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