Derby Week - Horse Art Auction by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Watch Eye," 6" x 8", from 2007, one of eight equine paintings I am auctioning off in the next couple days. Details on the auction are below and on the studio's Facebook page.

 

In honor of Kentucky Derby Week, I've chosen a handful of older favorites starring horses for my next online auction hosted on the studio Facebook page.

 

These are paintings I love, pieces that were exbibited/on tour up until a few years ago, when they were put in storage for one reason or another. Or maybe they were in a gallery that has since closed it's doors and returned inventory to me. Or maybe, like Watch Eye above, they were personal favorites that we have been enjoying in our home, but need to let go in order to make room for new acquisitions.

 

These are daily paintings, acrylics done on canvasboard panels, from 2007 - 2010. Because they are older pieces and have been around the block a few times, my current galleries are not interested in hanging them.

 

But they deserve homes!! 

 

So I'm auctioning them off on the studio Facebook's page. Place your bid by commenting on the photo of the painting you want to adopt. Bidding will continue until 9pm EST Wednesday evening (that's May 1st).

 

Please note that the winning bidder is responsible for all applicable taxes, shipping and handling fees. I estimate domestic shipping costs of one painting to be $15 and I am happy to combine shipments on multiple purchases.

 

The entire album of available paintings is here. 

 

This is a great way to get a pony without the vet bills or boarding fees!!

 

Thanks for helping me find these gems a home!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

JT, Finished ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

 

"JT," 30" x30", commissioned portrait of a Thoroughbred, done in acrylics on a museum quality cradeled panel, private collection (THANK YOU!).

 

My apologies for the photo - I've lost my natural lighting and this painting is so large that my studio equipment doesn't light it evenly. I'll shoot a better pic tomorrow.

 

But isn't he just lovely?

 

Sigh. 

 

In process images are on the studio's Facebook page, and thank you for looking.

 

Fondly, 

Kim, who's hoping everyone stays battened down in this newest storm. Me? I'm stocked up with chocolate, so all is well!

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

 

Sal by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Sal," 6" x 8", acrylic on museum quality panel, depicting a blood bay Quarter Horse. This is a commissioned portrait and a Christmas surprise, and as such will be headed to a good hiding spot in his new home shortly.   But never fear - I am able to paint something just as special for you - shoot me an email and we'll get your project started!! Sketches start at $99 and panels like Sal's start at $329.   Happy Friday!!   And thanks for following along, Kim, who is throwing together a pot of veggie soup and getting herself ready for some high school football Caped Crusader style. Join me in crossing fingers and toes so that the predicted thunderstorms skirt the stadium and our boys get to play some ball!!! ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

 

Like Her Momma ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Like Her Momma," from the "Cherished" series. This little gem is 6" x 8", acrylics on a museum quality panel, and not currently for sale. However, inquiries may always come to me. And in process views of this painting are on the studio's Facebook page. I've entered this painting into an international juried equine art exhibition (for those who are curious, the Equine Jubilee in Delaware, Ohio from August through October of this year). And as such, if accepted, the painting will have to be available for purchase at the event. I sent these ladies along with two other paintings from the Saratoga series - fingers and toes crossed that the jurors like my work enough to include them all. (And yes, I get rejected regularly from shows - it's all about one person's opinion at one particular moment in time, so  don't beat yourself up over it should the same thing happen to you) Meanwhile, if you really, really, really want to purchase "Like Her Momma" (and I totally get it, because she's my current all time favorite painting to come off the easel), shoot me an email and I'll make sure you get first dibs on her via the event coordinators. Or myself, should she not make the cut (I don't want to jinx anything). Thanks for supporting my art!! Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Happy 4th of July!! I'll be chill-axing tomorrow, painting the front and back porches and doing yard work while tossing the frisbee and setting the sprinkler up for this guy. I hope that your mid-week holiday is equally productive or equally peaceful - however you ordered it up! And let's hope that all those fireworks crazed critters, like Finnigan, stay safe.

For Melissa ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"For Melissa," 10" x 14", portrait of Silver, a pony belonging to a special friend, done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. Collection of the artist.   In process pics of Silver's portrait are also on the studio Facebook page. Feel free to check in over there and comment on my process or art in general.   Reproductions may be ordered here.

This week the world lost a shining star when my friend Melissa passed away. Melissa was a client turned friend, compassionate, generous of spirit, always read to laugh, with the ability to find extraordinary beauty in the most commonplace objects and situations.   I hope Melissa's heaven is full of gray ponies and lots of critters to love on. And I look forward to walking alongside her one day.   Cancer so sucks.   In honor of Melissa, I will donate 100% of the proceeds from giclee and notecard sales of this painting through June 1st to The American Cancer Society via The Wonder Kids (see below). You can order here. And thank you for allowing me to pay tribute to my friend's memory in this way.   Hoping you are spending your weekend with those you love, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Journalling student and Wonder Kid team captain Anna D with her puppets made at our last journalling class. The one on the left reads "fight back."   The Wonder Kids   Here's some amazing kids who refuse to wait until they are grown up to make a difference.   Led by the unflappable 3rd grader Anna D, The Wonder Kids had a friend's life touched by cancer, and decided to do something about it.   They set a goal of raising $500 for cancer research (they are nearly half way there!). They also will be participating in the Lake Orion leg of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life the first weekend in June.   I look forward to the day when we have a cure for cancer, all due to efforts of people like The Wonder Kids.   What if the money they raise is what does it?   (If you want to support The Wonder Kids, click here - and on their behalf, thank you!)

Pink by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Pink," 6" x 12", pastural scene done in acrylic on a museum quality panel, for sale via gallery representation. Inquiries may come to me.

I am working on a collection of paintings that I hope to be sending next month to a new gallery - a space that's new to me and new to it's community. The contracts are not yet signed, so I'll hold off on sharing details until everything is finalized, but rest assured that I will shout this news from the mountaintops when all is official.   Meanwhile, I'm researching the area and putting together some new work for them to review along with a half dozen or so favorites from my archives.   "Pink" is part of this grouping and could be shipped out soon, if the gallery owner agrees that Pink'll be a good fit with the artists' she's representing.    In other news, I survived the weekend's Dance Convention very nicely, thank you. And earned myself an invitation into a ballet class for regular life drawing. Starting Wednesday.   I best go sharpen my pencils!  Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Reference Photo   Above is the reference photo that inspired "Pink." Warm thank you to SS for sending this photo over and granting me permission to paint it!    The changes I made were small, but they resulted in big shifts - tilting the horizontal lines/planes, pulling the far horse in a little closer, bringing my value range in tighter, paying attention to local color reflections, and eliminating the fence lines and barn. And while I absolutely adored the peace signs on the blanket, ultimately they were too busy to be included successfully given the final scale.   It's worth noting that the above photo is not included so that others may paint from it. The photo is copyrighted (and unless noted specifically, all the images I share are copyrighted). Artists must first obtain permission from the photographer - even if they are making changes to the photo like I did above!   Don't get caught up in copyright shenanigans - it's not worth the damage to your reputation or the loss of creative energy.

Spa Fine Art ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

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!

Monster ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Monster," 6-3/4" x 10", portrait of a Thoroughbred racehorse, done in Golden Open Acrylics on a Raymar panel, $449. Want your own Monster? Just ask nicely. We've been hanging at Linda Shantz's farm all week - first you got a painting of Spider as a baby, then Billy who's just started his racing career. Today brings Linda's mare, registered name "EntertainingAngels," barn name "Monster." Monster's job right now is nanny to yearling Baby Girl. Monster's supposed to keep Baby Girl out of trouble and teach her some manners during their days together. Stay tuned because tomorrow we move from the farm to the track and I'll paint a race scene. Or two. Maybe even some fancy hats....... But first, I haven't even asked - who's your Kentucky Derby pick? Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com A Slice of Beauty I am grateful for whomever originally planted the deep row of daffodils in our back garden. Our home is nearly 80 years young, and these bulbs have been welcoming warmer weather for the 8 springs we've been here. How many others have they ushered in? (In the background is one of my new favorite things - a tile from the brilliantly talented ceramic artist Laurie Eisenhardt. Here's a better pic of the hand, which The Princess chose when we visited Laurie in her studio last weekend.)

Little Spider ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Little Spider," 6" square, portrait of a Thoroughbred foal, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, $299. Spider's painting will go to the first one asking nicely. It's tradition in the studio that, in honor of the first Saturday in May and the Kentucky Derby, Painting a Dog a Day gets turned over to the horses during Derby Week. Spider's doing the honor of kicking things off in grand style. Hailing from a girlfriend's farm (fellow artist Linda Shantz), he's now a strapping 2 year old in training, learning to put those long legs to work. And Linda's got a crop of 3 new foals this year. Lots and lots of dreams waiting to be fulfilled! Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com And More News From the Equine Front..... Over the weekend, two Painting a Dog a Day pieces earned special honors at the Dancing Horse Farm Equine Art Show. "Freedom" received 3rd Place, and "A Gentle Breeze" took 1st in the Paintings category. Many thanks to the jurors and exhibition staff for these awards! And special thanks, too, to Dog a Day collector MB for sharing photos of her pony Nitro, who inspired the paintings. Both paintings are available for purchase. You may also order notecards of either painting: Order "Freedom" Notecards Order "A Gentle Breeze" Notecards

What a Lady ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"What a Lady," image approximately 6" x 8", paper size 8" x 10", a special commission from a group of friends depicting a certain birthday girl's beautiful chestnut mare "Lady." This piece was done in Golden Open Acrylics on multimedia artboard, a fabulous surface that I enjoy using for sketches. Reproductions and notecards of "What a Lady" can be ordered via my FineArtAmerica storefront. I offer what I call "Painted Sketches" as a lower cost alternative to my traditional Dog a Day portraits. Painted Sketches are still done in color, with my Golden paints, but they are on paper (acid free, museum quality still - only the best will do in these parts!!) instead of a panel. These can be sized to match your budget (or a standard frame), take less time to prep (and finish!), and are easy to mail - yet they remain just as charming and delightful as the Dog a Day paintings. So if the cost of a commissioned Dog a Day has been holding you back, ask me about a Painted Sketch. They now start at $49US plus shipping and handling and will get you onto everyone's A List. Thanks so very much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Richeson 75: Small Works 2011 I am always delighted when one of my daily pieces makes it into a juried event. It's even better when said event is not animal-centric. And even better when it's an international collection of talent. Such was the case when "Pup-illion"got juried in this year's Richeson 75: Small Works, an exhibition that highlighted 75 pieces smaller than 144 square inches. I did the happy dance when learning that this little painting would make the journey to Wisconsin and represent Painting a Dog a Day. I did cartwheels and handstands when learning that "Pup-illion" won 1st place for Non-Oils. The awards aren't all up on the site yet, but please take a moment to go visit the fabulous collection of artwork Richeson has collected. And my warm thanks to all involved who helped make this happen!

Gypsy Falls ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

(Almost finished) "Gypsy Falls," 10" x 12", portrait of a Gypsy Vanner mare, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel, $529 to the first one asking nicely. (This would be a KILLER Valentine's Day gift!!) Email me if you are interested. I've been doing some mid-winter spring cleaning in the studio, and came across this painting, which I had begun - but never finished - over 2 years ago. You can see how she looked this morning in the image below. That happens to me quite a bit. I get to a point where I can see the potential but don't trust completely in my ability to deliver. When this happens, I tuck it away until I can look with fresh eyes (and newly honed skills) and have another go. That's what's happened with this girl. And I thought she was done an hour ago, but I see now that I want the bottom of her tail pinker, like in the "before" version. I want the light on it to be warm and glowing, and the yellow, while beautiful, doesn't convey that sense. This is an easy fix. Then, a coat of varnish and she's ready to find a home. Meanwhile, thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS We're in the homestretch here with respect to this month's 10% newly booked commissions. The project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested! I booked 9 new portraits last week - let's see if we can't match that this one!! Before This is a mare I met at an equine breed parade in the fall of 2008 - I shot oodles of photos of both her and her little filly. She is a Gypsy Vanner, a breed that I adore painting. Their dramatic markings, draft confirmation, and heavy feathering makes for fantastical subject matter. Add in some soft backlighting and it becomes almost too good to be true.

Red, At the Fence ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

WORK IN PROCESS: "Red, At the Fence," 16" x 20", Golden Open Acrylics on a 2" cradeled Ampersand Gessobord, commissioned painting. I might change this title to "Wide Open Skies" - what do you think the title should be?

A few weeks back, I worked up a number of different compositional ideas for my client. The idea was to use color in an equine composition that evoked the landscape.

This was the concept she chose, with my assignment being to brighten the colors and eliminate the majority of the fencerow along with the halter.

So this is my progress after a day's work. I started with bright, saturated color, and am laying translucent glazes overtop, gradually bringing the saturation down while enhancing the subtleties and nuances of color. There's still a little bit of of ways to go, especially in properly capturing the fall of light across his withers/shoulders. But the layers of paint were getting a little gummy, and I decided to take a break and allow the entire surface to dry before working any further.

Inquiries may always come to me. I am a few days behind in emails, but will reply to you as soon as humanly possible!

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.

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.

Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Stirrup," from the Saratoga Series, also my April entry in the Virtual pARTy, image approx 10" x 6", Golden Open Acrylics on multimedia artboard, depicting a Thoroughbred racehorse, $449 to the first taker.

For those of you who don't know about Virtual pARTy's, here's the lowdown - artists are given one reference photo and 24 hours to complete their artwork. All images, while derived from the same initial idea, are amazingly different. Take a peek at thereference photo here, bookmark the site, and then return next week to see the results.

So what was my focus with this painting? I wanted the glint of sunlight off the stirrup to summarize the excitement and activity in the paddock area prior to a race. Originally I had the background figures detailed and brighter, but their presence shifted the story's focus to the two horses. I wanted to paint the general suspense and anticipation, so pushed them back with layers of glazing.

If you look closely, you can see remnants of my first pass with the brush, sketching the forms into place and identifying the painting's edges. This paper allows me to layer without losing or compromising translucency and create a nice "window" to set up my composition. Another perk? it also reveals the layers of brushwork so I can build the most luscious surface ever.

Interested in a commissioned piece? They start at $29 - seriously (that'll get you a 4" x 4" loosely done painted sketch). Inquiries may always come to me.

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

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

PS Don't forget my Etsy sale - 10% when you mention "MOM" during checkout.

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.