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

Reproductions Cell Phone Cases Throw Pillows and Duvet Covers Workshops & Classes Request a Commission Tell Me You Love Me

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

Anyone's Race ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

 

"Anyone's Race (was yesterday's Bunched Up)," 7" x 12", a painting in process of a field of Thoroughbreds (12 of them!), done in acrylics on a museum quality panel. $549 to the first asking nicely.

 

Inspired by a series of photos I shot on the backside at Saratoga last summer - standing nearly opposite the starting gate at the outer rail. These horses are on their second leap - it could be anyone's race.

 

LOTS of in process pics are on the studio Facebook page.

 

Many thanks, too, to everyone who bid on the horse paintings I auctioned off in the first part of the week.

 

Thanks for following along,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

 

PS If you didn't hear - I got an iPhone!! finally!!

Jockeying ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Jockeying," from The Saratoga Series, 5" x 20", depicting 5 jockeys and their mounts fighting for position, acrylics on museum quality panel, $599 to the first one asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me. Please and thank you. Remember the hot mess from a couple weeks back? Well, I sweated it through and signed off on it today. Feels darned good, too! This painting is part of a new body of work celebrating Saratoga Race Courses' 150th Anniversary. This summer I'm ushering in the track's birthday party with a live painting session at Spa Fine Art on Saturday July 27th. I was honored to be invited and those of you who joined me last year know how much fun we had - so mark your calendars. Let's do it again! There are lots of in process pics on the studio facebook page - you may have to scroll a bit through the Mobile Uploads folder, as progress on this painting stretched out well over a week. Now I'm off to get a couple sketches going. Thanks as always for following along with my artwork! 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.

 

Lengthening Her Stride ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Lengthening Her Lead," from the Saratoga Series and fresh off the easel, 5" high by 22" wide. Details of each side are above, with the full view below. Add this painting to your collection for $599.     In process views of this painting have been uploaded to thestudio's Facebook page the last couple days.   Inquiries can always come to me!!! And thank you!!

Hope everyone has fabulous plans made for the weekend - we'll be spending time at the Dog Bowl in Frankenmuth, Michigan, hanging with family, and getting our veggie garden in.   Special thanks today to the veterans who's own personal sacrifice has enabled the freedoms we enjoy today, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

And Down the Stretch They Come !! ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"And Down the Stretch They Come!!," 7" x 14", painting of a racetrack scene inspired by Saratoga, detail (which more accurately reflects the painting's color) below, done in acrylics on museum quality panel, $549 to the first asking nicely.    In process views of this painting are available on the studio Facebook page.   Requests may always come to me (and yes I am happy to set up a payment plan and yes I take credit cards and yes return collectors get 10% off all original panel paintings all the time).

I am so happy May is here!!     Because it's Derby Week, baby!! All horses!!   I spent last night reviewing photos, editing and cropping and trying to figure out what to paint this week. So many choices, not enough days!!   I've got 8 compositions but only 5 painting days, so I'll have to work quickly and productively if I want to do them all.   I cut to the chase this morning, bypassing most of my morning studio routine to get right to work. All day long I heard the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd, over which echoes the famous line "...and down the stretch they come!!"   It's going to be a fantastic week!!   I hope you enjoy!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

From Amazon, the book "Belmont Park, A Century of Champions," featuring artwork by Richard Stone Reeves.   Richard Stone Reeves, My First Equine Artist Mentor   I was one of those kids who never stopped drawing horses. And took every opportunity to look at them, whether it was nose plastered to the car window on Sunday drives, scouring the latest Sports Illustrated magazine for photographs of equine athletes, or pouring over every single book in our library that included horse illustrations.   When I was a young adult/teenager, over the course of 6 years, I had a Richard Stone Reeves book continuously checked out.   In high school I wrote him a letter (I'm dating myself, because this was long before email!) asking his advice on becoming an artist.   He told me to never stop drawing. To take every opportunity I had to draw everything I saw - not just horses. And to never stop learning and working to get better at truly seeing the world. That if I couldn't draw well, I could never expect to be a decent painter.   I am so grateful for his advice, as it truly shaped my approach to making art. And I am proud to carry it onwards and share with my own students.   I wish I'd have had the opportunity to meet Mr Reeves, who passed away in 2005. I satisfy myself with enjoying his artwork in person whenever possible and continuing to thumb through my own copies of his books.

Bathtime (Harrison's Reflection) ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

In Process views are on the studio Facebook page Order Notecards/Reproductions here

"Bathtime (Harrison's Reflection), from the Saratoga Series, " 5" x 7", done in Golden Open Acrylics on ampersand gessobord. This original painting can be added to your collection for $289 - just ask me how!   It seems like photographer Juliet Harrison's imagery has always turned me on. I have several of her silver gelatin prints in the studio and scattered throughout my house, and that has nothing to do with the fact that she is also a cherished friend.   The way she sees the world through her viewfinder is brilliant - and usually causes me to do a double take and look again. I mean really look.    And when I shot the reference for this painting, she happened to be standing alongside me, taking a similar one.   I'd like to say that great minds think alike, but I'm not taking any credit for this. It's all Juliet's inspiration.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Mona Lisa (aka Mo-Bug/ Buggie/Bugga-Boo)   How is it possible that 6 pounds of fur adds so much warmth and laughter to our home?   A year ago this week, we adopted a teeny tiny tabby kitten from our local shelter. It's like she's always been here.....     I just love her "sweet spot." And everything else about her.   Thanks for picking us, Mo!

Blue Plaid, From the Saratoga Series ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS HERE

"Blue Plaid," from the Saratoga Series, 5" x 8", done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord. Portrait of a dark bay Thoroughbred on the backside of Saratoga Springs Race Track. This painting can be yours for $299 - inquiries may come to me.   It's become a tradition, my summertime trek to upstate New York, where I meet up with girlfriends from all over the US and Canada for a long weekend of horses, art, and friendship.   This year I returned with nearly 1000 photos, the majority of them taken in the early mornings.   Early mornings at the track are full of bustle - visual, audial, and olefactory - and they carry a distinctly different flavor than the pomp and pagentry shown to the public on racing days.   For instance, when we arrived shortly after 7am, this big guy had already trained and bathed, and was being handwalked around the foggy shedrow. His body was steaming underneath the jaunty blue plaid cooler, and he followed my camera with a knowing eye.   "Paint me," he said, not as a request, but simply a statement of fact or mutual understanding.   I was more than happy to oblige.   Additional paintings in the Saratoga Series are here - you can purchase originals, order reproductions (if the original has sold), and design notecards.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     COMING UP ~~ PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN. Email me to get on the early bird list.

Remember "For Her Eyes Only"? This painting is one of mine, also from The Saratoga Series, a piece I created last month.   Initially I saw a photograph of on Facebook, and marvelled at her unusual markings. I did a little research and learned she was a filly in training at Saratoga. I emailed a couple friends who were headed to the track and asked them to keep an eye out for her.   Then, the very next morning, when reviewing my own track photos, who did I discover but this same little lady! being hotwalked directly in front of Mr. Blue Plaid, no less!   I had been so distracted by Mr. Blue Plaid and another jet black irish mare getting hosed down across the way, that I didn't pay this lady her proper due.   She's saying to me, "Hey, stupid! Over here - I have the goods, too."   And apparently she does. She broke her maiden in her first start, flashing quite a bit of speed.   ORDER NOTECARDS HERE   (Psst! This painting is still available - I'd love to ship it to you - let me know if you are interested! Better yet, I will be happy to work a deal for the two pieces together!)

For Her Eyes Only, from The Saratoga Series ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"For Her Eyes Only," 5" x 7", the latest addition to my "Saratoga Series" of paintings, portrait of a Thoroughbred Racehorse, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord (see my reference material below). Add this painting to your collection for $289. Inquiries may come to me.   Yesterday, Three Chimneys Farm (a Thoroughbred racehorse breeding facility) shared a photo of a 2 year old filly on their Facebook page. I was immediately struck by her unique markings (see the skull shape in her blaze?), and wanted to paint her.   I did a little research, and discovered she was currently in Saratoga, New York - even handily won her first race yesterday!   I sent a emails to friends who were in the Saratoga area - were they planning on going to the track soon, and if so, could they keep an eye out for her?   Meanwhile, this afternoon, I pulled up my own references (I wanted to paint a gorgeous dark bay wearing a plaid cooling sheet, a horse I photographed during my recent visit to Saratoga), and what did I discover?    Photos of For Her Eyes Only, being hotwalked after her morning bath, just ahead of that dark bay in the plaid cooling sheet.   Serendipitous, no?   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   PS Might I add that there was no attribution to the photo as originally posted on FB. With that in mind, I opted not to include it by means of anything other than a link to the source, since I had no means of acquiring permission or acknowledging the photographer.     COMING UP ~~ PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN. Email me to get on the early bird list.

My (copywritten) photo, taken at Saratoga, in July 2011.    Copyright Respect   I can hear the questions now - why didn't I just paint from the photo I first saw on Facebook?   Easy.   I didn't take the photo.   Which means I didn't have permission to use it, even if I was only using it for something derivative like a painting.   The photographer automatically owns the copyright, whether said photographer is professional or amateur. (Copyrights don't just apply to authors/artists.)   That said, I can only use photographs as reference material with explicit permission from the photographer.   No matter where I come across those images.   Magazines, blogs, websites, even Facebook, are all off limits. It doesn't need to have a copyright watermark on it to be protected, either - if you didn't take the photo yourself, it belongs to someone else.   So unless you have written permission to use a photo - or even a portion of it - steer clear.   Life is too short to spend time dealing with accusations of copyright infringement.

Morning Banter ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Morning Banter," from "The Saratoga Series," 9" x 15", Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, inspired from a photo taken by Juliet Harrison. Titled after the casual conversation both riders and horses were having with each other during their gallop. Original painting available for purchase, $599. Inquiries may come to me.   When hanging at the rail (in Saratoga) with my girlfriends last month, the idea was thrown to the universe that we should all paint a piece inspired by the same photo. A few days after returning home, an email from Juliet arrived with an attachment and the official challenge began.   Everyone else jumped into their pieces with gusto, but I had a number of other commitments I needed to complete before indulging myself. I got through all but 2 of said commitments before I had used up all my willpower.   I couldn't hold back any longer!   And, as always, I see a few minor changes I want to make - this always happens after I've signed and photographed the painting. But given it's a Friday, I'd like to call it a night and kick into weekend mode. So I'll wait until tomorrow to correct the line on the front horse's ankle.   Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com     JUST ANNOUNCED!!  PAINTING WORKSHOP "Mixing Color Not Mud": Saturday, October 8th, at the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion MICHIGAN, for early bird reservations email me.   Here's the reference photo inspiring the painting above.   Oh yeah - and now that I've figured out how to feed my new smart phone to the studio facebook page, it's made on-the-fly updating possible. As with yesterday's painting, today's track scene has multiple in-process views on my studio page, so take a peek to see it's progression (for instance, there was a detailed background behind the far rail, but I felt it was too distracting and took it out).

The Post Parade, A Lesson Painting, Part I ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

ABOVE IN PROCESS: "The Post Parade," 5" x 14", depicting the post parade at Saratoga Springs Racetrack on a sunny summer day, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand panel, will be $379 (when finished tomorrow). Interested in adding "The Post Parade" to your collection?Then by all means, please email me and we'll make it happen!

This morning I felt like tackling a challenging painting, so I pulled a mess of reference photos, dug out a loooong panel, and got busy. Here's what I accomplished in a few hours' work:

I started with a bold underpainting, and roughly built my first layer to reflect the composition - Light Ultramarine Blue on top, with a mixture of Cadmium Red Light, Light Magenta, and Naples Yellow on the bottom.

Then I roughly sketched in my composition. I laid down the curve of the rail, began defining basic values in the tree shapes, greened up the infield, and lightened the track. There are pockets of the underpainting exposed all over the surface - this will add vibrance to the finished piece (see how the green "sings" alongside the exposed orange?). I also retained a strip of the underpainting to indicate where the horses' feet would hit the ground.

I continued adding loose details, working from the middle of the canvas outwards to retain proper spacing. I am concerned with the progression of shapes, making certain there are relationships (defined via body language) between the ponies and their charges. I'm also paying attention to scale, making the horses at the head of the parade proportionally smaller than those in the front right edge.

In the 4th step (illustrated at the top of the blog), I'm still working with the barest of details. I've pushed more sunlight in by lightening up the track in the foreground and graying out the background trees, doing this with several layers of glaze. Notice the horses still don't have legs, many of them are also missing their heads - once I am finished with the background (including the infield), I'll start in on those sorts of details.

Tomorrow you'll get to see the finished piece! Meanwhile, I'm headed back to the easel!

Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Detail from Step 4 of the painting in process. Derby Details Get all the info you need to make the most of Derby Day celebrations at any of these links: The Bloodhorse - all things related to Thoroughbred racing Churchill Downs - the official website for the track where the Kentucky Derby is run Mint Julip - what's race day without a julip? Alton Brown'll show you how to fix one here. Hats - every lady at the track will be sporting a fancy hat of some sort. Or a riding helmet. And just for fun, take a peek at my friend Bob Clark's website - he's painted many a Derby winner for their connections, and I don't doubt for a second that he'll get commissioned to paint Saturday's winning horse, too.