Strength in Darkness

Drawing | 47 × 47 cm

£1,850

1 in stock

By using a simple, black background I wanted the focus of this drawing to rest entirely on the gorilla as he is captured in a moment of quiet reflection. I wanted to highlight his powerful presence, but also his vulnerability because even though gorilla’s are such strong animals, they face significant threats.

MEDIUM: Pastel

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY: Clare Parkes has always had a passion for art, spending much of her childhood copying illustrations from Disney books and encyclopaedias. Art was the one subject that truly inspired her, leading to a Fine Art degree where she focused on large-scale contemporary oil paintings, quite different from what Clare produces now! Working in the art sector after graduation,she discovered a love for intricate detail and realism. Drawing has become a meditative practice and Clare’s goal is to create a connection between viewer and subject, celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of wildlife through each piece.

SHIPPING INFORMATION: Please note that shipping costs are not included in the purchase price for this artwork. There may also be additional customs charges for deliveries outside the UK. All artworks will remain at the Mall Galleries, even if sold, until the exhibition concludes on 13 September 2025.

Upon purchase, a member of the DSWF team will be in touch to discuss options around collection from the Mall Galleries or delivery to the buyer.

CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTION: At least 50% of the proceeds from this sale will support the charitable work of DSWF and our Field Partners across Africa and Asia.

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More about
Clare Parkes
Clare graduated in 2008 with a degree in Fine Art, and then went on to work at Madame Tussauds as a wax figure painter. It was there that she discovered her love of realism and detail. She has always had a passion for wildlife and art, and loves being able to capture the little individual quirks and personality of each animal, drawing your eye in to characteristics which might sometimes be overlooked. Clare has exhibited with the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition, and more recently with the Federation of British Artists as part of their 60th anniversary collection with the Mall Galleries. She is also a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists. She quotes “I am so excited to have been chosen for DSWF‘s Artist of the Month for May and June! It is a huge honour to use my artwork to help protect the amazing creatures we are lucky enough to share our planet with.” Sincere thanks to Clare for sharing her talent and donating a percentage of the sale to the Foundation.