Artists shortlisted for this year’s internationally renowned wildlife art competition organised by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) have depicted animals from all parts of the globe in a thrilling exhibition that was displayed in the Mall Galleries, London.
The DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year has become one of the most exciting events in the art calendar, often being referred to as the ‘Oscars of international wildlife art’. This year’s competition attracted 850 artists from 55 countries, with a total of 1,654 artworks entered. The event is organised by the UK-based wildlife charity and uses the power of art to celebrate wildlife, support awareness and raise vital funds for species protection. It was formed in 1984 by David Shepherd, the legendary wildlife artist and conservationist.
Shortlist highlights
Here are few highlights from the dazzling display of finalists’ artwork, superbly organised through the creative brilliance of Jessica Donald (DSWF’s talented art manager) at the Mall Galleries in London:
The Squabble, by Lieze Meyer, is a striking oil painting on canvas that depicts a white headed vulture, an endangered species, in a fight against a larger marabou stork. The work displays a really impressive anatomical understanding of the creatures and the brushwork achieves a real sense of movement as the birds engage in combat.
Gorilla, by Marcos Perez, is a fine sculpture, that really does capture the power of this majestic East Africa primate. The caption of the artwork explains that artist aimed to capture the “very essence” of the gorilla. The work certainly conveys the strength and commanding presence of this creature through bold execution and the striking pose of the animal.
Equinox, by Sarah Drummond, is an original linocut that depicts the willow ptarmigan, also known as the willow grouse. It is an extremely fine depiction of these birds found in northern Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and Canada. The artist demonstrateds real mastery in their ability to depict light and shadow to capture the moment when spring is on the horizon after the dark winter months.
Love, Light, Wren, by Priya Gore, is a delicately beautiful acrylic work that depicts one of the most elusive North Australian bird species. The canvas comes alive through the portrayal of these inconspicuous passerine birds whose family are known for their loud and complex songs. The backdrop of interwoven, bare branches is superbly painted.
The Midas Touch, by Catherine Ingleby, is a majestic oil painting of a pride of lions lying in the evening light as it falls upon the plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The warmth of the light captured on this canvas is intended to reflect the relaxed atmosphere of their family dynamic. This painting, reminiscent in some ways of the famed work of David Shepherd himself, really conveys the contentment and harmony of the scene.
Dawn, by Julie Brunn, is a clever oil painting that really achieves a sense of movement as the early morning rays of the sun fall upon the moving jaw of the a wild dog whose pink tongue extends outwards into a curl to feel the freshness of the morning air. The canvas is filled with a brush work that captures the stirring motion of the remarkable African Wild Dog that is one of the world’s most endangered animals.
The David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year offers a really thrilling artistic journey into the animal world. All the artists are to be commended for contributing to this creative initiative that reminds us of the beauty, diversity and vulnerability of the world’s wildlife.
View and buy
The work of the Finalists may be viewed and bought here.
The exhibition is open in London until 16 September:
LOCATION: Mall Galleries, London
DATE: 12th – 16th September 2023
TIME: 10 am – 5 pm
COST: Free – a charitable donation would be appreciated
