Paintings With Soul

"Harry," a painted sketch, roughly 4" x 5" centered on a 9" x 12" mixed media paper, acrylics, private collection (THANK YOU!). As always, inquires may always come directly  to me .  As if it's not enough pressure, having to paint something pretty much every day AND share it via my email blast and blog, tomorrow I have raised the bar on myself. Yes, I am a glutton for punishment. I will be joined in the studio by a videographer. Her assignment? To film the creation, start to finish, of a painting. God I hope I sleep tonite. Nobody wants to see me with major bags under my eyes, all crabbing out at the easel, because I can't make the paint go where it's supposed to. Let's hope things don't play out that way! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork! Warmly, Kim   ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

"Meg," 6"x8", acrylics on museum quality panel, a commissioned portrait of a little Maltese who is loving her second chance at life, private collection (THANK YOU!).  And but of course I can paint like this for you - just ask! . Meg was adopted into her new home last fall. She joined two older brothers, and didn't take long at all to leave her pawprint on her new Mom's heart. Who knows what her previous circumstances were? She is timid and remains fearful of men, but she knows how to snuggle and love on those who are kind. And that's pretty much how the rest of her life is going to play out! Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Kim

2013's Dog a Day Valentine Giveaway winner Gigi starred in her own 10" x 10" portrait, my gift to her family as thanks for following along with my artwork. What's better than a box of conversation hearts? Winning one of my paintings starring your favorite furry Valentine! That's right, it's time for the Dog a Day Valentine Giveaway! Here's how it works: Send 2-3 clear, non-flash copyright free photos of your pet  to me via email , using the subject line of "Valentine." Be creative in your photos - I will be looking for artistic merit, not just cuteness!! JPG files (the photos you submit) should be at least 5" wide on the longest side and at 100dpi. Entries must be received by midnight EST on Sunday, February 9th, 2013. One entry (2-3 photos of same pet = one entry) per household, please.  Prior Valentine winners are not eligable to participate. I will do my best to acknowledge r...

CONTINUED PROCESS, Triple Threat, 12" x 22", commissioned portrait depicting a family of little troublemakers (Yorkshire Terrier and Yorkie mixes), done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. This one is heading to it's new home as soon as it dries, but ask about having your own pets memorialized in an original painting! I am composing this newsletter from a new computer - not everything is set up yet, but I'm slowly migrating and converting files, reconfiguring as I go. And when my brain screams "NO MORE COMPUTER STUFF!" I just pick up my brushes and work on these guys. I'm thrilled with how they are progressing. And so is their family, which matters even more! In process pics, along with detail shots, are over here on Facebook . Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

  ORDER NOTECARDS AND REPRODUCTIONS HERE     "Gigi," 10" x 10", portrait of a fluff ball, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, my gift to Gigi's Mom for playing along with the Dog a Day Valentine's Giveaway.   Over 100 faces were submitted for consideration this year and it was difficult to narrow them down. I choose  22 finalists , but honestly didn't know until the absolute last possible minute who I was going to paint. And how I wish I could have painted each of them.   And I chose Gigi because she seemed to be overflowing with love, today's theme.   Happy Valentines Day from all the Santinis, Kim   ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   PS  In process pictures are on  the studio's Facebook page .  

    "Chester," a painted sketch, approximately 4" x 5" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" paper, done in acrylics, depicting a mixed breed dog, private collection (THANK YOU!).   Chester is a gift, so if you recognize him, help me keep the secret, ok?   I will be phasing these sketches out by year's end - lately they have been taking nearly as much time to complete as a panel painting and are far more laborious to pack and ship. So if you are interested, please  speak up now  and we can get it scheduled.   Thanks, as always, for supporting and following along with my artwork!   Hoping tomorrow brings along my wit's end, because today I think I lost it - Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

  "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...

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS "Sunbeam", 4" x 6", portrait of a sunbathing Maltese, done in Golden Open and Heavy Body acrylics on a Raymar panel, available for $239 (10% of the sale of this painting will go to my local shelter). After last night's dumping of snow and ice on my newly green world, I needed to pretend I was someplace warm. This painting transported me to a warmer climate, a comfy chair, and a sweaty glass of iced tea. Unfortunately, in a matter of minutes, I'll be transported back to the real world, driving the track carpool, shutting several to drum line practice, and making a run to the library. Which means I'll have to go scrape the inch of ice off my vehicle. Which means this evening I'll reward myself with an Irish Coffee in lieu of that tea. Meanwhile, last night I added a second painting to the "Help Japan" Challenge - a 8" x 6" pet portrait, done to your specifications. If you were thinking about sett...

"Sam and Bella," 11" x 14", commissioned double Maltese portrait done in Golden Open Acrylics on a 2" cradeled Ampersand Gessobord (see below), private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may always come to me. I love working on these cradeled panels - I carry the painting around the sides, and there is absolutely no need to frame the piece. Let me know if you are interested in having your portrait done like this - it makes for a gorgeous presentation! This painting has been "in the works" for a few weeks now - there's no way I could have pulled off something this size and complexity in one day! Thanks for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PSST - I'm still accepting holiday commissions. Email me to get on my calendar! Artist Q&A Day This Friday On Friday, October 29th I'll open up the Painting a Dog a Day blog and take all your arts related questions. There wi...

"Spunky," 6" square, dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (congratulations!!). Inquiries may always come to me . This is Spunky, the dog belonging to the lucky new Painting a Dog a Day subscriber from the month of September. You might recall that during September I gave away two portraits - one to an existing subscriber who referred a new subscriber, and another to one of those new subscribers. So you didn't win one of the two Dog a Day Give Aways ( here's the other one ) - that's ok. There's another way you can get a Painting a Dog a Day piece for your collection: the 140 Hours Auction, the brainchild of New York gallery owner Gary Brant, the first fine art auction to be conducted via social media. I have sent one of my favoritest all time pieces (a painting which has won awards at juried art exhibitions, so it's not just me who likes it), and bidding starts at just $150 for a painting valued at $539. You can browse through t...

"Bella at the Wheel," from the "Sunday Driver" series of paintings, 4" x 5", Maltese portrait in acrylic on board, not for sale. Inquiries may come to me . A few years back I fell in love with a painting that was part of an art scavenger hunt and festival. I was working my own booth at the street fair, but called around to learn who the artist was - I wanted to own this piece with every ounce of my being. I phoned her that morning from my booth and she promised to return my call later. Later that day, a woman came into my booth with her daughter and mother. She was at the street fair specifically to see my work. We got to talking and discovered all sorts of things in common, along with the fact that she was the artist I had phoned earlier. I felt as though I had known her my whole life, and an easy friendship was struck up immediately. I have visiting priviledges for the painting (it wasn't for sale), but if I show up at Kirsten's with an art bo...

"Pure Joy (Ozzie)," 8" square, commissioned pet portrait depicting Ozzie, a yorkie-maltese mix, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . There's been so much gloom and doom in the news lately, especially around Detroit. In 2009 I will focus on beauty and laughter more often. Not that I plan to turn my back on the hardship - I simply want to set time aside daily where I am consciously grateful for the wonderful things in my life. I want to wrap my joy in a smile or hug, and pass it on - happiness is something that has gone missing in many lives lately. And we all deserve at least a glimmer of it each day, regardless of our circumstances. Here's a bit of a serendipitous poem that a friend shared this morning. From Solitude, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox - "LAUGH, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone. For the sad old earth must borrow it's mirth, But has trouble enough of it...

"Zack's Tongue," 6" x 12", commissioned maltese pet portrait , acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). My client is thrilled with this painting - she says it perfectly captures Zack's smile and his contagious happiness. I am thrilled with the painting for entirely different reasons (which I'm certain loyal Dog a Day readers can easily guess) - the brushwork, the juicy layers of paint, the edge-work (see how the sharpest edges are only at his nose and eye), the balance of values. Without knowing Zack personally, I pulled out all the stops I could to make this painting stand tall. And it does so for all involved. Thanks, as always, for looking and sharing these paintings with your friends and family! Now I"m off to try and finish a large canvas starring a gloriously regal harlequin great dane portrait, a project that has been long in the making....... See you tomorrow, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ disti...

"Gunny's Pout," 8" square, commissioned maltese pet portrait , acrylic on canvasboard. I haven't had much luck lately, connecting with clients ahead of posting to see if they do indeed want to purchase their paintings. I believe this one to be spoken for, but as always, if you are interested, send a note, and I'll get a wait list going. Thanks in advance! Emails may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com . I've recently become enamored of the drape of long fur across a dogs' spine. Under various lighting situations, this "part" can be so interesting. It's the perfect foil for my brushes, too. That was just one of the areas that I loved working with in today's painting. Another bit I reveled in was the lack of value changes - it's all subtle shifts in color that shape Gunny's little body. And of course I concentrated the strongest color and largest value shifts right in his face, to underline the power of that pout. Hard to r...

“Miss You,” 6x8, pet portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, part of a very special private collection. This painting is a surprise birthday gift from my client to her best friend, who recently lost one of her best friends, Gizmo. With Holly’s permission (she didn’t know that a painting was coming alongside her reprinted words), here is an excerpt from a poem she wrote memorializing Gizmo: My darling boy… I will miss you…. Smile askew Drawing me in I will miss you…. Faithful sidekick Forever friend, bedfellow I will miss you… My darling boy, I will miss you. Thanks, as always, for looking. And for sharing these paintings with friends and family who understand the above. See you tomorrow, Kim PS Happy Birthday, Holly. Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the art. Founding member of the Canine Art Guild http://www.canineartguild.com/ the gateway to canine art on the...

“Fluffy,” 5x7, Maltese dog portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection. Here is what Fluffy’s young owner, Jacalyn (a budding artist herself!), had to say when I asked her to write a few words: “Fluffy is my little friend, I love her very much. She is a Maltese….. Wherever I go she follows me. She is always there for me when I am sad….. She is not like any other dog….. Oh, and she loves to lick.” I don’t think I could have written anything even close to that sort of a tribute! Thank you to Jacalyn and Fluffy’s family for commissioning, this little portrait. And thank YOU for your time in following the Painting a Dog a Day project . As always, feel free to share this email, the blog ( http://www.paintingadogaday.blogspot.com/ ), or the website ( http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ ) with friends and family, Kim Kimberly Kelly Santini http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ distinctive pet portraits & 4-legged paintings http://www.paintingadogaday.com/ come. sit. stay. enjoy the...