By Meg Peters
Review Staff Writer
From the sidelines, Kimberly Santini grew up fascinated by the energy of the horse, using crayons to draw her own surrogate horse farms she hung on her bedroom walls.
She was one of those horse-girls, although she never got that pony.
It was ritual for her and her grandfather to watch the Triple Crown series together and cheer on the thoroughbreds reaching down the final stretch of the races, mesmerized.
She has never been to the Kentucky Derby, but finally has the opportunity May 2, 2015 to attend the 141st running as the official Kentucky Derby artist for the Art of the Kentucky Derby Series.
The Lake Orion artist was chosen as the Kentucky Derby’s official artist after JettStream Productions selected Santini based on her vibrant work showcased online at http://kimberlykellysantini.com/TurtledoveDesigns/Welcome.html among other criteria.
Santini, a daily painter, has created over 1,600 paintings since 2006 specializing in animal portraits, highlighting their different spirits with acrylic paints.
Her endeavor started with Paint A Dog A Day, a commitment to paint five different dog portraits a week. Over the years her quest expanded to include other pets, animals, children, nostalgic toys and treasured heirlooms.
After seeing her style of painting, which includes gestural brushwork and vivacious coloring, agents from the licensing company and Santini collaborated to sketch out Churchill Downs? desired image, including the Twin Spires (the iconic landmarks on the roof of the racetrack grandstand) and the garland of roses.
‘Santini’s unadulterated use of regal reds, cobalt blues, bright yellows and other colors in their purest form, reflects the rugged muscularity of the horses and the intense emotion that embodies thoroughbred racing and the Kentucky Derby,? Kentucky Derby representatives said in the press release.
‘It feels so surreal,? Santini said. ‘I would say there isn’t a project that is as coveted among equine painters as the Derby poster, so it’s a huge honor.?
Santini’s inspiration is driven from real life experiences on the Saratoga Race Course in New York where she travels to in the summer to collect racing photos, study the lighting and develop new ideas. She even has her own gallery there exclusively representing her work with horse racing.
‘My passion for horses has fueled my desire to be an artist,? she said. ‘It took me 47 years, every bit of art experience I’ve had up to this point went in the Derby piece.?
Santini worked all summer on the piece and delivered the 14-by-36 inch original painting to Churchill Downs in October. It will serve as the official poster for both the 2015 Kentucky Derby as well as the Kentucky Oaks, a race held the day before just for fillies. Two different sections of Santini’s original painting will represent both races, including two smaller watercolor and ink drawings.
Not only will posters be available for purchase, ornaments, prints, coffee mugs, mini puzzles, and magnets will also be for sale at www.KentuckyDerbyStore.com.
Her artwork will also be on the programs, the tickets, and many other print materials being distributed at the race.
With this newest addition to Santini’s success’who operates out of her home studio in the Village of Lake Orion while caring for a family of three’Santini said the opportunity to expand her artwork is imminent.
‘It’s going to open the door and expose my work to a new demographic,? she said. ‘I can’t wait to step into the next couple months and see what I’m going to learn and embrace the opportunities the project is going to bring.?
Santini and her family will stay in Louiville, the week leading up until the two-minute famous horse race where Santini will participate in events and poster signings.
Her goal is to eventually do local signings at the Orion Art Center, another project which is currently in the works.
‘I have a lof of fond memories growing up with the Derby,? Santini said. ‘I’ve done some posters in the past , one for the American Kennel Club Dog Show in 2007, and each project is unique to its fans and culture. It is an immense honor to have been selected to create this representation of the iconic race and a tribute to the many teachers, mentors, family and friends who have supported my passion for art and horse racing throughout my life.?