Stephen's Bouquet

"Stephen's Bouquet," 24" x 36", acrylics on panel, depicting a dark thoroughbred with a crown of blooms. This one is available via auction - but hold one - there's a story here - please keep reading.  Stephen is 4. He is the nephew of a good friend. Last week, Stephen was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. His family has rallied around him, making the best of things in one of the darkest of times. I was asked to create a painting that could help raise money for Stephen's medical bills. I am honored to do so. Stephen has a dark Thoroughbred and the flowers crowning the horse were chosen to tell his story and send a message of love and support to his immediate circle. Aster - patience Chamomile - energy in adversity Cranberry - cure for heartache Edelweiss - noble courage Ginger - strength Pansy - think of me Peony - anger Primrose - childhood Sage - good health and long life Snowdrop - consolation and hope "Stephen's Bouquet" will be auctioned via DailyPaintworks.com. Every cent of the purchase price will go into his GoFundMe account, established to assist his family with medical costs, lost wages and other needs. For those wanting to donate directly in lieu of bidding, or to send prayers/karma/jujubes/warm thoughts, may you be rewarded 1000 times over. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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Wiggle's 14th Birthday

Today is a very special day - Wiggle's 14th birthday.  I honestly didn't think I would be lucky enough to celebrate this special day and to be honest, there have been plenty of days when I wondered if the time to say goodbye was growing nearer.

But, thankfully, Wiggle is still here and to celebrate, I took the day off work, packed some meaty snacks and we went to a lovely park for a birthday picnic.

Wiggle helped himself to his little lunch box while I drank coffee.

Wiggle then finished the froth from my latte and got plenty of it on his nose!

It's been such a lovely day that we stayed where we were, enjoying the fine weather and having plenty of cuddles.

Words cannot describe how much I love Wiggle and I'm not ashamed to admit that I have cried a lot lately as I know time is not going to last forever for Wiggle but I'm very glad we got to spend today together.  He really is a special boy.

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Sunflowers

"Sunflowers," 16" x 20", acrylics on panel, $199 plus s&h. Inquiries may come to me. SOLD (THANK YOU!) I taught an afternoon workshop at my local library on Saturday, and we painted bouquets of sunflowers. My students did a fantastic job painting the essence and energy of their flowers. Each piece carried it's own interpretation of their sunny faces and jumble of petals. This is my demo piece, worked a bit further along today in my studio. I think it will be fantastic in a kitchen - or a powder room - or a foyer - or a guest bedroom........ I have been asked to do a repeat performance of this class in Montague, Michigan at Studio 2. Let me know if you are interested, and we'll get you on the class list! Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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Wiggle - Day 3,030

We're home again after our weekend in London for the LRSE&C Dogs Party.

On Saturday, Wiggle stayed at the house while Sofy, Haggis and Cato met up with Dougal and Oban for a walk in Wimbledon.  

Here's Sofy with Oban and Dougal after they had all been for a swim:

On Sunday it was Wiggle's big day out which he thoroughly enjoyed.  He got himself comfy and watched everything going on:

Highlight of the day was when Wiggle won Golden Oldie:

Wiggle was tired after his long day but thoroughly enjoyed seeing lots of friends and raising money for the charity.

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Reach

"Reach," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, $699 to your door (inside the US). Inquiries may come to me. This is my newest self portrait. The flowers have special meaning to me - peonies grew outside my grandmother's farm house (I have a piece of that same bush growing in my yard), and ranunculus are one of my personal favorites. This is my hand, reaching for the beauty and promise of the blooms, but it also could be anyone's hand doing the same. What are you reaching for? Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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Dutchess

"Dutchess," from the P(e)ony Series of paintings, 24" x 48", acrylics and ink on panel, featuring a sweet baby girl prancing out from underneath a crown of Dutch tulips and ranunculas. This filly is $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me. Looking forward to taking some of the P(e)ony paintings to my art guild meeting this evening for a critique. The group always sees things I never do, and I come home with a tangled mess of ideas and possibilities. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim

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Wiggle - Day 3,022

One word: Love!

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Teaching

Above, detail of today's workshop demo, representing approximately an hours worth of work, mostly wet on wet, acrylics on panel, 11" x 14".

There's the adage that "those who can't teach," but I take issue with that. The best teachers I've had CAN and DO, and they articulate that, no matter how many times I (or my classmates) re-phrase the same question.

I'd like to think I'm working my way towards that category of Teachers Who Can. That some day, one of my students will be able to say that my techniques/approaches impacted them in a powerful way that didn't include therapy.

Meanwhile, I'm refining my teaching skills with an especially delightful group of painters on the western coast of Michigan. They are willing to try all sorts of things with their brushes during the day, and then in the evening, I retire to a Lake Michigan facing porch, sip my wine while listening to the tide, and forget about their tears.

And my own. Today's demo wasn't exactly the smoothest sailing. But it's important to be human and ultimately let my students know that the really good paintings take a little elbow grease. They don't just happen. I did a fantastic job of demonstrating thinking on my feet, being flexible to changes, and going with the flow. Those are valuable lessons, right?

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Dixie Rose

"Dixie Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics and ink on panel, featuring an Andalusian demurely peering out from underneath her crown of peonies. Dixie is $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me. I think she's done - I reserve the right to make any changes when I return from teaching on the West side of the state. Leaving as soon as I can throw my paints in my case! Really excited to work with a new group of students. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   Shop Reproductions Here  WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact Korrine Rodgers. "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

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Wiggle - Day 3,015

Wiggle enjoyed our few days away last week and managed a few short walks but was happy to relax at the cottage:

Since being home again, Wiggle continues to plod along at his own pace:

He still has enough energy to come out with Sofy most days, just to the green at the end of our street:

Handsome, senior Wiggle!

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Black Rose

FINISHED! "Black Rose," 24" x 48", acrylics, charcoal and ink on panel, featuring a Friesian galloping with a crown of various roses. She's $1499 to your door (inside the US), and returning collectors receive 10% off additional purchases of original art. Inquiries may come to me. I am exhausted - this painting has been on my easel all week, and constantly getting revised/painted in my head when I'm not in front of it. I'm onto something, though. This is a breakthrough piece - it's opened many doors. And windows. My head is exploding with the potential! Meanwhile, detail here. Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   Shop Reproductions Here  WORKSHOPS: "Color-iffic," Montague, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), September 8-9th, 2016. For further information or to enroll, please contact Korrine Rodgers. "Color-iffic", 2 days, Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI, October 8-9, 2016. Click here for further information or to enroll.

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