Surprise!

A herdwick sheep painting like no other! There I am, out in the fields, ready to capture the perfect cow moment. The light’s just right, a wonderfully curious cow is heading straight for me, and I’m seconds away from the ideal shot. Then—click—Surprise! A cheeky herdwick sheep pops into frame, stealing the spotlight with the most brilliant grin. It was this little idea that became the heart of this painting.

“Surprise!” is full of character, humour, and the kind of playful energy that makes you smile every time you see it. Boris the sheep—yes, he’s got a name—was such a joy to paint, even if he was a bit of a challenge! After years of painting cows, I know their coats, curves, and expressions like the back of my hand. But a sheep? That was new territory. The texture of the fleece, the structure of it’s face, the curious shape of their nose—it was all different. I still wanted to stay true to my bold, colourful style, but I had to get him just right. If I’m going to paint a sheep, he’s going to be a blinking good one!

This piece is especially close to my heart. I actually grew up on a sheep farm in Ravenscar, and while cows have always been my artistic muse, sheep are woven into my roots. “Surprise!” is a joyful nod to those memories, to the unexpected, and to the charm of British farm life.

This original artwork is packed with personality, painted in my signature style with vibrant, expressive brushwork. It’s more than just a painting—it’s a snapshot of joy, frozen in time.