paintings, but after that it's a free-for-all. Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Thanks, as always, for your time in looking at, and...

"Jack Jurick," 6" x 8", beagle mixed breed dog portrait , acrylic on canvasboard. Proceeds from the sale of Jack's painting will be donated to benefit animal welfare. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Another daily artist and mentor, Karin Jurick ( http://web.mac.com/kjurick/ZemArt/Welcome.html ), recently lost her dog and muse to cancer. This sort of thing always hits close to my heart, even more so as I'm continuing to heal from Miah and Turtle's crossing the bridge. Karin challenged her readers to paint images of Jack, and I simply couldn't resist. The Jack paintings will be showcased at http://differentstrokesfromdifferentfolks.blogspot.com/ . My painting of Jack is in EXCELLENT company. Thanks, as always for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family, Kim

"Gracie (Puggle Study)," 6" x 8", commissioned puggle dog portrait , acrylic on board, private collection (THANK YOU!). I've done several tonal pieces lately, and I really enjoy the process of pulling the subject out of a similarly colored ground. It defines subtle variations in harmonic color literally as the painting is built. I first tried this concept when working in a class with all-white still life objects. Those of you who are artists yourself should give this exercise a try - set up a composition of similarly colored objects, tone your painting surface with the middle value, and have at it! Thanks, as alwasy, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Dakota (Beagle Study)," 6" x 8", beagle pet portrait , acrylic on board, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . Beagles always look like puppies to me, with their doe eyes, long ears, and expressive faces. Dakota also carries a little bit of worldliness about her, and that combination is very appealing. Dakota is a rescue with an unknown past that involved cruelty (perhaps those sorts of details are best left unknown). After 12 years of love and care, she's gained self-confidance and turned into a sweetheart. Proceeds from the sale of Dakota's portrait will go to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah ( http://www.bestfriends.org/ ). Thanks, as always, for your time in looking at and sharing my paintings and the dog's stories with your family and friends. And thank you, also, for your support and condolances about Miah. You have no idea how much they help. Talk to you tomorrow, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://ww...

ABOVE, FROM TOP: "Remembering Puddles," 5" x 7", SOLD , and "Yum IV (Puddles)," 4" x 5", $ 114. Both portraits depict a very loved beagle/hound mix. Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I had a busy day Monday. Spent the morning in the studio, actively painting and getting substantial work done on a number of pieces. In the afternoon I taped a segment for a cable show in my area called "Lunch at CJs." I showed a number of recent paintings and talked about the Painting a Dog a Day project - it was a great time! I will share a link to the digital broadcast when the editing has been completed and the show is scheduled to air - stay tuned! Raced home from that to get dinner going and the kids off to music lessons. My oldest then got shuttled to soccer practice, and the remaining Santini's settled around the kitchen table for the Checkers Championship of the Universe. I was narrowly defeated in the final match by a c...