Of all the products that have made Australia’s greatness, the Merino fleece stands out in strong relief.

Within the eventful history of this colourful and extensive national industry, the shearer stands resolute and yet irreplaceable.  However the management of sheep over this vast continent could not have been so easily achieved without the faithful obedience, ability and enthusiasm of the sheepdog.  Truly man’s best friend.

With wonderful memories of managing Tupra Station, Hay for twenty-one years and generally shearing over 40,000 Merinos annually I have endeavored to touch on the past in this pure pencil drawing.

A renegade crutched Merino wether has jumped in with a handful of uncrutched ewes and makes a determined attempt to break from the mob to avoid capture. The black and tan Kelpie dog, his eyes firmly fixed on the rogue, thwarts the challenger with his quick, forceful presence and telepathic message ‘Don’t You Dare’. It works!!

This is a quick drawing for Chris only 98 hours to draw!
Second place Kenneth Jack Memorial Drawing Award 2015, AGRA Gallery