Thursday, March 3, 2011

Lucy in the Sky.... (A Gratitude Painting) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Lucy in the Sky....," from The Gratitude Project, 5" square, dog portrait depicting a very, very special Yorkshire Terrier (read below). This painting was done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord and is headed to her new home shortly (THANK YOU!). Additionally, proceeds from the sale of Lucy's portrait will benefit Retro Doggy Rescue, the group that saved Lucy and works with many other special needs dogs.

Lucy's Mom says, "Lucy was born with multiple birth defects including AAI (atlanto-axial instability - her skull never connected to her neck - hence her colorful cervical collar she wears 24/7 for support), an open fontanel (hole) in her forehead the size of my thumb and liver disfunction (she follows a strictly vegan lifestyle since she cannot process meat or dairy protein). When she was born, Lucy could not even roll over. Nonetheless, with intensive hydrotherapy, regular accupuncture and dietary support, Lucy is beautiful, lively and loving!

We regularly go to regional children's hospitals where Lucy delights in racing the wheelchair-bound kids down the hallways (Lucy says, "Bring It On!" and doesn't cut them any slack because she likes to Win!). For scale, Lucy varies between 2.2 and 2.4 pounds -- she is the size of a soda can."


How's that for chutzpah?

You can watch Lucy in action here on YouTube.

Lucy's Mom has opened her heart and home to many special needs wee ones, and I am grateful for her (and people like her) who make room in their lives for souls like Lucy.

Oh, and by the way, Lucy's painting is my entry in theDaily Paintworks weekly challenge - the assignment was to do one brushstroke per color. I learned quote a bit during today's session and will try the exercise on for size again and again.

Thanks, as always, for looking at and sharing my artwork with your friends and family -
Kim


Better Than Any Award

I really enjoy hearing from members of the Painting a Dog a Day community. These notes are my lifeline to the types of things the project has spurred others to try.

For instance:

Some have opted to adopt a companion animal that has changed their life for the better.

Some are now fostering homeless pets or volunteering with an animal welfare group.

Some have sponsored a homeless pet that they could not take in themselves.

Some have been encouraged to return to their art, finding solace and renewed passion.

Some have discovered a new favorite artist and added to their collection.

Some are using their business and talents to make a difference in their own community.

Every time an email or letter comes my way sharing one of these beautiful accomplishments, I glow a little more brightly.

Thanks for keeping me warm on the inside! You guys are all the best!!

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