Catch! ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Catch!," 9" x 14", portrait of a yellow lab, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord. Add this painting - and a big grin - to your collection for $599. Inquiries may come to me.   Despite a day fraught with interruptions - the phone, carpools, a furiously barking dog, and a myriad of other events trying to draw me astray - I finished my painting. A rather ambitious one to boot. Doesn't matter that it's the nth hour. I'm very pleased with myself.   Seems extra fitting that I also was reading something today about unabashedly allowing your happiness to shine. This girl has that part down - we could all take a lesson from her!   Meanwhile, I'm off to bed - looks like tomorrow could be a repeat of today.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     COMING UP ~~ PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN. Email me to get on the early bird list.

Last winter one of my Dog-a-Day paintings earned first place in a Richeson 75 exhibition. This prize came with a wonderful gift certificate towards Jack Richeson art supplies.   My first box arrived today, packed with a huge variety of brushes and other goodies. My fistful (above) represents just a few of my new tools. I think I'm set with brushes for a little bit......   Thank you, Jack Richeson & Co for your generousity!

Twilight, A Painted Sketch ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Twilight," image approximately 6" x 7" roughly centered on a 9" x 12" mounted artists' multimedia board. This is a commissioned portrait of two dogs, one in the twilight of his life, the other a sage youngster comparatively speaking. Done in Golden Open Acrylics. A special thank you to my new collector SB, who's been planning and waiting patiently for her painting. Marley (the Beagle) had been scheduled for a single portrait but when his Mom shared a remarkable photo of Marley and little (bigger) sister Billie slowly ambling off together, the concept for his painting changed completely. He left this world peacefully in July, at the ripe old age of 15. I just love how this composition sums up his relationship with his family. Always at their side. Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com COMING UP ~~ PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN. Email me to get on the early bird list.

What's the difference between a painted sketch and a painting? Great question! Painted sketches are done in acrylics on paper, more loosely detailed, a little whimsical. They must be displayed behind glass. Their size (rarely larger than 9" x 12") and complexity depend entirely on your budget. They start at $49. Paintings are done on museum quality panels, carry more detail and density of color (comparatively speaking), and are also priced based on size and complexity. Paintings come with a varnish and are rigid enough to be displayed on a table easel or leaning on a shelf. A 4" square miniature painting starring one animal is $209 - prices go up from there. Visuals usually help, too. See some sketches. And some paintings. Can't make up your mind? Let me do it for you!! Email me for advice on your project.

Roxy ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Roxy," 8" x 10", portrait of a little black French Bulldog, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord. This one's not for sale - she's already got a most excellent home.   However, I know there will be those wanting something similar, so just email me and we'll put together a killer project just for you.   This is the live demonstration painting I did on Saturday atRaining Cats and Dogs in Frankenmuth, Michigan. I moved a good hunk of my studio onto their front porch, and set up for an idyllic day of pushing color about and chatting it up with passers-by.   For the record, I am so pleased that they invited me to hang my artwork in their store AND allowed me to come work with them for a day. I can't wait to do it again.    If you didn't make it up this weekend, that's ok - my work is there indefinately, and I will regularly bring up new paintings, too. 10% of all sales (including commissioned portraits!) made through them will be donated to animal shelters/rescue groups in the Frankenmuth area, too.    Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   OH YEAH - "Ladybugs" has sold (thanks to collector AT!!), which means reproductions are now available on FineArtAmerica. And the same goes with "Whiskery Clyde" (welcome to new collector BK!!) - get your repros here.   COMING UP ~~ PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN. Email me to get on the early bird list.

Just a few pics from the weekend.....   At first I set up on the porch, but it was literally raining cats and dogs, and they kindly brought me inside (ironically next to the Thundershirts).......     Where I was teased with displays of colorful leashes and great gifts for nearly everyone I knew......

Puppies

I recently received a call from a very nice woman that asked if I would paint her children.  We got together, discussed her ideas and I showed her originals and examples of all my work.  During the meeting, I apologized because all my recent work over the years rarely involves people or kids.  I just love doing animals, especially puppies.  Animals seem to come much more easily and I decided to turn down the commission.  In this economy, I should jump at the chance but felt that I couldn't produce a picture for her that I would be happy with.  My art comes from a place deep inside and I need to follow my heart...so more puppies for me.

Ladybugs ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

Once this original painting sells, I'll make reproductions (notecards and giclees) available in my FineArtAmerica storefront.

"Ladybugs," 12" square, a portrait of two Great Dane little ladies, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord. These pups hail from a recent litter rescued by Ohio Great Dane Rescue (OGDR) and the painting is the latest addition to my Gratitude series.   There is a short wait list for "Ladybugs," and I am working through those in the order received. If you would like an option to purchase them, please send me an email. I have a feeling that this painting, like the puppies, will find a wonderful home in no time at all.   If you didn't see them yesterday, some in process pics are on the studio Facebook page.   I'm off to lead my grownUP journallers in tonite's workshop - we are playing with graphite and watercolors, which should be a good time.   Meanwhile, who to paint tomorrow? decisions, decisions.....   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     COMING UP ~~ PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN. Email me to get on the early bird list.     So you blew off my opening last Saturday night, and look what you missed.......   Gallery 194 invited the Romeo Guild of Art to hang a group show this month.   If you get a chance, please swing by  - it is a fabulous exhibit deep with talent from some of my favorite Michigan artists like (we're in no particular order, guys, so don't even think about giving me grief!) Ken Taylor, Barb and Don Clay, Sharon Will, Sue Kwolek, Don Wieland, Jan Filarski, Janet Almstead-Davison, Robert Fionda and Laura Gabriel. Just to name a few.   There was live music, most excellent food and drinks and Mother Nature even provided a spectacular thunderstorm.   And I learned that "A Gentle Breeze", pictured above, earned 2nd Place. On top of that, another of my pieces sold (thank you very much to new collector EW).   My sincerest thanks to the staff at Gallery 194 for this opportunity.   And next time, peeps, come on out to the party!! You're always invited!!

Ladybugs, In Process ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Ladybugs," an in process painting of two Great Dane pups from Ohio Great Dane Rescue (OGDR), and the latest addition to my Gratitude Paintings series. This piece is 12" square, and will be available for purchase when completed (tomorrow?), with the proceeds going to OGDR.   If you are interested in purchasing "Ladybugs," I suggest you get in line now by sending me an email. I have this feeling that these girlies won't be around for long.   And yes, I know that the general idea is that I complete a painting each day.   HOW-EV (said with attitude - my kids are teaching ME stuff these days!), some paintings demand more than a day's effort, and these two darlings asked nicely for extra time. How could I say no? they are behaving so well in the studio. The ladybugs, on the other hand.....   A few in process pics are on the studio Facebook page, if you are interested.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     COMING UP ~~ PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN. Email me to get on the early bird list.   Just a few of the things happening around these parts:   THURS: grownUPs Journalling at Little Monsters in Lake Orion, Michigan, 6-8pm   SAT: Live paint demonstration at Raining Cats and Dogs in Frankenmuth, Michigan, 1-5pm   SUN: The Man Child leaves for camp, which means I'm down 1 kid for the week   NEXT TUES: final kids journalling class of the summer at Little Monsters in Lake Orion, 6-7:30   NEXT WED: Football Camp begins for The Caped Crusader - another kid gone!   NEXT THURS: Wild celebrations scheduled as The Princess and I take over the house   Email me to reserve a spot at either of the journalling classes. Next Thursday's wild celebration, however, is a private party.

Marley vs The Dragon, Part II A Lesson Painting ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

I took a little break from this one, but finished her up late late late last night. Or was it this morning? oh well, does it really matter?

 

Here's where we were last week.

 

And here's the what I did last night (NOTE: in the interest of full disclosure, in addition to painting, I also consumed the better 1/2 of a package of mint oreos):

 

I started by pulling Marley's gaze down to the dinosaur toy. I also popped a bunch more color into her face. I spent lots of time studying the background - my initial concept included a sidewalk/concrete showdown, but the value range this created wasn't working.

 

So I brought the game indoors, literally. I added a stack of board games, thinking that would provide both supplemental context and the appropriate values. But in the long run, I realized this competed with Marley's face. Not acceptable.

 

So out the games went, and instead I laid down a loose and shadowy interpretation of an interior room in the far ground. And I added turquoise/blue washes to the rug so that the dinosaur really popped. (And then whiled away some time looking at various rug patterns online to see if any were suitable for the foreground - no luck there, but I did find one that would be simply marvelous in my front room.)

 

Finally, just to make it obvious that the dinosaur was a toy, I added a few marbles in.

 

"Marley vs The Dragon," 16" x 22", Golden Open Acrylics on a gallery stretched canvas, depicting the (now infamous) bulldog pup Marley, a Schleich dinosaur, and a few of my (lost) marbles. This painting is available for purchase through the Orion Art Center (248-693-4986) as part of their Dragon on the Lake Festival.

 

So what do you think about the first Dragonslayer painting? Is this a series I should continue?

 

Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family.

 

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

 

GInger ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Ginger," a commissioned pet portrait of a boxer, 9" x 18". Done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord, Ginger will be headed to a new home shortly (THANK YOU!).   I posted some in process photos on the studio Facebook page if you are interested in seeing Ginger's progression.   Before you peek, though, see if you can guess what color the underpainting is......   I'll give you a hint - it actually factored in as the third color in my triad of orange, green and [fill in the blank]. Using a triad for the basis of the majority of the paint mixtures allows for a rich and harmonious variety of neutrals (this is something we talk about in my painting workshops! I've got another one scheduled for October......).   Meanwhile, down below is a sneak peek at some of the faces (or backsides, as the case may be) that are lining up for their turn on my easel. I've had great fun meeting new critters and taking their photos all summer long.   By the way, thanks for respecting my copyright on these photos - at this time they are only for my use. If you are interested in copying or working from some of my images, please drop me a line first so that I can share my guidelines for doing so.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     JUST ANNOUNCED!!  PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN, for reservations call 248-693-4986

Hot Puppy by Linda Snider Ward

This little guy was trying to beat the heat panting as fast as he could. I took this picture last summer in New Orleans when my daughter took her dog in for a digital ID. The heat was awful, but little did I know that this year's heat would be even worse! (oil painting, gallery wrapped canvas, 4" x 4"). You can view more of Linda's artwork at her new website

Dougall's Stick ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

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"Dougall's Stick," a commissioned painted sketch, paper  12" x 9", image approximately 9" x 5". Done in Golden Open Acrylics on artists' multimedia panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). Dougall got a rough start to life, but that didn't break his spirit. His Mom says "....he is a giant dog in a little body with an absolute heart of gold." Yeah, I can see that. Quite clearly. I bet you can, too! Have a Dougall of your own? tell me all about him/her! I live for these sorts of stories.... (psst, sketches start at $49 and make great gifts - when was the last time you treated yourself?) Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN, for reservations call 248-693-4986   Sharing the Dog a Day Love   You would love my dear friend Dinah. We call her "The Cupcake Fairy," because she leaves a box of scrumptious goodies on our stoop and ding dong ditches us. She is always up to something wonderful that always results in someone feeling extra special.   Dinah works at a cafe, and she sold her employer on the idea of raising money for a local rescue group.   Last week they began collecting donations for Waggs and Wishes and invited me to hang my artwork on site (proceeds from resulting sales/commissions will be donated too!).   They are so pleased with the addition of real artwork that I've been asked to rotate work on a regular basis.   I think, though, the root of the change lies in the compassion that is now openly displayed via a wall of "pawprints" with donors' pets' names and stories.   Stop by and visit - I'll vouch for Dinah's soup. It's dee-lish.

Abby, Moxie's "big" sister

Heeeere’s Abby! Abby is a good friend of my dog Dasher. When Abby lived closer we walked together almost every day that weather permitted. The dogs look a lot alike, except Abby seems to be a miniature version of Dasher, and people often assume they’re related. They’re still great friends but we miss seeing them as much as we used to. It’s frightening how quickly the time has flown these last ten years, and painting this portrait has been a joy and a celebration of a life well lived. Cheers, Abby!

If you’d like to commission a painting of your puppy or senior dog, kitty or cow, (or any other creature of any age with whom you share your life) please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss what you’re looking for.  Thanks for stopping by. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, (blowell), and LinkedIn.

Yin and Yang Exhibition

The CAG has just published our latest on-line exhibition, titled "Yin and Yang." This show is organized around the ancient theme of Yin Yang, the pull and balance of opposites. CAG members were invited to create work fitting the Yin Yang concept, with their art being displayed on the group's website.

Our jurors, Judy Wood and Juliet Harrison, reviewed the entries and judged based on adherence to the theme, mastery of materials, and excellence of composition. Three Merit Awards were given: Elin Pendleton, Harry Boardman, and Sheona Hamilton-Grant. Merit Award recipients will receive $75 and have their artwork featured on the CAG Merit Hall of Fame (currently under construction).

You are invited to view the exhibition and cast your vote for our final award, that being the $50 People's Choice (please note only one vote per person - duplicate votes will be deleted). Votes may be cast during the first 45 days of the show's publication.

The next CAG exhibition will this fall - our 4th Annual Helping Paws - where artists partner with their favorite shelter or rescue group and awards go to their animal welfare partners instead of the individual artists.

CAG memberships are $30 US per year. For information on becoming a member of the Canine Art Guild, please visit our website.

Congratulations to each of the artists participating in this exhibition - it is a remarkable collection of diverse and meaningful imagery! And a special congratulations to our award winners.

Moxie! - a painting by Beth Lowell

This slightly larger-than-life portrait measuring 11.5"  x 8.5" suits Moxie, a character with a larger-than-life personality. This portrait captures him in a rare quiet moment. It's on its way to the framer today and will be heading to its new owner shortly afterward. Next up, Moxie's older sister, Abby. Working on them has been a great experience since I know both dogs so well, and it's been an honor to have been selected to paint them!

Interested in commissioning a portrait of your pet? Visit my website and feel free to Contact me for details.

You can also find me on Facebook .

Newfoundland Painting by Dawn Secord

This painting was recently completed. The upper image is the completed painting. The lower image is one of the reference photos used for the painting. (To see the reference photo go to my blog at http://www.artofthedog.blogspot.com/

Since Newfoundlands are water dogs, it was decided to have a water scene as the background. The dog's owners live in Southern California so I used some reference photos of surf I'd taken from Laguna Beach several years prior.

The dog's right eye was partially obscured by her coat. In the painting, I cleaned that area up a bit so both eyes were clearly visible. The bright morning light shown too much on her coat casting a silver look. Thus, the photos neglected to reflect her deep black coat. In her painting, the color of the coat is more accurate.

If you are interested in having me paint your dog please call or send me an email. 909-393-7111 or fff@linkline.com

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

http://www.artofthedog.blogspot.com/

www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html

www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

The Ropes a new Molly A Poole watercolor

“The Ropes” a new watercolor on paper (8″x10″)
Can’t seem to stay away from painting dogs and water. I would like to be getting my feet wet too during these dog days of summer.

In the next few months I will be working on exclusively dog paintings for an upcoming local feature show in November.
You can see more of my work at granitedog.com

Thanks always to Trish Richardson for sharing her wonderful photos of her gorgeous crew. This is one of her pups. Carson is his name.

Short Time

I thought I would post a sketch of a wonderful dog named "Nelson", who I got to meet not too long ago.  The owners live on Emerald Isle, NC and called to have a portrait painted of him.  I went to their house for a photo session on a beautiful warm morning.  Nelson is a Schnauzer with boundless energy, but they had noticed a change in him since a cancer had been removed recently.  I have gone through the same thing with my Ridgeback "Socks".  He bounded around the yard, with me chasing after him trying to capture a few good photographs.  We all had a wonderful time laughing at his antics and I got to know him a little bit at least!   I received an email less than a month later telling me he had to be put to sleep.  What a short time we seem to have with our furry companions.  I am looking forward to painting a beautiful watercolor of "Nelson" among the trees in tribute to that day when he gave everyone joy... 

Mya, A Lesson Painting, Part I ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

I started a new commission, a 12" x 14" portrait of a gorgeous Husky (Malamute? I don't know the difference - someone educate me please!). Since the painting was too big for me to complete in one day, I decided to give you yet another step-by-step.

Don't you love this underpainting? It's Light Turquoise (Pthalo) and while I don't use it that often, when I do it just makes me smile. It will add the perfect accent to all the purples and blues in Mya's coat, and play a nice compliment to the warmer buff tones in her shoulders.

You can see my sketch, done loosely in a paler version of the underpainting - I just identified where Mya's face was going to sit, and roughed out the shape of her skull before reaching for more color.

Here I've started to sculpt her face - with a Husky, because their skin and fur thickly blanket their head, it is key that I get the planes identified properly at this stage. Otherwise she'll look like a stuffed animal.

And because I like to talk to my muses while they are in the studio, I went for her eyes and nose next. Getting an area of the canvas done correctly in the earlier stages allows for better decision making - and the eyes identify my darkest darks and my lightest lights, so I can base all my other paint mixtures upon their relationship to Mya's eyes.

I can actually hear her breathing now. 

While I adored the underpainting, it was distracting, so I mixed a harmonious gray (using the light turquoise and cadmium red - opposites on the color wheel) and glazed various tints of it overtop the background for a lovely effect. 

Isn't she gorgeous?

And that's where I'll leave off. Thanks so much for your attention - I love sharing my paintings with you!!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com