Right now, I am looking at a portrait of our 17-year-old schipperke dog Ursa created by artist Ginger Matyas. Ursa is looking back at me with that loving gaze and smile that she always wore. “What are we going to do next?” or maybe “Where is my treat?”
A few years ago, Ginger had a local art show of her portraits of pets. That is when I realized her artistic talents. I recognized many of the pets; we know each other around here by the names of our dogs. I was able to recognize friends’ pets because Ginger really captures them, their individual expressions, and their spirit. It takes a certain talent to do this. Not all black labs or tabby cats look alike, as we pet owners know!
Ginger says she starts with their eyes first, because that is the most important.
We lost Ursa in June, and we feel very blessed to have her portrait up on our wall. I highly recommend Ginger Matyas’ art skills in making a pet portrait for others.
Lori Dillon
Artist, Manzanita, Oregon
