The Sheep, or Ram, is part of series of the 12 Animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac — the rest of the zodiac are coming soon! In the background is the Chinese character for the Sheep.

NOTE: There is another version of this art using the label Year of the Ram for those who prefer that translation

Sometimes, The Goat is used instead of The Sheep, but I felt the sheep matched better with the characteristics associated with the sign. Sheep people are said to be sincere, gentle, empathetic, artistic, and creative. I based my drawing on a wild sheep from Asia, the Markhour, a relative of the Bighorn sheep who looks more like his goat cousins than the fluffy domesticated sheep.

Sheep people are said to be very artistic and fashionable, empathetic, shy, and generous. If you were born in 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, or 1931 you are probably a Sheep, but double-check the exact dates if your birthday is in mid-January to mid-February because the Lunar New Year is on a different date each year. Wikipedia’s Chinese Zodiac page is a good starting point for more information about all of the signs and their meanings.

This image is also available on T-shirts and in black-and-white

Drawn with a brush-pen on 12×14″ bristol paper with digital color. Copyright 2009 Stephanie Smith, contact me for re-use and customization!

Part of the Chinese Zodiac 2010 Calendar

Also available on a variety of other gift items in my Zazzle shop — new items weekly!

And on ornaments in my CafePress shop

See the rest of the work in the: Chinese Zodiac series

Other variations:
Ink Drawing
White Background

See the rest of the work in this series: Chinese Zodiac in color

Drawn with a brush-pen on bristol paper with digital color. Copyright 2009 Stephanie Smith.