The Heart of the Hills: Why Sheepdogs Steal Our Hearts
There’s something about a sheepdog that speaks straight to the soul. Whether you’ve watched them working the hills, or simply met one trotting beside a farmer down a country lane, you’ll know what I mean. That quiet intelligence, the tireless energy, and the sheer beauty of a Border Collie at work – they’re one of the icons of rural life, and I’ve loved painting them for years.
Sheepdogs have been part of my story for as long as I’ve been walking the footpaths of North Wales. When I first started sketching farms and fields, it was inevitable that Border Collies would find their way into my work. They’re woven into the landscape itself, just like the drystone walls and rolling hills.
“Rounding Up”, mixed media
But capturing a sheepdog isn’t just about getting the markings right. It’s about the expression in their eyes, the mix of focus, loyalty, and quiet determination that says they’d rather be out working than anywhere else. Whether crouched low, watching the flock, or stretched out for a moment’s rest by the farmhouse door, they have a presence that’s impossible to ignore.
That’s what I try to bring into my paintings and drawings. Sometimes it’s a moment of action. Sometimes it’s a quiet portrait. But always, it’s about honouring the working partnership between shepherd and dog, and the bond that grows between them.
Over the years, I’ve built up a collection of sheepdog artworks, from quick charcoal sketches to detailed oils. Each piece tells its own little story, and each one is a tribute to these remarkable dogs.
I know many of you feel the same way – whether you’ve worked with dogs yourself, or simply admire them from afar. That’s why sheepdogs have always been a special part of my Rural Life Collection.
And if you’re anything like me, you might just find yourself picturing a faithful Collie every time you glance at the hills.
Alison with Aled Owen and Llangwm Cap, commissioned painting