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

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

 

Clear for Take Off

Clear for Take Off

I started work on this piece quite some time ago.. and just could work out what it was that I wasn't happy with... finally decided that it needed a change of back ground colour.. so out came the black and now I feel its working much better makes the horse and rider stand out.

Clear for Take Off

23" x 25"

Mixed Media

$1200 unframed + shipping

Catherin McMillan

http://www.animalarthouse.com/

email: catherin@animalarthouse.com

FBook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherin-McMillan-Artist/298959873937?created

Commissions welcome

Original Artwork for sale

Payment plan & Gift vouchers

available

Pay Pal welcome

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!

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

"Othello," 6" x 8", Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel, commissioned equine portrait, private collection (THANK YOU!), and the last of my commissioned holiday pieces. Yesterday was my shipping deadline for the holiday, after which the studio slides into a more indulgent frame of mine. This week I shipped out 14 paintings to new homes (including Othello, above). I'm more than ready to kick back. I have several weeks without commissions ahead of me, my reward for sticking it through the year. Now I'm painting purely for myself, working out ideas that have been simmering all year and trying out new things. It'll set the stage for a new year and new beginnings. But meanwhile, if you want to get on the bus and commission something for 2011, please let me know. I'm getting plans made and the route planned and would love you and your pet to be a part of it! Thanks for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Happy holidays - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Tuck a Gift Certificate Under The Tree Looking for a last minute gift? A certificate for a pet portrait is a great idea that will give the recipient the opportunity to participate in the portrait process, resulting in a painting they will cherish for years to come. Paintings start at $200, sketches $29. Email me for more information.

"Cute Foal" 4x6 oil by Kerry Nelson

 
This new foal painting is currently listed on ebay and is just 4 inches by 6 inches, oil on hand-made hardboard panel.   I offer originals, limited edition, and, open edition prints.

 AVAILABLE FOR SALE $45.00 
Purchase here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31671657

See new work and works in progress at www.KerryOriginals.blogspot.com and see works for sale at www.KerryOriginals.etsy.com .

July's Virtual pARTY - Kimberly Kelly Santini

"A Full Belly (Marni in Foal)," a Dog a Day painting from the July Virtual pARTy, 8" x 10", equine painting, acrylic on canvasboard, $449. Inquiries may come to me.

 

This is Marni, who I met several years ago as part of a lovely spring photo shoot. She was days away from dropping her first foal, but nevertheless delighted to soak up even more attention (something she definately wasn't starved for!). I have a mess of photos from that evening, and chose one of them as the inspiration for the July Virtual pARTy hosted by equine artist Linda Shantz and myself.

 

What's a Virtual pARTy? It's when a group of artists collectively works from the same reference. In this case, participants have 24 hours to make art with a 4 day window of time to complete those 24 hours. All the pARTy entries will be shared on the pARTy blog later next week. But meanwhile, there's a number of us who are working away in our studios, painting the lovely Marni.

 

I'll have to hook Marni's family up with the Virtual pARTy site. I know they will get a kick of of viewing all the art their little lady inspired.

 

(Hey, if you are interested in participating yourself, there is still time - work is due by midnight on July 4th - sign up here)

 

Wishing everyone a safe and sparkley weekend. Happy 4th of July!!

Kim Santini

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Snowy Greetings - a Derby Week painting by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Snowy Greetings," 12" square, chestnut Thoroughbred filly portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, $529 to the first taker. This is a tough piece to photograph - with the amped contrast and saturated complimentary colors, my camera didn't know what to do.  I may try to scan portions of the painting and piece it together in photoshop, but meanwhile inquiries may come to me.

This little lady was half of today's Kentucky Derby pARTy - Linda Shantz will be presenting the other half later today. This is what a "pARTy" is = we are both painting from the same reference photo.

I didn't think to take progress shots of my painting, but will do so next time. But Linda's painting is here and you can view her process as it unfolds. I'll add my image to the site later today.

How did this piece come together? Well I started out with a violet underpainting (the compliment of orange), and pretty much had the drifts and swaths of snow painted in the first pass. Then I sketched in the rough shape of the filly, and working from general to specific, gradually laid down smaller and smaller layers of paint.

We are having so much fun with this pARTy that we are considering doing this regularly and opening it up to any artists who wish to participate. Stay tuned....

Thanks for sharing Derby Week with me - I hope you enjoyed our venture into all things equine. I promise dogs next week, and maybe a cat, too, just for good measure.

Enjoy your weekend - hope it includes a couple minutes watching the Run for the Roses!

See you Monday, Kim Santini

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Derby Week at Painting a Dog a Day - Go! by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Go!," 8" x 16", draft horse portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection. Inquiries may come to me.

 

I did two paintings yesterday of Tony, and my friend has chosen this one to hang on her wall. I think I have now painted every one of her animals at least once..... (I know she'll correct me if I'm wrong).

 

I wish it were otherwise, but this was one of those days spent focused on the business aspect of studio operations. There is a myth that artists paint all day and do little else - it's actually the opposite. I'm lucky to paint 2-3 hours 5 days a week - it's a constant balancing act and battle to carve more creation time out of my work days. But both sorts of tasks are absolutely necessary in a thriving business.

 

Today was spent (or rather still is being spent) corresponding with clients, following up on inquiries, wrapping and shipping a number of paintings, touching up another portrait, starting a studio deep-clean, and getting some layout work done on the new book.

 

Speaking of books, those new to Painting a Dog a Day may not know that there is a book recapping the first 15 months of the daily dog portraits. I'll be happy to personalize or inscribe your copy - please email me to place your order.

 

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

Can't wait to share another horse with you tomorrow!

Kim Santini

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

Derby Week at Painting a Dog a Day - Afternoon Sun

"Afternoon Sun," 6" x 12," acrylic on canvasboard, from the Painting a Dog a Day project, $359 to the first one raising their hand. On your mark, get set, go!!  ....inquiries may come to me.

 

As tradition in Painting a Dog a Day, the week before the Kentucky Derby is turned over to the horses. This week is an excuse to indulge in my lifelong love - I don't specifically paint Thoroughbreds during Derby Week but revel in all equine shapes and colors. 

 

So here's your first piece, a draft mix lazily grazing his way into the picture plane while the sun glances off his flanks. This is Tony, a huge lug of a sweetheart belonging to a good friend of mine who also happens to be a brilliant equine photographer. Check out Juliet's work at her website, including her newly published book.

 

Tony's piece is a lovely quiet painting that would make a nice accent to a variety of interiors. Email me if you have any questions about how to get this one on your wall. 

 

I can squeeze in one or two more equine paintings this week, if you care to nominate someone. Send your ideas to me via email.

 

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

Kim Santini

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.turtledovedesigns.com

Dancing Horse Farms Equine Art Exhibition

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT:  "Chestnut Plains," 5" x 7"; "Lashes & Corkscrews," 6" x 8"; and "Black," 8" x 16"; equine paintings, all in acrylic on canvasboard, each available for purchase.

 

I received notice that the above paintings were juried into the esteemed Third Annual Dancing Horse Farm Equine Art Exhibition. The exhibition will be held at the world class Dancing Horse Farm in Lebanon, Ohio from May 2nd through May 10th, 2009. This will overlap with the farm's Spring Fling Weekend, a horse show with Dressage, Combined Test and Fun Classes. For more information, please visit Dancing Horse Farm's website.

 

These paintings have been exquisitely framed in custom moldings and will be available for purchase through Dancing Horse Farm. Inquiries may come via email to the exhibition coordinators.

 

Meanwhile, per Painting a Dog a Day rituals of year's past, I will be creating new equine paintings during Derby Week, which is the first week in May. Want to nominate your horse for inclusion? Please do! Photos (non-flash please) may be sent to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com. Meanwhile stay tuned to the Painting a Dog a Day project for your Kentucky Derby dose of horse art and virtual mint juleps, no fancy hat required.

 

Thank you so much for your continued support of my artwork!

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Winter Whiskers, Chestnut Horse

From my daily painting project, Painting a Dog a Day, I give you "Winter Whiskers II (Chestnut Horse)," 4" x 8", acrylic equine painting on canvasboard, $249 to the first taker, with proceeds going to the Oakland Pet Adoption Center (my local shelter). Inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .

 

I just can't say enough good things about my local shelter, the Oakland Pet Adoption Center. In the face of some tough times in our community, they are staying on track with respect to putting animal welfare first. I am so proud that the Dog-a-Day painting sales support their efforts. You can read about them and sign up for their newsletter here: www.michiganpetfund.org

 

Thanks as always for sharing my paintings!

See you tomorrow,

Kimberly Santini

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.turtledovedesigns.com

Day Eight: A Horse a Day for 30 Days

Around here, we don't buy into that belief that chestnut mares and fillies are evil. I've done the three chestnut boys this week - Jay, Mute, and Medz - so it's time for a girl! Miss Peaks, a yearling Thoroughbred filly, isn't on the farm right now, as she's started her under-saddle racehorse education, but I wasn't about to leave her out of my project - she's much too special! I welcomed Peaker into the world one very cold February morning in 2007.


I realised this morning that I'd forgotten to tone a panel last night. While I could have done it first thing this morning and given it time to dry, that's what I did yesterday and the tone was lifting off too easily, so I found a piece of masonite that I had prepared with shellac instead of gesso. As you can see from the in-progress shot, this means I'm starting with a ground that is dark. The surface is also very slick, and very non-absorbent. That's why this piece is more blended that some of the ones I've done this week on gessoed panel. The smoothness and the fact that the paint dried more slowly make it very different to work with.

So here we have our Miss Peaks, 10 x 8 oil on shellacked masonite, using the usual limited palette. I also forgot to clean my brushes last night, which is borderline disastrous. There's no better way to shorten the life of your brushes! What am I going to go do now? Tone a couple of panels so I'm covered for the next few days, then clean those brushes!

Please be sure to check out the other horses that I've been painting as part of my project this week. They're on my blog: www.lindashantz.blogspot.com Thanks!