Raven, Painted Sketch ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Raven," image approximately 5" tall on an 8" x 10" piece of multimedia artboard. Commissioned painted sketch, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, starring a black Cocker Spaniel. This one is sold, but I'll be happy to paint others - inquiries may come to me. Every couple of weeks I set up a stack of multimedia artboards, lay out my paints, and make a pile of sketches. Usually they are for my own enjoyment, but this week the sketches were for clients. Tomorrow nearly 30 of my paintings will be delivered to a venue on the east side of the state. I'm filling the Shelby Community Center with a retrospect of sorts - paintings created during the past few years, including some larger than life sized canvases that haven't been exhibited in several years. It promises to be a fun installation! Ok, back to the paint! Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Art Show at the Dog Show The results are up, along with all of the artwork. If you are a fan of canine art, you will not want to miss taking a peek at this year's 25th Annual Art Show at the Dog Show. Congratulations to all the artists who entered - it is always an honor to see my work among some of my favorite peers and mentors. And a special shout out to Susan Grinels who received Best of Show with her FABULOUS pastel "Ms Macy." Enjoy the show!

Red-Bellied Woodpeckers by Paul Wolber

  Red-Bellied Woodpeckers Confrontation  (click photo to see more detail)
 8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) original acrylic painting on hand primed board 

To purchase go to my  blog HERE

To see available works in my dailypainters gallery click HERE

These Red-Bellied Woodpeckers have been visiting my backyard for several years now. I've been waiting for a view that demostrates something about these colorful birds. This composition shows their territorial aggressiveness and also the distinctive markings on back and belly of this unique bird.

© Copyright 2011 by Paul Wolber

All Rights Reserved

Lolly Llama ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Lolly Llama," 6" square, portrait of a llama, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. The painting can be yours for $299 - inquiries may come to me. From photos taken at the Michigan State Fair a few years back, I present for your viewing pleasure a lovely llama draped in all the colors of spring. And then some. Can you tell I'm in denial over the snow continually getting dumped on us? I have threatened to lay astroturf over our front walk and porch, just to add a much needed touch of green to the yard. ORDER NOTECARDS. ORDER REPRODUCTIONS (once the original is sold). Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend! Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com A demo page from my journal done with watercolor crayons and Ebony pencil Journal, Baby! I'm leading my fearless group of young journallers in a class focused on texture and color this weekend. I'm also organizing a new grownUPs Journalling group that will meet once a month. If you are interested in any of the above, please let me know! Thanks!! ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Pennsylvania Barn Door by Paul Wolber

         Pennsylvania Barn Door: Open Half Door  (click photo to see more detail)
 8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) original acrylic painting on hand primed board $325 w/free shipping in US and Canada

To receive email postings of my work click below or send email to Paul
  
To purchase go to my blog HERE 
To see available works in my dailypainters gallery click HERE

I photographed this barn many years ago but only recently zoomed in to see this open half door and interesting latch. The barn interior intrigued me and enticed me to create the painting. This barn was once owned by the grandfather of a colleague in my university, so there was some talk of doing a painting of the barn, but that never happened.

Now I am revisiting some of those old images and this painting is one result of that look back into history. I don't know if this barn is still standing since many of these old barns are now being taken down.

© Copyright 2011 by Paul Wolber

All Rights Reserved

JEANNE ILLENYE FEATHERS AND EGG

Wild Turkey Feathers & Robin's Egg

6x6 inches / oil on panel

bid

Reminiscent of classical botanicals, this arrangement of what I believe are two beautiful Turkey feathers and a Robin’s egg, make for a striking composition. The creamy white feather with tints of gold is silky and the brown feather is downy soft. Surprisingly, we didn’t see the usual flocks of turkeys this past season. We do always enjoy their antics as they strut and cluck up the driveway and move in waves all around the property sampling my garden and cleaning up under the bird feeders. Perhaps they’ll grace us with their presence next year....

Hippity Hop (A Gratitude Painting) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Hippity Hop," 5" x 7", portrait of a fat white rabbit, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. This piece is part of my Gratitude Project, and as such, proceeds from it's sale will support Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (BFAS). The painting can be yours for $289 - inquiries may come to me. Another critter from last summer's visit to BFAS. I met so many during my visit, and the afterglow of the serenity I absorbed when there still lingers. You may order notecards of "Hippity Hop" here (wouldn't they make for fun Spring announcements? I've heard a rumor that Spring is coming......), and once the original sells, I will also offer poster quality reproductions (using this same link). Proceeds from these sales will also go to BFAS. Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

JEANNE ILLENYE LIFESIZED BIRD'S NEST IN BLUE FOLEY TEACUP

Lifesized Nest in Blue Foley Teacup

6x6 inches / oil on panel

bid

This charming Little Gem features a small nest from my collection which is painted lifesize and tucked into a beautiful aqua blue Foley teacup.  I've been planning for quite some time to paint nests in new arrangements so here's my first in that direction.  Actually, I've been painting bird's nests for well over a decade as some of you may have seen in my large, classical still lifes.  It was four years ago that I introduced my first small, solitary nest on ebay which was met with such a wonderful response that I've been creating these paintings ever since.

Itch (A Gratitude Painting) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Itch," 8" x 8", portrait of a black and white mixed breed puppy, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. This piece is part of my Gratitude Project, and as such, proceeds from it's sale will support Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (BFAS). The painting can be yours for $399 - inquiries may come to me. This is one of the "G" puppies from a litter I met at BFAS last summer. I volunteered to help out with a puppy kindergarten class, and it was a delight. The philosophy at BFAS is that a well socialized pup with basic manners will settle more happily into a new home and grow into a well adjusted companion. Myself and about 9 others spent an hour with a litter of wee ones, introducing them to a variety of household noises and things like skateboards and vacuum cleaners, while also walking them on leashes, handling mouths and ears and toes, and giving out treats. A great photo opportunity, to be sure! You can see my reference pic near the bottom. Not the best photograph, but it carried enough information that, when coupled with my visual memory, allowed for me to paint from months later. You may order notecards of "Itch" here, and once the original sells, I will also offer poster quality reproductions (using this same link). Proceeds from these sales will also go to BFAS. Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Daily Painters Bio Last summer YOU got me voted into the prestigious Daily Painters group. This is a phenomenal group of artists who create daily like myself - getting to know them, bounce ideas around and pick their brains has been a great experience! I recommend a visit to the site - you're bound to find at least one new favorite! This week they are featuring myself and Barbara Kacicek on their blog. I invite you to take a peek and let me know if you learned something new! And thanks to Micah Condon and the Powers That Be over on the Daily Painters sites for featuring my work!

Neighborhood Watch ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Neighborhood Watch (Shadow & Charlotte)," 8" x 10", portrait of a Cocker Spaniel and a Beagle, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. This painting is headed to a new home - but if you are interested in something similar, contact me. My end of year studio purge unearthed the original of this composition, an unfinished 16" x 22" gallery stretched canvas. A few days later, Shadow and Charlotte's Mom emailed me. "Do you remember that painting you started of my two years ago? you were doing it for an exhibition.... did you ever finish it?" she asked. "No," I answered, rather sheepishly. "But I'd love to revisit it!" She was enthusiastic. So was I. So today they got another turn on my easel. I decided a fresh start would give the painting a brighter outlook. Besides, I really love painting on Ampersand Gessobord. The idea of working on canvas again gave me the heebie-jeebies. I know. Crazy. (I've been called worse). So here is the painting, done and signed, 4 years later. That's a long time for these two to wait patiently at the window. Maybe I should re-name the painting "Patience"! Are you interested in commissioning a special portrait? If so, please let me know! Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Mona Lisa, pretending she's been sunbathing all afternoon and NOT been playing in the toilet. Such a Stinker! Aren't cats supposed to steer clear of water? Mona, apparently, did not get that memo. So far today she's: Been busted on the counter multiple times, "swimming" in the fish bowl (which is now surrounded by 2 circles of packing tape, face side up). Kept the toilet seat dame with a tell-tale trail of wet paw prints (Finnigan's smart, but he's not smart enough to frame her). Dumped my paint water all over the taboret, then splashed around with the mucky brushes (this is my fault for not paying better attention to her hunting pattern when I was painting!). But then the darned little bug comes and sits daintily at my feet, waiting for eye contact before quietly mewing. I scoop her up, she tucks her head in under my chin, and turns on her engine. And all is forgiven. I'm off to get dry socks.

Seascape-Delilah Smith

I was out plien air painting today at Suunset park in Tarpon Springs.

Beach Wall

About This Painting:
Beach Wall
oil painting 5x7
oil painting on canvas mounted on a museum quality panel ready to frame.

Media: oil painting
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)

How to Purchase:
click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

"post your opinion in the comments" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com,,Thank You:Visit my web site Art by Delilah http://www.artbydelilah.comDelilah Smith" Daily Painter"

Seascape-Delilah Smith

Beach,seascape

About This Painting:
Beach
5x7
oil painting

Media: oil painting
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)

How to Purchase:
click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

Daily Bread by Paul Wolber

Daily Bread

7” x 5” (17.8 cm x 12.7 cm) acrylic on hand primed board $125 with free shipping in US & Canada

To purchase go to my other blog HERE

To see past work in my dailypainters gallery click HERE.
To see available works in my dailypainters gallery click HERE

Bread symbolizes many things. As a staple of life to some it represents plenty, to others the Eucharist, and still others it is the food that keeps one alive.

I have a new bread machine so I'm enjoying fresh homemade bread these days. This painting is a loaf of herb bread that is great with honey or simply dipped in olive oil. Being awakened by the smell of fresh bread just out of the oven is a wonderful treat. I wanted this painting to evoke not only the sight and taste of fresh bread, but also the wonderful yeast aroma of hot steaming bread right out of the oven.

© Copyright 2011 by Paul Wolber
All Rights Reserved

JEANNE ILLENYE CAT PORTRAIT OF TILLY IN THE GARDEN

Tilly

7x5 inches / oil on panel

Tilly is strikingly beautiful with her vibrant green eyes, exquisite silhouette and soft, mottled fur. This portrait, like so many that are painted in memoriam of a beloved furred family member, is particularly special as my client commissioned this the day after losing her precious little Tilly. It was as if my painting contributed to the healing process from such an unexpected heartbreak. You’ll see a tiny little bee in the painting which was a special request; presumably Tilly enjoyed chasing them in the garden!

A Gentle Breeze ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

NEARLY FINISHED: "Gentle Breeze (Nitro)," from the "Black and Whites" series, 8" x 10", portrait of a horse, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessoboard. Almost completed - and can be pre-purchased for $469. Please send your inquiries to me. Those of you who follow the studio on Facebook heard me bragging last week about an ambitious piece I started. Monday had me lamenting about a painting that was giving me problems. They were one and the same, the piece I'm sharing with you today. First it sunk deep into "The Uglies" - that stage where the artist is still working things out, and nothing quite yet meshes or works visually. Every piece goes through this phase - it's just that some linger longer than others. And Nitro refused to budge from "The Uglies." And I didn't know how to fix him. Over multiple days, I studied the piece in a mirror, upside down, and from my periphery. I used red cellophane to work out issues with values (laying a piece of red cellophane overtop a painting reduces it immediately to a value study, enabling you to see any problematic areas). I imported a jpg to Photoshop and experimented with other choices. I thought a lot about the depth I was hoping to achieve and visualized the color theory and practices that would make it work. I closed my eyes and painted it, over and over, in my head until I had the confidence for another try. This morning I tackled things immediately. Within 10 minutes there was an incredible shift in the painting, and I had my mojo back! I thought I was done, but now see some subtle shifts to make that will shift the mane towards translucency and better connect the shadowed barrel to the head. But that can wait! For now I want to celebrate the completion of this one and bask for a bit in all that I've learned via "Gentle Breeze." Thanks so very much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS I painted Nitro already before - you can see his first painting, "Freedom," on the Painting a Dog a Day blog and onFineArtAmerica. My winter herb garden, compliments of my sister-in-law, enjoying the sunshine filled kitchen. Early Spring?? Michigan has been blessed with several gorgeous, entirely unseasonal days this week. I've never done winter well - I pretty much bundle up and hibernate until May. But this week has been very pleasant. We've enjoyed long walks, thrown 1000 snowballs for the dog (it sure felt like 1000!), gotten re-acquainted with the sun, and even gone for a bike ride. The bunny hutch got a good scrape down yesterday, which made Lily and Clover happy. And the crocus-es and wild iris already peeking up got a good feeding of bunny poo, which made them happy as well. This is February! In Michigan! I just might have to fire up the Bar-B-Q tonite! Hoping wherever you live that you are enjoying your days equally as well as the Santinis!

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!

A Red Rose-Delilah Smith

A Red Rose

7x5

original oil painting

Painting roses is hard, There is no room for overwork, and every brush stroke needs be right. On the other hand, painting roses is easy. You only need few strokes, and you don't have to follow the setup exactly.

Well, this will happen after you have painted many of them.

I painted this rose for th Daily Painting Works weekly challenge. More of the paintings can be viewed by clicking here,

A Red Rose

About This Painting:
A Red Rose
original oil painitng
7x5 oil painting

Media: oil painting
Size: 5 in X 7 in (12.7 cm X 17.8 cm)

How to Purchase:
click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

"post your opinion in the comments" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com,,Thank You:Visit my web site Art by Delilah http://www.artbydelilah.comDelilah Smith" Daily Painter"

JEANNE ILLENYE COUNTRY COTTAGE BOUQUET OF ZINNIAS IN A TIN CAN

7x5 inches / oil on panel

Here is another nostalgic country cottage bouquet fresh from grandmother's garden. This is actually a companion piece to Sweetpeas in a Mason Jar, painted especially for my client in memory of her grandmother who would give her Sweetpeas in a mason jar and Zinnias in a tin can. I always love these kinds of paintings that have a special meaning. In fact, I'll have another sentimental painting coming soon from another client, which will be a Daffodil silver spoon in a jelly jar with a label Grammy Nancy's preserves. These are really my favorite kinds of commissions.

You WILL Be Mine ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"You WILL Be Mine (Pearl and Arty)," 6" x 8", a special Valentine's Day portrait depicting a yellow lab and a black standard poodle. This piece was done in Golden Open Acrylics on a Raymar Panel, and is the first ever Dog a Day Valentine GiveAway portrait! Reproductions and notecards of "You WILL Be Mine" can be ordered via my FineArtAmerica storefront. Doesn't this remind you of the whole elementary school playground bit? Today's painting belongs to Lisa Stahlberg, who last week submitted the hysterical photo (scroll down, please) of Pearl and Arty playing in the snow. Little did I know, but Arty is a PAWS With a Cause service pup in training, and Pearl is a face I painted many years ago. Congratulations to Lisa and her two sidekicks for inspiring this year's Valentine! And thank you to all who so graciously sent in photos of your loved companions - I'll be responding personally to everyone. It was beyond rewarding to see the response to the contest, and I am thoroughly enjoying lingering (now that the decision has been made!) with the stories and faces. I wish I could have painted them all !! I hope, though, to bring some of them to my easel, and therefore to you, during the coming months. Please visit the studio's Facebook page for a peek at the finalists' photos, too. Better yet, become a fan of the page, and the next time I announce a contest, you'll be one of the first to hear! It'll also be one of the first places I post a link to the short film I made of "You WILL Be Mine's" painting process...... Thanks so very much for following along with my artwork! May your day be full of joy and your heart bursting with love, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Decisions, Decisions (or rather, How I Chose) With 95 little (and big) muses entered in my 1st ever Valentine Dog a Day GiveAway, I had a difficult time selecting the subject of today's painting. How to choose? First I hid the sender's identity to further preserve anonymity. Then I scrolled through each email, looking just at photos (I didn't ask for stories, and not everyone submitted them, so I needed to keep the playing field even). The photos that looked the most fun to paint, I saved to a separate folder, using numeric names. I thought it would be easy - that there would be one image that clearly stood out. But there were many that stood out, all for different reasons. Even after reviewing multiple times during the day, my choice was not clear. I called in reinforcements. The whole family reviewed the same folder and ranked their top 4. The two clowns pictured above were on everyone's list!

JEANNE ILLENYE WHITE CHIFFON SATIN COCKTAIL DRESS WITH PEONY OIL PAINTING

10x8 inches oil on panel

Something completely different for me, a white chiffon dress with the softest hint of baby blue in the satin sash, all accentuated with a butter yellow-white peony.  The crisp black and white theme is refreshing and presents the dress with an ethereal quality. 

If you have a wedding dress, christening gown or bonnet that you would like interpreted as a custom oil painting, I'd be delighted to create a gorgeous memento especially for you!  email jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

White Crown Sparrows Conversation by Paul Wolber

            White Crowned Sparrows Conversation (click photo to see more detail)
 

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) original acrylic painting on hand primed board

To receive email postings of my work click below or send email to Paul
 
To see past work in my daily painters gallery click HERE 

To purchase go to my blog HERE

This pair of White Crowned Sparrows have been coming to my backyard for several years. In this image they seemed to be in a conversation, and since I don't understand their language they probably are, hence the title of the painting.

I've been watching them for a while and finally got an image together that I wanted to paint so here it is.

© Copyright 2011 by Paul Wolber

All Rights Reserved

JEANNE ILLENYE CLASSICAL OIL PAINTING FRUIT FLOWERS BIRD'S NEST

Classical Still Life
8x10 inches / oil on canvas
Here's a little touch of a classical style oil painting with English roses, bird's nest with eggs and feathers, raspberries, grapes and curled leaves reflected on a highly polished table.  While this particular painting is relatively small at 8x10 inches, I'd love to paint it again in a 16x20 inch size.  If you're interested in commissioning a gorgeous classical oil painting kindly email me at jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

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

"Ike," 5" square, portrait of a Black Lab service dog. This piece was done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, and is not for sale. Inquiries may always come to me. I'm going to leave it to Ike's person to introduce him: "Right from the day I picked him up from PAWS HQ ... he decided I was the one he had to take care of. There was no bonding time... he just decided I was his and he would do whatever I needed whenever I needed it. "We never had to work hard on anything .. we just blended as a team.... He was always ready and almost anticipating my next move before I even knew what it was. He was my heart, my soul, my everything. "I was his world and he opened mine." Ike's crossed the Rainbow Bridge for a while now. It was my extreme honor to give her a little slice of him, this time to stay for good. Thanks so very much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Will U B My Valentine? I am painting a special Valentine this coming Monday. Interested? If so, send 2-3 clear,non-flash photos of your pet to me, using the subject line of "Valentine." All entries must be received by midnight EST on Saturday, February 12th. You can submit more than one pet, but please do them in separate emails. I'll peruse the photos Sunday afternoon and choose the one who sings to me the loudest. Said crooner will then star as Monday's Dog a Day painting. And you'll be singing "Hallelujah's", too, because once it's dry, I'll ship the painting off your way! So, will you be mine?!!

Billie's Sweater ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Billie's Sweater," 5" x 7", portrait of a French Bulldog, yet another installment in the "Black and Whites" series. This piece was done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, and is looking for a new home. The painting is $289 plus applicable shipping and handling. Inquiries may always come to me. Guess I've been on a roll lately with all the black and white paintings. Sometimes I get obsessed with a particular idea and just can't let go; I've been having a jolly good time painting these, so why should I?! I'm also learning a lot. Working in series' is a great way to explore a concept in greater depth. And based on all the muses you've been emailing me about, I'll have plenty of material to keep this series going strong. Thanks so very much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS Here's another "Black and Whites" painting! My goal with these pieces is to demonstrate the wealth of color apparent in objects that are seemingly straightforward. If you have a four legged friend (or even a 3 legged - I don't want to discriminate here) that might qualify as a "Black and Whites" muse, please let me know! Will U B My Valentine? Yesterday I announced on my Facebook pagethat I would be painting one special Valentine this coming Monday. Interested? Then send 2-3 clear, non-flash photos of your pet to me, using the subject line of "Valentine" (this will help my email to filter all the entries straight into the appropriate folder). All entries must be received by midnight EST on Saturday, February 12th. You can submit more than one pet, but please do them in separate emails. I'll peruse the photos Sunday afternoon and choose the one who sings to me the loudest. Said crooner will then star as Monday's Dog a Day painting. And you'll be singing "Hallelujah's", too, because once it's dry, I'll ship the painting off your way! So, will you be mine?!!

Bees- Delilah Smith

Dance of the Bees

About This Painting:
Dance of the Bees
4x6
oil on canvas mounted on a museum quality panel

Media: oil painting
Size: 6 in X 4 in (15.2 cm X 10.2 cm)
Price: $50 USD

How to Purchase:
click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

Here Comes Meatball !! ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Here Comes Meatball!," 5" x 7", commissioned portrait of a mixed breed stinker (Rat Terrier mix?), done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may always come to me. Meatball won the lottery. Not only did he get a great family after being adopted from a local shelter, but he also won Best Dog Name Ever. What color do you think his underpainting (the very first layer of paint I covered the canvas with) was? Thanks so very much for following along with my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS Here's another "Black and Whites" painting! My goal with these pieces is to demonstrate the wealth of color apparent in objects that are seemingly straightforward. Is a black dog really black? you tell me...... And if you have a four legged friend (or even a 3 legged - I don't want to discriminate here) that might qualify as a "Black and Whites" muse, please let me know! Be My Valentine Earlier this morning I announced on my Facebook page that I would be painting one special Valentine this coming Monday. Interested? Then send 2-3 clear, non-flash photos of your pet to me, using the subject line of "Valentine" (this will help my email to filter all the entries straight into the appropriate folder). All entries must be received by midnight EST on Saturday, February 12th. You can submit more than one pet, but please do them in separate emails. I'll peruse the photos Sunday afternoon and choose the one who sings to me the loudest. Said crooner will then star as Monday's Dog a Day painting. And you'll be signing "Hallelujah's", too, because once it's dry, I'll ship the painting off your way! Happy Valentines!!