Work Mates by Nigel Hemming

An intriguing combination for this latest limited edition by Nigel Hemming: a jack russell terrier, a 'sprocker' spaniel and an old tractor (Massey Ferguson 35). I know Nigel gets a lot of enquiries asking him to paint other non gun-dog breeds and the Jack Russell terrier comes high on that list. Thinking about it, I can't remember any other limited edition he has painted featuring one, so is this a first here? The two dogs are alert and you can imagine they sprinted to the tractor and are now waiting for their master to catch up, eager to get going and complete their farming tasks, hopefully they both get a treat at the end of it as well! This giclee limited edition has a classic 'Nigel Hemming' feel to it, don't you agree?

This portrait features 'Pic' the jack Russell and 'Nell' the 'sprocker' spaniel and the two sit patiently on a vintage Massey Ferguson 35 tractor, in the misty early morning. Nigel reveals that this painting was inspired by a mobile phone picture and there where elements of the painting that where novel & attractive for him to paint. Firstly Nigel rarely produces limited editions featuring mixed breeds but the photo of these two pricked his interest. Secondly, this maybe the first time Nigel has painted a scene with a tractor so distinctly in frame & this was the deciding factor for him. Thirdly this was the first time he has painted a 'Sprocker Spaniel' (a cross between an English Springer Spaniel and a Cocker Spaniel) & due to the breed's increasing popularity amongst the UK farming community, he felt the time was right to paint one!