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Local artist Claire Harkess from Perth, has had her artwork highly commended by the judges at this year’s David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s annual Wildlife Artist of the Year event at the Mall Galleries in London on Monday night (June 27).
Claire’s piece – a beautiful water colour of Langur monkeys entitled ‘Langur’s Tail’ was a universal favourite with the judges.
The annual David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Week of Wildlife Art returns to the Mall Galleries, London this summer with a stunning exhibition of original art. From June 28 to July 2 the galleries will be flooded with the colour and form of the natural world celebrated in a wide range of media including oils, watercolour, bronze and ceramic.
Forming the heart of the exhibition is the shortlist for the 2016 Wildlife Artist of the Year prize. Launched in 2007 to raise awareness and funds for endangered wildlife, the competition brings together the world’s best wildlife artists exploring seven exciting categories. From Earth’s Beautiful Creatures to Urban Wildlife over 130 original works will challenge your preconceptions of wildlife art.
“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,” says competition manager, Nina Neve. “Deciding between a fox, skilfully crafted from tin and a classic oil of a brooding tiger will make selecting the overall winner extremely hard.”
One hundred and thirty six pieces have been shortlisted for the £10,000 sponsored top prize with the judges making their final selection on the morning of Monday, June 27 ahead of the private view and prize-giving that evening.
Continuing the diversity of the natural world in art form The North Gallery will host work by award-winning artists’ – photographer Andy Skillen, sculptor and 2015 Wildlife Artist of the Year, Nick Mackman and children’s author and illustrator, Catherine Rayner who is partnering with the Foundation to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her much loved character ‘Augustus’ the Amur tiger.
Commenting on the event, wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd CBE (85) said: “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 the 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.”
Everything on show is for sale with profits supporting the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s wildlife conservation projects across Africa and Asia. Since 2007, the event has raised over £320,000 to help protect some the world’s most endangered wildlife.
