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

Artwork by Daniel Wilson

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.
Entries for Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021 are now open. Wildlife artists can submit their beautiful artworks for judging here.
Find out more about the seven inspiring Wildlife Artist of the Year categories into which artists can choose to enter their artworks.
In these uncertain times, DSWF is delighted to announce that our Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021 exhibition will be held in May.
This prestigious art competition would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. Find out who they are here.
Wildlife Artist of the Year News >
-
The Ingrid Beazley Award at Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021
January 27, 2021
-
The Art of Survival: BBC Wildlife Magazine Partnership Announcement
January 18, 2021
-
Artivism, raising awareness for the environment
November 24, 2020
-
How to win wildlife art competitions
November 13, 2020