Paintings With Soul

  "Full Moon (a portrait of Blue)," 14"x18", acrylics on panel, Not currently for sale (I intend to enter this piece in a juried exhibition where it must be for sale), but if you are interested in acquiring this painting in a couple months, inquiries can always come  to me . I love my Blue. As they say with rescue animals, who rescued who? and that's certainly the case with this little guy, who is teaching me to slow down and be clearer and deliberate with my actions. He's also amplified the joy present in my life a thousand fold. Spiritual wisdom tells us that a full moon is a symbol of a heart-centric, new beginning. I believe that our world is readying itself for just that, as vaccines are disbursed and we begin our post-pandemic lives. And who better to amplify that beginning than a little rescue dog, who came to us after 4 other households decided he wasn't the right fit for them. ALSO (a little reward for those of you who are still reading!) I will...

In Process: "Blue, version 2.0," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel. Collection of moi. However I will make prints available when he's finished, so   let me know   if you are interested in being notified when that happens. I painted our little boy  Blue   once before, and   that one   is currently hanging in The Gold Show at The Anton Art Center in Mt. Clemens   (the exhibition opening is this Saturday, from 2-4, if you are interested).  Meanwhile, this is a similar pose but a different approach, lighter hearted and a bit more playful, just like Blue himself. I am considering sending this version to a juried exhibition as well, but if I do, he must be for sale. I'm not sure if I can do that and risk him not coming home. I suppose we shall see as the entry deadline draws closer if I feel any differently. Meanwhile, yes, I can do something similar to this starring your four legged soulmate. Commissioned portraits in this style start at...

"Blue," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, not for sale. Not even if you ask nicely. My family will burn me at the stake if I let this one go. When My Better Half works nights (like he is tonite), I play while the sun's up and work at the end of the day. It's a fun change to my normal routine. Today included a little day trip with one of my favorite peeps in one of our favorite places. It was a delight to enjoy each other's company while the rest of the world was at work. And tonight I had blocked time out to paint for a juried exhibit. My entry is due next week, and, true to form I waited until the nth hour. Because the next painting is always going to be the better one. Well, not always, but I do like to pretend. And I think tonite I might have played my cards well. Well, mostly I played my cards well. You see, I turned my back, and Blue - yes, sweet little adorable - ate half my pizza** while I was feeding Gertrude Stein. Gertie ...

"Andy," image approximately 5" x 6-1/2" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" bristol board, acrylics, commissioned portrait of a border collie-lab mix. This is one of the last painted sketches I have left to complete. I also managed to get some work done on a couple larger floral pieces. I am preparing a project and samples to submit to this year's ArtPrize. Send me good vibes (or a straight jacket - am I crazy to be painting a 5 foot square canvas?!) Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

Available Originals The following paintings are 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. Multiple paintings can typically be shipped together, returning collectors receive 10% off purchases, and I do accept payment plans (6 month plan with art shipped upon completion of payments).  Links to reproductions and other products are at the bottom of this newsletter.  Thanks so much for your interest in my artwork!  Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Sprout," 12" x 16", $959. Inquire directly to me . "What's a Little Mud?" 18" x 24"x1-1/2", $2299. Inquire directly to me . "Swishy," 18" x 24" x 1-1/2", $2299. Inquire directly to me . "Airplane," 9"...

"Swishy," 18" x 24" x 1-1/2", acrylics on museum quality cradeled panel (no need to frame!), depicting an unusually still Border Collie (she's not always like this!). Reference photo used with permission from Linda Shantz  (my Derby date!). This painting can be yours for $2299, including delivery to your doorstep (inside the contiguous US) - inquire directly to moi . Oh, and there are in process photos  here. pARTy, pARTy, pARTy !!!I It's our fourth pARTY since the beginning of the year!   What's a pARTy? It's where artists use the same photo (with permission, of course) to create work. In this case, our muse is Swish , belonging to my friend Linda, who has graciously allowed us to work from her photo. (Please respect that this photo is being shared purely for the creation of artwork, and is not to be repurposed in any other way.) I take the pARTy one step further by creating a photo album on Facebook where arti...

"Nabu," 24"x24", acrylics on museum quality panel, a larger than life commissioned portrait of a border collie, private collection (THANK YOU!).  I can do something similar and work from your photos - just ask! Nabu's been on the easel for a bit each day this week, and today I'm calling him finished and asking my client for her thoughts. I have another large painting in the wings which should take up the bulk of next week. It is super top secret, so I won't be able to share a peep about it.  Which means I have no blog material lined up! I'm open to suggestions as to what to post - what do you want to see?  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim PS In process photos are   here.  

"Nabu," 24"x24", acrylics on museum quality panel, a larger than life commissioned portrait of a border collie, private collection (THANK YOU!).  I can do something similar and work from your photos - just ask! Ok, so the kids are back in school and also back en force with their afterschool activities. This means I have the luxury of regular studio days and larger blocks of time to paint! and to market, and to do paperwork, and to clean, and to volunteer. And to fully enjoy the fine art of the 2nd Breakfast . What is your fall routine? Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim PS In process photos are   here.  

View In Process Photos I Want a Portrait Too "Banjo," 10" square, acrylics on museum quality panel, a commissioned portrait depicting a lively freckled fellow, private collection (THANK YOU!). Banjo has perfected the eye roll - he's great at giving drama, complete with heavy sighs. And he's got the neighbor's trained well, too - apparently he'll go to the shared fenceline, make eye contact with them through the windows, and bark, as if to ask politely for a treat. Which he gets. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

      "Ariel," roughly 5" x 6" centered on a 9" x 12" paper, acrylic sketch, commissioned  dog portrait, private collection (THANK YOU!).   Today has been a Monday, through and through. Let's just leave it at that, because tomorrow it will NOT be Monday any longer.   Thanks for looking at my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"The Circle," 15" x 18," a commissioned portrait of four family members, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, headed to a private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come  to me.   In process photos, many of them, are on  the studio's Facebook page  - be sure to scroll back, because I've been working on this one since last week.     This weekend I wrapped myself in family and gave thanks for my Grandparents. The perfect prescription for healing.   This morning all three kids got off to school - although The Caped Crusader slept in and joined his classmates a little later in the day. Which means I got in a couple of uninterrupted hours at the easel and started a ginormous pot of ham soup simmering, and that was an excellent prescription as well.   Fondly, Kim, who's looking at her calendar and realizing there's not much more room for holiday commissions - you'de better  speak up now  or...

This is a larger painting, 15" x 18," titled "The Circle" and very much in process, pieced together from numerous photos and depicting a family of four canines. This is a commissioned painting, and as such, it already has a home - but I'm happy to create something similar for you. Inquiries may come  to me.   In process photos, many of them, are on  the studio's Facebook page .     I could talk about the circle of life and creativity and inspiration, but honestly, I am exhausted.   This weekend we lay my grandparents to rest alongside each other in the family plot. And celebrate a mass in the church they were married in 72 years ago.   And I'm holding firm to the idea that Rome wasn't built in a day.   Nor were bones magically reknit together. Or houses cleaned stem to stern in the blink of an eye. Or all sorts of other hurts mended instantly.   Fondly, Kim, who really should stop worryin...

  "The Perfect Nap," 6" x 8", commissioned portrait, acrylic on museum quality panel. I think this one is sold, but  drop me a line  if you are interested, and I'll keep you in the loop. In process images of Ben's portrait can be found on the studio's Facebook page .   Ben's eyes are clouded with cataracs, his face has faded to gray, and his hearing has beome either selective or non-existent. Regardless, he's always enjoyed a good nap, and now seems to relish them even more. It seemed perfect to paint him nestled on the couch, belly up,  in his favorite position.   Enjoy your weekend, Kim, who's planning on kicking back Ben style and enjoying a weekend that preceeds no looming deadlines ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

  Introducing your Painting a Dog a Day Valentine's Giveaway Winner, Violet: "Shake That," 8" x 10", portrait of a lab mix, done in acrylic on a museum quality panel, my Valentine's Day gift to Violet's family. Inquiries may come  to me .         I hadn't yet made up my mind as to which of  the 14 finalists  would be my Valentine muse when I punched out yesterday.   Then I dreamt that Violet was with me. All nite, she kept showing up in the most random places, rubbing her wet body against my legs and shaking her thing. Although I was dreaming, I could feel the cold water and sandy grit (and no, the kitten wasn't sneezing on me!).    This morning a good tooth brushing took care of the wet dog smell, and after a buge mug of tea to warm my bones I decided she needed to be on my easel (I didn't want to be chased by her all nite again!!).   I think things turned out very well. I hope that Violet's family agrees!!   ...

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!! "Having a Ball," 8" x 10", acrylic on panel, depicting two border collies wrestling over a squishy toy, $469. Inquiries may always come  to me .     Years ago I attended a time management seminar, and the conference leader advocated regular scheduling of what he called "Mental Health Days." Days where, despite a towering list of to-dos, one would take a break and feed their soul. Because soul feeding is far more critical to our happiness than we admit or (I often) allow.   So that's what I did today, in an unplanned and spontaneous sort of way.   I started with brunch, celebrating my friend  Laura Locke's solo show (opens next week at  Lennon Photography ).   Then a visit to a girlfriend's new storefront (hey locals, did you know  Chic Antiques  has relocated in the old Scribbles building?). We talked about the possibility of my teaching a springtime multi-media class in her garden.   P...

  "Having a Ball", 8" x 10", acrylic on panel, starring a couple of merled Border Collies, hopefully headed to this year's Art Show at the Dog Show. Inquiries may come  to me .     Here is the final painting I've prepared specifically for this year's  Art Show at the Dog Show . I started these two last evening, working late into the nite, and picking up again early this morning.   This one's photographed in process on  the studio Facebook page  - and one clever and witty Facebook fan even titled it for me, as well!   So now jpgs of my entries are winging their way to the show jurors, and I shall hear by the end of this month which, if any, of my pieces were selected. Then it's a matter of finding proper frames and getting them shipped off to Kansas for the show, which opens in early March.   Think happy thoughts for these two, Nita, Ruby and Ammo and Tonka, the muses who inspired me to really push the envelope this year. None ...

  "Zoe," 8" square, commissioned portrait of a Border Collie, done in acrylics on panel, headed to a private collection (THANK YOU!).   Painting posthumous portraits are simultaneously one of the most painfully difficult and spectacularly rewarding aspects of my job. It makes no sense, I know, but there it is - I guess confronting loss allows the painting process to give the gift of a lifetime's worth of memories.   We started planning Zoe's portrait in August and she suddenly took ill in late September, passing away peacefully and with her family in October. Unbeknownst to me, I chose to paint her on the one month anniversary of her crossing the bridge.   You can laugh all you want, but I think Zoe had a hand in getting herself on my easel today and sending a message of reassurance to her family!   If you are interested, the progression of Zoe's portrait was photographed and is included on  the studio Facebook page .   Thanks, as always, ...

"Balto," 8" x 10", done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, private collection (THANK YOU!). I painted Balto at the end of October for one of my collectors' families. It was a birthday gift intended for Balto's Mom, especially important because Balto had crossed the bridge a few months prior. Balto's reference photos were accompanied with letters from the kids who grew up with him, sharing fond memories of what made this guy so very special to their family. I felt like I knew, I mean really knew, this dog. And that showed, I think, when it came down to the painting process. I am so touched to have been asked to memorialize this guy for a family that's begun to feel as though they are an extension of mine. Thank YOU for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS Don't forget!! Tomorrow will be Artist Q&A Day on the blog - ask any art related questions over there...