Home News News Top tips from wildlife artists

Top tips from wildlife artists

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

There are just a few days left to enter DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2023. Not only will you be in with the chance of winning a £10,000 prize package*, but your entry will also help us in our fight against species extinction.

Use your creative for good and help us to raise vital awareness for some of the most pressing environmental issues our planet faces.

*£5,000 personal cash prize and a £5,000 conservation voucher (donated to a DSWF project of the winner’s choice)

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT…

We’ve pulled together some of our favourite tips and insights from previous Wildlife Artist of the Year finalists and winners to help spark your inspiration.

Artwork by Nick Day (2022 Finalist piece)

Nick Day:

Nick is a self-taught artist, using a highly original and unique combination of oil and wax-based crayons over a detailed engraving on linen board. He has raised thousands of pounds for animal conservation charities through the sale of his artwork and has shown his work in the Royal Academy in London.

“The most important thing is not to have any obtrusive thoughts prior to starting your work.”

Artwork by Detlef Tibax (2022 Winner of Art of Survival Award)

Detlef Tibax:

Detlef’s commitment to wildlife conservation is outstanding, his passion for the natural world and love for art have been defining factors throughout his life. 

“Explore the possibilities and limits of your medium as much as possible early on, to fully understand the various ways you can use it in your creative expression.”

Artwork by Zoe Fitchet (2022 Finalist piece)

Zoe Fitchet:

Zoe is a talented wildlife artist, wonderfully skilled in acrylic and coloured pencil. She creates highly detailed, realistic artwork, depicting wild animals in a contemporary style.

“Look at lighting because when you have a reference photo the lighting isn’t always that great so it’s definitely something you can play around with”

Artwork by Pascal Chesneau: (2021 Finalist and The Artist magazine Editor’s Choice winner piece)

Pascal Chesneau:

Pascal creates seemingly vanishing wildlife sculptures using reclaimed metal, primarily recycled car parts. He has caught the eye of our DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year judges over the years and is a passionate wildlife warrior.

“After receiving my prize, I very quickly had collectors and others interested in my work. Very quickly indeed. I am a perfect example of someone totally lacking in self-confidence, and this prize has been a godsend for me.”

You can find out more about how to enter by visiting our FAQs page. Best of luck!

Entries close 11.59pm (UK time) on the 29th March 2023