Alison Bradley on charcoal and sheepdogs

Artist Alison Bradley speaks to Sara McKee about the work she recently contributed to an exhibition at The Albany Gallery, Cardiff, in February. Alison predominantly paints in oil on canvas or board, but also regularly draws with charcoal. She finds inspiration in the varied landscape of North Wales, along with the people who live and work in the countryside and their animals.

Talk to me about two sketches at The Albany, Cardiff

The two sketches in the exhibition are ‘Workmates’ and ‘After the Flock’. I went to the Welsh National Sheep dog trials last summer to observe the dogs working with the sheep. I took some sketches whilst watching but they moved very fast. I took photographs as well as used charcoal for speed. It was fascinating to see them at work and in action.

Why charcoal?

Charcoal is the best medium to capture the atmosphere and movement. We can make so many different lines and marks with it. It’s so portable when you’re sketching out in the field and you can get gestures quickly, for example when the dogs are moving and their handlers. It’s one of my favourite medium alongside oil painting; which tends to be a more finished piece. You also need to take more equipment with you.

The piece ‘Workmates’ shows the relationship between two sheep dogs working together in a ‘brace’ – quite a lot of technical stuff to watch and how they work the sheep. The dogs drive the sheep along to a pen and pick out two sheep with collars on and not put them in the pen. The finally corral all the sheep into the pen.

So do the sheepdogs have brilliant eyesight?

Well, I’m sure they have got great eyesight but they’re working with the farmer who is directing them with instructions.  It requires many hours of training. I liked the idea of the two sheepdogs working in partnership and found them really interesting to watch, so I tried to recreate that relationship in the drawing.

What role does the farmer play in the process?

At the beginning, the farmer seems miles away on a stand at the bottom of the field. As the sheepdogs come towards him, he comes down from the stand and starts to work them alongside up to five sheep to get them into the pen. It’s a bit like a dance really.

The other drawing I’ve got in the show is ‘After the Flock’ which was when I went to observe a sheepdog working on the farm rather than the competitive situation of the Sheepdog Trial. This was more about how the farmer would whistle and work with the dog.

Are the sheepdogs outdoor the whole time?

They are kept in kennels as they’re working dogs. I think they could cause chaos in the house and they’d be desperate to get outside to work – even the puppies are raring to go. Looking for the sheep is intuitive. They know what to do in lambing time. They’re very intelligent and know not to harass the sheep, showing lots of patience. 

Hopefully, their intelligence shines through in the movement and positioning of the sheepdogs in these drawings.

About Alison Bradley

Originally from Nottingham, Alison completed an Art Foundation Course at Nottingham Trent Polytechnic, followed by a degree in Textile Design at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. 

Alison has lived in North Wales since 2004. Inspired by her surroundings, she soon began painting and within two years had exhibited at a number of galleries including the Royal Cambrian Academy.  Alison works with her partner Jon Davies who takes care of digital printing, picture framing, marketing, and business management.

To view Alison’s work and to buy her art online, visit: https://www.alisonbradley.gallery