Troublemaker Frankie ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

BUY NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Troublemaker (Frankie)," 6" square, portrait of a Boston Terrier, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord. This is a commissioned portrait created on the sly from photos also taken on the sly - the painting will shortly be gifted to Frankie's mom by her family. I don't know Frankie, but I do know her Mom, and if Frankie's even a smidge like her, then "Troublemaker" doesn't even begin to cover it. Want to gift something that'll never be forgotten? Let's talk. We can do an actual painting (if you can get photos) or a gift certificate (and let the recipient shoot the pics). Prices start at $49. Thanks in advance for sharing the Painting a Dog a Day artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Olives-Delilah Smith

I started this painting thinking about dots and drew the cups. When I decided to make them green with red dots my mind went to olives. I added the lady bugs because they look like red dots, then the dragonfly because I gave it red dots for eyes. Now that I have painted this I know I want to paint a few more making some changes with them a s I go. Oh the wonders of an artist with a wondering mind.

<

Olives and Lady Bugs

About This Painting:
Olives ad Lady Bugs
5x7 oil on canvas mounted on hardboard

Media: oil painting
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $125 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $125 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

Whiskery Clyde ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

BUY NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Whiskery Clyde," 4" x 8", portrait of a black Clydesdale, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord. Clyde's painting is part of my Gratitude Project, and as such, proceeds from the sale of it will go to his host shelter, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (BFAS) in Kanab, Utah. "Whiskery Clyde" is $259 and will go to the first asking nicely. You can ask nicely here. Clyde is one of the Guardian Angel animals at BFAS, coming to the sanctuary when his family could no longer provide the special care his feet required. You can read all about his progress here - it's encouraging to hear how they have treated his canker and foot health. I always enjoy catching up, too, on the Guardian Angel pages. There are some very special animals at Best Friends. Switching gears, there is still lively debate happening on Katherine Tyrrell's Making a Mark Blog about derivative art, plagarism and developing your own artistic style (I highly recommend reading all the comments, too). It's taken an interesting turn in that the Daily Painting movement has come under scrutiny. If you are an artist I think all of this is an especially interesting read. There's nothing distinctly new about my/Clyde's composition - I dare say this pose has been painted possibly hundreds of times by hundreds of others. What I hope is unique to Clyde's portrait (and all of my daily works) is my approach to color and reflected light. And the fact that this is just one of now over a thousand paintings documenting my journey, and as such it illustrates the story of an artist's path to growth. What do you think about artist's finding their way in today's world? Thanks in advance for sharing the Painting a Dog a Day artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Help Japan" The Daily Paintworks challenge, "Help Japan," has raised nearly $22,000! I've donated 2 paintings to the cause, both of which will benefit Save the Children. "Ruthie" sold last night (thank you and a big warm welcome to my new collector!). But the pet portrait auction continues until about 9pm EST tonite. Thanks so much for your generosity and compassion.

Book Exchange ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

In January I took a book making class with local genius Pat McGraw. We decided to reconvene in March with a newly made book for each of the attendees and do a book exchange of sorts. I snagged a full-color Van Gogh coffeetable book with broken binding at my library's used book sale. I gently removed the pages, tore them into equally sized strips, artfully grouped into signatures (text meeting fragments of paintings, sometimes upside down even), which I then pamphlet stitched. Five signatures were then woven together along the spines using a watercolor dyed pearle cotton. I was particularly excited about the random quality of the assembled pages. Snippets of the text ran alongside bits of paintings, and when placed in context with each other, encouraged entirely new discoveries. I also made sure to include plenty of space in the margins and elsewhere so that the recipient could add their own thoughts to the books. We met one evening last week, enjoyed catching up with each other, shared a couple sips of wine, and traded our books. I came home with a beautiful accordian-fold volume highlighting the value of friendship (so appropriate given that it came from a long-time client turned friend) and an equally gorgeous rubber band bound book of The Native American Ten Commandments. The best part? We've decided to meet every 3 months and repeat the process. My next book is going to be made up of some of my monoprint experiments (have you seen these? I've been sharing them on Facebook....... come be a fan of the studio and get a peek at other projects that feed my inspiration!). Thanks in advance for sharing the Painting a Dog a Day artwork and my journey, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Never Stop Learning I have always been fascinated by books, from a design standpoint, an avid reader's perspective, and as a craftsperson. I finally got my chance to indulge my interest in handmade books last January (see above). Learning the assembly process of a variety of bindings has opened the door to a wealth of new ideas. Ideas I'll use at the easel and while stitching up new tomes. "Help Japan" The Daily Paintworks challenge, "Help Japan," has raised nearly $20,000! I've donated 2 paintings to the cause, both of which will benefit Save the Children. My doll painting "Ruthie"'s auction ends in a handful of hours. And you can go directly to the pet portrait auction here. This painting's auction will run through tomorrow evening. Thanks so much.

Michigan Dinner-Delilah Smith

Just Joe's Dinner

About This Painting:
Just Joe's
This is a 5x7 oil painting.
It has been painted on canvas that is mounted on a museum quality panel that is ready to be framed.

Media: oil painting
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $100 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

Michigan Dinner-Delilah Smith

Just Joe's Dinner

About This Painting:
Just Joe's
This is a 5x7 oil painting.
It has been painted on canvas that is mounted on a museum quality panel that is ready to be framed.

Media: oil painting
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $100 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

Fruit Still life-Delilah Smith

Grapes with Seeds

About This Painting:
Grapes with Seeds
6x9
watercolor

Media: watercolor
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $50 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $50 USD plus $8 USD s/h
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"

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

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Dottie's Still Here", a painted sketch, paper sized 5" x 7", done in Golden Open and Heavy Body acrylics on multimedia artists board. Dottie's is a commissioned Jack Russell portrait with a special story. Dottie's Mom is going through chemo right now, and had to say goodbye to her little soulmate rather abruptly and unexpectedly. Dottie's extended family thought a portrait would remind her Mom of how much she has - and is - loved. It was my honor to be a part of this gift. Thanks in advance for sharing the Painting a Dog a Day artwork and my journey, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Help Japan" This week's Daily Paintworks challenge, "Help Japan," is a fundraiser for the survivors of the Japanese earthquake. Over $15,000 has already been raised by the participating artists! Visit the event page to browse the artwork. Paintings are still being added. If you want to go directly to my doll painting "Ruthie," use this link. And you can go directly to the pet portrait auction here. 100% of the sale price of each of my paintings will be donated to Save the Children. Thanks so much.

Martha's Pink Nose ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS "Martha's Pink Nose", 6" x 8", portrait of a Yellow Labrador Retriever, done in Golden Open and Heavy Body acrylics on a Raymar panel. Martha's Mom gets first dibs. I'll be happy to take names and numbers - who wants second dibs? email me. SOLD (thank you!). Today I've been thinking a lot about copyright and derivative artwork. It started out innocently enough via an artists guild conversation, and it seemed to be on other people's minds too. Both Seth Godin and Katherine Tyrellmentioned different aspects of it in on their blogs today. Being part of the art continu-um (not sure how to spell it!) and an art historian by training, I have always been aware of how difficult it is to create something fresh and new. I can't help but think that those who cave to this pressure by purposely taking (or consciously making) artwork that isn't purely self directed are short changing themselves. (Copying for educational purposes excluded) What do you think? I encourage you to read the posts above and share your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your compassion and support, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Help Japan" This week's Daily Paintworks challenge, "Help Japan," is a fundraiser for the survivors of the Japanese earthquake. Over $13,500 has already been raised by the participating artists! Visit the event page to browse the artwork. Paintings are being added all week long. If you want to go directly to my doll painting "Ruthie," use this link. And you can go directly to the pet portrait auction here. 100% of the sale price of each of my paintings will be donated to Save the Children. Thanks so much.

Spring Bee-Delilah Smith

Spring Bee

About This Painting:
Spring Bee
oil painting
5x7
oil on canvas mounted on a quality panel

Media: oil painting
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $100 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

Sunbeam and Another "Help Japan" Painting ~~ Painting a Dog a Day

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Sunbeam", 4" x 6", portrait of a sunbathing Maltese, done in Golden Open and Heavy Body acrylics on a Raymar panel, available for $239 (10% of the sale of this painting will go to my local shelter). After last night's dumping of snow and ice on my newly green world, I needed to pretend I was someplace warm. This painting transported me to a warmer climate, a comfy chair, and a sweaty glass of iced tea. Unfortunately, in a matter of minutes, I'll be transported back to the real world, driving the track carpool, shutting several to drum line practice, and making a run to the library. Which means I'll have to go scrape the inch of ice off my vehicle. Which means this evening I'll reward myself with an Irish Coffee in lieu of that tea. Meanwhile, last night I added a second painting to the "Help Japan" Challenge - a 8" x 6" pet portrait, done to your specifications. If you were thinking about setting up a commission, please take advantage of this opportunity to have 100% of your purchase go to Save the Children. There's over 270 pieces of art, some with opening bids of $9, which means there is a price point for everyone. I've got my eye on a couple paintings myself...... Please feel free to share the auction link with friends and family, too. The more we share, the more others benefit. Here's the main event. And here's my pet portrait. Thanks in advance for your compassion and support, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Help Japan" BID ON "RUTHIE" This week's Daily Paintworks challenge, "Help Japan," is a fundraiser for the survivors of the Japanese earthquake. Over $11,500 has already been raised by the participating artists! Visit the event page to browse the artwork. Paintings are being added all week long. If you want to go directly to "Ruthie," use this link. And you can go directly to the pet portrait auction here. 100% of the sale price of each of my paintings will be donated to Save the Children. Thanks so much.

Osprey Pair on a Nest by Paul Wolber

Osprey Pair on a Nest: Birds of Prey

 8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) original acrylic painting on hand primed board  w/free shipping in US and Canada

To read the whole story or purchase go to my other blog HERE

This painting has been on my list to do for almost a year. We spotted the osprey nest while traveling in north Michigan near Alpena, but I first thought it was an eagle’s nest until we spotted this osprey pair.  It has taken me some time to do the research I wanted to do on this great bird of prey in order to understand it’s anatomy better.

The osprey is a fascinating bird to study and the nest can be a wonder to see especially if you come upon a group of these great nests together. The osprey is sometimes called a “fish hawk” because fish is it’s primary source of food and it’s great to watch these birds dive for their prey. I wasn’t able to get a shot of one diving to catch a fish, but that will be a goal of mine for the future.

© Copyright 2011 by Paul Wolber

All Rights Reserved

Beach-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)
Price: $125 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $125 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

Ruthie Helps Japan ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

BID ON "RUTHIE" ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Ruthie", 6" x 8", portrait of a vintage Ruth B. Newton baby doll, done in Golden Open and Heavy Body acrylics on a Raymar panel. This painting is being auctioned via the Daily Paintworks "Help Japan" fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of "Ruthie" will be donated to Save the Children. "Ruthie"'s opening bid is only $49, and she will be going to a new home, regardless of her ending price, in 7 days. Please show your support for the children in Japan by bidding on Ruthie (or any other of the beautiful pieces making up the "Help Japan" event). And bookmark the "Help Japan" site and continue visiting - because artwork will be added through Friday March 25th, with the auctions extending into early April. You may bid on "Ruthie" here. (did I say thanks?) Because not everyone can afford to purchase an original, I will also donate 100% of the proceeds of print/notecard sales of "Ruthie" to Save the Children. Prints start at $18, notecards at $6 (with price breaks for volume purchases). You may order these 24/7 on my FineArtAmerica storefront. Please feel free to share the auction link with friends and family, too. The more we share, the more others benefit. Thanks in advance for your compassion and support, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Help Japan" This week's Daily Paintworks challenge, "Help Japan," is a fundraiser for the survivors of the Japanese earthquake. The call went out with a simple concept - donate a painting to be auctioned, with the proceeds earmarked for one of a number of organizations already on the ground and working in the regions impacted by the quake. In a matter of 48 hours, over 150 entries were submitted, including "Ruthie" (above). Close to $6,000 has already been raised - and this is just the beginning! The potential is phenomenal when we band together to make a difference. Visit the event page to browse the artwork. Paintings will be added all week long. If you want to go directly to "Ruthie," use this link. Thanks so much.

Murphy Can Dance ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Murphy Can Dance", 4" x 6", portrait of a (Cairn?) Terrier, done in Golden Open and Heavy Body acrylics on a Raymar panel, $239. Email me if you are interested in buying him. And thanks! I don't know much about this little fella, other than the fact that he's very cute, which is rather obvious. Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family. Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Make a Difference Next week's Daily Paintworks challenge will be a fundraiser for the survivors of the Japanese earthquake. It's called "Help Japan" and more information is available on the Daily Paintworks website. I will be participating, both as a contributor and as a buyer. If you have the means, I encourage you to consider one or the other. Or both. Thanks so much.

Fields of Amber-Delilah Smith

Fields of Amber

About This Painting:
Fields of Amber
5x7
oil 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)
Price: $100 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

Right Here ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS of "Right Here"

"Right Here", 8" square, commissioned portrait of a mixed breed dog, done in Golden Open and Heavy Body acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, private collection (thank you!). It never ceases to amaze me, the depth of compassion we can share. A group of friends chipped in to commission this portrait for a colleague who was hit by a car when walking their dog. This gentleman walked away from the accident bruised and sore, but his little one didn't fare as well. I hope that my painting will bring a sliver of her back into his life. Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family. I'll be having a green beer in your honor tonite - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Make a Difference Next week's Daily Paintworks challenge will be a fundraiser for the survivors of the Japanese earthquake. It's called "Help Japan" and more information is available on the Daily Paintworks website. I will be participating, both as a contributor and as a buyer. If you have the means, I encourage you to consider one or the other. Or both. Thanks so much.

First Mate (Gretta) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS of "First Mate"

"First Mate (Gretta)", 8" x 10", commissioned portrait of a young Vizsla, done in Golden Open and Heavy Body acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, private collection (thank you!). There can't be very many Vizsla's named Gretta, and if you think you know this dog - I'm warning you - the painting is a surprise! Let's keep it on the low...... I've been assured that the recipient does not know about my blog or Painting a Dog a Day. Yet. Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS Wanna commission your own Dog a Day painting? Then let's talk! Naughty! Yesterday DogArtToday and Mutt Lynch Winery announced the rules and theme - "Naughty" - for this year's wine label contest. Do you suppose that Rusty, bad dog that he was, had anything to do with this? (For those new to Painting a Dog a Day, after my Grandfather's funeral last May, I collaged a portrait of his favorite dog - also notorious for making trouble - and won last year's wine label contest)