I wonder.....

A couple of things came to mind today - one followed from a seemingly callous comment of a stranger on my FB page, calling my recent work "garbage." Further conversation with this individual revealed that they felt my work was "too literal." Ok, "too literal" is far more interesting to ponder than "garbage." As I worked my way through the concept of literal, I began to visualize all the ways - other than symbolically - I could depict things like fragility, feeling inconsequential, immortality, and learning to speak up. Today I embraced one of those approaches - allowing my form to dissolve into the ground. Sort of like she's melting - yet she's still fully present for the moment. Two of the studies I approached in this way are pictured above.

I have no end result in mind for these - yet - but I am spending time alone with them, asking myself lots of questions, and listening for answers. How does intensity of color impact my message? What about contrasts - can I use them intelligently to play off the temporal message? How do I marry the gesture of the subject with the gesture of the paint? or is this even a serious concern? Is what I'm doing even of any consequence?   Looking forward to pursuing these ideas more tomorrow.

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Growing Gray

Growing Gray (a self portrait), 18" x 24" x 1.5", acrylics on gallery wrapped canvas with image painted around the sides. I am uncertain that this one is truly finished, just as I am unclear whether she will be available. This is an intensely personal painting, meant for loved ones denied the simple privilege of growing gray. Or gray-er.

Life is a miracle, every minute. My gray hairs remind me of that.

Inquiries may always come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com - thank you SO much!!

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Breathing Underwater

Breathing Underwater. 30" x 40", acrylics on panel, not for sale. However, inquiries may always come to me.

I've been working on this one all week. It is extra special to me, and I plan to enter her in a juried show later this summer. What sort of story does this one tell you? I'd love to hear your interpretations!

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My parents were told I'd grow out of it, but I still dream of ponies.

My parents were told I'd grow out of it, but I still dream of ponies. 24" x 20", acrylics on panel, $899 plus s&h. Inquiries may come to me.

In my imagination, I owned many ponies. And horses. I was a horse whisperer before anyone even knew what that was. I also was a champion jockey and an Olympic rider and especially talented at braiding manes. I had an uncanny connection with all things equine. Art opened doors that my imagination jumped straight into. My drawings of various adventures papered my bedroom wall. And my paintings continue to do the same thing to this day. Especially when world events are tragic. I close my eyes and dream of ponies comforting those in need.......

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Pip Squeak

"Pip Squeak," from The Bauble paintings, 9" x 12" x 1/2", acrylics on gallery stretched linen (painted around the sides, so she can hang directly without framing if you choose). Available to the first asking nicely, $289 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much.

Seriously, peeps, how can you NOT fall in love with this one?! 

Thanks for supporting my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com 

WORKSHOPS: 

May 17-20th, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Please contact Betty Klenke for more information. 

June 21-23rd, Montague, Michigan. Please contact Korrine Rogers for more information.

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Fleur

"Fleur," 12" x 12", acrylics on panel. Available to the first asking nicely, $249 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much.

Thanks for supporting my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

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Divine Intervention

"Divine Intervention," a self portrait, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel. Available to the first asking nicely, $899 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much.

I've been painting regular selfies for over two years and find it a great practice for examining my emotional state and working through various situations. Today's selfie was begun a few days ago and has been my obsession ever since. My original concept was set aside when I realized the painting (and my subconscious) was asking for something else.

Each of the items in the painting were chosen for symbolic reasons. They tell my personal story of this year so far - it is my hope that viewers will weave their own tale from the composition.

Thanks for supporting my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

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Midas, Finished

"Midas," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, available for purchase to the first asking nicely, $899 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much!

I should charge double for this one. Those ribbons took a damn eternity, so many repaints I lost count, and I'm freaking cross eyed from the stripes.

BUT - here's the thing - I stuck through it, asked myself why things weren't working, found the answers through trial and error, and made it work.

So yesterday's crappy paint day? No longer matters my friends!

Thanks, as always, for supporting my dream,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

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Welsh P(e)ony

ABOVE, full painting, BELOW, detail: "Welsh P(e)ony," an original piece from the Florus Animalum P(e)ony series, 24" x 36", acrylics on panel, $899 + s&h to the first asking nicely. Inquiries may come to me. There is so much lush color and intricate marks in this one - I wish you could stand in front of her with me to fully experience it. Please scroll below for a detail. This will be absolutely fabulous in a child's room, don't you think? Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   Shop Reproductions Here

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