Madison artist James H. Widder, whether he’s painting a whale flying over the Great Wall of China or the Wisconsin State Capitol, creates playful, vibrant, and surreal scenes that he makes sure appeal to a broad audience.

Widder is one of the first artists Carnelian Art Gallery has moved to represent. This was originally a goal for the gallery come 2026, but it decided to start earlier than anticipated. Why? Why not? Artist representation will allow Carnelian Art Gallery to have a consistent inventory of art regardless of whether it is holding an exhibition or show.

Another benefit: Not only can you purchase an original Widder artwork from the gallery, you may commission Widder through Carnelian to create a custom piece to elevate your home or office space.

Based on my research, and from getting to know Widder myself, he is a beloved artist in the Madison area. That’s why we tapped him, among other local artists, to help Carnelian Art Gallery build its in-house art collection.

I had the privilege of being invited to Widder’s home studio on Madison’s East Side Monday afternoon. He took me on a tour of his own gallery. It’s a real-time evolution of Widder’s works; an oscillation between creating photorealistic forms and dreamlike, fantastical settings, and a move from experimenting with oil paints to acrylics. It is also a representation of Widder’s many interests, from art history, to cosmic philosophy, to the environment.

“I kind of oscillate between realism and surrealism,” Widder said. “I kind of like surreal-ism as a format. I respond to what people like, too, and what I like. I mix it up. Right now, I’m working on flying, taking off or landing Canadian geese. I love nature. I also love fantasy.”

Widder showed me other pieces either adorning the walls of his quaint home or drying on tables.

One, titled, “Divine Feminine Flying Over the Giza Plateau,” is an acrylic on watercolor paper depiction of the two feminine hovering above the Giza Plateau, home to the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx in Egypt. Using Widder’s trademark radiant colors, he showcases his love for empowering women, and world history. The work also incorporates a lot of texture in an almost Van-Gogh-esque manner.

Another artwork, titled “A Loving Revolution,” is Widder’s impressionistic view of the Wisconsin State Capitol. Using water soluble oil paints, Widder painted the Capitol up against a backdrop that resembles a sunset. Again, he uses bright colors and texture to achieve his distinguished style.

‘The pursuit of universal beauty’

Widder said he grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and enjoyed a childhood where his parents catered to his creative passions by sending him to schools that allowed him to build his skillsets. As early as Kindergarten, Widder said he was recognized for his natural talent. From there, Widder experimented with all manner of painting, drawing and sculpture.

Having moved to Madison in 2014, Widder said that he over-time developed his love for vibrant hues as inspired by his love for nature, among other aforementioned interests.

“I just like bright colors,” he said.

The message that Widder wants people to take away from his art? “The pursuit of universal beauty.”

Hopefully future visitors to Carnelian Art Gallery who seek to view its inventory of Widder pieces derive that interpretation, or their own. There are no rules in art.

“It was a great opportunity,” Widder said of finding out the gallery was going to represent him. “I love the space.