Paintings With Soul

  "The Red Dress," 16"x20", acrylic mixed media on flat panel. This painting, along with a collection of sister trees, will be available for purchase next Tuesday, April 19th. In the meanwhile please   reach out   with any questions and thanks so much for your interest in my artwork. Last week I encountered a grove of bare trees cloaked in an aggressively growing ivy. I was fascinated by their variety of shapes - gangly, uncomfortable, hiding, some seeming to fight off the invasive ivy, others preening in their glorious capes. I took a few photos, but really, where I have found the most enjoyment (and inspiration) is in my memory of them. And that's what I painted from today.   Working from memory sets me free from the expectation of precise marks and allows a sort of reveling in the details that struck me most. I find the result much more satisfying than actually sitting in the woods and trying to capture their likeness - or essence - directly. It's also co...

"Kodak & Ella," 11" x 14", acrylics on museum quality panel, commissioned portrait starring two stunning golden retrievers. This painting has a home, but if you would like something similar starring your own family members, please shoot  me  and email. I take on a couple pet portraits each month, but don't always get the chance to share them in my newsletter, since the vast majority of them are gifts and sharing could spoil the surprise. But Kodak and Ella's portrait is heading to a collector who has been involved in the project since the summer. It felt so fantastic to send her the final image via email this afternoon and get an enthusiastic thumbs up in return! It will be even better to hear from her when she's holding this one in her hands, in her own home. If you are interested in commissioning a portrait, I can squeeze a couple more in prior to the holidays. And I can always put together a gift certificate, too, which makes for wonde...

"Roxy)," 18" x 24" x 1", acrylic on museum quality panel. This is a commissioned portrait done posthumously and is in a private collection (thank you CW!), however I can work similar magic with your pet and your photos. Interested parties may   reach out to me ; commissioned portraiture starts at $499 Thank you so very much for your interest in my work. I worked on Roxy for about a month before delivering her top secret style, for a fabulous reveal. I am particularly grateful, because in this instance, Roxy's portrait is the second piece of mine this family owns. While the circumstances of their return weren't the happiest, they were utterly delighted in the end to have a wonderful touchpoint for their girl. And I was honored to be the artist entrusted to do so. I have a track record of delivering well over 1000 portraits to satisfied customers since 2001. And lucky you - I can squeeze one more project into July if you reach out now; otherwise...

This is Blue, and he joined our family last last summer. This little guy owns me completely. We're not entirely certain of Blue's story, since he's a rescue, but he's found his forever home with us. It didn't take long after Blue moved into our home for him to make himself home on my easel, too. He's been painted numerous times, and will be painted numerous more, I dare say. Over the years I've discovered that there's so much more to painting a portrait than capturing a likeness. Truly wonderful portraits don't just fill a spot on the wall - they step into our hearts. When I add elements of emotion to a portrait, the piece elevates into a conversation between the subject and the viewer. It's as if the painting is alive, even if it's not painted photo representationally. Particularly if it's not, perhaps. Blue's portrait above is an example of the marriage of likeness and emotive content - it transcends either to be...

So yesterday was one of those days. I came into the studio and looked at my new work and was convinced they all were crappy and self indulgent. Poorly drawn, meaningless, wastes of paint. We all have days like these, don't we? I think mine happen when I'm exhausted - they tend to show up after a long stretch of crazy inspired painting. Days - sometimes weeks - strung together of manic production and very little reflection. And that's when her voice shows up. You know the one. She tells you that you know nothing, you are wasting your time, that nobody will every truly understand your paintings because they are muddled, ugly and trite. So when She shows up (I call her Betka after an elementary school teacher I had multiple run-ins with), I let her rant. I write down what she says in my studio journal. I acknowledge her questions. And then I paint right overtop of them. Preferably with something glittery and fancy. And then I return to the easel, pick up my brushes, ...

A couple of things came to mind today - one followed from a seemingly callous comment of a stranger on my FB page, calling my recent work "garbage." Further conversation with this individual revealed that they felt my work was "too literal." Ok, "too literal" is far more interesting to ponder than "garbage." As I worked my way through the concept of literal, I began to visualize all the ways - other than symbolically - I could depict things like fragility, feeling inconsequential, immortality, and learning to speak up. Today I embraced one of those approaches - allowing my form to dissolve into the ground. Sort of like she's melting - yet she's still fully present for the moment. Two of the studies I approached in this way are pictured above. I have no end result in mind for these - yet - but I am spending time alone with them, asking myself lots of questions, and listening for answers. How does intensity of color impact my ...

Growing Gray (a self portrait), 18 " x 24" x 1.5", acrylics on gallery wrapped canvas with image painted around the sides. I am uncertain that this one is truly finished, just as I am unclear whether she will be available. This is an intensely personal painting, meant for loved ones denied the simple privilege of growing gray. Or gray-er. Life is a miracle, every minute. My gray hairs remind me of that. Inquiries may always come to   ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   - thank you SO much!!

Breathing Underwater.  30" x 40", acrylics on panel, not for sale. However, inquiries may always come to   me . I've been working on this one all week. It is extra special to me, and I plan to enter her in a juried show later this summer. What sort of story does this one tell you? I'd love to hear your interpretations!

My parents were told I'd grow out of it, but I still dream of ponies.  24" x 20", acrylics on panel, $899 plus s&h. Inquiries may come to   me . In my imagination, I owned many ponies. And horses. I was a horse whisperer before anyone even knew what that was. I also was a champion jockey and an Olympic rider and especially talented at braiding manes. I had an uncanny connection with all things equine. Art opened doors that my imagination jumped straight into. My drawings of various adventures papered my bedroom wall. And my paintings continue to do the same thing to this day. Especially when world events are tragic. I close my eyes and dream of ponies comforting those in need.......

"Pip Squeak," from The Bauble paintings, 9" x 12" x 1/2", acrylics on gallery stretched linen (painted around the sides, so she can hang directly without framing if you choose). Available to the  first asking nicely , $289 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much. Seriously, peeps, how can you NOT fall in love with this one?!  Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   WORKSHOPS:  May 17-20th, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Please contact Betty Klenke for more information.  June 21-23rd, Montague, Michigan. Please contact Korrine Rogers for more information.

"Fleur," 12" x 12", acrylics on panel. Available to the  first asking nicely , $249 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much. Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Divine Intervention," a self portrait, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel. Available to the  first asking nicely , $899 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much. I've been painting regular selfies for over two years and find it a great practice for examining my emotional state and working through various situations. Today's selfie was begun a few days ago and has been my obsession ever since. My original concept was set aside when I realized the painting (and my subconscious) was asking for something else. Each of the items in the painting were chosen for symbolic reasons. They tell my personal story of this year so far - it is my hope that viewers will weave their own tale from the composition. Thanks for supporting my art, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Midas," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, available for purchase to the  first asking nicely , $899 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much! I should charge double for this one. Those ribbons took a damn eternity, so many repaints I lost count, and I'm freaking cross eyed from the stripes. BUT - here's the thing - I stuck through it, asked myself why things weren't working, found the answers through trial and error, and made it work. So yesterday's crappy paint day? No longer matters my friends! Thanks, as always, for supporting my dream, Warmly, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

ABOVE, full painting, BELOW, detail: "Welsh P(e)ony," an original piece from the Florus Animalum P(e)ony series, 24" x 36", acrylics on panel, $899 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me . There is so much lush color and intricate marks in this one - I wish you could stand in front of her with me to fully experience it. Please scroll below for a detail. This will be absolutely fabulous in a child's room, don't you think? Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

IN PROCESS, full image above, detail below: "Calla," 24" x 48", acrylics, charcoal and ink on museum quality cradeled panel (painting wraps around the sides, so there is no need to frame), featuring a white horse crowned with a bouquet of flowers. When finished, this painting will be $1499, complete with complimentary shipping inside the US (I also ship worldwide) - inquiries may always come  to me . This one is a self-portrait of sorts. As a horse crazy child, I galloped everywhere, and imagined a silky tail streaming behind. The flowers carry symbolic meaning or have special context to me. Next I'm trotting into the kitchen and get dinner going. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Getting Fresh," Mt. Pl...

"Rosalie," from The Dryad Series, 18" x 24", acrylics on panel. Yes, another Princess inspired piece, this time with her snugged in amongst English Roses.  Wouldn't this be fabulous in a little girl's bedroom or nursery? The painting is available for purchase (I accept credit cards and can structure a payment plan - just ask!). She's $499, which includes complimentary shipping and handling inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . Lots of things happening in the coming days - I'm trying to keep my head above water, and so far managing "pretty ok" (as The Man Child is fond of saying). Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Iris," from The Dryad Series, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel. This one is a portrait of The Princess, emerging from a mass of iris. This painting is available for purchase (I accept credit cards and can structure a payment plan - just ask!) for $799, which includes shipping and handling inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . The Princess looks quite a bit like I did at her age (although she's got way more confidence than I'll ever muster!), and combining her likeness with iris, a flower I associate with some of my happiest childhood memories, turned this one into almost a double portrait. Her and I. We make a good team, even if she is a know it all hormonal teenager and I'm a crabby middle aged old lady. In life and in the studio! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Arctic Roses," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, featuring a howling white wolf amid a mass of ivory tea roses. This painting is another stunner - I struggled so hard to keep all the color soft and nuanced, and it was super hard (for me!). This one can be yours for $599, including complimentary shipping inside the US (also, as with all my work, payment plans are an option). Inquiries may come  to me . If you follow me on Facebook , you've gotten peeks at some of the other critters in the studio, including a ginormous rhinocerous. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Posie" 60" x 60" (yes, that size is correct), acrylics on gallery stretched canvas (with the image wrapped and painted around the sides, so no need to frame), depicting The Princess and a delightful "handful" of flowers. This extraordinary piece is available for purchase with one stipulation - that I am able to exhibit it this fall. Please  email me  if you are interested in seeing detail shots or have any questions. In process pics are  here. Yesterday was Rosie and today is Posie. I know. I'm rhyming. I'm also a painting dervish! Lots of new progress getting made on so many new pieces. It's very exciting! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Rosie" 36" x 48", acrylics on gallery stretched canvas (with the image wrapped and painted around the sides, so no need to frame), depicting a 7 year old Princess crowned with roses, daisies, freesia and bleeding hearts. I wish I could stand with you in front of her - she glows with a quiet confidence and the spark in her eye is contagious. This piece is $8499 - please  email me  if you are interested in seeing detail shots or have any questions. In process pics are   here. It will be tough to part with Rosie (The Princess actually LIKES this one!), but I have officially run out of room to store and hang any more paintings. Two other big ones are headed out to new homes tonite, but I brought 4 more into the studio today, and am getting a couple more large panels tomorrow. These babies are multiplying like rabbits! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com