Squeaky Clean and Overthinking - by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Squeaky Clean," 15" x 24", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a blood bay Thoroughbred getting bathed. Inspired by the barn area at historic Saratoga Racetrack. This painting is available for $1299 to the first one asking nicely. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS I was half afraid to come into the studio this morning for fear Squeaky wasn't nearly as good as I remembered. But then he was. Then I started thinking what would happen if I ruined him during today's painting session? But then I didn't. Some days you have to stop thinking and trust that you can. Here's to a safe trip for all the horses running tomorrow, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Saratoga ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

IN PROCESS, and untitled, 24" x 6", track scene from the early, early morning at Saratoga Race Track.  Inspired by many a morning spent hanging on the rail, listening to the horses and riders gallop past. This is acrylics on museum quality panel and will be for sale when finished - inquiries can come to moi!    I started this one last nite, and it proceeded along with a wee bit of drama - pics are on Facebook - I had planned to be done by now, but what can I do?   Thanks for following along, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

At the Gate ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

The newest painting in the Saratoga Series, "At the Gate," has been signed. The above photo is from my cell phone, and it's an in-process shot and a little blurry (my apologies) - I didn't think to take a clearer photo before delivering the panel to my framer for trimming. But I think you get the idea! Below is a detail of the same in-process stage.....       This painting will be coming with me to Spa Fine Art in Saratoga, New York - unless someone speaks up in the next 48 hours (email me!!).   The piece is roughly 4-1/2" x 18", done in acrylics on a museum quality panel, and $549.   In process images are on the studio Facebook page - you might have to scroll back through the weekend's posts, since I worked this one up on Saturday.   And yes I did say I was taking this with me to Saratoga - I leave tomorrow!! I'll be in New York through the weekend, and return to daily painting on Wednesday of next week.   Don't forget my live painting demonstration on Friday at Spa Fine Art!! You can call the gallery for details - 518-587-2411. I'm bringing a racing scene and another post parade composition along with me - both very challenging pieces, but ones that should prove to also be very entertaining.    Kim, who cannot wait to watch the sunrise over the track (and I'm a girl who takes her sleep very seriously!) ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Christmas in July

 

The Christmas in July Giveaway is going strong - and last nite I upped the ante and decided to give away TWO paintings - so head on over to the studio Facebook page, people!!

 

"Like" my page (if you haven't already) and share the Christmas in July Giveaway image on your own Facebook page.

 

You gotta do it by the end of this month, though, to be eligable to win.

 

More details are here.

 

Shooting Star by Sheona Hamilton-Grant

"Shooting Star"

Pencil on Paper

44x29 cm

Sheona Hamilton-Grant. All rights reserved

As soon as I saw the reference sent by wonderful photographer and fellow artist Juliet Harrison, all I wanted to do was get tucked into portraying this exquisite running machine.

Focus had to be given to the graceful lines, athletic long neck, beautifully defined shoulders and the ever alert inquisitive eye. 

In order to pep-up and add a wee twist to the final composition, interesting elements, such as his elegant pride, apparent coolness in the spotlight, controlled presence when in the thick of things, were had to feature.

I adored drawing this athlete, all the memories of my days "in the business" came flooding back.  They had a strong magnetic pull on my pencils.   The hours spent on the drawing board one big long refreshing walk down memory lane.

The icing on the cake: both Shooting Star and Up & Running are on their way to Australia as I type. 

Both are finalists in this years Inglis Equine Art Prize and their presence now required on the Australian Equine Art circuit! 

So very very chuffed. 

Actually chuffed to very little pieces!

p.s: Massive thank-yous' once again to Juliet Harrison for generously allowing me to use her material and vision. p.p.s: Juliet's work, her interpretation of the equine form is so beautiful. Her use of light masterful. If you are unfamiliar with her work, you simply must discover her amazing art world at http://julietrharrisonphotography.com/

Hotwalker, In Process ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

In Process (and nearly completed) - "Hotwalker," 9" x 14", a backstrech image from Saratoga Racetrack in upstate New York, acrylic on museum quality panel, not yet available for purchase. Inquiries may come to me.   In process photos of this painting can be viewed on the studio's Facebook page. My gameplan is to finish and sign off on this one tomorrow.

I am a painting fool, getting multiple pieces (that have been in-the-works for some time now) signed and wrapped and ready to wing their ways to a multitude of locations.   It's the best sort of fool to be!!   Toodle-loo, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Small Works by Kerry Nelson

New Work by Kerry Nelson
"Gallant Run" 4x6 inch alkyd oil painting

This is for sale and listed on ebay at
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140686045528?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649


"Ready to Run" 4x6 inch alkyd oil painting

This is for sale on Etsy at

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90156116/ready-to-run-original-4x6-horse-with

www.KerryOriginals.etsy.com
www.KerryOriginals.com

THe Best Day Ever ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"The Best Day Ever," 8" x 16", Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel, portrait of a Thoroughbred racehorse, collection of the artist. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.

Some of you might remember that last summer I road tripped it to Saratoga Race Track with my girlfriends Linda Shantz and Juliet Harrison. I had planned on going again this year, but things happened (like the solo show in Utah and the wine label win) that required my attention elsewhere.

Meanwhile, they went without me (the horror!!), and another dear friend, Sharon Passmore (yes, she should have a website but does not - yet!), joined them (see how replaceable I am?!).

Like a junkie I hung on their every Facebook status update and lingered over the photos they shared, hunting down the same Ben & Jerry's flavors they were indulging in and wishing there was a Lake Orion based Mrs London's to fill my pastry cravings.

Next year I am SO going to be in Saratoga.

But meanwhile, here's a painting inspired by last year's trip. The real thing, a horse truly named "The Best Day Ever," who capped off a most extraordinary day of inspiration at the track. (And I apologize right now for my poor photoshopping skills in knitting the multiple scans together.)

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

"Blazin' Fast!" original 16x20 oil by Kerry Nelson

This racing scene will add a blaze of color to your decor! 

Original oil painting on 2.5" deep gallery stretched canvas with black painted sides.  $599.95

Purchase Here!

Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Saratoga Stripes, #2," from the Saratoga Series, 6" x 8", acrylic equine painting on canvasboard depicting a racehorse in the paddock at Saratoga Race Track in New York, $349 to the first one under the wire. Inquiries may always come to me.

SOLD.

Last summer I was able to visit Saratoga with two great friends and fellow artists. We hung at the track, gallery hopped, and had a genuinely delightful weekend. They were reminescing last night, and it got me thinking about the energy we were a part of for those few days. The challenge I set for myself was to capture the excitement in a relatively static composition.

I'm pleased to no end with the results of this painting, which represents another breakthrough in my neverending search to better understanding of color and distance. I'm handicapped in this due to my heavy reliance on reference photos (because I prefer to paint animals, uncooperative as they may be). The camera treats everything in the viewfinder with an equal balance of color saturation and value assignment - but the human eye sees life very differently. Painting from life has helped me to add truer color and value ranges to my paintings, even when I'm working primarily from photographs.

It's starting to all come together. A wonderful way to start the New Year!

There are a few minor adjustments I will make to this piece - it never fails, once the painting is dry and scanned, I see something I want to tweek. The edge on the far haunch is a wee bit too sharp, that gate has to go back further and I want to soften the shadow on the breeches.

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

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

painting for a purpose...

Since my right hand is in a brace, I was going to paint my pARTy painting (reference photo by Linda Shantz)with my left hand...I decided to use my right hand instead, giving myself 'one hour' by timer, just seeing what I will come up with...finishing after an agonizing hour, I decided it was finished, although different from my norm artworks it was good to see that it was not too tight...admittedly a struggle but I managed.

"workout" Acrylic 5" x 7" for sale ($80. or offer + $4.00 S/H)

the money I make from this painting will go for the Texas horses at Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society and T-bars

more about delia

John Henry Oil Painting by Kerry Nelson

This is a small 9x12 oil painting on 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas and is a portrait of the great thoroughbred racehorse, John Henry. It has the sides painted and comes already wired to hang, so, you can display it immediately as is, or, if you prefer, you can buy any standard 9x12 frame (not included). This original oil painting will be carefully wrapped and shipped by priority mail with FREE SHIPPING! (US only).

AVAILABLE FOR SALE  $249.
See new work and works in progress at www.KerryOriginals.blogspot.com and see works for sale at www.KerryOriginals.etsy.com .