Lamb with the Chocolate Mane

Lamb with the Chocolate Mane
by vegan artist © Karrel Christopher
original oil on canvas painting ~ measures 50 x 40 cm
~ After the stressful journey through city streets, the flock sheep had arrived at the park for the yearly shearing event. Their vocalizations were loud and eerily strident as they pushed their way through the crowded holding area seeking family and favorite herd mates. Terrified lambs who were separated from their mothers along the way cried out – ewes answered, urgently pushing through the mass of thick woolen bodies to find them. I watched this beautiful lamb with the rich dark brown mane – he was no longer a small baby but certainly not an adult. Though at times he would strut with spunky confidence, he was clearly very nervous. As the herd became more packed together, this vulnerable youth who was still nursing from his mother became more panicked. Looking into his eyes, I could feel his anxiety about the mystery of what would happen next. How does his mother explain to him what is going on? How does she console him? They look deeply into each others eyes, share tender expressions of repeated facial contact and she allows him to frequently nurse. For now they stay close but it is likely that they will get separated again in all the commotion of shearing day and the long journey back home.

My observations and relationships with sheep over recent years have proven to me what kind, gentle, sensitive beings they are. How could anyone mistreat or kill them?!! The exploitation and cruelty that is inflicted upon them is truly incomprehensible and heartbreaking. I sincerely hope that humans can evolve their past old traditions, odd preconceptions, greed and cruel domination of these sweet members of our Earth Family – vowing to treat them with the compassion and respect they deserve.

It is urgently important that we unveil the deceptions and delusions that allow us to compartmentalize our compassion, goodness and ethics.
We must stop betraying *non*human lives and the Earth.
When we discover our conscience ~ we must act.
All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE
~~~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~~~
Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for everyone. ~ KC

Sheep Portraits by Karrel Christopher on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Karrel.ART/media_set?set=a.10206050546018681&type=3
ART website: https://www.karrelchristopher.com/

SHEEP "Before the Shearing" oil painting

SHEEP "Before the Shearing"
Oil on canvas painting by © Karrel Christopher
measures 18" x 24" inches 
A tender portrait of sheep - conveying their emotions before the ordeal of shearing day.
On this spring day the feelings of bewilderment, confusion, panic, fear and dread fill the air.  Sadly, throughout history, humans have bred these beautiful animals to be wool and meat slaves.  Most have lost their ability to shed naturally with the seasons and the summer heat becomes unbearable with an extra heavy fur coat.  The tedious transport, rough handling, razor burns, cuts and gashes are very stressful for these gentle and sensitive beings. Many ewes have recently given birth and are still nursing.  Weather can change quickly and shorn sheep are naked to the elements...sun, wind, rain and cold spells. Most never have the option of shelter or medical care for their injuries.
My desire is that people will get to know and better understand sheep...treating them with respect, kindness and compassion. They are NOT "livestock" for our use or profit.
They are extraordinary beings ~ who live for their own reasons ~ and should be free from slavery, exploitation and murder.  Please, let them live in peace.

ART WEBSITE: http://karrelchristopher.com/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158

Detail from SHEEP ~ © Karrel Christopher

Detail from SHEEP ~ © Karrel Christopher

Black Zwartbles Sheep - Oil Painting

“SHEEP 31” by © Karrel Christopher
Original oil on canvas painting ~ 50 x 50 cm
This Black Zwartbles Sheep was my first sheep friend. We met alongside a barbed wire fence at a large open green field. Though I had admired many sheep from a distance – this was my first up close and personal meeting. I was entranced by her beautiful golden eyes, the wonderful scent of her wool and her eager, tender affection. At the time, I had recently seen exclusive footage of the massacre of exported sheep September 2012 in Karachi, Pakistan shared by animal rights activist. The brutal, senseless culling of nearly 10,000 sheep was horrifically devastating and haunted me.
So here I was, hugging, kissing and caressing “31” and I found myself collapsed into a flood of uncontrollable sobbing. She nuzzled closer as if to heal me. I prayed aloud…for her…and all sheep worldwide that have suffered great atrocities and lost their lives to human ignorance and greed. I have been so blessed to visit with her and the rest of her small herd many times – getting to know and love them all.
I have also met many more at several sheep shearing festivals and documented their strife and misery. The sound of their voices, their luminous eyes, observing the complexities of their personal relationships and the honor of holding baby lambs in my arms has moved me to the core. These experiences are life changing.
Painting “31” was very emotional for me…being another step for me as a Vegan, a photographer and an artist. I present her to the world with overwhelming love and respect – with her ear tags removed. In my heart, she is not property or livestock or an amusement at a kid’s farm. She is a magnificent living being. She is part of my Earth Family. I beseech the world to please end the horrible animal holocaust.

Please feel welcome to view my other PAINTINGS:
at my ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
If you see something you like, please feel welcome to contact me about purchase and shipping information.
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158
~ Thank you for your support ~ KC