Paintings With Soul

"Winston," 4" x 8", a Shih Tzu dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to Peke A Tzu Rescue. Send inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . First, I must apologize for consistently misspelling my rescues' name, along with typo-ing their website in yesterday's posting. The group has kindly forgiven my error, and I hope you will as well. The correct spelling of the rescue is Peke A Tzu, and their website is http://www.pekeatzurescue.com/ . As I mentioned yesterday, Peke A Tzu Rescue focuses on toy and small breeds. They are based in Michigan, with foster homes also in Indiana, Ohio and Florida specializing in special needs dogs, like Winston, the star of today's painting. Winston was rescued in 2004, completely flea infested, with unclipped toenails growing into the pads of his feet, and horrible eye and ear infections. Today he is a happy, contented boy who loves being loved on. He does have spe...

“Emily,” 5x7, commissioned shihtzu pet portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). I love the full-on frontal face of this breed. All the fur, going this way and that, the nice ole topknot, those big doe eyes. I had more fun with my brushwork on Emily’s painting, really playing with the direction of her wisps, and the reflection of sky off her eyes and that tiny little nose. She was a doll to paint. On other news, we returned yesterday from our long weekend getaway, where we celebrated my brother’s wedding in grand Texan style. My new sister is incredible, and I couldn’t have chosen better myself (hee hee – I know you’re reading this, Karla!!). But I’m back in the studio, refreshed, a little sunburned (which is a treat in Michigan in October!), and ready to conquer the busy weeks leading into the holiday season. I am wading through all the mail and paperwork here in the studio, sending acknowledgements out to those of you who submitted dog tags (tags may still...

“Sasha’s Smile,” 4x8, shihtzu pet portrait in acrylic on canvasboard. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . In class last night, I learned that relying on photographs as much as I do has been holding me back from capturing the nuances of light. That I need to do more paintings from life, so that I can study light and how it bounces. Well, at least, that was my homework. Which, in my real life terms, translates to 100 dog a days of couch potatoes and sunbathers. That would get a little boring, wouldn’t it? But what you will see is an occasional interjection of dog ephemera. A milkbone, or collar tags, for example. I want to get a couple of these still lives under my belt first, so that I’m a little more comfortable sharing (I do make a lot of bad paintings – you should see this ridiculous still life from last night – it’s embarrassing – and I am not ready to post my still lives quite yet – but I WILL get there, honest.) So, also in line with last night’s class, my instructor a...

“Shihtzu Study (Casey),” 5x7, commissioned shihtzu pet portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). Casey is a sweet little guy who passed away late last year. This painting is a gift to Casey’s “dad,” currently fighting his own battle with cancer. My wish is that it bring comfort to this family, and maybe spark a few grins and good tales as they gather to remember times shared. I will be painting tomorrow’s dog-a-day at the Community Arts Building of the Michigan State Fairgrounds starting around 11-11:30. I’m bringing along enough boards to do a handful of paintings if time allows (I’ll stay till about 1:30 or 2, and then head over to the barns for a photo session before taking on rush hour traffic) – I would love for you to stop by and visit if you find yourself in the area. And some exciting news – my work was juried into the 47th annual Thumb Area Artists’ Exhibition! This is especially meaningful because my two entries were dog-a-day paintings from much e...

Today’s dog is coming to you later than usual, as I’ve had a sick child today. Guess the Santini house will be flu-ridden this weekend. I’m not looking forward to it. Perhaps that prospect and last night’s lack of sleep drove me to subconsciously choose the image for today’s painting – a snoozing shitzu. She’s peeking out from under her fringe, but not terribly excited about much of anything. The color in this one is very subtle – light washes of lavender with apricots. She’s 4x8 and $60 – a fun little painting to tuck into a frame and brighten up some little spot in your home or office. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family. Stay well (I’m off for more oj, myself, and some airbourne!!), 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 g...

Shitzu study, 5x7, dog painting on canvasboard, $60. Available to first buyer, inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . SOLD. Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini www.turtledovedesigns.com distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings