meilleurs oiseaux: 2016

Christmas memories

The first Christmas without Wiggle is hard, we miss him so much. I am glad I have his blog to look back through and remember the fun we had and how much Wiggle enjoyed all his gifts. We had Christmas at home, away, with snow but most importantly, lots of special memories.

One of my favourite memories was when Wiggle became fascinated with one of the Christmas tree decorations, a little knitted elf:

Wiggle loved that little knitted elf so much that when my back was turned, he took it down from the tree!

So this year, instead of a star or angel on our Christmas tree, we have the little elf, at the top of the tree next to Wiggle's photo:

Merry Christmas from Sofy and me xx

Curls

"Curls," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, featuring a palomino Thoroughbred with a festive and somewhat tropically colored forelock of ribbon. $899 and the first asking nicely gets her! As always, inquiries may come to me.

Wouldn't this (or any of my Beribboned paintings) make for an incredible focal point in a nursery or child's room?

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Minx

"Minx," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, featuring a black Thoroughbred mare with a tangled forelock of ribbon. Minx is available - what a stunning holiday gift she would make! $899 and the first asking nicely gets her! As always, inquiries may come to me.

A couple weeks ago I roadtripped to Linda Shantz's home, hanging out together in her studio and in the barn. This painting is inspired by one of her layups, Quidi Vidi, and our childhood obsession with the Black Stallion. We both are convinced that Quidi Vidi is exactly what Black Minx, the Black Stallion's filly, would have looked like.

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Peppermint

"Peppermint," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, featuring a lop eared rabbit crowned with a delightful candy cane striped bow. Many thanks to Cornelia K for allowing me to use her bunny as inspiration for this painting. Peppermint needs a home - she can be yours for $749 - the first asking nicely gets to adopt her! As always, inquiries may come to me.

Not much to do while the snow flies but sling paint. Who should I crown next? hmmmm......

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Dottie

"Dottie," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, featuring a teddy bear hamster with a spotted yellow ribbon. Dottie can be yours for $749 - the first asking nicely gets to adopt her! As always, inquiries may come to me.

Next up in this series is a lop eared bunny. I can't stand it!

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Teddy

"Teddy," 11" x 14", acrylics on panel, featuring a teddy bear hamster with a beribboned 'do. Teddy can be yours for $599 - the first asking nicely gets to adopt him! As always, inquiries may come to me.

I'm traveling and will have limited internet access until Thursday evening. Please bear with me - I will respond to emails and inquiries as soon as I am back on the grid!

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PSST: All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders.

I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back.

And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider all reasonable offers on original works currently in my studio. Please include the painting's title or a link to it with your inquiry. All requests may come to me directly.

Also, if you've read this far, reward yourself by visiting my Facebook page for my 12 Days of Giving.....

FINISHED - Cocoa

FINISHED! "Cocoa," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, featuring an aptly named chocolate guinea pig with her hair done up properly. I am absolutely delighted that Cocoa has already found a home with a collector as in love with her as I am (thank you DM!).

Prints of Cocoa (and other goodies) are available here.

And if you think you like Cocoa, wait until you meet Teddy.....

As always, inquiries may come to me.

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PSST: All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders.

I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back.

And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider all reasonable offers on original works currently in my studio. Please include the painting's title or a link to it with your inquiry. All requests may come to me directly.

Also, if you've read this far, reward yourself by visiting my Facebook page for my 12 Days of Giving.....

Cocoa, in process detail

DETAIL, in process: "Cocoa," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, featuring an aptly named chocolate guinea pig with her hair done up properly. Even at this unfinished stage, this original painting is absolutely magical. And it can be yours for $749 (yes, payment plans welcomed!) - as always, inquiries may come to me.

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PSST: All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders.

I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back.

And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider all reasonable offers on original works currently in my studio. Please include the painting's title or a link to it with your inquiry. All requests may come to me directly.

Also, if you've read this far, reward yourself by visiting my Facebook page for my 12 Days of Giving.....

The Best Gift Ever

"The Best Gift Ever," 12" x 16", acrylics on museum quality panel, featuring an adorable and snuggly Golden Retriever puppy with a giant candy cane striped ribbon. This original painting is packed with texture and subtle color - it's truly a remarkable piece. And it can be yours for $629 - as always, inquiries may come to me.

Gotta give a shout out to Karen Appleton, who's painted presents I have always loved. I'm sure you will love her work too!

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PSST: All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders.

I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back.

And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider all reasonable offers on original works currently in my studio. Please include the painting's title or a link to it with your inquiry. All requests may come to me directly.

Also, if you've read this far, reward yourself by visiting my Facebook page for Day 2 of my 12 Days of Giving.

Turtledove's Bow

"Turtledove's Bow," 9" x 12", acrylics on panel, featuring the studio namesake, Turtledove. Turtle loved any sort of neckwear, and during the holidays she sported all sorts of finery. This original painting can be yours for $99 + s&h - as always, inquiries may come to me.

SOLD (thank you!)

I miss this cat, especially at Christmas. She loved playing in the tree. Every morning, we would come down to find the beaded garland stripped from the tree, but not a single ornament out of place. I would watch her all day long, pretending I hadn't untangled and replaced the garland. And then, at some point while we were sleeping, she would quietly remove it, and drag it someplace to "kill." It's one of the many warm memories I have of this gentle, sweet kitty.

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PSST: All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders.

I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back.

And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider all reasonable offers on original works currently in my studio. Please include the painting's title or a link to it with your inquiry. All requests may come to me directly.

Also, if you've read this far, reward yourself by visiting my Facebook page for Day 1 of my 12 Days of Giving.

Balancing Act

"Balancing Act," 24" x 9", acrylics on museum quality panel, featuring none other than Salvador Doggie practicing his mad balancing skills with a few holiday ornaments. This original painting is lush with drips and thick swaths of paint, and then there's those innocent eyes. Don't believe him, Santa, he's not that good...... "Balancing Act" can be yours for $549 + s&h - as always, inquiries may come to me.

Thinking about balance today, what we believe we can do vs actual truth.

I am rabidly optimistic, and believe I can totally balance a cairn of ornaments on my head. While standing on one leg, too, no less. So why can't Sal?

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PSST: All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders.

I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back.

And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider all reasonable offers on original works currently in my studio. Please include the painting's title or a link to it with your inquiry. All requests may come to me directly.

"Tree Pose," 24" x 30" x 1", acrylics on gallery stretched canvas, I suppose you could say this is a selfie of sorts. And yet, it also has a universal aspect, too. This meditative piece can be yours for $849 - inquiries may come to me.

Continuing to seek a greater understanding of current events through my paintings - it's pretty obvious, no?! I could spell it all out for you, between the finch, pooh, the butterfly, fish, the flower choices....... But I would rather that you enjoy the piece and build your own story.

What do you see? what does it mean to you?

Thanks, as always, for following my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

PSST: All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders.

I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back.

And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider all reasonable offers on original works currently in my studio. Please include the painting's title or a link to it with your inquiry. All requests may come to me directly.

Thankful

Thoughts of Wiggle are always on my mind and with it having been Thanksgiving this week, I've been thinking more about how lucky I was to have Wiggle in my life for the time I did. He was super special and maybe that's why it feels so hard to get used to him being gone now, even though it's been nearly two months.

He loved this time of year, with cooler days and plenty of interesting smells to sniff out amongst the fallen leaves. It's my favourite time of year, especially on bright days. Sofy likes autumn too:

Seeing Sofy in the leaves reminded me how photogenic Wiggle was at this time of year with the beautiful colours as a perfect backdrop to photograph his handsome good looks:

As much as I try and think of the fun times and adventures we shared, I still find myself wishing I could stroke that beautiful, velvety soft black fur and hug my boy. I cry, I feel sad and I remind myself it's grief and it will get easier. But while my head believes that, my heart is still struggling.

Thankfully Sofy is being a Very Good Girl and is affectionate and cuddly, trying her best to cheer me up by being silly and bashing me with her toys to get me to play. Week after next we'll have Lilly staying with us so for a few days we'll be back to a two dog home, which will be nice for both of us.

Black Friday Specials

ABOVE: Just one of the special priced paintings available this holiday season - read below for more details. Thanks so much!

It's the beginning of the holiday shopping season, at least here in the States, and while I'm a little late getting to the party (I've been having far too much fun with my family this year!), I do have some wonderful treats for you!

Reproductions and items bearing my paintings will ship for free from FineArtAmerica today only - use #FAAHOLIDAY at checkout.

All remaining inventory from my Toys series of paintings (the little 6" square treasures) are now $50 plus s&h through December 10th, 2016. And yes, I will combine s&h on all orders.

I've selected a few wonderful originals, including pieces never before offered, for special pricing through Saturday, December 10th, 2016. As I clean up the studio in the next few days, I may be adding more to the album, so please check back.

And finally, in the interest of sharing much needed beauty and love with the world, I will consider all reasonable offers on original works currently in my studio. Please include the painting's title or a link to it with your inquiry. All requests may come to me directly.

Thanks for following along with my artwork,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shop Reproductions Here

Emitt

"Emitt," a commissioned pet portrait, 8" x 10", acrylics on museum quality panel, private collection (thank you!!).

While I'm working on some holiday portrait gifts (inquiries may always come to me), I'm also continuing to paint a few larger pieces that represent my reaction/current emotional state. And I'm doing a lot of journaling. Introspection is my preferred method of healing, growing and planning. Well, that, along with painting.

And when my paintings combine things I am passionate about, like my kids or yoga or favorite book characters or other "hidden" symbols, they are like stepping into a fantasyland where there is bound to be a happily ever after. Not anything sappy like those endings Disney delivers, but more like a space where I can impact my own story in a positive manner (and have flawless skin).

Yeah, I know, I'm a dreamer. Who's with me? I know there's more of you out there!

Thanks for following along with my artwork,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shop Reproductions Here

"Bittersweet," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, $199 to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may always come to me.

I am slowly finding my way through the emotional mayhem following last week's election. We escaped to Chicago this weekend, where I unplugged from social media and played with my cousins' children. It was the perfect medicine.

Back in the studio today, I struggled to find direction. Seemed like the perfect day to paint a turquoise dove with the remnants of my garden blooms. Continuing to work with the florals, thinking about the end of summer and a looming winter.

Thanks for following along with my artwork,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Life as an only dog

Sofy is adjusting to life on her own although I know she must miss Wiggle, just as I do. A couple of times now when we have been out and seen a Black Lab she has got very excited and pulled me towards them as if she thinks its Wiggle.

Of course it isn't him and seeing her disappointed and confused expression is hard for me. But now she gets all of my attention, I think she is happy. She takes an interest in what I'm doing around the house but isn't clingy, which is good as I still have to work. I watch her on the camera and she spends most of her day sleeping in the armchair, which is what she has always done.

Yesterday she helped me in the garden although I wasn't sure that sitting on the piles of leaves I had raked was especially helpful, but we keep each other company. Hopefully one day we will have another Labbie in our lives and I have offered to foster, but for now we will be patient.

Right now Sofy is next to me on the sofa, snoring loudly as she is tired after making the most of a lovely autumn day; cold but sunny, we went up to the Downs.

The leaves were beautiful in the sunshine:

Sofy was nicely colour co-ordinated with her surroundings:

Solo Sofy:

Enjoying the sunshine;

Seeking Faith

Another one from The Dryad Series, "Seeking Faith," a portrait of my daughter, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, not currently for sale (this one is headed to an exhibition). However, inquiries may come to me.

I could tell you that the inspiration for this painting came after a heart to heart talk with Annie about the election and believing in a system that has carried our country through centuries, yet has disappointed so many. But I can't lie to you.

The real story is that I had the concept of a figure looking upwards and off to the side, with a sweeping drapery of blooms. I had literally (and I am using that word properly, trust me!) 60 seconds to capitalize on the natural light and take the inspiration photos before she ducked into ballet class.

(All the flowers symbolically speak towards seeking affirmation, love, acceptance, remembrance and honesty. Or you could just say that they are super pretty, and enjoy them for that. Also, she requested ice blue eyes and perfect brows.)

Thanks for following along with my artwork,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shop Reproductions Here

Namaste, Finished

FINISHED!! "Namaste," a self portrait from my Dryad series of paintings, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, not for sale (this one is heading to an exhibition). However, inquiries may come to me.

Today has been a somber one for those Americans, myself included, who have found themselves with a President-elect who does not reflect their own core values. I've been reflecting quite a bit about the results, and while I cannot change them, I can show the world that my heart is not defined by anyone. That my tolerance and compassion is limitless. And that in a world fraught with anger, terror, and fright, I can usher in sublime beauty and contemplation through my paintings.

My friends, going forward I invite you to pray/meditate/breathe for those suffering opression and tremendous heartache. Listen to understand, not to judge, and love wholeheartedly. We are each of us human and equally deserving of love and opportunity.

Thanks for following along with my artwork,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shop Reproductions Here

Namaste, In Process

In Process" "Namaste," a self portrait from my Dryad series of paintings, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, not for sale (this one is heading to an exhibition). However, inquiries may come to me.

I think creatives are, by nature, highly sensitive. It's that ability to read body language, hear unspoken words, and be attuned to attitudes and emotions. We need this in order to translate the human experience into our medium.

However, there are times when this extra sense is not such a blessing. The election is fully testing my capacity for grace. My hormonal teenager had final exams this week. Add in a puppy who chews pretty much everything (including a computer charging cable and a disposable razor he somehow got off a very tall shelf in the bathroom?!) and a surplus of Halloween candy (lots of sugar highs. and lows). And that pretty much sums up my week.

An incredible yoga practice this morning flushed my brain entirely of the bad jujus. I came into the studio wanting to channel the peace and calm strength I unearthed. I think I succeeded. At least so far.....

The light in me bows to the light in you.

Thanks for following along with my artwork,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shop Reproductions Here

Lush

"Lush," an original piece from the P(e)ony subgroup of the Florus Animalum series, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, $699 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me.

SOLD (thank you!)

Forgive the glare here - Lush was photographed underneath the studio lights, as it's a rather gray day.

This piece started as a demonstration painting for a local art guild. True to form, I made plenty of mistakes while working on it with an audience. They were very gracious. Now I want to invite them over to my studio so that they can see the finished piece in all it's glory.

This is a special one!

Thanks for following along with my artwork,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shop Reproductions Here

Sunday Best

"Sunday Best," an original piece from the Florus Animalum P(e)ony series, 12" x 12" x 2", acrylics on cradeled panel so no need to frame, $500 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me.

The bulk of this painting was fueled by Halloween chocolate. Just trying to be honest.

Here's to a safe night for all!

Thanks for following along with my artwork,

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Shop Reproductions Here

Sofy's Busy Weekend

Since she has been an only dog, Sofy has been playing with her toys more. It makes me happy to see her being daft again as she gave up toys when Wiggle got too old for them.

So it meant Sofy was especially excited when our lovely friend Sue sent a parcel to Sofy which contained a fabbie new toy!

We went away at the weekend to visit our good friends Sarah and Phil up in Derbyshire. Sofy had visited before with Wiggle and met Mac the Trailhound and Ruby the Springer Spaniel so she was happy to be reunited with her new friends. She also likes their 4 horses so was happily wandering around in their paddock - the horses are all used to dogs so didn't take much notice.

Once the reunion was over we took the dogs for a walk in the nearby forest and when we came across a pond, Sofy and Ruby decided to get in:

While Ruby swam, Sofy pretended to be a swamp monster:

Sofy's first weekend away without Wiggle was going well until she came face to face with Roo the Bengal Cat:

Roo is the most confident cat which confused Sofy as all other cats she has met want to run away but he stood his ground and followed her around:

Deciding that he was boss in his home, Roo sat on me which Sofy found most distressing so she took herself off to bed and wouldn't look at me and the cat. She thought that if she couldn't see him, he didn't exist:

By the morning, Sofy had a plan - she would camouflage herself by laying on the rug and hope that Roo would leave her alone:

Back home again and today was a lovely, sunny day so after running some errands, we made the most of the autumn sunshine with a walk in the fields across the road:

Sofy was a Very Good Girl and I like to think that she learnt how to be a good house guest from Wiggle...