Painting a Dog a Day

Spa Fine Art

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:46:00 +0000

Image design courtesy of Spa Fine Art, Saratoga Springs, NY.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome Spa Fine Art into the Painting a Dog a Day family. Near historic Saratoge Springs Racetrack in upstate New York, Spa Fine Art is the latest gallery to represent my artwork.

As you may know, I make an annual summer sojourn to Saratoga to collect racing references and enjoy an artists retreat with a number of friends. Spa Fine Art is a favorite stop of ours - after we load up on pastries at Mrs. Londons, we gorge ourselves on the eye candy at the gallery.

Spa will hang a dozen of my paintings now, with plans to add new pieces in the coming months.

I think this will be the perfect partnership to showcase my love of equine paintings in particular, and I look forward to working closely with Spa Fine Art as we begin to share my paintings with a new audience.

You can check Spa out on the web and on Facebook. And if you are in the area, stop by to say hello.

Oh, and don't forget to grab a latte and something decadent a few doors down at Mrs. Londons!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PS I am looking for some creative suggestions for a new piece on my easel - you are invited to chime in!

Go, Dog, Go (Jack), A Gratitude Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:07:00 +0000

"Go, Dog, Go! (Jack)," 5" x 11", portrait of a doxie with special needs, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, $299. Proceeds from the sale of "Go, Dog, Go" will benefit the San Francisco SPCA in California, where Jack is an "employee." Inquiries may come to me.

A Dog a Day collector, in cahoots with her daughter who's finishing up verterinary school in California, sent me several folders worth of muses. Photographs of clinic dogs and kitties, as well as pictures of friends' pets.

That's how I met Jack.

He came into rescue with a previous back injury that left his hind end paralyzed - his family was undergoing difficulties and could no longer keep him. He went into an emergency foster home, but that home's resident dog had other plans. She bonded with Jack, as did everyone else, and he became a fixture.

Jack leads a very active life, and his wheelchair does not slow him down in the least. His Mom says that he even goes faster than daschundly possible on occasion.

And he always has his tennis ball close at hand.

The best news? that Jack is regaining function in his back legs and sometimes stands up on all fours to eat!

Cheers to all those foster homes that take in special needs animals like Jack!!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PS You can see all the Gratitude Paintings to date here.

Finnigan contemplates various angles in preparation for setting up a dinosaur live drawing session on Monday

Draw a Dinosaur Day!!

You read it right - on Monday, January 30th, it's Draw a Dinosaur Day.

At some point a person decides if they can or cannot draw. Those who think they cannot give it up and rarely attempt to doodle anything but smiley faces and tic-tac-toe boards. For the rest of their lives.

How sad it that?

So on Monday, regardless of whether you think you can or cannot draw, I challenge you to try your hand at a dinosaur.

And then load it up onto the officialDraw a Dinosaur website.

And then YOU can turn around and challenge your family members, friends, and co-workers to do the same.

Drawing is supposed to be fun, contemplatative and an escape from reality. See if you can't capture a little bit of that on Monday!

ROAR!!

Mo, A Painted Sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:09:00 +0000

"Mo," approximately 4" x 5" on an 8" x 10" sheet of multimedia artists board, a commissioned portrait, done in acrylics, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come to me.

I have a limited number of painted sketch spaces available - let me know if you are interested in commissioning one.

Prices for the painted sketches start at $99 for an image roughly sized 4" x 5" on an 8" x 10" paper. The price increases with the overall size, level of complexity in the portrait and density of detail.

Send me a couple photos and we can work out a great little painting for you - or for someone you love (Shadow's portrait is going to make a certain someone very, very happy!!)

Now a break for ballet class and a basketball game, then dinner and a glass of wine, before returning to the studio this evening,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

The 2011 Dog a Day Valentine Giveaway painting "You Will Be Mine," a 6" x 8" panel in a private collection.

Get Outta the Way - Valentine's Day is Coming and I Want YOU to Be Mine......

Starting NEXT MONDAY (no early birds, please!!) send 2-3 clear, non-flash copyright free photos of your pet to me, 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 Friday, February 10th, 2012.

One entry (2-3 photos of same pet = one entry) per household, please.

I will do my best to acknowledge receipt of all entries - last year there were over 90 pets submitted, so I anticipate a crowd! (View last year's finalists.)

All photos will be reviewed, but only those submitted using the above guidelines will be considered, so please take the time and make my job easier by following directions!

On Monday, February 13th, I will share the finalists' photos on the studio Facebook page, and on Tuesday (Valentine's Day) I will reveal this year's Dog a Day Valentine.

The winning image will be chosen by me exclusively based on design elements apparent/inspired by the photographs.

The Dog a Day Valentine painting will be sized according to the composition, but at the very smallest will be a 5"x7" museum quality panel - this is a guaranteed prize of at least $289.

Winner will be responsible for shipping costs.

Please also keep in mind that by submitting your photos you are (1) guaranteeing that you own the copyright to the photos in question (meaning you took them yourself) and (2) granting me permission to use your photos/pet's likeness in a future painting. You have no obligation to purchase future paintings your photos or pet inspire, but you will have first right of refusal.

Now go, off with you, and take some amazing photos!!

Shadow, A Painted Sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:06:00 +0000

"Shadow," approximately 4" x 5" on an 8" x 10" sheet of multimedia artists board, a commissioned portrait, done in acrylics, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may come to me.

I have a limited number of painted sketch spaces available - let me know if you are interested in commissioning one.

Send me a couple photos and we can work out a great little painting for you - or for someone you love (Shadow's portrait is going to make a certain someone very, very happy!!)

Now I'm off to the post office to get a few other paintings on their way home,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Gray is Available!

My client made her decision, choosing the landscape version of Stanley the kitty for her home.

Which means that this dear little painting is now available!! Add "Gray" to your collection for $299 (preferred collectors' price is $270).

First come, first served - just let me know!

Sweet Poo Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:18:00 +0000

"Sweet Poo Dreams," 6" x 8", done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, starring my a very special dog (read below), $329. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to the Vizsla Welfare Foundation. Inquiries may come to me.

I've known this wonderful young lady, officially Red River's Southern Harmony, aka "Potter" or "Poo," since she was a wee little pup, and I've watched her grow up into a marvelous hunting companion and dear friend.

Well, virtually speaking, that is!

While I've not actually met Poo, I did paint her mother many years ago, thus starting my friendship with Red River Vizslas (BTW, an AKC Breeder of Merit, how cool is that!!). Since then I've painted many a dog in the Red River family, so Poo's been well overdue her moment in the spotlight.

Just look at what this wonderful girl has accomplished so far - Poo is a dual champion in both show and field, an Amateur Field Champion, a Junior Hunter, and has earned a Versatility Certificate.

She is also a soon-to-be-mom. Poo's due around Valentine's Day...... (hmm, I wonder how long before I get to paint them.....)

You can learn more about Vizslas at the Red River website.

You can see a couple in process images of Poo's painting on my studio Facebook page.

And you can shoot me an email if you want to purchase this painting or commission something special of your own. Because that's what I do.

Happy Monday!!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

More From

Kiki Kelly

My childhood friend has added more multi media images to her FineArtAmerica storefront.

These pieces would truly brighten up a room - or someone's mailbox. Take a peek and chase some of the winter duldrums away.

Thank you so very much for supporting artists and their dream.

Blue Sneak

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:54:00 +0000

"Blue Sneak," from the Gratuitude Painting series, 5" x 11", done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, starring my own little sneak, Mona Lisa, $329. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to the Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, where Mo-Bug hailed from. Inquiries may come to me.

Today I couldn't get started on anything until I did a little bit of cleaning in the studio - it's been awhile since the dust bunnies had been herded into another room of the house!

While I was sorting through piles and finding homes, I discovered a stash of scraps from previous cut-down panels.

One of them called out to me, begging for an image.

I couldn't say no.

Hence the title, "Blue Sneak." This panel snuck onto my easel unplanned. Just like it's subject sneaks up onto my taboret and flips dirty brushes out of the water cup. And just like she then streaks off to make mischief elsewhere.

In process images are on my Facebook page!

Next week, I promise there will be dogs painted!! and maybe a horse or a cow, I haven't quite made up my mind.....

Happy weekend!!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Gray (Stanley's Profile)

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:46:00 +0000

"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 to Stanley's skin, and a richer array of middle tones to five the fur density and interest, just to name a few.

In my book, there's far more to using reference photos than being able to copy them, hair for hair.

Off to a journalling class!

Toodle-loo,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PS My client has a couple days to make up her mind, so if you are interested in either of the Stanley paintings (yesterday's or today's) please let me know and I'll keep you in the loop. Thanks!!

What Makes a Good Reference Photo?

Part II

I shared a few tips yesterday, and want to continue that thread today.

The animal does not have to be looking at the camera. Have a friend dangle a treat just outside the picture frame, and snap some shots.

Butt shots are entirely ok. Wagging tails or dogs trotting off translate to nice paintings.

Photograph black dogs in the shade on a sunny day - give it a try and you'll be delighted at the results!!.

Photos taken outside in the early morning and late evening have extra drama.

Don't place the animal between you and a light source unless you WANT a silhouetted shot.

And remember to turn off your flash!!

Stanley

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:10:00 +0000

"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 wait until tomorrow.

It's a good thing Stanley's patient.

Although, I could make it a late nite.......

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

What Makes a Good Reference Photo?

Well, first off, the animal needs to be in focus. You would think this is obvious, and yet.....

And the animal needs to be larger than thumbnail size. Honest, I can't pull facial details out of a 1" wide image - I've tried!

Turn the flash off on your camera. Flashbulbs scare animals and wash out details like hair growth patterns, irises and actual fur coloring.

Experiment with different angles. Shoot from their eye level, the floor, directly above.

Take advantage of natural lighting. Doorwalls and windows at a 90 degree angle to the dog provide a wonderful source of illumination.

Take a look online at some professional pet photographers. Do a little research.

Just depress the shutter button and move around your dog - then review what you've taken. You will be surprised!!

DInnertime (Duchess), A Gratitude Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:58:00 +0000

"Dinnertime (Duchess)," A Gratitude Painting, 6" x 8", done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, $329 to the first buyer to ask "pretty please." As with all other Gratitude Paintings, proceeds from the sale of Duchess's portrait will benefit animal welfare groups - please continue reading for more details.

Duchess hailed from the no-kill group Animal Aid Societyin Virginia, a group I got to know through a Dog a Day collector.

She was a long term resident - and a favoriite- at the shelter. She survived two surgeries (to reduce her hip pain) before developing an inoperable tumor near her heart. She was buried at the shelter.

This is how the volunteers remember her - Duchess loved to carry her food bowl around. It is my honor to add her painting to the Gratitude Project and my portfolio.

The Gratitude Project, for those of you who are new to Painting a Dog a Day, is a series of paintings starring once homeless pets. Proceeds from the sales of these pieces are donated back to the host groups.

You are invited to view - and shop from - the Gratitude Series here. And I welcome introductions to groups you have personally worked with and can endorse.

I encourage support of your own local shelters and rescues through donations of linens, pet toys, cleaning products and old newspapers. Some groups need help with maintaining their websites or photographing the animals available for adoption or grooming/bathing those in their care. There's so many ways to make a difference, and I know they will love hearing from you!

Now I'm off to rustle up some dinner for my own family!!

Thanks for following along,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

My little studio muse Mona Lisa was once homeless herself.

Philanthropy

I kid you not - I get daily requests to donate art. I would love to help everyone out, but were I to give to all who asked, it would take me years just to create the paintings.

I do, however, think that giving back is a huge priority. That is why philanthropy is a big part of my business plan.

I donate 10% of my gross sales to animal welfare.
My family and I volunteer at our local animal shelter.
I volunteer within my community and local schools.
I provide free consulting to a number of local groups I've had a long relationship with.
I have a select number of animal rescues I partner with on special programs.

So thank you for thinking highly enough of my work that you would like to include it in your fundraiser. However, I will respectfully decline participating and wish you the best of luck!

Sigh, a Re-Run

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:20:00 +0000

From October of last year, this is "Sigh," 10" x 6-1/2", acrylic on panel, portrait of a Great Dane puppy who was in foster care, available for purchase ($449), proceeeds going to Ohio Great Dane Rescue. Inquiries may come to moi.

In the States it's a holiday, a day when we remember Martin Luther King Jr. So much progress has been made, yet there's room for much, much more. Many businesses are closed and schools on holiday in his honor.

Meanwhile, I've got three kids off school ("A right delayed is a right denied," but watching television is not a right it's a priviledge, and the laundry cannot be delayed any longer, so get your grubby clothes into the laundry room now before you lose some priviledges!!**). An orthodontist appointment and a trip to the library is in order, so the odds are great that there won't be any easel time until later this evening.

Which means I'll share one of my favorite unsold Gratitude Paintings (hint, hint!!) and remind you that I'm always looking for rescued and adopted muses to brighten up my day (and portfolio).

Oh yeah, and if you are interested in fostering some pretty incredible dogs, Ohio Great Dane Rescue is looking for a few good homes. I can't think of a better group to get involved with!!

Happy Monday,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

**Quote by Martin Luther King Jr, repeated and embellished by "Ridiculous Mom" earlier this morning

Welcome

There's a number of new Painting a Dog a Day subscribers, followers and fans, and I wanted to welcome you aboard!!

Whether you found me from The Bloggess or the Doodling Unleashed Class or a google search for "Mean Mom", I am delighted and pledge to work hard not to disappoint!!

To help you get your bearings:

Every daily painting is on the project's blog Painting a Dog a Day.
My personal favorites and studio specific info, including how to commission a portrait of your own AND my classes and workshops calendar, can be found on the studio websiteTurtledoveDesigns.
Originals available for purchase are easily browsedhere.
Notecards can be ordered viaFineArtAmerica. If you don't see the image you want, let me know (I'll need the painting's title and date from the blog)
Reproductions can be ordered via FineArtAmerica if the original piece has been sold.
My publications to date (two more are in the works) can be ordered via Blurb.
Everything else fails, email me!

Thanks so much! I look forward to delivering many inspiring paintings and stories to your mailbox.

Colby's Chewie

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:09:00 +0000

"Colby's Chewie," 9" x 15", portrait of a yellow lab, done in acrylics on a panel.

Beating my head against the "painting wall" like I didyesterday, and then coming into the studio today and pulling Colby's painting out of nowhere, well, let's just sum it up by saying that life is a rollercoaster.

And I'm so glad that Colby pulled me out of the free fall.

Enjoy the weekend,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Kiki Kelly's Snowstorm

"If Snowflakes Were Colored," Kiki's take on a snowstorm, seems to have perfect timing.

Watch for future pieces related to sunshine (I know, eh, what's that?) and sea urchins (totally random, I agree).

Not So Smooth Sailing

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:06:00 +0000

An underpainting for something new and fantastic.....

It happens to every artist - for whatever reason, things just don't come off the brush quite the way they are planned. It happened to me today.

While sorting through panels of uncompleted paintings (I sadly have stacks of them), I decided to pick up and finish one.

It was a demo painting from last year, and I was excited about the tonality and textural qualities the composition provided.

I worked for a couple hours before realizing there were serious drawing problems. In correcting them, I discovered the shape of the canvas didn't match the proportion of the dog.

Rather than continue to work on a piece I would never have been satisfied with, I rubbed it all out and painted overtop.

And this is what I ended up with. A delightful modge-podge of bright color, color that will make a wonderful underpainting. For an entirely new piece. That won't make me want to tear my hair out.

I'll file my original idea away and have at it later on, after I've had a chance to learn a few more tricks.

Hoping all in the line of this midwestern storm stay safe, and may your days be colorful despite Mother Nature's intentions,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

The Canine Art Guild

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:51:00 +0000

An oldie but a goodie, one of my favorite paintings from 4 years back, "The Gift". This piece is also a perfect example of investing in art - all sentiment aside, it's increased in value by nearly 60%!!

The Canine Art Guild (CAG) was begun by a group of artists who wanted to establish a community that supported dog art and those who make dog art.

Little did we know that the CAG would be welcomed with such enthusiasm. Today the guild, numbering upwards of 120 members, fluorishes as an international collective of artists at all stages of their careers.

I've been lucky to sit at the helm all along, and I can't say enough what a blessing it has been. I've made friends with so many fellow artists, learned quite a bit in the process, and hopefully helped facilitate learning and sharing as well.

I invite you to take a peek at our website and peruse some of the members' art. You'll find all disciplines, and maybe discover a new favorite process or subject matter or artist.

And while there, can you cast a vote for the People's Choice Award in our latest exhibition? This is a remarkable exhibition in more ways than just the collection of art, as cash prizes will be awarded to animal rescues/shelters in lieu of individual artists!

Thanks so much for your time! Hoping tomorrow to have paperwork and computer duties completed so I can go to the easel with an unencumbered mind.

May your winter week be colorful and bright!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

January Desktop Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:53:00 +0000

This year I'm gifting monthly desktop calendars built from some of my favorite Painting a Dog a Day pieces. Ideally I'll send them out on the last Monday of the previous month, so watch for more timely updates!

To implement, simply 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 by no means an expert on the variety of operating systems, so I highly recommend that if you don't know how to change your desktop wallpaper, you don't just email me with your questions. Please consult your computer's help files - they will be more concise, more knowledgeable and more responsive than lil' ole' me.

However I fully expect there to be some sort of hiccough or two as I sort out the best means to get the Desktop Calendars implemented (meaning I've gotta figure out the most optimal file size and all that other good stuff!), so I appreciate your patience with me!! Andre is sized to fit a standard screen height of 768 - I realize there are lots of variables that could impact how this file displays on your screen, though. Please 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!).

Meanwhile, Andre says enjoy!!!

May your winter week be colorful and bright!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Having a Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:08:00 +0000

"Having a Ball", 8" x 10", acrylic on panel, starring a couple of merled Border Collies, hopefully headed to this year's Art Show at the Dog Show. Inquiries may come to me.

Here is the final painting I've prepared specifically for this year's Art Show at the Dog Show. I started these two last evening, working late into the nite, and picking up again early this morning.

This one's photographed in process on the studio Facebook page - and one clever and witty Facebook fan even titled it for me, as well!

So now jpgs of my entries are winging their way to the show jurors, and I shall hear by the end of this month which, if any, of my pieces were selected. Then it's a matter of finding proper frames and getting them shipped off to Kansas for the show, which opens in early March.

Think happy thoughts for these two, Nita, Ruby and Ammo and Tonka, the muses who inspired me to really push the envelope this year. None of my four are traditional portraits, and each one pushed me a little bit outside my comfort zone, so I am especially eager to learn the results!

All in all, I'd say things were a tremendous success regardless of what the jury says!

May your winter week be colorful and bright!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Ahem, ahh,

Thank You and Stuff

Last Friday's daily newsletter and blog post included a call for one final Art Show at the Dog Show muse. I also posted something on the studio's Facebook page over the weekend.

Can I say that the response was overwhelming?

So much so, that I couldn't respond to each one individually AND still hit today's deadline to get the painting completed. I'll be working on acknowledgement emails over the coming week.

But meanwhile, thank you!

And just because I didn't paint your submission this time around doesn't mean you are entirely out of luck. I've got a handful of other exhibitions coming up, and what artist isn't always trolling about, looking for a new muse?

Snow Much Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

"Snow Much Fun", 14" x 32", acrylic on panel, starring Nita-the-Fierce-Snowball-Hunter, hopefully headed to this year's Art Show at the Dog Show. Inquiries may come to me.

Here is another painting I've prepared specifically for this year's Art Show at the Dog Show. This one I did during the holiday break - it's a big portrait, and took me several days to complete.

You may recall the far left pose as one I painted before - at the time I was unhappy with certain elements and wanted to give it another shot (the background is certainly lovely, but poor Nita has no neck and shoulders as painted, and it's painful to look at!).

Originally I sketched Snow Much Fun with a different airborn pose on the far left. It didn't take me long to figure out that I needed the more inviting "come on and play" Nita to make the piece even more irresistable.

Any who, the tunes were cranked (I'm digging on the new Florence + the Machine release) and the paint was flying (just like the snow) while I worked on this piece.

My favorite bits are the super loose brushwork - many of the marks look like doodles. And the joy apparent in Nita's face led to some joyful color selections as well (I am in love with that turquiose blue-green that I sketched her with!).

There's PLENTY of views of this painting in process on the studio Facebook page - just visit the "Mobile Uploads" folder and step back a few days, since I worked on it at the tail end of last week and over the weekend.

I need to also thank Nita's mom for sending the most extraordinarily yummy photos ever. It's no surprise that stellar paintings start with stellar references. Perhaps I should dedicate a sidebar one day next week to taking good reference photos.....

Now what to paint next? I have one, maybe two, more Art Show at the Dog Show slots to fill..... You have the weekend to shower me with suggestions!!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Just a couple of joyous details from the attached painting, "Snow Much Fun."

But, Mom....

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:18:00 +0000

The finished product! "But, Mom....", 12" x 16", acrylic on panel, headed to this year's Art Show at the Dog Show. Inquiries may come to me.

The Art Show at the Dog Show is an annual juried exhibition in Kansas that focuses exclusively on canine artwork. I've been lucky enough to have work juried into it in past years and have my fingers crossed that this year will be no exception.

As with the majority of my recent work, I've placed multiple views of this painting in process on the studio Facebook page.

Wait'll you see tomorrow's painting, another one headed (hopefully) to Art Show at the Dog Show........

Here's to a fabulously colorful New Year - looks like we are off to a fantastic start!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

But, Mom....

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

An in process detail of my newest painting, "But, Mom....", 12" x 16", acrylic on panel.

I chose an ambitious composition for my next piece, a larger painting created specifically for The Art Show at the Dog Show, an annual juried exhibition in Kansas that focuses exclusively on canine artwork.

It's always fun to work up more complex concepts than a traditional portrait approach would not necessarily embrace. And after the holidays, when I've done primarily portraits for the prior 3 months, it's especially fun to lose myself in a storytelling piece.

As with most of my work, you can see multiple views of this painting (above is just a detail) on the studio Facebook page.

I regularly get emails asking about my processes and it often takes me days to respond personally - you are welcome to comment on the FB images if you have particular questions, and then I can answer them more quickly and in a public forum where they could potentially help/answer anothers' concerns.

Here's to a fabulously colorful New Year,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Special Thanks

Special thanks to photographer and artist Judy Wood for taking the photographs that inspired this painting.

Judy's ace at capturing moments like this and then "teasing" me with the photos. With her permission, I have built many a painting using her imagery. It's invaluable having another set of eyes that "sees" compositions in everyday settings the same way I do.

If you are an artist who works from photographs, I recommend you read this article about copyright lawwritten by Robert Vavra.

And then I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can find a partner like Judy to supplement/capture your own inspiration!!

Back in the Saddle Again

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:26:00 +0000

"Blooms I," 11" x 14", a mixed media painting by Kiki Kelly

I hope that your holidays were as delightful and magical as ours. We had some amazingly fun times with family and friends - and at home with ourselves, too. Lots of laughter, good eats (I need a chocolate cookie detox), a killer Bananagrams tourney, and even some most excellent football (way to go Michigan State Spartans!!).

And now it's back to work!!

I didn't get all the painting done that I planned on accomplishing over break, but there's still a small window of time before my most pressing of deadlines. Meanwhile, this week I'm also working on getting projects aligned - exhibition entries off, articles edited, files archived, reference photos sorted and lesson plan tweaking for my winter journalling workshops (email me if you want in - we'll be doing some COOL things!!).

And I'm taking a class myself - Traci Bautista's Doodles Unleashed, a month-long online session sponsored by Strathmore. You are welcome to join us - the class is free, and there's a very dynamic group of creatives openly sharing some epic inspiration.

The above painting is one of the very first homework assignments from the Doodles Unleashed class. The lesson was delightful, easy to follow with plenty of room for self expression, and resulted in some amazing artwork!!

Here's to a fabulously colorful New Year,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

detail of "Blooms I"

Meet Kiki

Kiki Kelly** is a whimsical and carefree artist who creates imaginative work based on memory and emotion. She thrives on non-traditional color and pattern combos, and her doodles dance about with perfect rhythm and grace (unlike herself!).

Thanks to popular demand, you can now order notecards and various reproductions of Kiki's artwork (including the piece to the right!).

Kiki's FineArtAmerica storefront is the ONLY place where you can find these images.

What a fabulous way to mail a smile or brighten up a rooml!

**Kiki was my childhood nickname, and all the artwork in Kiki's store hails from my personal journals and mixed media adventures.

Holiday Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:04:00 +0000

It's been a busy couple of days here. Between wrapping and delivering the last couple Dog a Day holiday portraits, finishing up my own creations for gift-giving, and readying my family for proper celebrations, this joint has been hopping.

Twas the night before The Night Before, and things are looking good.

Thanks in no small part to a few indulgences like these cookies.

They are a little more laborous than a traditional chocolate chip, but trust me - so worth it.

Wishing you all the best this coming week - no matter how you celebrate the holiday, may it happen with great joy. And a nibble of something chocolate.

Know that as I gather with my own family, I'll be thinking of the Painting a Dog a Day community, and sending out karma and warm wishes to everyone who's played a part the past 6 years. Many stories and muses have come into the studio, and I've loved the time spent with everyone of them.

And I am eager to return to work, meeting new ones and introducing them to you in the coming new year.

Meanwhile, if you can work it into next week, I highly recommend baking these cookies and sharing them with someone you love.

Thank you so much for supporting my artwork and providing my livelihood,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Chocolate Mind Crinkle Cookies

Adapted by Elizabeth St Hilaire Nelson from a recipe on Food.com.

2 c flour

1-1/2 c dark cocoa

2 t baking powder

1/2 t sea salt

2 c granulated sugar

1/2 c veggie oil

4 eggs

3 t peppermint extract

1 c powdered sugar

candy cane Hershey kisses

Mix together flour, cocoa, baking pwder and salt.

In a larger bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs and extract until well blended.

Combine dry and wet mixtures until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Heat oven to 350F. Roll dough into 1" balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place 1-1/2" apart on cookie sheets

Bake for 11-13 minutes. While baking, unwrap kisses. When cookies are done baking, immediately press a kiss in each cookie.

Place cookie sheet in fridge or freezer till cooled.

Store in an airtight container. That is, if they don't get eaten immediately!

Snowflakes

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:47:00 +0000

Detail of "It's Snowing!" a multi-media collage built from various patterned paper, paint, and tissue.

Today I am driving kids about (they have a busier social life than me!), doing a bit of computer work (the harddrive filled on one of my computers, so I've been compressing/backing up/juggling data about), and considering some holiday baking (I started last night with a delish apple-cherry brandy laced cobbler!).

Which doesn't leave any daylight hours at the easel, but that's ok - I'm content to come in later tonite and set up shop once things have quieted down.

Meanwhile, I thought you might enjoy a snippet from one of several new mixed media experiments. I can't show either of them because they are Christmas gifts, but I think you get a sense of how much fun The Princess and I had with the "paper explosion" that occurred in the studio this past weekend.

Thank you so much for supporting my artwork and providing my livelihood,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Inspiration From the Math Doodler

I have long been fascinated with the concept of basic geometry as a starting point for a journalling project. Last night I got the chance to play around with some ideas.

And as I was working, I realized that this YouTube short, which I had watched with The Princess months ago, was inspiring my approach.

http://youtu.be/DK5Z709J2eo

Take a peek at all her videos - they are so much fun!!

Liam

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:57:00 +0000

Liam," 8" x 10", commissioned pet portrait of a mixed breed, done in acrylics on a panel. Liam has the distinct honor of being my final holiday commission, and I will be delivering him later this week.

Liam came into my neighborhood via a rescue group that partners with my local shelter.

The shelter calls upon the group to foster some of their "wards." The adoptable animals spend time in a home environment, so that their caretakers better understand their personalities and needs. This creates a higher adoption success rate, and the animals are spared the stress of living for an untold amount of time in a shelter environment.

So Liam came from the shelter to a rescue group to my neighbor's home to my easel. And it was a perfect match on every front.

In process pics of Liam's portrait are on the studio facebook page.

Thank you so much for supporting my artwork and providing my livelihood,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Winter Break

The kids are out of school, which means breakfast is served at 11am and the studio is open 24/7.

Convenient, since we adore bacon and are planning a "homemade" Christmas.

Orange Tabby, A Painted Sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:07:00 +0000

"Orange Tabby," a painted sketch done in acrylics on multimedia artboard. This piece will be headed to a new home in several days, one of my final holiday commissions.

I have one more larger portrait to finish (with local delivery, phew!) and a handful of other projects to complete my own handmade Christmas gift giving.

But tonite we're welcoming the start of Christmas Break. It'll be a savory pot roast with all the fixings (My Better Half is a mean cook, too!), a celebratory gin and tonic (I'll have that now, please, bartender!), and some leftover birthday cake. After which we'll take in Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker (courtesy of the Ovation Channel).

Sigh. Life is good. So very good.

Thank you so much for supporting my artwork and providing my livelihood,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Helping Paws

The Canine Art Guild's annual Helping Paws Exhibition is now available for viewing online. Please stop by and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award - an award which will be given to the winning artwork's affiliated rescue group or shelter.

Additionally, all artwork is for sale, with proceeds benefitting the same groups.

See if you can't pick out a couple Dog a Day muses among the collection!

Happy Birthday, Princess!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:06:00 +0000

11 years ago, My Better Half and I were given the remarkable gift of a daughter.

I am the oldest of five with four younger brothers, and we already had two young boys, now suddenly big brothers. I was totally comfortable with Tonka and Monday Night Football and laughing at body noises.

What on earth was I going to do with a girl?

The Princess brought us up to speed in no time at all. She dances through life with a dazzling smile and an eager song, always ready to help and give of herself.

Happy birthday to the most remarkable young lady I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Thank you so much for supporting my artwork and providing my livelihood,

Kim, aka Mom

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PS Lest the boys feel left out, I should give them props, too. Caped Crusader, you keep me young at heart and on my toes and have the power of lighting up the room with your presence. And Man Child, you are an amazing young adult with a fierce loyalty, a steadfast heart and music in your soul. Not a day goes by that you two don't make me proud.

Doodle 12.31

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Santini) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:20:00 +0000

I'm taking Dawn Devries Sokol's "Doodle 12/31" journalling class this month. I haven't gotten a whole lot of time invested in my Doodle 12.31 book yet, but I still wanted to share a few spreads.

This time I've altered a Little Golden Book, preparing my backgrounds by covering each page with layers of acrylic paint that obscure the print. The layers of paint are thrown down with abandon, forming random shapes/values that I'll journal overtop during the month. Each page is a combination of materials including paint, markers, collage elements, glitter and various other fun things.

In January, I'm taking a class with Traci Bautista (of"Collage Unleashed" and the newly published "Doodles Unleashed" fame, among other things) and after that, I will study with Carla Sonheim (the miraculously talented and inspiring author of "Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists"). These are all on-line classes, and I work on my journals around other studio projects.

I've found that the freedom to create whatever leads to some unfettered pages inside my journals. It's also great inspiration to mix materials and imagery in ways foreign to my Dog-a-Day paintings. Which keeps my mind fresh and my hand light when I step to the easel each day.

Wanna learn more about journalling? I offer two types of classes, one geared towards students aged 5-15 and another one for adults.

We're on hiatus right now, but winter sessions start up in mid-late January. Email me to get more information.

Psst - tuition makes for a great gift, and at $15/class or $60 for 5, it's easy on the wallet, too!!

Thank you so much for supporting my artwork and providing my livelihood,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Keeping Secrets

Because I painted today for someone who subscribes to the daily emails and follows me on Facebook, I have to keep the newest Dog a Day portrait a secret. I don't want to spoil anyone's Christmas.....

I love keeping secrets!!