Mati

Don't let the grey muzzle fool you, this girl is still very much young at heart. You can see her playful spirit in her eyes, in her countenance and posture.
Mati, short for Matilda, is named for the character in the Roald Dahl short story. She was the one left out, from whom not much was expected. That sort of explains Mati's start in life, as well. She was the little shy one, last of her litter, the unchosen. But someone wanted her, very much. And saw the potential in those beautiful eyes. She's now ten years into her life with her special people, who very much love and adore this young lady.
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I finished this painting just in time for Christmas.
It's an 8 x 10 oil on linen-covered board. $170.00.
If you're interested in a painting of your beloved four legged friend, contact me at www.katywidger.com and together we'll immortalize your special pal, too.

Hunter

His coming was a surprise, but not unexpected. I woke up one morning with plans for the weekend that did not include a trip to the mountains of Magdelena to look at a very special German Shepherd Dog. But there has been this giant hole in my restless heart for three years now that just will not be filled. In fact, it feels as if it has grown even larger. Three incredible Lhasa Apsos, whom I love and adore, could not fill it. I didn't ask them to try. They are their own sweet selves and occupy another niche in my canine heart entirely.

I have wanted this dog my whole life. Ever since I read Lad, a Dog by Alfred Terhune, The Call of the Wild by Jack London as a child and more recently, Adam's Task by Vicki Hearne, A Good Dog by Jon Katz. And certainly The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski, probably one of the greatest dog stories ever written. I can only pray that I am worthy of this dog, this Hunter, this noble beast.

He has integrated into the pack effortlessly. Sadie accepts him as her charge, and he accepts her as Alpha and his superior. Zeke, not having ever seen a 32 lb puppy before, protected me from him for a couple of hours, until he was convinced that he posed no threat. Wyatt was unsure and a little fearful, but his timidity is giving way to acceptance and curiosity. He and Zeke are already friends, and Zeke does a great job not only of playing and rough-housing with him, but acting the part of "Uncle". He's been with us for 72 hours now. Just give us a week, and this pack will be one cohesive machine. The Apsos have their Mastiff. I have almond eyes attached to a Strongheart of devotion.

Samson and Delilah

Samson and Delilah live the pampered lives of Persian cats well-kept by their person. And it's pretty obvious, upon meeting them, as to whom is in charge. What's that they say, "Dogs have masters, but cats have staff."
They didn't exactly pose for this portrait; I had to sort of follow them around and catch them at odd moments, laying on my belly with camera in hand, waiting for the right pose, the perfect "look".
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these two aristocats as they "talked" to me through the paint. When their eyes "speak" to me, I know I'm close to capturing them on the canvas.

Samson and Delilah
16 x 20 oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
$420.00 SOLD
You can commission one of your special friend at
katywidger.com

Innocence and Confidences

The title comes from an old Simon and Garfunkel song, which is fitting considering the song was popular about the time the photo was taken. The little girl is now a woman and the lovely dog is, well, gone to heaven where all good dogs go.

I have to admit that I pretty much manufactured the background in the painting. It's much more romantic than the actual background in the old photo, and adds to the idea I was going for here.

My inspiration is the devotion little girls feel for their dogs, and the unconditional love they receive in return. Dogs love their little girls, literally, unto death, and think nothing of giving themselves completely to the care and protection of their charges. Nothing in the whole wide world would willingly separate them. That sort of innocent love exists only for the pure of heart, such as between a little girl and her dog.

"Innocence and Confidences"

16x20

Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

If interested in purchase, please contact me at katywidger.com

Three Lhasa Apsos

These are my three Lhasa Apsos, Wyatt, Zeke and Sadie.

Wyatt is Sadie's son, and Zeke's first cousin. Sadie is Zeke's aunt. They are family, and they are my family, my kids.

In these three little 12x12 paintings, I tried to capture their individuality within the same format. Each has a favorite toy, a favorite spot on the bed, a way of relating to me that is different from the others.

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Wyatt is the youngest, always ready to have a good time. I'd easily know him if I were blind, by his reach (he's the tallest of the three), by the jingle of his tags as he jauntily trots through the house, and by his sudden and accurate leaps onto my lap when least expected. Sadie seems to think that he's still a "goober" in need of her discipline. I can't argue that. He still won't come when called and occasionally makes a mad dash out the gate and has to be rounded up, oblivious to any dangers lurking. Wyatt loves all his toys, but the green frog is a particular favorite (notice the missing eye).

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The Zeke has a presence all his own. He is a gentleman and very dignified, except when he's not, and that usually involves play time, or just general Apso Happiness expressed in odd posturings on the couch, butt in the air, grunts and growls of pleasure emanating from his face buried in the cushions. Zeke is the Guardian and Overseer of our little Raindance Farm. As much as I would like to think, and say, otherwise, it is his decision as to whom is allowed in the front door. I'm not sure what to do about that, except to accept his judgment and apologize profusely for my inability to control his vocalizations....The Zeke you see growling and scratching his displeasure at your presence is not the same one who cuddles up next to my heart at night on the bed.

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Tiny Sadie, on the other hand, is quiet, unobtrusive and relies on her cuteness to win over anyone not instantly smitten by her charm. She is, however, pretty much in charge of the boys, especially Wyatt. Well, to be honest, she is pretty much in charge of all of us. And she rarely has to do more than ask, with charm and aplomb, to receive anything her little heart desires. Spoiled? Of course she is. But rarely does she abuse the privileges she receives or the authority she commands. My little Sadie Wonder is queen of my heart!

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These three paintings are going to a show at the Rio Rancho County Club for June, July and August.

Easter Lily

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Happy Easter!

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8" x 10" oil on board

Available

contact me at

katy@katywidger.com

Boston

This sweet, gentle soul was rescued from a reservation in New Mexico.
His new guardians adopted him at about eight weeks, but he already had lots of “issues.” Mostly, afraid of people and things, but totally bonded to his mom. So much so, in fact that she calls him her Velcro shadow and takes him to work with her often, where he occupies the space beneath her desk. He likes to cuddle on the couch and play with his big brother, Pike. And he has a treasured collection of “woobies”—his stuffed animals. I’m dying for a good photo of him with all his woobies in his mouth—what a great painting!

8" x 10"

Oil on Linen Board

SOLD

Buds

A girl and her dog in the park on a warm spring day. Do we remember those sun sprinkled days when we're older and life is no longer simple and easy and warm?
This dog gave all he had to those who loved him truly, and this girl grew up to love deeply the other wonderful canines who came into her life.
A fleeting moment in our life, a day in the park. Yet it defines so much of who we are. And it will yet warm our hearts if we but ask it to.

"Buds"
14" x 14"
Oil on wrapped canvas.

Katy is 55, O My!

Fifty-five is not a lot, of money, or hours to wait,
but in years we think and yearn of passions we didn’t get to sate.

A mystery it arrived so soon; it should have been a long, long trip.
Events years ago, remembered still, though some names begin to slip.

And even with some aches and pains, not welcomed nor desired,
the simple things still make you grin, the child is unexpired!

It’s your laughter at dogs so silly; a palette of fresh oil paint.
A bird that says “I love you”; it’s not the things that ain’t!

They say it’s just a state of mind; thinking so makes one old;
it’s not the years, but the miles; at least that’s what we’re told.

Still, you look “mahvelous”, as Billy says, so much younger than your years.
Please see your reflection in my eyes of love, not in the cruel mirrors.

So don’t lament the fifty-five, enjoy it and have your kicks.
Because in three-hundred-sixty-five more days, you’ll be fifty six!


My love, forever and ever,
Ken

Kaiser

Hidden behind this sweet, caring face, nearly constant wagging tail and occasional smile, is an attitude. This dog understands perseverance and pain.
Kaiser has been plagued almost his whole eleven years by physical problems leading to discomforts that would have most humans in a wheel chair, or worse. Since he was adopted from the pound as a puppy by his mom, Karen, he’s been beset with arthritis in both knees that makes running difficult, and tumors that sometimes make it difficult for him to roll over or lay on his back. He’s endured numerous surgeries to fix his knees and remove various tumors, and throughout it all he has remained calm and happy with his life. Maybe that’s because his favorite things to do are lying in the sun, sniffing the breeze and long, slow walks with his people. Hard to beat the simple pleasures!
Kaiser is a King of a Dog for many reasons, but his mom is especially close to him because of an extreme event in her life in which Kaiser responded by demonstrating to her just what dogs do best. He was able to comfort her in that way that dogs do, without words, just by being there, his grand spirit empathizing with her pain, absorbing her negative emotions and returning to her his unconditional love until the ordeal passed. She has returned the favor in her devotion and care of his physical needs. Is there any love that can surpass that of a woman and her dog?

8" x 10" oil on wrapped canvas

$160.00 SOLD

Dog Portraits by Commission

www.katywidger.com

Poncho

Here's a portrait of a happy dog! Life is good for Poncho. He's a hugable, sweet natured clown who just likes to have a good time. When he's out on the ranch with his "Aunt" Susan, he has found true pleasure in partying with all the other dogs and goats, playing, barking to his big heart's content and just tearing off across a field to see what's out there. Oh! The joy of being allowed to be a dog! Sniffing, barking, running, playing!
Those languid brown eyes of his are the window to an empathetic soul that loves deeply and truly. Susan says Poncho will give you his paw and look deeply into your eyes as he "talks" to you. Those of us who know that dogs really do talk to us, both verbally and with their hearts, understand and are in awe of dogs like Poncho. We have a lot to learn from him. He lives his life completely in the present, one happy moment at a time, and gives joyful thanks for every blessing! Lead us on, Poncho!
8" x 10" oil on wrapped canvas
$160.00 SOLD
Dog Portraits in Oil at
http://www.katywidger.com/