Paintings With Soul

"Jack," a painted sketch, roughly 5" x 8" centered on a 9" x 12" mixed media paper, acrylics, private collection (THANK YOU!). As always, inquires may always come directly  to me .  What's a Painted Sketch? I offer these once a year or so, in limited quantities. The price point is lower than one of my commissioned panels, but honestly they take nearly as much work, with the same prep and lead in tasks and the larger investment of time mounting, wrapping and shipping. But I love the freedom that comes with being able to sit and draw and really connect with my materials. And I know many in my collector base appreciate the opportunity to get an original work of art at a perfect price for gift giving.   I start with a non flash, copyright free photo, measure out a small space in the center of my page, and start a contour drawing in pencil (with panels, I jump straight to the paint). A box/frame gets added around the face, and...

    "Smitty's Ball," from the "Play Ball" series, 6" x 8", acrylic on museum quality panel, portrait of a Jack Russel terrier with his favorite toy, $329.  Inquiries may come  to me. SOLD.   In process pics of Smitty are  on Facebook , and  prints of this gem  will be available for the next week (through Friday, July 5th, 2013).   I'm also still accepting photos for more dogs and balls - submit your pics to me  via email .  By submitting photos, you are ascertaining that you are the photographer and have the right to grant me permission to create derivative paintings from said photos.   Thanks so much! These "Play Ball" paintings are simply fabulous - look at all the inspiration YOU have shared!!   Thanks for supporting my artwork! Enjoy your weekend, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Play Ball Prints Available   Click on the image below for orderin...

    "Taking Flight," 8" x 10", portrait of a tri-colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $469.  Email me for purchase details .   Remember " Pile ," the painting I was commissioned to do that was then donated to a Cavalier King Charles fundraiser? (It raised them a very nice chunk of change, by the way!) Well, my client sent me many wonderful inspiration photos and I'm slowly working through my favorites. This breed is truly a joy to paint.   In process pics of this guy are  on Facebook .   And after starting this one, I realized he looks a lot like another piece  I did nearly 5 years ago to this date starring my friend  Dee Dee Murray 's dog Hallie. How weird is that?   (As an aside,  Hallie is now an artist in her own right )   Enjoy your evening, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

  Keenan, commissioned portrait of a Sheltie, done in acrylics on paper, image roughly 5" x 5" centered on a 9" x 12" paper. Private collection (THANK YOU!)     Keenan is one half of a pair of shelties I sketched today - his older sister Keelie will be shared with you tomorrow.   Thanks so much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    "Beare," 6" square, commissioned portrait of an Aussie, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. Beare has a home (THANK YOU!) but I'll be happy to  answer any questions you might have  about getting one of my paintings in to your own home.   It's been busy here - I'm now offering gift certificates to anyone wishing to gift a portrait for the holidays. Gift certificates are customized and full color, and can be emailed for easy-peasy shopping.   Let me know  if you want to be added to the A-List of gift-givers, Kim, who is down to her last week of holiday commissions before punching out until the New Year - how did this happen? ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

  "Toby," sketch done in acrylic on bristol board, approximately 4" x 6" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" page, depiciting a Sheltie, commissioned and in a private collection (THANK YOU!).     I came into the studio in my jammies this morning and started sketching. It's been productive, going directly to the easel instead of the computer. My brain wasn't yet weighed down with a to do list - maybe this is the new routine I'm searching for.   If you want a commissioned sketch like Toby's, they are only available until the end of this year.   Don't know what the difference is between a sketch and a portrait?   A sketch is a small study, done with very loose brushwork, often enclosed in a rectangular form like the above piece. It is done on paper, and carries a generous margin on all sides.   A portrait comes in a variety of sizes and are done on museum quality panels. Portraits carry far m...

      "Toby"," 8" x 10", commissioned dog portrait of a Sheltie, private collection (THANK YOU!)!!   In process pics of Toby can be found on  the studio Facebook page , along with links to other things I deem interesting. Stuff like other artists, beautiful artwork, exhibitions, books, process specific, the business of art, inspirations and music.   Inquiries about getting a portrait similar to Toby's starring your own companion can come  to me  - I am nearly booked full for the holidays, but I am happy to put together a personalized gift certificate!   Fondly, Kim, who's delighted to have power and internet and kids who went to school today, and is praying for all those who are not as fortunate. No kidding, peeps, I hope you are all safe and warm and dry and not at risk for losing any of those things. ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com