Kimberly Santini

Welcome, welcome, welcome.  I am a painter, a colorist, and a storyteller. I am curious, insightful, open hearted, imaginative. I play well with others and with my (acrylic) paints. And I love to share and inspire the same. I've been making art since I first scribbled on Mom's kitchen walls. I've been doing it full time, like actually supporting my family thru the sales of my art, since 2000. 12 of those years were spent as a daily painter, where I started and finished a small painting at least 5 days a week. During that time I created PaintingaDogaDay (dot com), a daily pet portrait project that stretched beyond a decade and raised thousands of dollars in support of animal welfare. Over the years my process - and subject matter - has evolved in complexity.  I still paint daily but no longer start and finish inside the scope of each day.  Paintings are no longer a direct representation of what I see - they have become about what I feel. My style has evolved to become a unique fusion of the things I love, all powered by my intentions and passions. I have lots to say about my process and my ideas, and as I've learned over the years, the behind the scenes stuff is actually far more fascinating. Plenty of art instruction focuses on technique driven principles, teaching the student to paint like the instructor. But how does the student learn to paint like themselves? well, that is why I'm here. Patreon supporters get to peek into my problem solving, inspiration gathering, and paint pushing. Footage is focused on the conversations (inside my  head and otherwise) that take an idea from something imagined to something realized. Much of what is shared is separate from finishing a piece - it's the gritty stuff about how to think like a creative, find those bits of truth that resonate with who the student is, and exercises designed to help them craft a style that reflects just that. I speak openly about my own challenges and generously share my painting process, with the end goal of helping students to nurture and better understand their own creativity so as to make more satisfying and meaningful art. Buckle in - it's often mayhem in the studio (and my head) - and thank you, as always, for supporting my journey as an artist.

Free

If you love my work (or Blue’s sweet face), your monthly pledge will make my day – and make Blue’s butt wiggle with joy! This tier is a way for you to say thank you for all of the free content I share on Patreon, YouTube, and social media.In return, I’ll imagine you in a magical shower of glitter and rainbows and send all my gratitude your way.Note: If you’re looking for exclusive painting content on how to unearth your personal style or how I create my artwork, check out the other tiers.

Buy Me a Coffee (or Treats for Blue!!)

Learn How to Think Like an ArtistTrue creativity starts before we even pick up a brush. It is embedded in how we frame and approach the things we wish to address in our art.Technique is important but I believe the real magic happens in our heads as we ask questions and listen to the answers, logical and otherwise. This is where creativity begins. I guide students through my ideation process—how I generate and explore ideas that resonate with my priorities, share successes and failures, and discuss how I refine concepts and techniques.You’ll get an inside look at my routine and how I stay creatively balanced, learning from others and continuing to grow. Students will also gain tools to discover their unique style, make their work more impactful, and learn self-critiquing skills to improve their craft.What You’ll Get:<ul><li>2 posts/month with content on finding direction, in-process painting, and supplemental materials (40-60 mins)</li><li>Monthly live Q&amp;A session via Zoom</li><li>Networking with fellow students and creative community</li></ul>Important Info:<ul><li>Patreon content is exclusive and available for 60 days.</li><li>If you enroll through the Patreon app, a 30% Apple fee may apply—use a browser to avoid it.</li></ul>

@The Easel

Level up and Personalize Your CreativityJoin the Independent Study tier for an immersive experience focused on developing your artistic voice, honing your skills, and building your creative confidence. Independent Study students are actively creating work and seeking ways to grow.What You Get:<ul><li>40-60 minutes of monthly recorded content</li><li>Community space for sharing and feedback</li><li>Monthly live Q&amp;A session</li><li>One live event each month featuring a co-creating session, painting demonstration, presentation or guest conversations (recorded)</li><li>Access to the last 60 days of content</li></ul>Note: This space is separate from Kara Bullock Art School courses. The main difference is those courses (through Kara Bullock Art School) are structured around a particular concept and the processes I use. This space is geared towards a real time mirroring of what I'm creating in the studio, framed with challenges and exercises designed to inspire and propel students forward in their own work.If you enroll via the Patreon App, a 30% Apple fee will apply. Enroll via a browser to avoid it.

Recent posts by Kimberly Santini