Paintings With Soul

IN PROCESS, ABOVE the full painting, BELOW, a detail: "Squeaker," 48" x 48" x 3/4", acrylics on cradeled panel (with image painted to wrap around the sides, so no need to frame), featuring a mouse on steroids (Squeaker is 24" tall!!!) with an explosion of blooms. Squeaker is available and may be purchased or placed on layaway prior to the piece's completion. He is $8999, which includes shipping and handling inside the US. Inquiries may always come  to me . I started this one late Thursday evening, and have been painting away ever since. The flowers became therapy once I heard of the Orlando tragedy. Senseless and tragic and my heart hurts for what our world has become. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   

(please excuse the glare - this one is tough to photograph because of it's size and the gloomy day) IN PROCESS: "P(e)ony," 48" x 48" (yes, this little pony is larger than life!), acrylics on panel, featuring a lavender pony sprouting a tangle of pink peonies. This one can be yours for $8999, including complimentary shipping inside the US (also, as with all my work, payment plans are an option). And yes, if you love her now, you can pre-purchase - inquiries may come  to me . So my peonies aren't blooming yet, but my neighbor's are. I texted her one evening at dusk - "will you call the police if I come over in my jammies and steal some of your flowers?" Thankfully she said no, and told me to cut as many as I needed. I have the best friends!! (and the studio smells so lovely!) Also, one rainy afternoon last week I may have been spotted picking wildflowers from a roadside ditch. Anything for art, right?! Thanks for following along w...

In process, "Stepping Out," 14" x 18", acrylics on museum quality panel, painting of a black Gypsy Vanner horse. I am trying out a couple new-to-me things with this panel, and so far I am very much in love with it, although the outer legs still need some shifting/adjusting. My intention is for this to be a color-blasted dark horse on a lovely harmonious ground - it'll be all about contrast, unexpected color and movement. If you are interested in purchasing this piece when finished, please let me know so I can send you an update and detail shots when it is finished. I don't want to jinx us by bragging that no one is home sick in bed any longer, so I won't mention it. Hope nobody is sick in your household, too. This year's flu is a nasty houseguest indeed. It sure is nice to be upright and pushing paint again! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

"Find Grace" (above) and "Just Breathe" (below), both 14" x 17", acrylics on bristol board, both in private collections. I call these mantra paintings - I start with a simple text, scrawled in giant letters on the page, and then I begin to layer marks and doodles overtop until I can pick out shapes and forms. This process is a visual meditation exercise that keeps me centered (I also do mantra paintings with not-so-nice text underneath - it's all about working through one's emotions). Valentines Day is a time to celebrate every facet of love. Which means I get to celebrate all of you.  I love your connection with my artwork and creative endeavors.  I love your commitment to your families - including 4-legged members. I love your huge hearts and all the compassionate causes they support. I love that I get to share my studio days with each of you, going on nearly 10 years now. I love that so very many o...