This stunning wildlife art competition, The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year, returns to the Mall Galleries from 27 June to 2 July and heralds a fabulous collection of original works by supporting artists from around the world.

The competition’s seven categories attract entries in all artistic medium including oil, watercolour, bronze and ceramic. Forming the heart of the exhibition is the shortlist for the 2016 Wildlife Artist of the Year prize. Launched in 2008 to raise awareness and funds for endangered wildlife, the competition brings together the best wildlife artists.

Profile: David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF)

The DSWF is an adaptable and flexible organisation responding promptly to conservation threats by supporting trusted individuals and organisations operating in the field. Lean on administration, but generous on funding, the Foundation supports a
range of innovative, vital and far-reaching projects achieving real results for wildlife survival including:
• sending undercover agents into the field to investigate illegal wildlife crime, provide training and the supply of anti-poaching patrols
• working with governments to strengthen conservation laws and regulations
• educating wildlife consumers about the plight of wildlife in demand countries
• teaching young people about endangered wildlife through art and school projects

With categories ranging from Earth's Beautiful Creatures to Urban Wildlife, over 130 original works will challenge any preconceptions of wildlife art. The event is now firmly established in the art event calendar.

Everything on show is for sale with profits supporting the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s conservation projects across Africa and Asia. Since it began, the event has raised over £320,000 to help protect some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.

Judges for Wildlife Artist of the Year 2016

Sarah Barker is the managing partner of Montgomery Barker, a boutique Mayfair law firm with a particular sector focus on the art world.

Dr Sally Bulgin is managing editor of The Artist and Leisure Painter magazines, the UK’s market-leading practical art magazines.

Gary Hodges is the best selling pencil artist in the UK. He has received many awards during his career, has been a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists since 1990 and a judge for DSWF's Wildlife Artist of Year competition since its inception.

Emily Lamb produced her first solo show with DSWF and has supported the charity by donating paintings for exhibitions and auctions.

Mandy Shepherd spent much time in Africa as a child and, after studying graphic design and illustration at Brighton, returned to work in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. She produced her first show at Harare, Zimbabwe in 1980 and has established studios in London and Chichester.

Mel Shepherd, daughter of David Shepherd, has spent her life surrounded by art and is a sculptor in her own right. Mel was instrumental in setting up DSWF, building the charity from its humble beginnings to one of the most respected small international conservation charities in existence today.

Hazel Soan is one of Britain’s most admired watercolourists, well-known for her ‘Splash of Colour’ series with Anglia TV and her role as an art expert on Channel 4’s ‘Watercolour Challenge’.

Simon Trapnell was involved in establishing Nature in Art, the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to art inspired by nature which opened in 1988. Simon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Wendy Feess was born and educated in Zimbabwe. She came to London to enter the world of interior design and whilst in Hong Kong assisted in the compilation of a catalogue of Japanese wood-block prints for the Metropolitan Museum.

Nick Mackman is an award winning sculptor of ceramic and bronze animal sculptures. She has been widely exhibited and is a regular contributor to the Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition.

David Shepherd explained: “I set up my Foundation with the sole purpose of giving something back to the animals that helped me achieve success as an artist. At a time when the world’s wildlife is under such devastating pressure from expanding human populations and illegal trade, it seems fitting that we take a step back and reflect on the sheer beauty and diversity of our natural world and what could be lost if we do not truly appreciate the value of the world around us.”

A week of wildlife art

Venue: The Mall Galleries, SW1

Monday 27 June, Private preview by invitation only.

For further details and press enquiries (telephone 01483 272323 for information).

Tuesday 28 June to Saturday 2 July: public opening from 10am to 5pm (4pm Saturday). Entry by donation.

Pre-sales and an online catalogue will be available from mid-June 2016.

Nina Neve, 2016 Wildlife Artist of the Year competition manager, continued: “The sheer diversity of media and form this year has created an extraordinary celebration of the natural world and a huge challenge for the judges. Deciding between a fox, skilfully crafted from tin, and a classic oil of a brooding tiger will make selecting the overall winner extremely hard.”

The four Surrey shortlisted artists for the 2016 Wildlife Artist of the Year (see below) are:
• Jo Maynard, Cobham, Barn Owl
• Claudia Hahn, Cranleigh, The Thinker
• Lesley Pilbeam, Godalming, Deadly Driftwood and Sucker Punch
• Karen Ellen Phillips, Horley, Lion Prince

essence info

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Telephone: 01483 272323
Website: www.davidshepherd.org

Mall Galleries
Website: www.mallgalleries.org.uk