Paintings With Soul

"Tucker," a small commissioned sketch, done in paint on paper, of a spaniel. Tucker will be heading home tomorrow. In May I offered painted sketches (simple, lower cost, commissioned portraits done loosely on paper) - originally only 10 of them - but as you may know, it's hard for me to say no. Especially when I heard all your stories and saw all the faces. I ended up accepting over double that, and have been working on them over the course of the summer months.  Tucker's here represents the last of those. Next it's on to some pretty exciting exhibition and gallery pieces, along with a couple large scale commissions.  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

  Detail of "Shreen," 10" square, commissioned Cocker Spaniel portrait done in acrylics on a panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come  to me .       Shreen is quite the extraordinary dog!   She's got her family trained to not wake her, even when she's in the middle of the bed. And even when she's on a pillow.   She's got a warm lap for the duration of any movie or television program.   She takes her people for walks (not the other way around!!).   She's the favorite, despite being in a multi-dog household where no favorites are allowed.   And now she's the only one with a Dog a Day portrait. At least for the moment!!   (In progress shots are on  the studio Facebook page .)   Thanks for placating me, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   One of the Dog a Day Valentine Giveaway entries..... are these your dogs? (don't really answer, because I need my decision to be blind......)   I...

"Demure (Taylor)," 5" x 7", portrait of a black Cocker Spaniel, acrylic on Ampersand Gessoboard, not for sale. Inquiries may always come to me . Taylor's portrait was initially commissioned over 6 years ago. Various events occurred to postpone her portrait, first once, then another time, and I think even a third. I set her folder aside, trusting that when the timing was right, the project would pull together. And it did! Taylor's portrait is headed to the Southeastern Michigan Portrait Exhibition, a juried annual show at the Orion Art Center. She'll be accompanied by last week's painting of Finnigan and, I think, an earlier one from my personal collection of my black cat Miah . This show is unique in that the exhibited artwork does not have to be for sale, so it allows me to showcase paintings that might not be on the market or pieces that have already sold. If you are in the area, the exhibition opens next Friday, October 16th, at 7pm (call 248...

"Fall Foliage," 12" square, acrylic on canvasboard depicting two Cocker Spaniels. This painting is bigger and more complex that what I usually take on in one day, and I do still see some changes I'd like to make. But sometimes you just have to draw the line at a stopping point, and this is where I have to stop and clean my brushes tonight. Inquiries may come to me at  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .     This is the first of a handful of pieces I am working on starring these two Blue Roan English Cocker Spaniels. Aren't they darling? Once I complete the group of paintings, my client will get her choice. Any of the remaining paintings could be yours - I'll keep you posted as to what is available via this blog.   By the way, I really needed this painting today, full of hot colors and a reminder that, ultimately there will be something more exciting than 2 feet of snow to look at outside my front window. Guess it's the whole Groundhog-Day-hop...

“Maggie,” 5x7, commissioned cocker spaniel pet portrait , private collection (THANK YOU!). Maggie has quite the personality. She’s always chattering away and you can count on her to hold center stage quite comfortably. I wanted to capture Maggie’s engaging spirit, and painted her as though she was waiting to catch someone’s eye, and start up a conversation. I also really played with color in her fur. Oranges, purples and blues, with some green in the shadows. The whole spectrum is in here! I love these sorts of paintings. I’ve received a couple of emails from readers wanting to see non-commissioned works, and possibly add to their own dog-a-day collections. Next week will be the answer to their predicament. Hard to believe, but it’s time once again for Shelter & Rescue Week. Next week I will focus entirely on the Oakland County Animal Shelter, and also highlight the Oakland Pet Fund ( http://www.oaklandpetfund.org/ ) – a great organization dedicated to ending euthanasia of homeless...

What I wouldn’t give for my own regular naptime. A cozy spot to curl up in a sliver of sun, and grab a quick powernap. Just the thought gives chills up and down my spine. Maybe I’ll get to grab a few minutes, if I disguise it as catching up on some of these magazines stacked here next to my desk….. But back to today’s painting. This is a golden mix, or maybe a blond cocker mix – and the painting is awash in oranges, yellows and pinks. Lots of relaxing warm colors to compliment to pose and yummy brushwork. “Siesta,” 4x8, acrylic on canvasboard painting, $60. All inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web

Today’s painting is another commissioned dog-a-day. This is Shadow, a cocker spaniel mix. Cockers have the most soulful eyes, and Shadow is no exception. I cropped in real close to his face, so as best to show off those eyes. And his cute little violet nose (yes, it really is violet!!). Shadow, 5x7, acrylic on canvasboard, headed shortly to his new home. And thus we finish up yet another week!! Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Stay warm this weekend – Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the web