Paintings With Soul

"Armed & Dangerous," 10" square, acrylics on museum quality panel, featuring a lime green dollar store squirt gun, $539 to the first  asking nicely  . It's wonderful to get away, but it's also wonderful to come back home. Especially when "getting back home" means dinners with my kids, long walks with the dog, and quality time with my paints. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

Get August's Calendar You can download the file   directly from my website . I've set up a couple different ways to do this, either via the photo album or a direct link. I am not an expert on operating systems, so if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, please don't email me - I will indubitably steer you wrong. Your computer's help files will be more concise, more knowledgeable and more responsive than I could ever hope to be.  I've sized this to fit a standard screen height of 768 - I realize there are lots of variables that could impact how the file displays on your screen. Let me know if, once you get the file installed, there are display quality issues (keep in mind, too, that options such as "stretching to fit," "tiling" and "cropping" will impact your display, so check those first!). Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

Photo taken by moi this morning on the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga Race Course. I had the amazing luck today to witness 2-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan work out.  I've never previously had the opportunity to see an equine superstar in training, and this was a special treasure, to hang with true fans and have my heart beat to the staccato of his hooves. We gather in Saratoga each summer, and it's like we have been together all year long. That's the measurement of true friends, isn't it? We've indulged in art, pastries, the racetrack, home cooked meals, journaling, laughter, tears and an unrealistic amount of gelato. The sort of stuff that cements lifelong friendships. Take a peek at who I'm sharing this weekend with (in alphabetical order): Alecia Underhill Jenifer Trottier Juliet Harrison Linda Shantz Sharon Simons-Passmore Take a peek at a photo essay outlining our weekend here . ...

Pic from my Saratoga Race Track archives, horses running in the slop. Which today sorta felt like, despite the sunshine. And that's ok - not every day can be full of glitter and rainbows. It's a tradition. Every year on my birthday, I ask readers and fans of my artwork to pay it forward. Do something wonderful and unexpected for the world. Then, sit back and enjoy. This year's no exception. Have fun! Today is my birthday, and it's been melancholy. I'm thinking of my cousin's 2 year old who started his final round of chemo and 14th month of treatment (neuroblastoma sucks).  And then I think of my friend who lost her son last month (did I say that cancer sucks). And then I went to ask Margot her opinion of something and I remembered she's gone (cancer really does suck). And of course I miss Nonno - what I wouldn't give to hear him sing happy birthday to me one more time. But the...

View In Process Photos I Want a Portrait Too "Gunther," 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, a commissioned portrait depicting a delightful gentleman, private collection (THANK YOU!). It's been busy here - unpacking from our week away, catching up on household chores, running kids hither and yon, catching up with emails and studio work, running week two of my online workshop, teaching a new journal class, and packing for next week's trip to Saratoga. Too much coming and going and not enough sitting in front of the easel time. At least that's my thinking! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

View In Process Photos I Want a Portrait Too "Banjo," 10" square, acrylics on museum quality panel, a commissioned portrait depicting a lively freckled fellow, private collection (THANK YOU!). Banjo has perfected the eye roll - he's great at giving drama, complete with heavy sighs. And he's got the neighbor's trained well, too - apparently he'll go to the shared fenceline, make eye contact with them through the windows, and bark, as if to ask politely for a treat. Which he gets. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

 The Princess's group number "Starling" features dancers 'flying' like a flock of birds. She's in the center of the photo above. Below, she and I are doing our best bird pose, prior to them going on stage and taking 2nd place in the NATION! (And it's a good thing I didn't go onstage with them - clearly I need a Hands Class because I am oh-so-asymmetrical.) The good news is we survived our first National Dance competition. The bad news is, the week is over and it's back home today. But there's more good news - the team danced extraordinarily well, and even more importantly, supported each other on stage, back stage, and in various other ways all week long.  AND? We are bringing home some tremendous awards and honors - the sorts of things that come about to those who sacrifice and work hard at their passion. So it's been a wonderful week with my daughter. I sobbed in the audience and on her shoulder and with my friends. I ...

"Troll," 6" x 8", acrylics on museum quality panel, featuring a Troll baby, not for sale. Another one with special meaning to me. It's Day One of our dance convention, and the Princess spent hours dancing and bonding with her teammates.  I spent a couple hours working on the hotel room balcony, published the first class in my online workshop , and this afternoon was able to get my paints out for a little bit. A couple friends joined me and we settled in to create together. There was also wine and cheese and bread. And music and laughter. And an unlucky whoopie cushion. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

"Do You Take This Man...." 7-1/2" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, featuring vintage Fisher Price figurines, not for sale. You could say this one has special meaning to me. It's a long holiday weekend for us, and it's followed by The Princess's trip to a nationals dance convention and competition.  I'll be painting all week long from our hotel room - not sure yet what I'll pack to work on, but it's pretty much guaranteed to end up with an added layer of glitter and hairspray by the time we return home. I hope your weekend is safe and fun-filled. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

View In Process Photos I Want a Portrait Too "Mimi," 12" x 106", acrylics on museum quality panel, a still life depicting a lovely long haired dame, private collection (THANK YOU!). Mimi was adopted at the ripe age of 17 and spent 6 beautiful years with her family before passing away recently. Her Mom requested a portrait that depicted her as a dignified and mature lady. She particularly wanted a scruffier look to Mimi's fur, and I was secretly delighted because that meant I could use even MORE color. Mimi had a distinctive furrowed brow that made her look grumpy, but she was just the opposite.  It was even more fun having her on my easel because of that expression. I hope my portrait prompts many fond memories for her family. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

You can download the file   directly from my website . I've set up a couple different ways to do this, either via the photo album or a direct link. I am not an expert on operating systems, so if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, please don't email me - I will indubitably steer you wrong. Your computer's help files will be more concise, more knowledgeable and more responsive than I could ever hope to be.  I've sized this to fit a standard screen height of 768 - I realize there are lots of variables that could impact how the file displays on your screen. Let me know if, once you get the file installed, there are display quality issues (keep in mind, too, that options such as "stretching to fit," "tiling" and "cropping" will impact your display, so check those first!). Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

Dad's been sick for years, but nothing prepared me for his absence.  This last week we celebrated his life - 5 children, 12 grandchildren, 9 greats, 61 years of marriage. Deep pride in his Italian heritage, a passion for futball equalled only by his passion for good food, and a tenor voice that will always bring tears to my eyes. But most of all I will remember his complete and utter adoration of my kids. Domenic carries his name and a shared passion for music, Evan will see Nonno every time he looks in the mirror, and Annie will always be His Princess. Hug your family today and cherish those memories, Kim

"Princess Playmobil," 5" x 15", acrylics on museum quality panel, heralding from my kids' stash of Playmobil toys, $99 to the first  asking nicely  . I'm working out logistics of placement of my still life setup, it's proximity to my easel, and how to best manage dramatic lighting for the setup but even lighting for my workspace.  On top of the whole painting process, there's a science to building the visual to begin with. Who knew? Next I'm headed to Traverse City to teach for four days - can't wait to meet my new kids for the week! I'll try to update regularly, if they don't run me ragged. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

I've been wanting to put together a summer journal class ever since the success of AirMail Journaling in 2012, but I allowed myself to get intimidated by the idea of a digital classroom.  After far too long, I eventually told my inner critic to take a hike, and plunged ahead. Alone. Well, I'm never totally alone. I have all of you to keep me on the straight and true path! (And if any one has virtual classroom architecture knowledge, that'd be a benefit too. But I digress.) I've learned much on my own, delegated some things to teenagers, and am prepared to address whatever surprises remain. Therefore, if you are brave enough to be a guinea pig AND you love journaling AND you want a summer adventure, you need look no further! I've got a 10 week workshop packed with lessons that are part meditation, part introspection, part diary, all set against a backdrop of art supplies. Doesn't that sound like pure summer bliss? The supplies list is minimal (s...

"Betty," painted sketch approximately 4" wide, roughly centered on a 9" x 12" paper, depicting a sweet little Yorkie, private collection (THANK YOU).  View Other Recent Sketches I can't put it off any longer. The Princess's summer vacation starts in 1-1/2 days. And while I'd like to swath her in lots of loose layers, summer temperatures have finally arrived.  Which means I get to go swim suit shopping. Today. Do you know how difficult it is to find age appropriate beach wear for a 13 year old? Here's hoping the stars are aligned. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim PS Not sure who this embarrasses more - her or me, but she's one bra size smaller than her mother. At 13. Ouch.

"Gris," 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, a still life depicting a toy dappled gray pony (Schleich), crayon and penny, $469 to the first  asking nicely  . View In Process Photos Ask Nicely & Buy Me Now Still using that crayon - this time in a mid-range composition full of subtle transitions. Next up I suppose is a white on white, right?  Although I don't yet have a white model horse. Does that give me permission to go ebay-ing? In all seriousness, if you have Breyer or Schleich models you would like to lend as props, let's talk . I don't have much more storage room, and God forbid I rehome some of my creepy dolls. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

View In Process Photos Ask Nicely & Buy Me Now "Cornflower," 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, a still life depicting a Schleich toy draft horse and some other items, $469 to the first  asking nicely  . First I painted the Schleich horse, but there wasn't anything identifying him as a toy So I added some marbles, but things got even more confusing.  It was then that I saw my pristine box of crayons on the shelf. Which got me to thinking that this painting completely summarized my childhood in a few simple items. There will be more of these once I get some other commitments completed. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

View In Process Photos Order a Cowboy Print/Notecards/Smartphone Case I Want A Cowboy Too! "Cowboy," 4" x 6", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a Fisher Price Little People cowboy, not for sale. This treasure is going to a friend who's had a rough year. A little cowboy should brighten up her days from here on out. I mean, come on, it's hard to top the power of a cowboy.  Unless you are a unicorn. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

Please paint ME a portrait "Tabby Profile," 5" x 7", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a brown tabby with a wonderful maze of stripes, private collection (THANK YOU!). This weekend was packed full of family time, and as such, I am really behind on email. I'm working my way through, though, and appreciate your patience while I field inquiries with the same care and attention you'll receive. Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

View Other Recent Sketches "Gracie," painted sketch approximately 4" wide, roughly centered on a 9" x 12" paper, depicting a Goldendoodle, private collection (THANK YOU).  After a dozen years of painting mostly commissions, in 2014 I gave myself the luxury of painting mostly for me. It's been a challenge on one very unexpected level.  As a portrait painter, my goal was to achieve a likeness and capture some of the subjects' personality. But remove the portrait aspect from the painting, and my message changes.  What do I want to say?  That's a B.I.G. question. I've traveled quite a ways from my original Painting a Dog a Day challenge - and I appreciate you indulging me as I try on new things. Like dolls. Bunnies. The Emerging series. And some other things, like layering . (Which gets my brain thinking about layered cakes and doing some Wayne Thiebaud inspired art) ...