Paintings With Soul

"The Twin Spires (Churchill Downs)," 10" square, depicting the famed roofline of Churchill Downs as I saw it in the early morning sunrise during my visit in April. This painting is available for purchase only (no reproductions or other items will be made of it) - $499 gets it to your door. Inquiries may always come my way , and in process photos are  here. The Story Behind This Painting Well, there's two of them, really.   First one:  JettStream Productions (the Official Licensee/Art of the Kentucky Derby) was taken with the colors and style of my June desktop calendar , and asked if I would paint the Town Spires for a "Thank You " card. There was a little arm twisting involved. Ok, I lie.   Second one: When The Princess and I visited Kentucky in April, it was her spring break. And I made her get out of bed at an ungodly hour to teenagers just to see morning workouts at Churchill Downs (NOTE: She is not a horse crazy kid, e...

In Process Detail, "The First Furlong," 11" x 24", acrylics on panel depicting a quartet of Thoroughbreds just a few strides from the starting gate. When finished, this painting will be available for purchase for $1399, which includes special delivery to your doorstep (inside the contiguous US). Inquiries may come directly to me . In process photos  here .  Where Did the Day Go?   Today was one of those days that zipped by without my knowledge.    I did a mess of emails, made a couple phone calls, reviewed reference photos, planned two exhibition pieces, got high resolution image files off to a licensing agent, paid bills, unpacked from last night's class, and yet it feels like it should only be 1pm or so, not 4:30. Ah well, I guess that means the weekend is that much closer, right?   Hoping you have some wonderful plans for your Memorial Day Weekend. We will be getting our veggie garden in and spending time with family - t...

"White Blinkers," 15" x 24", acrylics on Raymar panel depicting a Thoroughbred race horse, inspired by one seen in the paddock at Keeneland Race Track last month. This painting is available for $1799, which includes special delivery to your doorstep (inside the contiguous US).  That is, if I can part with him. I am in love with this guy! Inquire directly to me . In process photos  here .  I spent a good time the last few days just studying this painting. Mentally making changes and measuring how they impacted the overall piece. It's a luxury I don't often give myself, but one I thoroughly enjoyed. I got to see the painting in a variety of different endings, each one pretty spectacular, but ultimately, I chose the ending that seemed to best suit what the piece was telling me. And yes, it did speak up, when I allowed myself to be quiet. It told me it was all about the blinkers. That white space has to be bright so that the rest of the color c...

"Racehorse I," a contour drawing, roughly 5" x 9", ballpoint pen on paper, available for $75, including s&h inside the US. As always, inquires may always come directly  to me . SOLD (TY!). A similar styled piece, with paint added, is available via auction benefitting  the Equis Gallery Relocation Fund  is also available -  learn more and bid here .  It seems as though every day this week has taken an unexpected turn or been consumed with meetings, phone calls and various appointments. I miss my quiet days in the studio with my paints. But that doesn't mean I'm not creating! It used to be that I refused to touch any art supplies if I didn't have 3-4 hours to work uninterrupted. Three kids and a busy household taught me that no amount of meticulous planning or patient waiting would ever guarantee that. Compromising hurt my pride for a little - but, in the long run, it enabled me to embrace the moments I do have t...

    It's nearly time for my annual pilgrimage to Saratoga Springs, New York!   And for those of you who also visit the track to pay your dues, plan to stop by  Spa Fine Art  and say hello on Saturday, July 27th.   Last year I was able to complete  a large racing scene during the course of the day. I'm attempting the same again this year! Paint starts flying at 2pm, and I'll be there through close.   Stopping to heckle will also give good reason for you to visit  Mrs. Londons  and bring me something yummy to keep my strength up.   Thanks for following along with my paintings! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

    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

    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  

    IN PROCESS:  "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. Inquiries may come  to me.   In process pics are  on Facebook , along with title suggestions - I'm not yet entirely sold on "Collected."  I'm also considering "Back Sides."  I'm open to your suggestions, too. I'm going to paint more tonite after dinner and will update with photos as the piece progresses.   I've been painting Saratoga scenes for four years now. I don't think I will ever tire of the track.    Or of painting it.   I suppose this is the closest I'll get to owning a horse. I have an entire stable of them, in paint!!   Thanks for supporting my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Play Ball Prints Available   Click on the image belo...

"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. $529 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!!