Paintings With Soul

"Snowdrop," from the Florus Animalum series, 48" x 48", acrylics on panel, depicting a polar bear crowned with spring flowers. This piece truly has to be experienced in person to fully appreciate all the subtleties of color and design. Snowdrop is $4599 plus s&h. Inquiries may come to me . Each of the flowers and berries in this painting were specifically chosen to tell a story about environmental change. And if you choose to not believe that global warming is happening, you have my blessing to simply enjoy Snowdrop at face value. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Celestrial," 24" x 48", from the Florus Animalum series of paintings, acrylics on panel, depicting a giraffe with a cloud of flowers - ironically, all blooming types of ground cover. This one is $1499 plus s&h. Payment plans available. Inquiries may come to me . Another adrenaline fueled painting spree - when an idea hits me, I gotta run with it. I gotta!! Speaking of which, I have a giant panel started and a wide open evening..... Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Rhin-unculus," 48" x 48", from the Florus Animalum series of paintings, acrylics on panel, depicting a rhino momma and her baby saurus. And a mass of ranunculus. This happy family is $4599 plus s&h. Payment plans available. Inquiries may come to me . Thinking about the circle of life, endangered species, and nurturing today. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here

"Poppy," 36" x 48", from the Flores Animalum series of paintings, acrylics on panel, depicting a larger than life sized golden retriever crowned with a halo of bobbing poppies. Poppy is $3599 plus s&h. Payment plans available. Inquiries may come to me . The flowers represent the generous love and acceptance dogs give so freely. We could learn a lot from them. I started this painting last spring, then got too scared to finish it (yes, that happens to me too! far more often than I'd like to admit). It wasn't until yesterday morning, when I was actively avoiding cleaning off my desk, that she made it back onto my easel. And it's been a painting marathon ever since. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

FINISHED! "Mari(gold)," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, depicting a golden retriever puppy sprouting a crown of marigolds - the flowers represent the years of beauty and joy a puppy brings to one's life, as well as the fragility of our time with each other. Mari's portrait is $925 plus s&h. Inquiries may come to me . SOLD (TY) I would be remiss if I didn't properly thank Team Husar Photography for my photo reference. Knowing her love of goldens, I shared my concept of a Marigold Golden Retriever. She responded with a couple photos, of which Mari was based upon. I have the best, most supportive team behind me! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Stephen's Bouquet," 24" x 36", acrylics on panel, depicting a dark thoroughbred with a crown of blooms. This one is available via auction - but hold one - there's a story here - please keep reading.  Stephen is 4. He is the nephew of a good friend. Last week, Stephen was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. His family has rallied around him, making the best of things in one of the darkest of times. I was asked to create a painting that could help raise money for Stephen's medical bills. I am honored to do so. Stephen has a dark Thoroughbred and the flowers crowning the horse were chosen to tell his story and send a message of love and support to his immediate circle. Aster - patience Chamomile - energy in adversity Cranberry - cure for heartache Edelweiss - noble courage Ginger - strength Pansy - think of me Peony - anger Primrose - childhood Sage - good health and long life Snowdrop - consolation and hope "Steph...

"Sunflowers," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, $199 plus s&h. Inquiries may come to me . SOLD (THANK YOU!) I taught an afternoon workshop at my local library on Saturday, and we painted bouquets of sunflowers. My students did a fantastic job painting the essence and energy of their flowers. Each piece carried it's own interpretation of their sunny faces and jumble of petals. This is my demo piece, worked a bit further along today in my studio. I think it will be fantastic in a kitchen - or a powder room - or a foyer - or a guest bedroom........ I have been asked to do a repeat performance of this class in Montague, Michigan at Studio 2 . Let me know if you are interested, and we'll get you on the class list! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Reach," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, $699 to your door (inside the US). Inquiries may come to me . This is my newest self portrait. The flowers have special meaning to me - peonies grew outside my grandmother's farm house (I have a piece of that same bush growing in my yard), and ranunculus are one of my personal favorites. This is my hand, reaching for the beauty and promise of the blooms, but it also could be anyone's hand doing the same. What are you reaching for? Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

"Dutchess," from the P(e)ony Series of paintings, 24" x 48", acrylics and ink on panel, featuring a sweet baby girl prancing out from underneath a crown of Dutch tulips and ranunculas. This filly is $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me . Looking forward to taking some of the P(e)ony paintings to my art guild meeting this evening for a critique. The group always sees things I never do, and I come home with a tangled mess of ideas and possibilities. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim

Above, detail of today's workshop demo, representing approximately an hours worth of work, mostly wet on wet, acrylics on panel, 11" x 14". There's the adage that "those who can't teach," but I take issue with that. The best teachers I've had CAN and DO, and they articulate that, no matter how many times I (or my classmates) re-phrase the same question. I'd like to think I'm working my way towards that category of Teachers Who Can. That some day, one of my students will be able to say that my techniques/approaches impacted them in a powerful way that didn't include therapy. Meanwhile, I'm refining my teaching skills with an especially delightful group of painters on the western coast of Michigan. They are willing to try all sorts of things with their brushes during the day, and then in the evening, I retire to a Lake Michigan facing porch, sip my wine while listening to the tide, and forget about their tears. And ...

"Dixie Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics and ink on panel, featuring an Andalusian demurely peering out from underneath her crown of peonies. Dixie is $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me . I think she's done - I reserve the right to make any changes when I return from teaching on the West side of the state. Leaving as soon as I can throw my paints in my case! Really excited to work with a new group of students. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here   WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll. ...

FINISHED! "Black Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a Friesian galloping with a crown of various roses. She's $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me . I am exhausted - this painting has been on my easel all week, and constantly getting revised/painted in my head when I'm not in front of it. I'm onto something, though. This is a breakthrough piece - it's opened many doors. And windows. My head is exploding with the potential! Meanwhile, detail here . Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here   WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, T...

"Briar Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a shaggy chestnut pony and a tangle of spray roses.  Briar needs a home - she's got impeccable manners. $1499 will get her to your door (inside the US) - I guarantee that you can't find a more perfectly behaved pony for a better price! Inquiries may come to me . I'm looking for a space that will host a solo show of my floral pieces or offer a few of them for sale. If you know of any galleries that may be interested, please l et me know ! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    Shop Reproductions Here   WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enro...

"Whistler," 18" x 24" x 1-1/2", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel (painted around the sides, too, so no need to frame), featuring a guinea pig, complete with cowlick, and a blooming mane, $1499, with complimentary shipping inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . Thusly titled because I can hear his little whistles and grunts. Guineas make some pretty entertaining noises! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

"Trouble," 24" x 20", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a a kitten crowned with spray roses, $599, with complimentary shipping inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . Some paintings exceed my expectations. This one takes my breath away. Whomever purchases him will get quite a treasure! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

IN PROCESS: "Trouble," 24" x 20", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a a kitten crowned with spray roses. On top of just being ridiculously juicy with color, this piece comes with a healthy does of personality. The painting is $599, with complimentary shipping inside the US, and will go to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may always come  to me . Warm thanks to Beth at Amazing Petals for helping me put together the perfect bouquet for this painting (and she thought brides were high maintenance!). The yellow pods (I forget what they are called) and the stabby greenery (knife something or other) were delightful to paint. And the soft greens in the spray roses..... they make me very happy. I know this painting will do the same for a lucky collector, too. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, ...

"Red Roses," 24" x 30", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, a portrait of my first studio muse, Miah, crowned with red spray roses. Hard to believe she's been gone 8 years now..... She would have owned this look in real life. "Red Roses" is $699 and will go to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may always come  to me . Also, I have started  "Briar Rose," inspired by the same bouquet of roses topping Miah's portrait. Gotta get some mileage out of these blooms before they are too faded and wilty. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

"Purity," 24" x 30", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a unicorn crowned with white roses. Because I believe, and you should too. This painting is $699 and will go to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may always come  to me . Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Getting Fresh," Mt. Pleasant, SC, September 23-25th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact Kathy Sweeney . "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

IN PROCESS: "Rhin-unculus," 48" x 48", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a Momma rhino and her baby saurus. Yes, this piece is available when finished, and yes, I will accept a deposit to hold it until then. The painting, a wonderfully generous 48" square, is $4599. Inquiries may always come  to me . I see so many things to fix/adjust here, but I am forcing myself to stop and do real world stuff like laundry and running the homebound dance carpool. Because apparently the laundry has sprouted legs and is moving about the house (I suspect that the puppy has something to do with that!), and The Princess doesn't have her license (yet!). Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com    WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact  Korrine Rodgers . "Getting Fresh," Mt. Pleas...

"Salvador Doggie (Sal)," 24" x 48", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring my newest muse, a rescued mixed breed. Details and in process pics are on Facebook , and I think the color there is far more representative of the painting. This piece is $1499, a total deal for the giant serving of joy it will bring, and that price includes shipping inside the US (I also ship worldwide for a small fee) - inquiries may always come  to me . Sal joined our family over the weekend. He came via a rescue organization and we know nothing about his past except that whoever it was who dumped him lost out big. He's a dear rat terrier mix with the brightest eyes and a wiggle butt who goes from 100mph to stop at the sign of a lap. Or a cookie. Didn't take him long to hit my easel, and I think his portrait sits as a great example of what I could do with your dog..... just think about it, then reach out if it's something you think you want to pursue! T...