Enjoy works from the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, in association with BBC Wildlife
BBC WILDLIFE HAS TEAMED UP again with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) to support its internationally renowned annual competition and exhibition. This year’s competition attracted 850 artists from 55 countries, with a total of 1,654 artworks entered. The winners, runners-up and highly commended entries have now been chosen and we have a selection for you below.
Launched by celebrated wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd CBE, Wildlife Artist of the Year epitomises his ‘Art of Survival’ legacy – a concept on which DSWF was founded. Using the power of art to celebrate wildlife, support awareness and raise vital funds for species protection is at the heart of the wildlife charity.
Since its inception in 2008, the contest has raised over £1.2 million to support vital conservation work across Africa and Asia. Finalists are invited to exhibit and sell their artworks as part of an annual exhibition, with 50 per cent of the proceeds from all sales supporting the vital conservation work of DSWF.
DSWF has made Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022 accessible to more people globally through an online gallery space. You will be able to enjoy the astonishing beauty of wildlife art, in your own home, until 2nd October 2022. Artworks from all the finalists will be exhibited, including the winners, runners-up and highly commended, and you can vote for your favourite in the BBC Wildlife People’s Choice Award 2022.
Striding On
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This painting is just ‘wow’. There was a unanimous vote for this piece with shocking colour and power at the helm. The hunch, gaze and motion of the orangutan is both compelling and haunting. There is clear emotion and intent with this painting, and the technique is so free and brave it was celebrated by all of the judges. A perfect balance between expressionist flare and realistic painting – a devotion to articulating the true nature and personality of this animal. Brilliant. Emily Lamb
Costa Rican Cloud Forest
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This is spectacular; in its undeniable technical expertise, in the magical, lush atmosphere it oozes – and mind-blowing when you consider that it was created with just a simple Biro. Cy is the absolute king of the Biro and DSWF’s worthy Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022! Gary Hodges
Black Skimmer
JUDGE’S COMMENT: There is something very ancient and ethereal about this piece – a truly beautiful creation. The wake of the bird on the water suggests a portal of sorts on the gold, pristine backdrop. The artist has taken an image and moment in time and truly transformed it into something that stops one in one’s tracks. Emily Lamb
A Cast of Crabs
JUDGE’S COMMENT: How can crabs grab our attention? Easy when the talented eye of an artist like Jacqueline Bright draws a stunningly empathetic artwork, every inch crammed full with subtle colours and swirling movement. Gary Hodges
Lone Bee
JUDGE’S COMMENT: I love the mix of the detail describing the hovering bee and the loose abstraction of the background, which adds a sense of dynamism and reinforces the graceful dance of this delicate creature, which is so critical to our ecosystem. Annabel’s bold and daring use of colour sets the tone and atmosphere of the composition whilst inviting the viewer to engage with the flight and plight of the bee, drawing attention to its decline as the result of multiple threats, including habitat loss, disease and climate change. Sally Bulgin (editor of The Artist magazine)
The Unleashed
JUDGE’S COMMENT: I find this a very confident watercolour by someone who knows how to use their paint and brush to maximise the luminescence of this medium in a free and expressive manner. I particularly like the background on the left, with its wonderful use of paint merging and spreading, and then the detail of the face. Surely some of the excitement of watercolour is that freedom of the paint compared to other mediums.Elizabeth Hosking
Dawn Light, Cape Mercy, Baffin Island 2019
JUDGE’S COMMENT: A supremely powerful portrayal of how the ice floes are melting due to climate change. The stunning simplicity of his work says it all – it’s a simple, stark message to the world.Melanie Shepherd
Dappled Respite
JUDGE’S COMMENT: You can actually feel the heat emanating from this beautifully painted guinea fowl portrait, and almost hear their excited chatter as they try to find shade from the blistering African sun. A masterpiece. Melanie Shepherd
Let the Good Times Roll
JUDGE’S COMMENT: We love the originality of an animal relaxing and off its hooves. The skill is amazing, capturing the movement of the animal and elements. We would proudly hang this in our living room as it draws you in to look more closely. Michelle and Jason Howk
NOW OVER TO YOU…
BBC Wildlife People’s Choice Award
Go to discoverwildlife.com/peoples-choice and you can vote in the BBC Wildlife People’s Choice Award 2022. There are over 187 artworks by 151 artists from this year’s virtual exhibition to immerse yourself in before deciding on your favourite piece.
Voting closes midday on Friday 30th September, with the winner announced shortly after.
View the art at davidshepherd.org/events/wildlife-artist-of-the-year-exhibition