Over the weekend we went to the Vashon Sheepdog Classic, a three-day event at Misty Isle Farms on Vashon Island. We were just there for the day, but we got to see some super smart dogs at work herding the sheep over the course.
The course was laid out over rolling hills. The dogs had to run about 300-400 yards to find their sheep, which they couldn't see at the start. Then they herded a group of five sheep through some gates and back to the shepherd, and then dog and handler worked together to separate two from the group of five and then finished by getting them all into a pen. The sheep presented their own challenge. They came from the mountains of Eastern Washington and were used to roaming in flocks of thousands and had not been exposed to herding dogs except in large groups. But most of the dogs rose to the challenge and performed amazingly.
The venue was very pretty and spectators had good views of all the action. There was also a sheep-to-shawl exhibition going on during the competition. Carders would take freshly shorn fleece and card it for the spinners, who spun and plied the yarn and handed it off to some weavers, who were weaving a shawl to auction off at the end of it.
*photos above from Vashon Sheepdog Classic website
At home, I've been doing some lessons from my art books. This book features cats and dogs in a variety of styles and media: watercolor, acrylic, oil and ink.
I love doing step-by-steps, especially in a new medium, because I learn so much in the doing. This particular exercise is by Claudia Nice, who works in mixed media, mostly pen and watercolor. She provides lots of tips and tricks for anyone interested in following along.
5 comments:
We've always wanted to see the dogs herding sheep in a competition. My uncle grew cotton in central CA and he would lease out his land at different times to sheep herders. Their dogs were so focused and hard-working, almost of another world, not at all like out family pets at home. I always loved visiting them and watching them work.
Your art work is so beautiful. If I were as talented as you I would have a hard time putting down the paint brush. But I'm glad you knit too, I enjoy seeing both. Thank you for sharing.
What a fantastic experience!!! Which reminds me now that the weather has turned cooler (it's raining today) I can take Simcha back to his herding lessons :)
Your art work is so beautiful ~ thank you for sharing your inspiration and what helps you. I can't paint for toffy but I love to craft and am playing around with paints for the first time and enjoying it!
I agree with Kristen and MrPuffy--your artwork is beautiful (as is your knitting, too!). I paint (or dabble, really) in oils, but am nowhwere near the skill you possess. Even your art exercises are wonderful!
I've seen dog herding at Highland games and they are something to see, aren't they? I have a border collie, a rescue, and although she has no formal training, loves to herd--my cat!
Melody
A blog follower here.
I don't know if you are already familiar with the Surface Design Association (see surfacedesign.org). A chapter on the Eastside is forming. Maybe you were at our first meeting? If not, and you are interested you can contact me(I think you can get my email from the comment), or you can find out more contact info at the Washington State SDA website: http://surfacedesignwa.wordpress.com/
Hi SRR,
How interesting. I didn't know about an Eastside chapter. I'm not able to see your email but I'll check out the SDA. I've never done surface design but it interests me. ..
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