Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

Black Sheep Smiling - Chance Encounter

In this illustration, the black sheep has walked across the path of two children- a young girl and her younger brother. From the position of the children, it seems that they have just seen the sheep. The boy's hands are outstretched as if he had been surprised and needed to hold his hands out a bit for balance. The sheep is this instance is not frightening, and the texturing done to his coat makes him look fluffy and approachable. The soft watercolors keep the mood of this picture light.

The line of the grassy hill, the meeting of the two paths, and the eyes of the children all point to the sheep, making him the central character, although he is off to the right with part of his body not even in the image.

Notice the boy's pull-toy.