Join renowned wildlife artist Richard Symonds on an artistic adventure to Antarctica

Artist Richard Symonds is excited to announce that he will be joining a journey to Antarctica with wildlife specialists, Natural World Safaris, as the ’artist in residence’ onboard the Akademik Ioffe. Richard will be joining photographers Andy Rouse and Andrew James, making this will be an artistic expedition to remember.

By joining Richard on this journey to the seventh continent, you will be helping to raise funds for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation with Natural World Safaris generously donating £500 to DSWF each time a friend or supporter of the foundation books a place.

Richard has a long history with DSWF, as he explains below:

“My connection with DSWF dates back many years. As a child I grew up alongside the Shepherd family as my father and David Shepherd were, and still are, good friends. My father was always on hand to help David out with some hi-fi, video camera, or other technical difficulties that David openly finds little interest in. We were always surrounded by David’s art and enthusiasm for wildlife and the natural world and our family meetings were always full of fun and laughter and hold many fond memories.

“In 1991, following a few years working abroad for the military in the USA and the Middle East, I returned to the UK to follow my own dreams to become a wildlife artist, which I have no doubt was in effect from the huge inspiration David had had on me through those early years.

“In 1995 with the generous help of David’s daughter Melanie, I went to Kenya for the first time to draw inspiration and material to paint and draw. It was to be the beginning of my artistic journey into wildlife art following a couple of years as a pet and portrait artist and the beginning of my ongoing love of Africa to this day.

“Following a year or two of painting and drawing from my trip to Kenya, I held my first major exhibition at Harrods, London in 1997. I was honoured that David kindly opened the exhibition for me and it was a fantastic and exciting night that I will never forget.

“From here, my support and gratitude grew for the great work DSWF does, and, over the next couple of decades, I tried to help in any way to raise funds for the charity through music events, auctions, or print sales. My latest prints supporting DSWF’s TigerTime campaign – Kai and Prince of India.”

Find out more about Richard’s next adventure:

“One of the best perks of my job is the travel and I have been fortunate to have been to Africa numerous times along with the USA, Asia, Far East, Middle East and Europe. One destination though that I have always longed to visit is Antarctica.

“Imagine my excitement when the fantastic travel company ‘Natural World Safaris’ contacted me earlier this year asking if I would like to join them and be their artist in residence on board ship Akademik loffe to Antarctica! A 14-day voyage in November 2017 along with award-winning wildlife photographer, Andy Rouse, it was a resounding and quick yes from me.

“One of the factors that immediately came to my mind was due to the potentially harsh conditions in Antarctica, watercolours and paints may be affected by the cold. So paper and pencils will be the way forward! Any artwork usually starts off with a pencil whether sketching in the rough outlines or progressing on to a full finished pencil drawing, pencil remains the foundation to any artwork.

“Throughout the 14 days we will be able to discuss and work on composition, pencil techniques, shading and details and whether you are already a budding artist wanting to hone your existing skills, or starting from the beginning together we can enjoy this wonderful opportunity surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery of Antarctica and its stunning wildlife.”

For each person who states they are a friend or supporter of DSWF at the time of booking, NWS will make a donation in your name of £500. Join Richard Symonds on this adventure of a lifetime.

Find out more about the trip by clicking here

See more of Richard’s art for sale on the DSWF shop here