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Here we are, well into the summer months, and I’m extremely guilty of over ambition. As I plan for juried exhibitions
in the fall and winter months along with my solo show at Margot's Gallery in March 2006, I’ve begun planning and preparing
lots of new work. I’ve also been working on commissioned portraits right alongside them; the studio has become
an absolute merry-go-round of stretched canvases. There's never a dull moment around here!
I've put an image of one of my favorite pieces from the last few months to the left here. Entitled "Please?", this
painting is 28" wide by 36" tall, and glowing with a wide range of color. I'm especially fond of the way his eyes lock
into yours and just don't let go.
In addition to all the new work I’m creating, I’ve begun teaching classes and participating in "live paint"
sessions.
The first class I taught was through the Orion Art Center as part of their summer art camp series. A group of about 30
children participated in a week long series of various introductions to media; I led a drawing session that focused, on what
else, drawing dogs! The children were surprised and delighted to learn that drawing is not something one is born with, but
rather a learned skill. Each child created a wonderful canine portrait, and I had the best time working with them. I am looking
forward to being involved in more teaching experiences.
I also had a blast at the Lake Orion Flower Fair in May, where I spent an entire day painting, working on a large-scale
new piece tentatively titled "Chauffeur." I enjoyed meeting many new people and seeing past customers, talking
about art, and demonstrating my process. I plan on returning next year for a repeat performance. The photo below
taken that day is especially endearing due to the little boy's seeming confusion...... "why is that dog so darned big?!".......
I am very proud to be a part of the ebay Bids 4 Kids project. Bids 4 Kids is a group of ebay artists who are raising money
to purchase art supplies for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camps, which service seriously ill children. Each participating
artist will have an item/items listed on ebay for the week of July 15th through July 25th. A percentage
of auction purchases during this time will go directly towards buying art supplies for these camps.
As a Bids 4 Kids participant, I will be donating 50% of the proceeds from the sale of any commissioned pet portraits sold
through ebay during that week.
Auctions will be searchable simply by using the keyword "b4k" (no quotes). Mine can be found by searching for "dog
cat horse portrait", and look for the little black and white dog on the red background.
I encourage you to take a peek at the B4K auctions come July 15th, and see if you can’t find something wonderfully
unique for yourself or to give as a gift. Better yet, share the auction details with your friends and ask them
to get involved, too.
It's not often we are given a chance to make a difference in someone's life, let alone to provide an ill child the opportunity to discover
the joy of self expression. Bids 4 Kids is a great vehicle for making a significant contribution. More information
can be found by clicking on the banner below.
Wanna get another version of a favorite painting? Well, then you'll like this: I've
just opened a new shop at CafePress, called Turtledove @ CafePress. Not to be confused with an email address, Turtledove @
CafePress is an internet retail outlet that allows you to purchase items customized with my artwork.
I’ve initially set the shop up with coffee mugs, tiles, tshirts, sweatshirts, totebags and journals. Don’t
see the painting image you're looking for? Visit my website, or send off an email telling me what you want (ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com) and we’ll get something put together.
Take a peek by clicking here (and then bookmark it!) – and perhaps find an item that would make a great accent to
your desk at work, the kitchen counter, your wardrobe - http://www.cafepress.com/ksantini
I am gearing up for a gallery "live paint" session on July 16th at Tatum Studio's new space in Petoskey, Michigan.
I've got several new pieces that I'll be bringing along to leave with them, and plan to work on two very exciting dog paintings
just bursting with personality (one is pictured above). If you are going to be in the area, please stop by and say hello
- they are located at 445 East Mitchell Street in downtown - call for directions 231.348.3000.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone for your business and referrals - they are the greatest compliment.
I really do miss my paintings when they move into your homes, and it's like meeting an old friend again when a new client
calls up because they've seen a painting of mine hanging in someone's house. So, thank you, sincerely.
May the remainder of your summer be full of light!
-Kimberly
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