top of page
Writer's pictureCathy Carey

Coyote Joy

Last night as I was falling asleep with Yogi my Golden Retriever at my feet, I could hear the yelps and joyful little barks of a pack of puppy coyotes that live near our house. Their immature voices sound like they were born this spring perhaps.


Coyote Joy oil painting by Cathy Carey ©2014 36" x 36"

Coyote Joy oil painting by Cathy Carey ©2014 36″ x 36″


This painting, “Coyote Joy” is of a little coyote pup in the garden up top, loving the sun and living large in his wonderland environment. Done from a photo by Janet Kessler who writes the terrific blog: http://coyoteyipps.com.

Many years ago we discovered a litter of coyote pups had been born under a bush, a few houses away, and they proceeded to grow up and move freely through the backyards of our neighborhood. The dad of the pack was quite bold and we have seen several of them very close to our house. At first I worried about our dogs, two Golden’s, being hurt by them, so I restricted access to the back part of our property where the coyotes were most likely to roam. I also was more watchful and careful at dusk and after dark, keeping them in the side yard pen for evening “outside”. So far one has been hurt and it does bring me joy to know those little pups are living the life. There are enough rodents and such to keep them well fed, sadly every so often they do get a beloved family pet, and it’s just awful.

One morning I saw the Dad standing at the top of our hill, looking down at me as I picked up the paper. It was so beautiful I did this painting, “Songs of Good Earth” from the memory.


Songs of Good Earth oil 30" x 30" by Cathy Carey ©2014

Songs of Good Earth oil 30″ x 30″ by Cathy Carey ©2014


I have just finished re-reading Prodigal Summer by Barbra Kingsolver, and realized my love of the coyotes originated with her beautiful writing and story in this book. A great read for anyone, so rich in detail and wonderful prose.

This painting “Love the Good Earth”, also done from a Janet Kessler photo, is of the Mom of a pack that lives in the San Francisco area.


Love the Good Earth oil 30" x 30" ©Cathy Carey 2014

Love the Good Earth oil 30″ x 30″ ©Cathy Carey 2014


My paintings are on display at La Playa Gallery in La Jolla Shores, CA and The Ranch at Taos in Taos NM

To see more of my paintings visit

To see my hand crafted jewelry go to

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Commentaires


bottom of page