Join us in celebrating DSWF’s 40th anniversary with Mandy Shepherd: Dynasties. This special series reflects the strong family ethos that underpins our Foundation, showcasing stunning sketches of wildlife in their natural family units.
In ‘Standing Guard’ by Mandy Shepherd, the fierce and determined gaze of an adolescent leopard commands attention. With bared teeth and alert eyes, the young cat exudes both strength and vulnerability, embodying the raw spirit of the wild. Set against a lush green backdrop, Mandy’s brushstrokes capture the dynamic energy and grace of this powerful predator, emphasising its readiness to protect its territory.
Mandy Shepherd depicts a young gorilla tenderly cradling her sibling, radiating warmth and protectiveness. Through soft brushstrokes and warm tones, Mandy beautifully captures the close bond between these gentle apes. The older sibling gazes outward with a calm, wise expression, while the younger one peeks out with endearing shyness. This touching scene invites us into a quiet moment of family love in the gorilla’s world, highlighting the deep connections that resonate across the animal kingdom.
In ‘Dawn’ by Mandy Shepherd, a young snow leopard gazes into the soft morning light, its expression a mix of curiosity and quiet strength. The delicate play of light and shadow captures the beauty and mystery of this elusive mountain dweller. Mandy’s brushstrokes bring the snow leopard’s textured coat and piercing eyes to life, reflecting the calm and resilience of youth in the wild.
‘Precious Cargo’ by Mandy Shepherd, depicts a pangolin carrying its tiny offspring carefully along its back. The intricate, armor-like scales contrast with the tender scene of a mother guiding her young through the wild. Mandy’s delicate details capture the pangolins’ vulnerability and beauty, highlighting their rarity and the urgent need to protect these remarkable animals. This piece is a heartfelt tribute to nature’s delicate balances and the precious connections between mother and child.
In ‘A Warm Welcome’ by Mandy Shepherd, a serene albatross stands protectively over her fluffy chick, embodying the tender guardianship of a parent in the wild. With the chick nestled safely below, gazing curiously at the world, this touching portrayal captures the delicate and powerful connection between generations. Mandy’s gentle brushwork brings to life the warmth, trust, and dedication inherent in nature’s familial bonds, reminding us of the importance of safe havens and nurturing care in every species.
A young tiger gazes up at its mother, their eyes meeting in a profound, silent exchange. Capturing the delicate balance of strength and tenderness, Mandy illustrates the bond between mother and cub — a mirror of heritage, guidance, and unconditional love. The cub’s wide-eyed wonder contrasts with the mother’s expression, filled with wisdom and protection. This artwork celebrates the instinctual, nurturing legacy passed down through generations in the wild, a reminder of nature’s enduring family ties.
Two majestic humpback whales rise together through the deep blue, their powerful bodies almost weightless as they glide upward. The delicate light catches on their textured skin, revealing the beauty and mystery of these gentle giants in their underwater world. Mandy’s use of rich blues and soft contrasts brings a sense of serenity and unity, capturing the deep bond between the whales as they journey side by side. This painting speaks to the enduring connection within their species, a testament to family and companionship in the vast depths of the ocean.
In ‘Guardian’ by Mandy Shepherd, two giraffes share a gentle embrace, their necks entwined in a display of protection and closeness. The delicate brushstrokes and soft hues bring warmth and serenity to this touching scene, highlighting the deep familial bond that underpins their survival. Mandy captures not only the elegance of these magnificent animals but also the quiet strength and care that unite them as they stand tall together.
In ‘Beyond the Horizon’ by Mandy Shepherd, a mother rhino and her calf stand together on the savannah. The young rhino gazes past the viewer, his wide eyes full of curiosity and the promise of a life yet to be lived. While his mother stands behind him strong and grounded, her presence offering comfort and security. This touching portrayal symbolises the delicate balance of nature and the hope that the next generation will thrive in a world where they are safeguarded.
A vigilant meerkat mother stands tall, embodying a protective spirit in ‘The Nightwatch’ by Mandy Shepherd. Beneath her watchful gaze, a cluster of adorable pups nestle together, their wide-eyed innocence contrasting with their guardian’s poised readiness. This heartwarming portrayal captures the essence of familial bonds and duty within a meerkat mob, reminding us of the quiet strength and care that exists in one of nature’s most tight-knit communities. With soft, earthy tones and tender brushstrokes, Mandy brings to life the delicate balance between nurturing and safeguarding in the wild.
‘Nature and Nurture’ by Mandy Shepherd is a depiction of two wild dogs sharing an intimate moment, one nuzzling the other in a tender display of affection. This gentle interaction reveals the strong bonds that unite one of nature’s strongest packs. With rich, earthy tones and expressive eyes, Mandy captures both the raw beauty and the deep familial connections of these remarkable animals. This touching scene reminds us that even in the wild, love and care are at the heart of survival and unity.
In “Patriarch” by Mandy Shepherd, the essence of a lion’s royalty is captured in stunning detail. The lion, with his magnificent mane and regal posture, commands a sense of authority and wisdom. His golden fur is painted with soft, textured brushstrokes, radiating warmth as he lounges serenely in his domain. The slight glint in his eyes hints at the quiet vigilance of a protector, while the natural backdrop reflects the harmony of the king with the Savannah. This piece beautifully symbolises the dignity and strength of the lion as both a leader and a guardian of his pride.
‘Dinner with Dad’ by Mandy Shepherd captures the intimate bond between a father Emperor penguin and his chick. The towering adult penguin looks down lovingly as the chick, nestled safely under his protective body, opens its beak in anticipation of a meal. The soft palette of whites, greys, and yellows reflects the icy Antarctic environment while emphasising the warmth of parental care. This heartwarming scene underscores the dedication and resilience of penguin parents, who both play a crucial role in nurturing their babies.
In “Admiration” Mandy Shepherd captures the majestic relationship between a cheetah and its cub with exquisite tenderness. The mother, regal and wise, gazes ahead with a calm yet watchful expression, while the cub looks up at her with admiration, its youthful curiosity shining through. Painted in warm, earthy tones, the piece brings to life the spotted beauty of the cheetahs, blending realism with a soft, neutral background. This portrait reflects the deep bond between parent and child in the wild, highlighting how crucial the role of teaching the next generation is in the survival of these critically endangered predators.
‘The School Run’ by Mandy Shepherd beautifully captures the nurturing side of polar bears. A mother bear gently watches over her two playful cubs as they huddle close for warmth, reassurance and protection. Rendered in soft, muted tones that mirror the Arctic’s chilly landscape, the painting highlights the tenderness of family life amidst the harshness of the wild. The mother’s protective posture and the cubs’ inquisitive expressions evoke a sense of love, care, and survival, underscoring the critical need to safeguard these vulnerable bears for future generations.
This artwork, titled “Keeping up with Mum” by Mandy Shepherd, is a heartwarming depiction of an elephant family walking together. Painted with soft, earthy tones, the piece captures the rear view of three adult elephants and a calf, showcasing the strong familial bond and protective nature of these majestic animals. The detailed textures highlight the elephant’s strength, while the gentle lighting adds a sense of peace and unity as the calf hurries to keep up with its family. This portrayal emphasises the importance of family in the wild, echoing the conservation message of preserving these remarkable animals for future generations.
Running until DSWF’s Wildlife Ball on November 15th, we will release four new works to be sold each week on a first come first served basis, with each original artwork beautifully capturing the essence of their subject’s bonds.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness Mandy’s artistry as it brings the heart of the wild to life, honouring both her father’s legacy and our commitment to conservation over the past four decades.
Each work will be sold online for £325, with the last piece in the series being auctioned off at our legendary Wildlife Ball. The works will be released on Tuesday to Friday every week until the 15th of November.
Shop all wildlife artwork while supporting DSWF’s conservation projects
Artivism
Art is a powerful medium. It can move people to action, awaken the imagination, and change perceptions. We, and many others, call this ‘artivism’ – a global movement embraced by artists to drive impactful change in the world around us. Through artivism, we can forge a personal connection with iconic animal species we may never have seen in real life or understand the threats to biodiversity and the climate a little better. We can learn of the plight facing our wild world and be challenged to do something about it.
With this in mind, and remaining true to our artistic heritage, Artist of the Month is the latest addition to several ‘Art of Survival’ programmes pioneered by DSWF, including our annual Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, Global Canvas – Children’s Art Competition and Sketch for Wildlife.
Artist of the Month adds individual and personal interpretations of our ‘Art of Survival’ vision and gives wildlife artists a platform to raise awareness for not only their exceptional artworks but their endangered animal muses.