“Love is a four-legged word,” says painter Leo Asto,
Growing up, Leo was surrounded by love and creativity. His mum’s gentle words and the companionship of his beloved family pet guided him on his artistic journey from a young age.
Now, Leo is back to painting with renewed excitement, exploring a world of innocence, imagination, and playful mischief.
“When I was eight, I had to stay in the hospital for a few days to have my tonsils out. When I got home, I found a tiny, lively dachshund puppy. I named him Pip because he was so small and full of energy, and also because he reminded me of the hopeful boy in Great Expectations.”
Pip quickly became my loyal guardian, but he had a few quirks. He was fiercely protective of handbags—any handbag! With a growl that could make any security dog blush, he declared himself the Keeper of the Handbag. He was mischievous, cheeky, and just plain untrainable.
These few paintings are a little tribute to Pip, a reminder of the joy and companionship he brought me when I was a kid.
Leo
Ode to a Four-Legged Friend
(after tea, and probably a biscuit
You’re short of leg and long of will,
A trotter, snuffler, never still.
You guard the hall, the chair, the stair,
And any handbag left in care.
You claim the sofa as your throne,
Declare all squeaky toys your own.
You nap with sighs of deep concern,
And dream of walks at every turn.
A tyrant wrapped in russet fur,
With soulful eyes and one faint burr—
You steal my socks, my heart, my time,
And leave your pawprints in my rhyme
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Leo
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