Paintings With Soul

"Mona's Nest," 11" x 14", acrylics on museum panel, portrait of my studio muse Mona Lisa, $1259 to the first asking nicely. As always, inquiries may come to me .  Today didn't go as planned, but I tried to roll with it. Sometimes that's how things play out. What matters is that I didn't beat myself up, I worked with what I was given, and I made it to the easel long enough this afternoon to finish Mona. Thanks for your interest in my artwork and here's to a better day tomorrow, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

"Striped and Soft," 10" x 10", acrylics on a Raymar panel, commissioned portrait of a big boned tabby cat, private collection (thank you!). Let me know if you would like one of these portraits starring your pet  (and yes, there's still time to get a gift certificate by the holidays). A fellow artist used the term "homeschooling" the other day when referring to her own studies. She was spending free time copying master paintings and doing focused work of her own direction. I loved the idea so much that I've coined that phrase for myself. This is my final holiday commission (or at least the last one I can share), which means that the rest of December is time for me to paint just what I want to. I have obligations (gallery inventory and some pieces for exhibitions), but everything that hits my easel will do so for a distinct learning purpose. I'm gonna be homeschooled! Except for the few days next week when I take a still life...

In process pic of "I'm Not Listening. Wait. Maybe I Am," 11" x 14", acrylics on museum quality panel depicting the one and only Mona Lisa, $599 to the first asking nicely . She WAS sleeping in a shaft of warm sunlight, but when I reached for my camera, I woke her up. She clearly was not pleased. Note that this is the only brush I've used to date on this painting. I like Big Butt Brushes (as we call them in my classes). Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

"Mona Lisa," 8" x 11" (no that's not a typo!), acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting everyone's favorite muse. Act quickly, because I suspect that this Mona is going to find a home very easily. She's $489 and inquiries may always come  to moi . In process pics of her are  here  and yes, I do set up payment plans -  email me . SOLD For those who are new to my art, Mona Lisa is one of my studio muses. We adopted her two years ago - well, actually, she adopted us, given that she latched onto The Caped Crusader's sleeve when he had his back turned to her crate at the shelter. Mona has inspired many a painting ( here's just a few ), and taught me how to properly appreciate the beauty of the striped feline form.  She's also a fantastic snuggler when I settle down with a book. I hope you have a good snuggler yourself on this cold winter's evening, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Trouble Brewing, 6" x 12", acrylics on museum quality canvas, depicting the insanely cute tabby troublemaker daVinci, available to the first one asking "pretty please," $499, and those "pretty pleases" may come  to me . NOTE: This painting suffered damage recently, with one corner getting dented. This will not be visible if framed,however, I will discount the painting to reflect the damage to $299.   Yes, it's another daVinci painting. I'm distracting myself with cute kitten memories instead of fixating on the weatherproofing around the doors that he's eaten. And the screens pocked with holes. And the two strips of wallpaper he literally chewed from the wall right above the couch in the family room. But isn't he cute? (and don't worry, My Better Half adores this guy, so he's not going anywhere!)     Thanks so much for following along with my artwork!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com ...

Mona Lisa, enjoying some sunshine but keeping an eye out for daVinci, who has a knack for the perfect ambush and happened to be "casually" ambling by. This will be a future painting.   I spend a lot of time in my workshops addressing all the aspects of being an artist that do NOT involve picking up a paintbrush. And while I am a daily painter, and my goal is to paint 5 days a week, that's not always my reality.   For instance, today I - reviewed a contract for upcoming workshop, coordinated revisions, and researched travel arrangements created marketing materials for a local event inventoried materials returning from last workshop, began packing and prepping for Sept classes sorted photos from previous two weeks' of events and archived digitally wrapped and shipped paintings to new homes updated website database fielded approx 150 emails sent hand written thank you notes paid a months' worth of bills began planning for this weeken...

      So I made it to Louisiana yesterday, despite a little last minute conspiring that got me to the airport later than I preferred (nothing like a little excitement to keep the arteries clear!). Here I am, in the land of green, and I'm not concerned in the least about the humidity because I do not have to dress in layers.   I even had naked ankles today. Shocking, I know, but I wasn't chilled in the least!   It's the little things in life!   So today's workshop was a lot of me talking. I talked and talked and talked and talked some more.   We did a segment on marketing for creatives and building a business plan. We talked about smothering our inner critics and painting with joy and abandon. We discussed our artwork as a product and severing our emotional ties. I introduced the tools that I use - both physical as well as software based.   And then I got started on a demo painting.    And ran out of t...

      "Little Lou," 5" x 7", acrylics on a museum quality panel, commissioned portrait of a stinking cute tabby cat, private collection (THANK YOU!). In process pics are on  the studio FB page .   Want a pet portrait? Then please,  let me know!   Thanks so much for following my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    Hard to believe this time last year there was no DaVinci.    And folding laundry wasn't an aerobic exercise in swinging objects through the air outside of a certain kitten's reach. And the trash can sat undisturbed in it's cupboard, along with it's contents. And I slept with my glasses on my nightstand instead of in my sock drawer. And I could leave a sandwich on the counter without second thoughts. And close a door without it getting battered from the opposite side.   He's so darned cute!   To implement this month's desktop calendar, simply download the file  directly from my website . I've set up a couple different ways to do this, either via the photo album or a direct link.   I am by no means an expert on the variety of operating systems, so I highly recommend that if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, don't email me for advice. Instead consult your computer's help files - they ...

      "Do Not Disturb," 6" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting the tiniest Santini, da Vinci. This painting will go to the first one asking nicely - $369. You can  say "pretty please" via email.   I started this one yesterday, but many interruptions stretched things out over two days. Not the most ideal situation - I like to get into a groove and just let the paint flow until I'm done - but I always say it's important to step out of one's comfort zone and persevere.   In process pics of Vinnie's latest painting are  here .   And a special shout out to Facebook fan Bernadette Leigh who came up with the perfect title for this one.   If you want to talk about commissioning something extra special -  email me . I love to talk about this sort of stuff. Fondly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

    "Nest," 12" square, done in acrylics on a museum quailty 1/12" cradeled panel (image painted around all four sides), portrait of da Vinci, the newest Santini family member. Inquiries may come  to me .   Additional views are posted inside the  Mobile Uploads  folder on  the studio Facebook page .         And yes, I do accept payment plans! Every year I choose a word that best encapsulates the sort of growth I'm aiming for the next 12 months. Past words have been Savor, Focus and Listen.   This year my word is Be.   That's it. Just Be.    Be in the moment, be authentic, be silly, be compassionate. Whatever the situation calls for, be it with my entire soul.   It won't always be pretty, but it most certainly will be human. What's your resolution? Kim, who started her year of BEing by practicing at being a student - ...

    "Bah Humbug," 12" square, portrait of studio muse Mona Lisa, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, $599 to the first  asking nicely . Just don't disturb her sleep!   In-process photos can be seen on  the studio Facebook page .   And my Christmas gift to you? I've set Bah Humbug up on Fine Art America so that you may  order prints or notecards . Right. Now.    (You can also order prints of Mona's other two seasonal portraits,  "Holiday Lights"  and  "Candy Cane."   Prints start at only $22 and make a fantastic gift!)   Happy holidays!! Kim, who is tip-toeing around quietly ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

  "Maggie Kitten," image approximately 10" x 5" roughly centered on a 12" x 9" piece of bristol board, done in acrylics, depicting little Maggie and her spotted belly, Private collection.   ORDER REPRODUCTIONS/NOTECARDS     I suspect Maggie's painting will quickly become a favorite, so I loaded her up onto  FineArtAmerica,  where you can order reproductions and notecards.   There's lots of other paintings there, too (I have well over 200). I recently added a gallery exclusively for  images new to the site , to make it easier for regular visitors to see what's changed.   And if you don't see what you want, let me know - I'll be happy to add it if I can!   Enjoy your weekend, Kim, who is grateful to have another opportunity this evening to hear the Lake Orion Marching Band play (did you hear they placed 2nd in the State last weekend?!!). Oh yeah, and to watch some excellent high schoo...

      "Sleeping Beauty," a Cherished painting and the latest piece inspired by Mona Lisa, 10" x 20", acrylic on museum quality panel. This piece will be entered in a portrait exhibition and available next month for $799 exquisitely framed - if you are interested in purchasing, please  email me .   I've worked on "Sleeping Beauty" over the last couple days, and there are lots of photos over on  the studio's Facebook page .   The reference photos for this painting were taken a couple years, back, within days of Mona's adoption. This was her first visit to the studio, where, after a cursory inspection of the room, she promptly found the warmest spot - my recently vacated desk chair - and oriented herself toward the sun. In reality Mona was about 2 lbs at the time - in this particular portrait, her head alone measures 5" - there's quite a difference in scale!   Fondly, Kim, who's already a c...

  From May 2012, "Sweet Spot I," 8" square, a little portrait of my studio muse Mona Lisa which is still awaiting a home of it's own - she can be yours for $399. Inquiries may always come  to me .   The glamorous part of my job is painting (it's even amazing to paint in my jammies, that's how marvelous painting is!).  Painting is also the most fun bit of my work day. I am so very lucky to be able to support my family with my passion.   However, don't buy the misconception that artists sit in their studios and paint paint paint, our work sells itself, and we kick back to eat BonBons and watch the paint dry.    Here's a handful of just a few studio tasks I complete, in addition to painting:   Inventory management - of paintings and materials Marketing strategies - development and implementation Web design  Materials design Client communication Budgeting and paying bills/taxes/etc Continuing ed...

    "Striped," from the "Cherished" series. A portrait done to celebrate Mona Lisa's 2nd birthday - tuna sandwiches for all!! This is 12" x 16", acrylics on a museum quality panel, and $629. Inquiries may come  to me .   (Mona's first birthday portrait, "You Are My Sunshine," is here . Her "official" kitten portrait, "Tiny Kitten, Big Dreams," is  here .)   There are many, many, many, many in process views of "Striped" on  the studio's Facebook page . This painting was a bear to finish - taking me 4 days instead of the usual one. But I wasn't going to give up!   It's a great feeling, to look a demon in the face and tame it. Even if it does take 4 times longer than usual!!   I suppose if everything in life was easy, we would have no adventures.   Thanks for adventuring along with me!! Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     ...

    In Process, "Striped," from the "Cherished" series and the latest Mona Lisa inspired portrait. Done to celebrate her second birthday (happy, happy day, Mo Bug!), this one is 12" x 16", acrylics on a museum quality panel, and when finished, will sell for $629. Inquiries may come  to me .   If you are a Facebook fan, you will have seen many, many, many, many in process views of "Striped" (some of them actually including stripes!) on  the studio's Facebook page . I've been working on this one the past three days.   And this painting is kicking my butt.   A great example of a reference photo that required a number of adjustments to translate into an equally stunning painting. And instead of stepping back and mapping out a clear plan once I discovered this, I continued to march forward without much direction.   I have a clearer vision now of where to take this, and I'll have a go at it later t...

      You have to give me credit - I bid my time patiently before sneaking Mona into the calendar rotation! This painting was the portrait I created to commemmorate her first birthday. In the next week or two, I'll be painting her 2nd birthday portrait...... not that she's grown in stature. Just attitude. But she IS a cat, after all.....   To implement July's desktop calendar, simply download the calendar file  directly from my website . I've set up a couple different ways to do this, either via the photo album or a direct link.   I am by no means an expert on the variety of operating systems, so I highly recommend that if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, don't email me for advice. Instead consult your computer's help files - they will be more concise, more knowledgeable and more responsive than I could ever hope to be.    Mona is sized to fit a standard screen height of 768 - I ...