Tsiko's Eyes ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Tsiko's Eyes," 5" x 7", portrait of a rescued Husky mix, the latest addition to my "Black and White" series of paintings. This painting was done in Golden Open acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord and could be yours for $289. Inquiries may always come to me. Tsiko (pronounced See-ko) is an Isabella white husky, estimated to be about 5 years old, and he was adopted from the humane society. He was found by animal control wandering at age 3 months - why anyone would let a 12 week old pup out and not try to find them is beyond me. But his family knows they lucked out! And perhaps Tsiko got lucky too - he escorts the kids to the busstop, baseball and soccer games and even vacations with them. He takes his job as family dog very seriously. The "Black and White" paintings depict animals that are black or white or black and white. But the painted versions are anything but black and white. This series allows me the opportunity to explore the variety of color apparent in dark and light values while also playing with reflection and transparency. You can see more of the "Black and White" paintings in my FineArtAmerica portfolio (they aren't all there yet, but I am adding more every day), where notecards and reproductions can be ordered, if you feel so inclined. Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS You haven't forgotten about the 10% off newly booked commissions, have you ?? the project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested! Ongoing Series Many artists choose to work in series. This helps them to focus on a concept from a variety of angles, giving them the opportunity to experiment and learn. I am no exception. While the Painting a Dog a Day project is itself a series, I have several others that I'm currently working on and looking for inspiring muses: SUNDAY DRIVERS: images of vehicles and canines BLACK AND WHITE: paintings of black and/or white animals, like Tsiko here THE GRATITUDE PROJECT: portraits of rescue animals done in partnership with shelters across the US You are welcome to nominate an animal for possible inclusion in either of the above groups. Please do so via email to myself, and include several non-flash photos you have taken, along with information about the animal and what makes him/her so wonderful. Thanks in advance for sharing your special critters with me and the Painting a Dog a Day family!