The Court Painter Had Paint on His Paws and a Look of Total Focus
Wearing a black velvet beret with a small feather and a doublet edged in gold thread, a Border Collie turns from his easel to regard the viewer. A froth of lace circles his neck and cuffs, and in his left hand he holds a wooden palette dotted with blobs of blue, yellow, white, and red. His brown eyes are thoughtful and a little intense, the look of an artist deciding which color comes next.
The joke is neatly built into the picture: a painter who is himself being painted. Court artists of the 1600s often showed themselves at work, brush and palette in hand, to prove their skill. The dark background and warm glow on the face are exactly the trick they used to give a sitter a sense of depth.
Border Collies are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and driven dog breeds. They were developed to herd sheep, so they are quick, focused, and full of stamina. That brainpower needs a job, whether it is agility, fetch, or learning new tricks, otherwise a bored collie may invent his own entertainment, like herding the kids or the vacuum cleaner. Daily exercise and mental games are the key, and your vet can help with any questions about activity for your dog's age.
This one looks like he is mixing the perfect shade for a masterpiece, and the sheep will just have to wait.
