Wildlife Artist of the Year 2020
David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s (DSWF) Wildlife Artist of the Year competition and exhibition has been described as the ‘Oscars of International Wildlife Art’ and showcases the beauty and colour of the natural world.
Each year, the competition sees over a thousand entries from professional and talented amateur wildlife artists from around the world, with shortlisted artworks being exhibited at a prestigious exhibition at Mall Galleries, London.
Silversurfers is proud to support DSWF and this fantastic initiative as a sponsor for one of the competition categories – Wings – which celebrates the diverse, complex and fascinating world of winged creatures.
Andrew Pledge – Wood Stork – Oil and Gold Leaf
We chose the Wings category as we love the wonderful diversity and life that it has to offer. Birds, bees, butterflies and bats all experience the planet from a different perspective, soaring above our oceans, crossing vast desert plains and making their homes in unusual locations. Many winged species travel thousands of miles across the continents each year during their migration to breed and raise young without the pressure of competition for nesting sites and food. These journeys become more and more perilous due to human behaviour and development, with many routes now posing huge threats to migrating birds. The resulting artworks are a delight for the senses.
This year, 160 artworks have been shortlisted across the Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition, which in light of recent events, will be moving online. All artworks will be displayed in a breath-taking online gallery and virtual exhibition, with proceeds from all sales going to support DSWF’s vital work protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.
Pascal Chesneau – Jacana – Metal
The COVID-19 outbreak only reiterates just how important DSWF’s work is in the current climate – the plight of the pangolin, the most trafficked mammal in the world, is at the very centre of the pandemic. DSWF is campaigning at the highest level for better laws to stop the illegal wildlife trade that triggered the outbreak.
Melissa May – Fernando – Acrylic on Canvas
Please do join us and show your support for our wildlife and this fantastic charity during this difficult time. The online exhibition will launch on Thursday 21st May 2020 via the DSWF website, giving art lovers worldwide the chance to view and buy remarkable wildlife art from the comfort of their own homes.
An online Awards Ceremony will also take place on Tuesday, 26 May, when the winners will be announced. Interested viewers can register for the event here.
Paula Boyd-Barrett – Paddling – Screenprint
Included in the online exhibition for 2020 is an incredible line up of guest artists including renowned wildlife artist and David Shepherd’s daughter Mandy Shepherd and granddaughter, Emily Lamb, plus international cricketer and renowned artist, Jack Russell MBE. Their artworks will feature in a specially curated online exhibition with at least 50% from all sales being donated to DSWF to help raise even more funds for wildlife.
Shardul Deshpande – Strawberry Finch in Oil
The online galleries and exhibitions are free to view, but DSWF suggests a £5 voluntary donation when viewing the artworks, to help recoup some income from monies lost from the cancellation of the physical exhibition.
To stay up to date with Wildlife Artist of the Year 2020 news as well as the upcoming online Awards Ceremony please sign up to e-news. Alternatively, follow DSWF on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
