Daily Painters of Michigan: June 2011

Baby Moo ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Baby Moo," 5" square, Golden Open Acrylics on artists' Ampersand gessobord, depicting a young Holstein calf. This painting can be added to your collection for $239 - inquiries may come to me.

Remember our trip earlier this week to Cook's Dairy Farm? This is one of the little fellas we hung out with for a bit. I'm sharing my reference photo below, so that you can see my source of inspiration.

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Future Dragon Slayer?

For generations, citizens of Lake Orion (my hometown) have told the story of a dragon living in the depths of our lake.

We even have a summer festival that pays homage to her - with dragon boat races, tours of historic lakeside homes, sidewalk chalk contests, and an art exhibition.

It's time for me to start my dragon painting - but I need your help finding my muse.

I want to do a larger than life puppy/dog, accompanied by a toy dragon. In keeping with the tradition of the dragon myth, the dog must have an expressive face that tells legions of stories. (I already have the dragon - you simply need to supply the puppy!)

You may nominate your puppy by sending non-flash photos to me by July 17th.

Photos submitted must be of your own taking. By virtue of submission, you are granting me permission to create derivative artwork at any point in the future.

I'll update submissions on the studio's facebook page every couple days.

Thanks so much for helping me out!

Annie, A Painted Sketch ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Annie," image approximately 8" square on an 8" x 10" paper, Golden Open Acrylics on artists' multimedia board. This is a commissioned pet portrait depicting a wonderfully lucky Standard Poodle.

Annie was brought by a rescue group to my clients, a family known for their love of poodles. The rescue group was looking for a foster home that would allow them to get to know Annie better while looking for her new forever home.

Little did the rescue know, but Annie had already found her new home. She lasted a whole 5 hours as a foster dog before completely winning over the hearts of my clients and becoming best friends with their two other dogs.

Her family are proud foster flunkies, and she's a jolly, goofy, delightful addition to their household.

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Did you know I accept commissions? That the majority of the paintings you see as part of the Painting a Dog a Day project are portraits done by request?

I work from your photos, creating treasured portraits like Allie's (immediately above) or delightful sketches like Annie's (at the very tippy top).

Sketches, done on paper, start at $49 and are priced based on density of detail.

Portraits are completed on museum quality panels and are priced from $209.

I also offer gift certificates for that discriminating and hard to shop for person on your list.

Shoot me an email and we can talk about your project. I'd love to paint for you!

Sugar ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Sugar," 6" square, Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel, commissioned portrait depicting a sleek and stunning English Pointer dog. Sugar hailed from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary before being adopted by my clients, and as such, I'm making a donation to Best Friends in her name. Wanna join me?

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Ipo

"Ipo," 6" x 8", Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel, depicting a sweet and silky mixed breed. "Ipo" can be added to your collection - just email me!

SOLD

This is one of my favorite combinations, the inky blues and purples combined with the firey oranges. It's a great way to depict energetic and clever souls like little Ipo here.

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

A New Muse

I bribed the kids with the promise of ice cream, and we hit Cook's Dairy Farm today.

The weather wasn't very ice-creamey-ish - things were a little cool temperature wise - but the overcast day made for some very nice photo opportunities.

You might best appreciate this photo accompanied by the soundtrack of The Princess, who was thoroughly disgusted by a puddle of bovine urine.

In her honor, we brought home a gallon of "Cow Pie" ice cream.

Out of the Box ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Out of the Box (Max)," image approximately 5" x 6" on a paper measuring 8" x 10", Golden Open Acrylics on artists' multimedia artboard, depicting a St Bernard. This is a painted sketch commissioned as a special birthday gift, so mum's the word, please, if you know Max's Mum.

Now I'm off to get cleaned up and ready for tonite's party at the Orion Art Center (7-9pm, in case you are wondering). Hope to see some of you there!

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family.

Enjoy the weekend,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Time Flies

It was this time last year that, with your support, I was chosen for membership in the Daily Painters group.

This is a prestigious group of artists deep in talent, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities and benefits of being a member.

And it never would have happened if YOU hadn't stepped up and shown your support of my artwork and the Painting a Dog a Day project.

So tonite I will raise a glass in your honor. The Dog a Day community holds me up in so many ways, and I am very grateful for that!

JEANNE ILLENYE - HONEYMOONERS IN CRYSTAL PALACE

Honeymooners in Crystal Palace

12x12 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

You’ll no doubt recall some other bird portraits I’ve painted, all of which are for one client who delights in their exquisite plumage, beautiful song and sweet, or sometimes in the case of her Parrots, entertaining dispositions -- seems her girls are always up to something! However, these two darling little Zebra Finches have such sweet dispositions which I really tried to capture in this intricate portrait of the happy couple nestling together in an exquisite crystal chandelier. The whimsical title came to me while I painted, as is often the case.

JEANNE ILLENYE - WHITE WESTIE DOG PORTRAIT OIL PAINTING

Harry Harrington

HRH Prince of Long Beach

18x24 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Introducing Harry Harrington a.k.a. HRH Prince of Long Beach. Harry is a regal pup who always brings a smile to everyone he meets...and he’s met a lot of folks during his travels from New York to Boston to San Francisco to Florida. He’s not only traveled more than most Westies, but has become quite the socialite meeting an endless list of celebrities as well. Here in this larger oil portrait painted nearly lifesize, I tried to capture his personality while Harry enjoyed a particularly fun day at the shore! Don’t you just love his little footprints and claw marks in the cool, wet sand? A cheerful painting to commemorate a special day.
http://www.jeanneillenye.com/

Tea Cup Delilah Smith

Morning Tea with berries,cherries and strawberry

About This Painting:
Morning Tea
oil painting on canvas mounted on hardboard 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:

The Three Musketeers

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"The Three Musketeers," 6" x 8", Golden Open Acrylics on canvasboard, depicting three vintage Fisher Price dog figurines. The newest piece in my "Treats, Toys and Treasures" series of paintings being displayed atPoppyseed Deli in Downtown Lake Orion. Inquiries may come to me.

There's nothing like painting still lifes to train one's eye on the nuances of light and shadow. And all the good info I soak up when painting them gets put to use when I set my reference photos away, and try to imagine my pet portrait subjects sitting in the studio with me.

Meanwhile, there's nearly two dozen fresh paintings at Poppyseeds, all under $100. Stop by for a coffee, and go home with a treasure.

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

It's A Party !!

Join us for dessert, beverages, and music, this coming Friday evening at the Orion Art Center, from 7-9pm.

It will be your final opportunity to view the nearly 50 paintings from the Painting a Dog a Day project before they move to their next destination.

Hope you can make it!

The Orion Art Center is at the southern most end of Anderson Street, nestled up along the banks of the Paint Creek, in downtown Lake Orion. More information available at 248-693-4986.

Farm art- Delilah Smith

Arizona Chicken
Arizona Chicken, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:
Arizona Chicken
7x5
oil painting on canvas mounted on a museum quality panel ready to frame.

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

How to Purchase:

Michigan Summer

Delilah Smith

Human beings are the only creatures who can imagine themselves becoming something new and different than they are. We can imagine ourselves becoming stronger, learning new skills or living differently than we currently do. Take advantage of this! Imagine yourself in new ways! Then develop a plan, take action and make it happen. You are in charge of your future.

Summer Days
Summer Days, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting: Summer days for me are always about being in the country and walking through the fields,smelling fresh cut hay on a summers night, and dipping my toes into a lake or stream. Enjoy your summer.
Summer Days
7x5 oil on canvas ready to frame.

Media: oil painting
Size: 5 in X 7 in (12.7 cm X 17.8 cm)
Price: $120 USD

How to Purchase:

"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"

Balance

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Balance," 6" square, Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, a portrait loosely based on my blue heeler cattle dog mix, Finnigan. This is also my entry for theDaily Paintworks' Challenge of last week (the challenge also titled "Balance"), and will be headed to the Canine Art Guild's July online exhibition, "Ying Yang." This original painting can be yours for $299.

Balance seems to be the theme du jour.

Today's the first day of my kids' summer vacation.

Want a little "Balance" in your life? email me and we'll work something out!

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Mona to Finnigan after the photo shoot that

inspired "Balance": "You do all these ridiculous

tricks to get a treat. All I gotta do is look cute.

And everyone thinks YOU are smart. Hah."

short pause

"I'll let you smell my butt if you leave me a morsel."

Down By the Sea- Delilah Smith

Delilah Smith

Down by the Sea

About This Painting: I used bright bold colors here and a limited palette to give this painting a real feel of summer.
Down by the Sea
Now this is a great place to be today with the heat.
The painting is a 5x7 oil painted on canvas and mounted on hardboard ready to frame.

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

How to Purchase:

Sweet Tooth ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS FROM THE TAGS, TOYS & TREASURES SERIES OF PAINTINGS

I've been painting candy still lifes in preparation for hanging an installation at Poppyseed Deli in downtown Lake Orion. You see, they've added an olde tyme candy counter to their space and wanted artwork to compliment it.

Here are just a couple of the paintings I'll be delivering later next week. If you see something you like, shoot me an email - I'm going to keep my candy paintings under $100 (they are on canvas panels and 8" square or smaller). (PSST - I will be more than happy to paint your favorite flavor, too.)

And now a shameless plug for Poppyseeds - they've got uber fresh sandwiches made to order, homemade soups, a fountain and coffee bar, ice cream and homebaked goods, and now penny candies (with inflation they are actually nickel candies.....).

Poppyseeds shows family friendly movies on weeknights, has re-stocked their supply of board games, and sponsor live music on Thursday nights (my friend's brilliantly talented daughter Riley will be singing next week).

And now they've added original art from local artists to their ambiance.

I just LOVE my small town.

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PS School's out tomorrow. Pray for me.

Michigan Sand Dunes

Beach Dunes
Beach Dunes, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:Michigan sand dunes are a resource of global significance; they are the largest assemblage of fresh water dunes in the world. There are about 250,000 acres of sand dunes in Michigan of which about 70,000 acres are classified as critical sand dune formations. The Michigan Legislature has found that the critical dune areas of this state "are a unique, irreplaceable, and fragile resource that provide significant recreational, economic, scientific, geological, scenic, botanical, educational, agricultural, and ecological benefits to the people of this state and to people from other states and countries who visit this resource". I am not the only artist who enjoys a day at the dunes.
Beach Dunes
5x7 oil paining on canvas mounted on a museum quality panel ready to be framed.

Media: oil painting
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $120 USD

How to Purchase:

"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"

Lucy ~~ by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Lucy," paper sized 6" x 8", image approximately 3" x 6", Golden Open Acrylics on artists multimedia board, depicting a Miniature Schnauzer. Commissioned and completed for a wonderful Painting a Dog a Day fan - thank you so much MBL!!

Sketching in paint isn't something many artists make a habit out of. It's a process I love, though, and something I ask my students to consider trying.

It gives me the chance to play with frames/margins and really push the envelope with brushwork while reinforcing my drawing skills. It helps me to get to know my tools in a looser environment. Painted sketches are lighthearted, fun to create, and whimsical.

They also allow me to offer a lower price point - these puppies start at $49 (which compliments the $200 entry level for a miniature portrait very nicely).

Want a painted sketch of your own? it's super easy - just email me!

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PS Here's anther view of Lucy, my ever-willing muse, as she "sat" for a larger exhibition painting. Both these 9" x 12" paintings (Mona Lisa is in the other one) were my demonstrations at the last couple workshops.

A couple of my journals and some of the

stash that will be coming to tomorrow evening's

grownUP Journalling Class

grownUP Journalling

We meet on the third Thursday of every month, and tomorrow is the nite!

Little Monsters Toy Shop

Downtown Lake Orion

6-8pm

$15

Bring your journal and any trim, specialty threads and other ephemera you would like. I'll share some tips on using hand sewn embellishments.

And give yourself a little extra time to find a parking spot and navigate the construction zone, too.

Looking forward to having you join us!

Questions? shoot them my way!

Bluebell landscape painting-Delilah Smith

BlueBells
Blue Bells, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:

Bluebell facts...

Some estimates suggest the UK has up to half of the world's total bluebell population
Despite their name, bluebells can be white. If you see pink ones they are probably Spanish bluebells
71% of native bluebells are found in broadleaved woodland or scrub
Tennyson speaks of bluebell juice being used to cure snake-bite. The romantic poets of the 19th century, such as Keats and Tennyson, believed that the bluebell symbolised solitude and regret

Blue Bells,Landscape
5x7 oil painting on canvas mounted on a museum quality panel ready to be framed.

Media: oil painting
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $120 USD

How to Purchase:

"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"

Maggie ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Maggie," 10" square, commissioned pet portrait of a Wheaten Terrier, done in Golden Open Acrylics on a Raymar panel, private collection (THANK YOU!).

Maggie's portrait is headed to a wonderful young woman who has recently graduated from college. They grew up together, and while Maggie crossed the bridge a few years back, her presence is still felt to this day.

Here's what her girl has to say:

"My dog gives the best advice: 'Be happy just being yourself.'.... We grew up together, and we changed along with one another.... I started to feel like I didn't fit in - at the same time, Maggie developed some physical problems of her own.... Nevertheless, Maggie was as happy as ever. It was as if she was telling me to accept myself the way I am and to stop depending on others (for approval).

".... Thanks to my dog Maggie, I know that just because I think, act, and feel differently from my peers doesn't mean that I can't be loved for who I am.... Maggie taught me that I am good enough.... I embrace the fact that I am different, and I am happy just the way I am."

I was so honored to paint Maggie's legacy today. She was one very smart dog.

Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Pages

Bluebell facts...