Shearing the Rams Cross Stitch Pattern

Description

Shearing the Rams cross stitch pattern was inspired by the 1890 iconic masterpiece by Australian artist Tom Roberts. It is currently on display in the National Gallery Victoria, Melbourne.

The Project

I’ve recreated this wonderful painting using 90 DMC colours.  and stretching the chart over 72cm. It’s a big challenging project — but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing wall feature for your home or office.

I think you’ll love how well the project replicates the fine detail, facial expressions, energy, and textures of the original artwork.

Due to the size and complexity of this pattern, I recommend using the Pattern Keeper App to manage the project. I have included an extra PK chart in your download pack.

The Painting

This Australian icon was completed over a number of years, with the artist visiting shearing sheds in Corowa (country Victoria) and taking sketches and preliminary paintings. From the website of the NGV:

“Roberts set up his easel in the empty woolshed at Brocklesby Station, and paid young Susan Bourne (the model for the tar ‘boy’) and her sister sixpence apiece to kick up the dust so he could recapture the atmosphere of shearing time. What immediately impresses is the work’s evident vivid realism, the snapshot, photographic composition. Convincing details, such as the sunlit gold of the bottles of oil for the whetstones, a pair of shears propped against a wall, and a tobacco pipe stuck in a man’s trousers, give the picture a real ring of truth.”

The Artist

Though born in England, Tom Roberts is one of Australia’s most beloved artists and a leader of the Australian impressionist painters. He lived from 1856–1931, and after studying in Europe, spent his painting years capturing the national life of Australia. Painting everything from bush robberies to Australian parliament.

I am thrilled to bring the fine art of Tom Roberts into the cross stitch form, and hope you will enjoy recreating his iconic paintings for your own home or workplace.