Tail Lights, a Racing Scene by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Tail Lights," (4) (yes, you read that correctly) 6" x 8" panels, when, placed side by side, depict an entire field of race horses, overall painting size 24" x 8". I have photoshopped black lines in between so that you can see how the design breaks across the panels. This is acrylics on museum quality panels, priced at $1199 (all 4 panels come together). In process images are here and inquiries may come to me. 

My Saratoga gallery asked for some pieces around 8" x 10" or smaller and I got the seemingly-brilliant-at-the-time idea to create a series of horse butt racing scenes, all individual. So I set my easel up with four, planning to attack the first batch all at once. And then that seemingly-brilliant-at-the-time idea blossomed into something entirely different. What if instead I painted an entire field of horses, running away from the viewer, but stretched them artistically across the four panels? I would end up with four different paintings, but when they were assembled, they become one combined image. So I spent the last 6 days trying to answer that question. I think I got my answer! But what do you think? Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, Warmly, Kimberly Santini ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Sprout - Original Art by 2015 Kentucky Derby Artist Kimberly Santini

"Sprout," 12" x 16, acrylics on Raymar panel depicting a foal. This painting is available for $959, which includes special delivery to your doorstep (inside the contiguous US) - inquire directly to me. In process photos here.

I Need a Name

Not me (I've got lots of them, some not suitable for print), but this little baby.

Originally I had titled this piece "Siesta," because the foal looked incredibly sleepy in my reference photo. However, somewhere along the way, that changed a bit. So I'm open to suggestions!

Congratulations to JR who suggested "Sprout" as the title - she will receive a cell phone case in appreciation for her mad painting naming skills! 

  

Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork!

Warmly, Kimberly Santini  

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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The End of the Day, Dressed to Kill ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

My bedroom door proudly displays "The End of The Day," a 16" x 20" glorious and peaceful equine painting, complete with the most perfect framing job ever courtesy of Accent on Art (Lake Orion, Michigan).  This painting can grace your bedroom door or any wall in your home for $899 - just ask nicely.

When I've thrown my heart into a painting, I want a framing job that is exemplary. And that's what I get every time I take my work to Diana and DJ at Accent on Art.

For this one, DJ floated the painting overtop a shallow linen lined box, and Diana finished off with a beautifully detailed gilt frame with carvings matching the delicate curls in the mare's tail.

This says exquisite on every possible level. And it makes me happy. Very happy.

Let it make you happy too - "The End of the Day" is currently available, and payment plans are accepted. Email me to make it yours.

Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork, 

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

The End of the Day -- Kimberly Kelly Santini

"The End of the Day," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, depicting a beautifully feathered Gypsy Vanner draft horse, $679 to the first asking nicely.

View In Process Photos

In person this painting literally glows with layers of subtle and harmonic color. I even hear crickets and the drone of a fat honeybee. Paintings can do some remarkable things. I'm sharing some of my secrets in a 4 day workshop next month in Traverse City - we'll do a heck of a lot of painting, but we also laugh pretty hard, eat very well, enjoy sunset wine tasting on the peninsula, and make new friends. We need a few more bodies to make this happen - if you are interested, talk to Kathryn and figure out how you can join us. Thanks, as always, for your interest in my artwork, Warmly, Kim Kimberly Santini www.KimberlySantini.com

Last Laugh by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Last Laugh," 10" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a bay Thoroughbred horse. This painting is available for $539 to the first one asking nicely. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS I know Derby week is over, but I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the horses quite yet. Indulge me for one more day! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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

In Process - Squeaky Clean by Kimberly Kelly Santini

In Process, above "Squeaky Clean," 15" x 24", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a blood bay Thoroughbred getting bathed. Inspired by a sunny morning spent in the barn area at the historic Saratoga Racetrack last summer. This painting is available for $1299 to the first one asking nicely. Detail of Squeaky's face is below.

VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS

Every summer I visit Saratoga, New York - I drive through Canada and pick up Linda Shantz near Toronto, then we meet up with Jenifer Trottier (New Jersey), Juliet Harrison (New York) and Sharon Passmore (Tennessee). We spend our time talking horses and art while taking in the local gallery scene and getting as many hours at the track as possible.  Reference photos shot during those few days together fuel a year's worth of creating. That's where the pics behind "Squeaky Clean" came from. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Title This Painting by Kimberly Santini

"Untitled," 12" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a retired Thoroughbred from Old Friends at Cabin Creek in upstate New York. This painting is available for $599 to the first one asking nicely, and proceeds will benefit the Old Friends. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS Last summer I visited Old Friends Cabin Creek and learned about their mission firsthand - providing dignified retirement for racehorses. The farm is staffed entirely with volunteers.  It was moving to hear the stories of their residents, and every single horse appeared happy, healthy, and well loved. I took many photos but very poor notes, and cannot figure out who this fellow is. Maybe the folks at Cabin Creek can tell me? Meanwhile, the painting needs a title. Your suggestions are welcome here.  Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Kentucky Derby Week - Anyone's Race by Kimberly Santini

"Anyone's Race," 7" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a field of Thoroughbreds two strides into a race. This painting is available through Spa Fine Art (in Saratoga Springs New York) for $529 to the first one asking nicely. Spa also carries a large selection of other racing scenes. Please contact them for more information. To implement this month's desktop calendar, download the file directly from my website. 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, don't email me for advice! Instead consult your computer's help files - they will be more concise, more knowledgeable and more responsive than I could ever hope to be. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Kentucky Derby Week - Baby Girl by Kimberly Santini

"Baby Girl," 7" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a Thoroughbred filly full of baby curls and chestnut precociousness. This painting is part of my daily painting project and available for $529 to the first one asking nicely. VIEW IN PROCESS PHOTOS This is the 8th Derby Week I've celebrated with daily paintings of horses. How time does fly...... It all starts with a dream, doesn't it? And what better epitomizes the dream of those following horse racing than a baby Thoroughbred, all gangly legs and full of promise? The reference photo inspiring this one is from a visit to friend and fellow artist Linda Shantz's farm. The painting stars Brigette Merlot, now a 2 year old who is just learning about life at the track. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Ice (Luna III) - and a Casting Call - by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ABOVE, detail of "Ice (Luna III)," BELOW, full version, 12" x 7-3/4", acrylics on a cradeled museum quality panel, the newest installation in The Luna Series, a study of black and white, $499. In process photos here. I don't think this painting is going to last long - inquiries may come to me. I want to do a few more paintings of Luna (view Luna I and Luna II), but am far from done with my exploration of black and white. Which means I am casting for additional black and white muses. The ideal muse will have interesting markings and texture along with an expressive face. Nominations may come to me via email with the subject line "Black and White" - include 2-3 non-flash photos that you have taken where your black and white nominee makes up at least 1/3 of the photo.  PLEASE NOTE: Nominating individuals are under no obligation to purchase resulting artwork. By submitting photos, nominating individual is guaranteeing they are both the photographer and copyright owner and are granting me permission to create artwork from submitted imagery. I can't wait to meet a crowd of new faces! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Luna, by Kimberly Santini

"Luna," 7" x 12", acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting a stunning paint horse, in process photos here. Thank you Maggie Weakley (friend and fellow artist) for sharing your muse with me. $499, inquiries may come to me. I know I've always preached that black paint can be a crutch. And I've never used it.  Then Robert Genn called it the Queen of Color. And friend and mentor Vianna Szabo told me she was using it in her new limited palette (and she's taking a group to Italy to paint, in case you are interested). I was already painting black and white horses, falling in love with the abstractions of their markings and the play of light. The next step was to push the boundary even further and eliminate the middle ground. Hence The Luna Series has been born. There's another Luna piece in process on the studio Facebook page. And one in my head, ready to spill out. And more in the works. Black CAN be a powerful tool when used in moderation and tinted with strong blues and reds. I love making new discoveries! Thanks for following along, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Baby Steps

"Baby Steps," 10" x 5-3/4", acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a Gypsy Vanner mare and new foal, $399 to the first one to email. In process photos are here. I needed a breath of spring in the studio today, so I spoiled myself with some bright green grass. And indulged in another favorite of mine - black and white. Which as you know isn't really black or white. But that green? It is most definately green. Horses courtesy of Mt Christie Gypsy Horses, which I visited two springs ago with a friend, just days after this little one hit the ground.  Is it possible to have spring fever in early February? I'm in for a long couple of months if so..... Thanks for following along with my artwork,  Kim  ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shasta Solomon ~~ Paintings with Soul by Kimberly Kelly Santini

Shasta Solomon, 12" square, acrylics on museum quality panel, depicting the fine Gypsy Vanner stallion Shasta Solomon from Shasta H Ranch, available for purchase after a few more tweaks, $599. Inquiries may come to me.     Today's workshop started out with a bang - a demonstration painting that I am just delighted with.   It's a challenge to paint and talk simultaneously. It's a bigger challenge to paint and articulately talk simultaneously. It's an even bigger challenge to paint well and articulately talk simultaneously.   Then my students asked me to also sing and dance.   It was all downhill from there!   That's ok - tomorrow, it's payback time!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Wheeee ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Wheeee (Gideon)," 7" x 13", portrait of a Gypsy Vanner, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $529 to the firstasking me nicely. And lots of in process photos are on Facebook.   This handsome guy was born at Shasta H Ranch and is currently owned by Courtney Vallery. The inspiration photo for this painting was used with permission from Christine Hadden, owner of Shasta H. Thank you so much, Christine!   And thank YOU for following along with my paintings! Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Clarisse ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Clarisse," 8" x 10", portrait of a Gypsy Vanner mare, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $469 to the firstasking me nicely. And lots of in process photos are on Facebook.   Gypsy Vanners are one of my favorite subjects to paint. They are mythical, curvey, packed with glorious color, and move with grace and beauty. And they have the kindest eyes.   So when I somehow came across Ceo Na Terra Gypsys one late nite on the computer, I was blown away. I started communicating with Shannon, the owner, and she arranged permission for me to paint a number of her horses (remember, you can't just take imagery you find on the internet and repurpose - you have to get permission first!)   I've been in heaven ever since!!   Wait'll you see what happened next!!   Thanks for following along with my paintings! 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

Morning Rush Hour, The Saratoga Series ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

ABOVE, detail of "Morning Rush Hour," previously shared with the working title "Collected"), from "The Saratoga Series," 12" x 24", acrylic on museum quality panel, inspired from photos I shot in the early morning on the back side of Saratoga Race Track, $749. BELOW, complete painting.  Inquiries may come to me.   In process pics are on Facebook - there's a mess of them!   And now I'm off to paint a couple of commissioned portraits. Then it'll be back to the track scenes for a bit. And I'll squeeze in some new Ball Dogs, too.   Thanks for supporting my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com