Wildlife Artist of the Year

in association with BBC Wildlife Magazine

Wildlife Artist of the Year is an internationally renowned art competition and exhibition often referred to as the ‘Oscars of international wildlife art.’ Each year, the competition welcomes entries from hundreds of talented artists worldwide, in a celebration of outstanding wildlife art.

Shortlisted entries are invited to exhibit and sell their artworks as part of our annual Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition.

50% of the proceeds from all sales support David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) and our ground-based conservation partners across Africa and Asia.

Wildlife Artist of the Year is a very special initiative for DSWF which has attracted more than 11,000 entries and raised more than £1.2m since 2008. It also plays an integral role helping to maintain David Shepherd’s legacy of ‘The Art of Survival’ and wildlife art giving back to wildlife.

Entries for Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021 close on 15 February 2021

Learn more about Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021’s bespoke virtual exhibition

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021

daniel wilson charcoal drawing of a snow leopard

Artwork by Daniel Wilson

rachel toll watercolour painting of a polar bear

Artwork by Rachel Toll

Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition

The Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition features an amazing selection of shortlisted artworks chosen by our expert judging panel.

The exhibition showcases a variety of techniques and mediums from recycled plastic sculptures, to intricate pencil drawings, to vast colourful oil paintings, and everything in between.

Wildlife Artist of the Year prizes

Overall winner sponsored by Neil & June Covey – £10,000*
Overall Runner-up sponsored by Neil & June Covey – £2,000
Six category winners various sponsors– £500 each
People’s Choice Award sponsored by GreatArt – £500 Great Art vouchers
The Elizabeth Hosking Prize for Watercolour sponsored by Elizabeth Hosking – £500
The Artist Magazine Personal Choice Award sponsored by The Artist Magazine – exposure in the magazine
Human Impact category sponsored in memory of Ingrid Beazley – £5,000 prize package

*The £10,000, consists of a £5,000 cash prize and £5,000 conservation voucher to be donated in the Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021’s name to a DSWF species of their choice.