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Home Wildlife Art Competitions Wildlife Artist of the Year
2026 WAY Winner, Stefano Zagaglia

Wildlife Artist
of the Year 2026

Celebrating a world united by creativity
and a shared love of wildlife.

Meet the 2026 winners

The exceptional artists and artworks recognised
at this year’s awards.

Overall Winner
Evanescence the Biggest – Stefano Zagaglia
Runner Up
Extincts – Alberto Duvivier Tembo
Abstract World Category Winner
Together We Stand – Jane Johansson
Abstract World Luminary Choice
Panthera Pardus Orientalis – Hally Mason
Animal Behaviour Category Winner
After The Rain XX – Tally Walker Warne
Animal Behaviour Luminary Choice
Carry On – Julie Brunn
Earth’s Wild Beauty Category Winner
Cheetah Full Stride – David Sykes
Earth’s Wild Beauty Luminary Choice
The Old Oak Tree – Sarah Lake
Environmental Artivism Category Winner
Home is Where The Honey is – Tom Middleton
Environmental Artivism Luminary Choice
You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Until It’s Gone – Jane Veveris Callan
Facing Extinction Category Winner
If a Tree Falls in the Forest – Jane Habgood
Facing Extinction Luminary Choice
Evanescence the Toughest – Stefano Zagaglia
Into the Blue Category Winner
Endless Life – Chen Hsueh Yen
Into The Blue Luminary Choice
Dolphins in the Blue – Debbie Nelson
Wings Category Winner
Marabou II – Andrew Pledge
Wings Luminary Choice
Murmuration – Ballet of the Sky – Rachel Toll
Youth Exclusive Category Winner
Black Death – Matthew VanDoodewaard
Leisure Painter & The Artist Editors Choice
Orphaned – Christina Hanke
Hazel Soan Watercolour Award
In the Shallows – Johanna Excell

Explore the Exhibition

Eight categories showcasing the breadth and
diversity of contemporary wildlife art.

Abstract World
Non-figurative expression of issues facing wildlife.
Animal Behaviour
Capturing unique interactions and moments in the wild.
Earth’s Wild Beauty
The awe and majesty of the natural world.
Environmental Artivism
Challenging the world to act through wildlife art.
Facing Extinction
The fight of nature’s last few.
Into The Blue
A deep dive into wild waters.
Wings
Dedicated to species that can take to the skies.
Youth Exclusive
Showcasing young talent from around the world.

Guest Artists

Meet the specially selected artists invited
to be part of WAY 2026.

Emily Lamb
Read more
Cameron Twins
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Ikuko Iwamoto
Read more
Isobel Harvey
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James Ort
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Matthew Polluk
Read more
Mila Ilingina
Read more
Nicole Koleková
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Vanessa Barragão
Read more

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026
Exhibition Catalogue

All 164 finalist artworks brought together
in the official WAY 2026 catalogue.

Buy now

A look back at WAY

 

2025 Exhibition
Visit 2025 gallery
2024 Exhibition
Visit 2024 gallery
The Journey
2023 Exhibition
Visit 2023 gallery

2026 People's Choice Award

Vote for your favourite Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026 artwork and help crown this year’s People’s Choice winner.

The winner will be announced after voting closes and shared on the DSWF website and social media channels.

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