Paintings With Soul

"Babysitting," from the "Cherished" series of paintings, 8" x 12", acrylic on museum quality panel, $499 to the first one raising their hand. SOLD. Inquiries, as always, can come  to me . And, as is typical of late, in process views of "Babysitting" can be seen on  the studio's Facebook page . I spent many a nite babysitting. My charges, though, were a bit sassier than this tiny gray kitten. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

it's a pARTy !! What's a pARTy, you ask? It's when a group of artists use the same reference material to create their work. In our case, it was the photo above, supplied by Linda Shantz, starring one of her Thoroughbred babies, Hugo. She invited a core group of friends to participate. Each of us work in a different style or media, and we had 24 hours to create our piece. I was so impressed with the resulting art that I offered to share it via my blog and newsletter. Here are all the Hugo's, in alphabetical order by artists' name. I hope you enjoy!! Thanks! "Klein Hugo" pencil on paper 20x23cm 260 EUROS,  inquire Sheona Hamilton Grant oil on canvas paper 8" x 10" NFS Sharon Simons Passmore "Linda's Colt" oil on copper panel, varnished 7" x 5" $325,  inquire Kathi Peters "Hugo" oil on ...

  "Parker," 8" square, commissioned portrait of a Maltese, acrylic on museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!)   Inquiries may always come  to me  - the original has a home, but I can arrange for you to order notecards or reproductions of Parker's painting, or we can even talk about my painting something equally wonderful for your own walls.       Parker's recently left us, but his portrait will stand as a good starting point for remembering years of loyal companionship. It was an honor to have him as a guest in the studio today.    Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   Did You Know This is Puppy Mill Action Week?   I've painted dozens of faces that hailed from puppy mills and heard harrowing stories from rescue groups who lovingly take these dogs in, addres...

"Bed Head (Muffin)," from the "Cherished" series of paintings, 11" x 14", acrylic on museum quality panel, $599 to the first one asking nicely. That is, if Muffin's family decides to pass on the painting - they get first dibs. SOLD. "Pleases" and "Mother May I's" can come  to me , and I'll start a wait list for Little Miss Muffin. In process views of "Bed Head" can be seen on  the studio's Facebook page . Muffin was part of a litter found by the Humane Society in a coal mine. She's now enjoying a wonderful life with her adoptive family. There are so many wonderful animals waiting for their forever homes in shelters across the world.  Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Other Possible Titles Over on Facebook earlier today I asked for he...

  "Ears," from the "Cherished" series of paintings, 6" square, acrylic on museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!).   Inquiries may always come  to me , and there's more information on the "Cherished" paintings in the sidebar to the left. THANKS!!           Derby Week was a bit of a distraction, and then Whistler's painting had a looming deadline, but I've returned to the dogs now for a little bit. I may have to sneak another cat in later this week for another project, but it'll mostly be dogs for a bit. Mostly.   This is Eldunari, who's name translates as "Dragon's Heart of Hearts" (anyone read Eragon?!). She is the most loveable girl ever, everyone loves her and becomes an instant friend. She is now considerably larger than depicted here - Great Danes grow fast and huge in the blink of an eye, much like dragons.   It was my deligh...

"Whistler," 8" x 10", commission of a wonderful gray tuxedo kitty, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, private collection (THANK YOU!!).  In process views of this painting are available on  the studio Facebook page . Inquiries about Whistler or commissioning a portrait of your own special companion may always come  to me . True story:  Whistler's Mother commissioned this portrait (HAH!! A little artist humor!!).  Another true story:  Portrait gift certificates make for a fabulous Mother's Day gifts.  Have a great evening, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Just Scheduled !! Art Marketing  - I'm giving a talk about designing your own marketing strategy for today's market using the internet. Hosted by the Orion Art Center on the evening of Wednesday, June 8th, please call the OAC for reservations - 248-693-4986 ...

  "Mule-ish," 10" square, depicting mules, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $539 to the first asking nicely.    In process views of this painting are available on  the studio Facebook page .   Inquiries may always come  to me .       Today I got immersed in the making of marks in seemingly random colors, and had to shake some sense into myself at various points.   I do like the happy accident of the push and pull between the clearly defined mule in the foreground and the ghostlike one further back.   I think I'll have to play with this idea some more!   Meanwhile, it's nearly quitting time - enjoy your weekend, and here's to a safe trip for all the horses on Derby Day! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

"Hugo," 8" square, painting of a fresh baby Thoroughbred, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $399 to the first asking "pretty please."  Be the first to ask . SOLD. In process views of this painting are available on  the studio Facebook page . My friend Linda Shantz ( she's a darned amazing artist! ) runs a small Thoroughbred farm near Woodbine (in Ontario). This year (in addition to a bunch of grownup babies) she's got three foals, each with personalities bigger than the other. Born on Oscar night, Hugo was the first baby to arrive. Ever since, she's been regaling me with stories and adventures - these three will most certainly tear up the track (or whatever they put their minds to tear up) when their turns come. In the meanwhile, they are keeping Linda on her toes. This week Linda challenged a group of friends to make Hugo-inspired art, pARTy style. She ...

"Heads or Tails," 4" x 9", equine painting done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $279 to the first person to ask nicely. Inquiries may always come  to me . And thank you! A couple in process views of this painting are available on the studio Facebook page . Special thanks to Facebook fan MW who titled this one while it was still wet and on my easel!! Other potential titles: "I Can't Do a Thing With My Hair" "Where's the Detangler When You Need It?" "Tail End" "Kiss My ___" "Equine Backcomb" Tomorrow I will be painting a foal, and, if time permits, another small track scene. I can't believe there's only 2 days left till the Kentucky Derby. Who's your pick? Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com ...

  "You're Not Listening....," 7" x 16", depicting mustangs, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $549 to the first asking nicely.    In process views of this painting are available on  the studio Facebook page .   Inquiries may always come  to me .       It's been a rough day - between hormonal teens, computer problems, calendar conflicts and other goodies - but I persevered.   That's where the discipline of painting daily did me some good. Once I made it to the easel and got a couple layers of paint down, I found my groove.   Here's to you finding yours (and a good nite's sleep for all involved, so that tomorrow will be a better day!), Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

"And Down the Stretch They Come!!," 7" x 14", painting of a racetrack scene inspired by Saratoga, detail below, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $549 to the first asking nicely.  In process views of this painting are available on  the studio Facebook page . Requests may always come  to me  (and yes I am happy to set up a payment plan and yes I take credit cards and yes return collectors get 10% off all original panel paintings all the time). I am so happy May is here!!   Because it's Derby Week, baby!! All horses!! I spent last night reviewing photos, editing and cropping and trying to figure out what to paint this week. So many choices, not enough days!! I've got 8 compositions but only 5 painting days, so I'll have to work quickly and productively if I want to do them all. I cut to the chase this morning, bypassing most of my morning studio routine to get r...