Paintings With Soul

Languorous (daVinci).  12" x 16", acrylics on museum quality panel, portrait of studio muse and quality control manager, $549. Inquiries may always come to   me . So what does an artist do when they are still feeling a bit under the weather on Day 5? They show up. Because nobody else will finish varnishing paintings, respond to emails, update inventory archives, coordinate commissions, and work on grant proposals. And when it came time for me to choose a subject for today's painting, I opted for my kitty. Because today was a day to stick inside my comfort zone. And eat mashed potatoes.   There's no gift quite as wonderful as a custom pet portrait. I paint from your photos, resulting in a surprise to unwrap that's like no other. Now is the time to start discussing and planning any holiday gifts you would like to commission. Museum quality portraits start around $400, and are priced according to size and complexity. If you have a smaller budget,   reac...

"Daisy," 10" x 16", acrylics on masonite with white charcoal details, depicting a tuxedo kitten peeking from behind an arrangement of daisies, $579 (with complimentary s&h inside the US) to the first asking nicely . I've pulled a number of paintings from my archives, and am dressing them up with florals. Daisy used to be Mum's Kitten , and I absolutely LOVE the depth and added interest the piece now has. Take a peek at the detail below - the painterly quality of the surface is mouthwatering. At least to me! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

"Domino and Roses," 7-1/2" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a tender little b&w kitten perched among an arrangement of roses, $449 (with complimentary s&h inside the US) to the first asking nicely . I worked on my daughter's portrait today, starting to paint in the florals that will make up her crown (who am I fooling, it's a petal filled brain explosion). And then I pulled out this old painting , drawing roses in overtop. The drawing begged for paint and some more adjustments. And now, what was old, is new again. And would make a gorgeous Mother's Day gift for that kitty loving Mom. (I loved him before, but I love him even more after this upgrade!) Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

"daVinci," 8" x 10", acrylics on copper, a painting of my devil, err, studio, kitty. daVinci's latest portrait is an exploration of my fascination with copper panels. And, I suppose you could add, a parallel fascination with tabby cats and general feline attitude (I still cannot fathom the appeal of eating the tulle underskirt of a dress, but I guess that's why I hold the paintbrush and he uses the litterbox). This piece, which truly is exquisite in person, is $799, which include s&h inside the US. All inquiries may  come to me . Yesterday one of my students blogged about her sadness that more adults didn't embrace play . That's an idea that resonated with me - so easily we get caught up in seriousness and forget about running in the grass barefoot or lying on our backs looking for shapes in the clouds. It's all about paying bills and getting the laundry done and playing it safe. So my mission today was to find so...

Detail of "Nestled," 30" x 30", acrylics on cradeled birch panel, featuring four different larger than life views of a daVinci, genius brown tabby kitten extraordinaire. This painting is hopefully headed to ArtPrize (see below) where it will be available for $3,900 to the first one asking nicely. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS Here is my   ArtPrize 2014   entry. Or rather, one small bit of it.  Next up: actively focus on finding the perfect venue match for my entry. It's gotta be a space that will duly workshop his brilliance. He will accept nothing less. I photographed  the painting's progression - feel free to take a peek and add your two cents. A limited edition of 10 gallery wrapped hand-signed reproductions on canvas will be available for pre-order next week. Let me know if you are interested - I'm talking to vendors and arranging details now. Thanks as always for following along ...

In Process, "Nestled," 30" x 30", acrylics on cradeled birch panel, four different larger than life views of a particularly troublesome kitten (daVinci). This painting is headed to ArtPrize (hopefully) where it will be available for $3,900 to the first one asking nicely. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS Have you heard of ArtPrize ? After only a handful of years, it's become one of the largest art festivals in the world - I was fortunate enough to be an artist in 2012 and to spend a weekend visiting last year. It's pretty inspiring, to say the least. How does it work? Well, artists put together a proposal online. Their work is then matched with a participating venue. The venue hangs and coordinates all the display details, and the artwork is publically on view for the duration of the festival. Entries are juried by a board of curators/peers as well as eligible for popular vote awar...

"Turn Up the Heat," 9" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting dancers from Broadway Dance Company. Reproductions in poster format will be available in a couple weeks - stay tuned! VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS Yesterday I shared an in process detail - today I finished things up. Well, on the painting. Remember this is a fundraiser? So the next step is to design the poster, coordinate a delivery date with the printer, and then we will be ready to take orders. And I think Anthony's head might be a bit too dark and too large.... might have to do a few adjustments. Next up is teaching grownUPs Art Journaling. I love spending time with my favorite group of ladies! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

AT TOP, "Rosie," below, "Abby," two 5"x7" commissioned kitty portraits I completed today. Each of them are in acrylics on museum quality panels, and both are headed to a new home next week. Want something like this for yourself? email me . I worked on these two simultaneously - there's plenty of in process images over on the studio FB page. Also, don't forget to send in your photos - you just might be gifted a Valentine's day portrait next week! Complete rules to below - please take a minute and make certain your submission follows the guidelines. It makes my decision making process so much easier. Thanks for following along with my artwork,  Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Above one of the Valentine Day entries - Zoey wants her portrait painted! Here's how it works: Send 2-3 clear, non-flash copyright free photos of your pet  to me via email , using the subj...

Boo!, 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, portrait of Mona's sidekick daVinci, available to the first one asking nicely for $329.  Inquiries  may come to me!!     In process photos are  here .   This little painting was a practice piece - even though I was alone in the studio, I talked my way through the whole thing. Just some of the mental preps I do when getting ready to teach a workshop.   Springfield Art Museum, here I come!!   Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Curtain Call, 12" x 1", portrait of a pair of kitties, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. Warm, warm thanks to Dog a Day fan EW for her laughable series of photos that inspired this painting. $599 to the first  asking nicely . NOTE: Thanks to all who submitted title suggestions for this painting! I think you done good!! Wow, but did I have a blast reading all your title suggestions for  yesterday's painting !! Between FB comments and direct emails, I had well over 200 entries! It was tough picking a winner - congratulations go to Laura Williams for her suggestion "Fiddlesticks." So let's do this again, shall we?  suggestions for today's painting can come to Facebook . If the volume is at all like yesterday's, I can't possibly respond to them all, but know that I'm reading them with a smile on my face and a box of Girl Scout cookies at hand.  And while you are there, you can see the  in-process pics ...

      "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    

    "Scout," 5" x 7", commissioned portrait of a well-dressed kitty, acrylics on a museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). In-process photos can be see in  the studio Facebook page .   Don't you just love those whiskers? I think they are rather Santa-like, Kim, who still believes, and asks for a pony each Christmas ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    

"Cleo," an 8" square commissioned portrait of a beloved kitty. Done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, this one is headed to a private collection where she will join her kitty siblings on the wall.   In process pics are on  the studio Facebook wall.   And while I'd like to write more, it's been a long, exhausting week. I'm ready to call it a nite - with a nightcap and a great book (right now I'm enjoying  Art at the Speed of Life by Pam Carriker ).   And I know I owe you some deets about the Christmas in July giveaway - lots has been going on in the background here, but I am nearly ready to announce this. I'm hoping to do so with great fanfare next week!!   Enjoy yourselves this weekend!! Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

  "Gray (Stanley's Profile)," 6" square, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, one of two paintings starring this sweet little muse (the other one was shared  yesterday ). Inquiries may come  to me .     I wanted to point out that while the nature of my subject matter dictates that I primarily work from reference photos, I make certain to also use artistic liberties to create a piece that is entirely new.   For instance, the background in the photo for "Gray" was dark and flat like the picture in the sidebar. Softening that background allows the viewer to notice all the other edges inside the painting, not just the profile edge. It also turns the eye into the focal point (since the eye now contains the largest area of the darkes dark).   I also relied on my visual memory to add details to the painting that were not present in the photograph. Hints of color inside the iris, a wash of pink underneath the lighter fur to warm up and refer ...

  "Stanley," 4" x 8", done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, one of two paintings starring this sweet little muse. Inquiries may come  to me .     I was commissioned to paint Stanley here, and I had the best sort of problem. That being that my reference photos were TOO good (this is a rare problem, but one that I absolutely love to encounter).   The photos were SO VERY good that I couldn't choose just one to paint.    I tried. I worked from my client's favorite one, creating the portrait above. And yet I wasn't ready to put my brushes down.   So I decided to start another. And shot an email off to my client that she would have a decision to make. And picked up my brushes a second time.   And I nearly got it finished. Took a break for ballet class. Then a basketball game. Then a band concert. Then dinner. Then a glass of wine. Then some chocolate.   And then reality kicked in full force.   Things will just have to...

  "Fiona," a commissioned sketch (THANK YOU!) done in paint (hence the "painted sketch" monikor) starring a lovely tuxedo clad lady-cat. Image is approximately 2-1/2" x 5" and roughly centered on an 8" x 10" piece of multimedia artboard.    Another holiday gift.   Have you started your shopping yet?** or at the very least, made your list? How many on your list have pets that could be memorialized in paint? and wait - it gets even easier - no need to sneak around gathering photos, either, because I have gift certificates.   Original artwork starts at $49.   Have your people  email  my people and we'll talk.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   **I typically don't shop until the week prior, so you're in excellent company if you haven't begun planning yet.  

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS "Listen and Learn," 8" x 10", portrait of three kitties, done in Golden Open Acrylics on a Museumbord, part of "The Gratitude Project." This painting does not need to be framed, and can be added to your collection for $499 - collectors* qualify for a 10% discount. Email me for more information. This little black and white kitten was dumped, with his momma and several siblings at a friend's business last winter. He ventured into the music studio and warmed the laps of the instructors and students for a few days before going home with my friend. (The other cats, thankfully, were gathered and re-homed by other people in the area.) His furry siblings took him under their wings and taught him the ropes. In light of the many other cats and kittens who are without homes, proceeds from the sale of "Listen and Learn" will be donated to my shelter, the Oakland Pet Adoption Center. Do you have a rescue story to sh...

"The Light," 6" square, portrait of an orange and white kitty, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. This little guy can brighten up your art collection for $299 - repeat customers can purchase him for only $269. Inquiries may come to me . I made the executive decision that today we all needed a little sunshine. The unexpected sort of warmth that makes you raise your face to the sky and pause. Enjoy it. Thanks so very much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Inspiration A few blogs/websites from contemporary artists who regularly deliver light, at least to me: Karin Jurick Carol Marine Ali Cavanaugh Stuart Shils Karen Appleton Susan Leyland Melissa Peck Katie Upton