Lucy ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Lucy," 10" square, commissioned portrait of a very personable Boxer, done in Golden Open Acrylics on panel, private collection (many thanks to my returning collector!)   Lucy is full of advice and not afraid to share it. She also thinks she's a lap dog (but YOU try and tell her otherwise) and loves her Daddy more than anything.   This is a Christmas gift, so if you know Lucy, please don't go and spoil anything or I'll get in big trouble.   By the way, Lucy's painting was photographed in process and updated to the studio Facebook page in the Mobile Uploads folder. Just in case you are interested in seeing all the stages between the underpainting and the finished thing.   Thank you for supporting my artwork and providing my livelihood, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Underpaintings   In my studio, underpaintings serve a couple of purposes: They immediately kill any fear of working with a blank surface (yes, I get intimidated by a clean panel and a challenging idea) They provide a value other than bright white for comparing colors/brushwork (it's way easier to judge whether I've got the right value mixed when I'm using a middle value as opposed to one of the two extremes) They are an excuse to kick the saturation up. Way, way up. Although the first two are probably the most important, the third reason is my favorite. Because I like to layer loose and messy brushwork, and when I do this, I get great "peek-a-boo-pockets" inbetween. And when I have a boldly colored underpainting, those pockets reveal surprise touches of color that delight the eye. Just like Lucy.

Miniature Portraits / Christmas Ornaments

I've started making some miniature portraits! They have been so much fun to make and I'm really happy with how they've been turning out. They're 3"x3" and are created with a mixture of acrylic paint and colored pencils. I use a technique with heating the colored pencil so the wax can be manipulated like paint. I'm so proud of them!

My newest that I just finished yesterday, I just love Boston Terriers!

They are $20 and come with a nice decorative box perfect for storage. A miniature display easel can also be purchased to display the art year round.


Website: www.ericavojnich.com
Email : erica@ericavojnich.com
Facebook: Fine Art By Erica Vojnich

"Perseverance" by Beth Lowell

"Perseverance" 10 x 8 pastel (c) Beth Lowell 2011

According to Dictionary.com, the word perseverance means: “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”

In a theological sense, it means “continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.”

I’m not sure about eternal salvation here, but this word definitely describes Koh-Koh’s steadfastness in the face of adversity. Attacked by neighborhood dogs, he came to the Misha May Foundation after sustaining serious injury that required some pretty extensive and reconstructive surgery. He never once complained.

Misha May’s volunteer foster family also deserves kudos for their preseverance in caring for him for just about a year until Koh-Koh found his forever home.

I chose this dog as my muse for my final entry to the Canine Art Guild’s annual Helping Paws exhibition because of his courage and as a tribute to the Misha May Foundation’s dedication and hard work in helping him recover. (Besides, who can resist a cone-wearing dog?)

It took some perseverance on my part, too. Without my favorite pastel paper for months due to what I’ve heard are production issues, I finally took matters into my own hands and tinted the white Wallis sanded paper I had with an acrylic wash. Painting with pastels on a bright white background has a terrible effect on the colors! I can’t believe this idea didn’t dawn on me sooner, but I’m glad to have found a solution until the Belgian Mist colored paper is available again.

You know what my favorite synonym for perseverance is? Doggedness!

Thanks for looking and sharing with those you feel might enjoy my work. Pet portraits make great holiday gifts, and don’t forget, gift certificates do too!

Beth Lowell
www.bethlowellfineart.com
beth@bethlowell.com

Poodles, in Process ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

Both of the above commissioned portraits are 10" square, and both are currently in residence on my easel.   My goal is to finish them tonite, but we shall see what happens. I also have to make cranberry relish and pineapple upside down cupcakes..... it might be a late nite!!   Meanwhile, I have gotten into the habit of regularly posting updates of paintings in progress on the studio Facebook page - usually in the Mobile Uploads folder.   I invite you to take a peek and see if this is something you are interested in following.    Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Zoe ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Zoe," 8" square, commissioned portrait of a Border Collie, done in acrylics on panel, headed to a private collection (THANK YOU!).   Painting posthumous portraits are simultaneously one of the most painfully difficult and spectacularly rewarding aspects of my job. It makes no sense, I know, but there it is - I guess confronting loss allows the painting process to give the gift of a lifetime's worth of memories.   We started planning Zoe's portrait in August and she suddenly took ill in late September, passing away peacefully and with her family in October. Unbeknownst to me, I chose to paint her on the one month anniversary of her crossing the bridge.   You can laugh all you want, but I think Zoe had a hand in getting herself on my easel today and sending a message of reassurance to her family!   If you are interested, the progression of Zoe's portrait was photographed and is included on the studio Facebook page.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

 

Above, a page from my NaNoJouMo 2011 Journal, page inspired by the prompt "take flight." Page created with multiple monoprints, acrylic paint and micron pens in a "green" journal

Journalling Classes   This week ushers in the end of journalling classes for the year! Yikes, but that's hard to believe!   For our final get-togethers, we'll talk about journalling prompts and I'll share techniques to carry us through the holidays in a creative frame of mind.   Please RSVP so that I prepare enough take home materials for participants!   Thursday, 6-8pm, grownUPs Sunday, 2-3, Kids Journalling   Both classes are at Little Monsters Toy Store in downtown Lake Orion.   Hope to see my regular journaliste's there!!

Nova, A Painted Sketch ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

Detail of "Nova," commissioned sketch of a black lab, image approximately 7" x 5", roughly centered on a 10" x 8" piece of multimedia artboard. This little guy (well, in reality I suppose he's pretty solid and not so little at all!) is headed to a new home next week.   I also spent some time journalling today, trying out a few new materials and working off inspirations found onpinterest.   So many ideas, so little time!   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Cayenne ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Cayenne," painted sketch of a beautiful Vizsla. The image is approximately 3" x 6" and roughly centered on an 6" x 10" piece of multimedia artists' board. You can add Cayenne - who comes housebroken, by the way - to your collection for a mere $69.   Inspired by photos taken at Mutt Lynch Winery in Healdsburg California last summer.    Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Tools of the Trade   Sure, I could tuck my brushes in empty tin cans, but I am a sucker for pretty things. And when those pretty things come from a good friend, that means I have a small piece of her keeping me company in the studio.   Besides, I'd be insane not to roll out a Red Carpet Welcome for Mr and Mrs Turtle (pronounced "Tur-Dell"). You should have heard the gossip they were sharing today!! It was outrageous!

Blossom, an acrylic painting by Beth Lowell

'Blossom', a 10 x 8 acrylic painting (c)  Beth Lowell  2011

Katie Sue came to the Misha May Foundation flea-ridden, with worms, mites, and mange. Volunteers thought she was a senior dog, but a trip to the vet revealed that she was just a year old pup who had seen way too much of a bad life. Katie Sue’s life turned around though, and with lots of TLC, she blossomed into the sweet girl she’s now become. This painting will be an entry into the Canine Art Guild’s 2011 Helping Paws - All Creatures Great and Small Exhibition. A portion of proceeds from sales of this painting will be donated to the Misha May Foundation. Stay tuned for show details!

Beth Lowell
www.bethlowellfineart.com
beth@bethlowell.com

Penny Peach ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Penny Peach," 8" x 12", portrait of a rescued terrier mix, done in acrylic on panel. I believe this painting is spoken for, but if you would like dibs or something similar, please email me.   You saw the beginnings of her furry little face yesterday, and I raced into the studio to finish up today. You can see in process photos of Penny's portrait via updates on the studio Facebook page.   Penny's is the latest to join my Gratitude Project, where I'm painting rescued animals and highlighting the joy and love they are so eager to give.   The Santa Cruz SPCA in California, the shelter that matched Penny to her current family, will receive a nice donation when this painting sells.   Do you know of a Gratitude muse? Send non-flash pics my way, and they just might end up in a painting!!   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

The Happiness Project   I am just starting to read this book after hearing marvelous things from a couple friends.   I asked yesterday if anyone had read it, and got some remarkable responses.   One reader theorized that Painting a Dog a Day WAS my own Happiness Project (thanks FS!!).   I think she's right!!   I'd love to hear more about your experiences or thoughts on this book and the idea that we can create greater happiness in our lives.   Thanks for sharing!   PS Mona's happiness evolves around a warm napping spot and a full food dish. She's got it beautifully pared down to the basics!