- All quotations come from the Wildlife Artist of the Year and/or website unless otherwise stated.
- I'm assuming the description of the art is by the artist (until anybody tells me otherwise)
- I'm going to use the text provided to me by the David Shepherd Foundation as to the Judges' reasons why an artwork won an award
- Plus some of the pics come from the dswfwildart Instagram account
- the rest are my pics.
Note: I only do this for long-running and prestigious art competitions which attract an international entry! That's because not everybody can get to the exhibition.
For my review of the exhibition see Another Excellent "Wildlife Artist of the Year" Exhibition (2026)
For my photos of the exhibition see an album on my Facebook Page - Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026
Overall Winner of "Wildlife Artist of the Year"
Stefano Zagaglia - Evanescence the Biggest
This brings a
- £5,000 cash prize,
- the official title, and
- a £5,000 conservation donation made in the winner's name.
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| WINNER OF WILDLIFE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2026 Evanescence - The Biggest oil on canvas, 100cm x 100cm Stefano Zagaglia |
The Label in the exhibition states
The elephant slowly emerges from the white, a powerful yet fragile presence. Only a portion of Its body is visible, while the rest dissolves in the light, suggesting a presence that might vanish. The tusks, a symbol of its strength and its doom, become the focus of the gaze. A reminder of how great and majestic this species is, but also how vulnerable it is to human actions.
This was the Judges comment
"A winning artwork isn’t always the loudest. Sometimes it is the one you cannot stop looking at, and in that context the artist of this beautiful piece has presented the Elephant, our largest living land mammal whose quiet strength never needs to shout. Stefano has brilliantly embraced the subject, most importantly the category and this competition in all its glory."
- WAY 2026 Judge
About the Artist
Stefano Zagaglia's website
says nothing about him except why he paints wildlife. However
- his Facebook Page indicates he lives in Milan where he expresses himself more fully about what the prize means to him
- it did have this statement about "Evanescence"
The paint remains on the canvas as if struggling.
As if no longer certain it can remain.
It thins, surrenders to the light.
And the bodies of the animals approach the edges, dissolve.
As if suspended — between appearing and disappearing.
It’s a moment.
The moment before the end.
And perhaps, also,a last gesture.
A last attempt to hold them back.
Before they vanish completely.
Overall Runner Up
Prizes are- £1,000 cash prize and
- a £1,000 conservation donation made in the runner-up's name.
Alberto Duvivier Tembo - Extincts
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| OVERALL RUNNER-UP - WAY 2026 Extincts Fire and heat on tracing paper | 47 cm x 58 cm Alberto Duvivier Tembo |
The label in the exhibition states
"Extincts" is an artwork created through the action of heat and fire on sheets of tracing paper. The piece depicts four animals driven to extinction by human activity: the quagga, the thylacine, the northern white rhinoceros, and theThe following includes the Judge's comment.
Costa Rican golden toad. Fire, employed as a pictorial element, alludes to destructive processes, while the superimposed sheets represent the layers of extinction caused by Homo sapiens.
About the Artist
Alberto Duvivier Tembo is a Brazilian ecoartist, educator, game-designer, environmentalist, father, and near-vegan. He explores the intersection of art and ecology through his artistic practice and by leading courses. His artistic work is characterised by the use of raw natural materials—such as earth, plants, fire, and fungi—to create large-scale, ephemeral paintings of endangered animals or small delicate drawings. He has been honoured with awards at art exhibitions in Brazil. He also dedicates his time to environmental causes.An artist who very much echoes the life and aims of David Shepherd in terms of focus on environmental causes and endangered animals.
The Category Winners
However the distinction of being a category winner in this competition is something which will appear on all their future marketing as an artist!
ABSTRACT WORLD
Sponsored by Amanda and Barry Butler |
Together We Stand Mixed media painting | 54 × 54 cm |
This painting had only been online for a few days when it sold before the exhibition had even opened.
The Judges comment
As a life-long horse lover- this interpretation of the herd in a sort of modern caveman style with a bit of jazz hands.
This is what Jane Johansson said about it
This painting holds so much for me and marks a significant turning point in my practice. My intention being to amplify the voices of wild horses, highlight their predicament and advocate for their survival in a vanishing landscape.
It depicts the lead mare within the herd — guiding, anchoring and quietly holding the group together. Her role is fundamental to the survival and harmony of the herd. And perhaps because of that, I feel quite emotional when I allow myself to see the parallel with my own life. There is something about the strength, instinct and responsibility of the lead mare that I deeply recognise.
About the Artist
Jane Johansson is based in Lewes in Sussex and is currently redoing her website!
David Sykes first showed his work in 1987 but took a 25 year hiatus to bring up a family, returning to sculpting in 2023. He works across a number of different mediums and recently has been focused on a “Polar Yoga” series expressing the plight of the Arctic. His work has been shown at various galleries in London incluiding the Mall Galleries and Nature in Art in Gloucester.
If you try to see this one in the exhibition, it's climbing up the wall just next to the overall winner! ;)
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| After The Rain XX Ceramic Stoneware 14cm x 24.5cm x 68 cm x 0.87 kg Tally Walker Warne |
“After The Rain XX” sheds light on the beauty of creatures so often overlooked. Inspired by their quiet nature, it invites viewers to slow down, observe, and recognise value in even the most reserved and unassuming elements of life. Interested in bringing the outside in, these slugs become both familiar and strange, encouraging a closer, more attentive way of seeing.
About the artist
Tally Walker Warne is a London based sculptor and painter. Rooted in a lifelong fascination with animals and the natural world, her work lingers on the overlooked.She describes herself on her website as a "slug dealer" - and I now realise who it is who had other slugs I've seen crawling up the wall in other exhibitions. There can't be two of them!
Her now-signature slugs play with the idea of the 'outside' being brought indoors- an unexpected creature occupying formal gallery spaces or domestic environments. The resulting tension is humorous and accessible. Tally enjoys that her work elicits such visceral responses and disrupts the usual hierarchy of subject matter in art. Her aim isn’t to tell people what to think, but rather to quietly provoke reflection through playfulness and familiarity.Instagram
EARTH'S WILD BEAUTY
Sponsored by Wilderness Legends Africa |
Cheetah Full Stride laminated birch wood, 27 cm x 66 × 8 × 1kg Limited Edition of 20 (he now has EIGHT commissions for this sculpture) |
About the Artist
David Sykes first showed his work in 1987 but took a 25 year hiatus to bring up a family, returning to sculpting in 2023. He works across a number of different mediums and recently has been focused on a “Polar Yoga” series expressing the plight of the Arctic. His work has been shown at various galleries in London incluiding the Mall Galleries and Nature in Art in Gloucester.He's currently working on Polar Yoga Bears - see his Instagram for what they look like.
Instagram | Facebook
Below are the sponsors of this category - who I met yesterday - with the winning work.
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| Cynthia and Steve Adams of “Wilderness Legends” in Tanzania, who sponsored the prize for the ‘Earth’s Wild Beauty’ category |
ENVIRONMENTAL ARTIVISM
Sponsored by Derwent
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| Home is Where The Honey is Graphite drawing on paper | 100cm x 100cm Tom Middleton |
About the artwork
In the quiet industry of the hive, nothing is wasted. Each fracture is met with instinct, patience and purpose. Bees do not abandon that which is broken, they rebuild. Cell by cell, they restore structure and strengthen the fragile. This piece reflects that devotion to repair. A honeycomb shaped by countless small efforts, a reminder that even the most delicate frameworks can be restored. In protecting bees, we protect more than a species; we protect a quiet lesson in resilience.
About the artist
Born in Lancaster, England, Tom took up wildlife artwork professionally at the age of 28 to supplement his career in music. After spending a short while diving into the world of wildlife and discovering the plight of many species, his passion for conservation was born.
Apologies for the shine - blame the lighting!
Andrew won the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the year 2020 and has been shortlisted for the same award in 2021, ‘22, ‘24 and ‘25 where he also won the ‘online painters’ award.
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If a Tree Falls in the Forest Mixed media | 63cm x 78cm |
About the art
The work reflects on absence, visibility, and how unseen environmental harm is easily ignored. Bleached fabric removes parts of the image, while the redrawn orangutan embodies resilience. Burnt holes mark irreversible habitat loss caused by palm oil destruction. By focusing on the orangutan, the piece challenges viewers to confront the distance between what we see and what we choose not to see, urging renewed awareness of disappearing forests and their lasting consequences.
About the artist
Jane Habgood has a passion for wildlife which reflects deeply in her artwork and personal interests. The artist’s signature style combines fabric, ink, pen, bleach, and a soldering iron to explore material transformation. The artist aims to create visually compelling pieces that communicate meaningful messages. Her creativity is inspired by the subjects and themes she values most. For over 35 years Jane has taught in further education, inspiring the next generation of young artists through her innovative practice.Instagram
INTO THE BLUE
Sponsored by Paul Traubb Associates |
| Endless Life Ink drawing | 28cm x 120cm Chen Hsueh Yen (Taiwan) |
About the artwork
The Formosan landlocked salmon, known as Taiwan’s ‘national treasure fish’, was once on the brink of extinction. Therefore, it has been designated as a protected conservation species in Taiwan. This work presents a school of salmon swimming together through the repeated layering of fish forms, expressing the concepts of endless continuity and eternal nurturing. It symbolises the hope that the salmon will continue to expand their population in the natural environment and ultimately overcome the threat of extinction.
About the Artist
Chen Hsueh Yen is a Taiwanese ink artist whose practice centres on animal subjects. Shaped by an upbringing closely connected to animal husbandry, he has developed a deep sensitivity to questions of life and ecology. Through depictions of Taiwan’s native species, his work fosters dialogue on wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. Using art as a vehicle for ecological communication, he seeks to cultivate public awareness of the challenges and crises confronting biodiversity.I think he is also a scientist with several published papers.
WINGS
Sponsored by Studio Ngong |
| Marabou II oil on board | 80cm x 54cm Andrew Pledge |
Apologies for the shine - blame the lighting!
About the artwork
This is a study of a marabou stork, often referred to as ‘undertakers’ due to their vital role in nature. An artwork exploring the incredible individuality each of these magnificent birds hold.
About the artist
Andrew has a fascination with the often overlooked and underappreciated birds of our threatened planet. Many dismiss these creatures as odd or unattractive but Andrew sees something different: undiscovered beauty waiting to be celebrated. From the iridescent shimmer hidden within a seemingly black feather to the array of colours woven into the wrinkled skin of a vulture’s neck, his work invites viewers to look closer. His art challenges conventional ideas of beauty and compels us to reconsider what we value.
YOUTH EXCLUSIVE
Sponsored in Memory of Ingrid Beazley |
| YOUTH EXCLUSIVE Watercolour on paper | 49cm x 60cm Black Death Matthew VanDoodewaard |
This watercolour is glazed, hence the problem with the reflection. The background is totally black - out of which the horns emerge....
About the artwork
In southern Africa, hunters and wildlife professionals sometimes refer to Cape buffalo as ‘black death’ because they are one of the most deadly animals in the continent. This painting was inspired by that name, and the beauty and power of these remarkable creatures.
About the Artist
Matthew VanDoodewaard is a self-taught artist who has lived in several US states and is inspired by places that he has visited, from Mexican deserts to the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland. Since childhood, he has loved drawing and painting animals from all over the world. VanDoodewaard works primarily in pen and watercolour on archival papers.
Leisure Painters and The Artist Editor's Choice Award
Selected by Sally Stirling, Editor of Leisure Painter and The Artist
“Orphaned” shows a young common seal that has lost his mother and was found at a beach in Germany. The drawing captures a peaceful moment, expressed through soft, almost monochromatic colours. Shortly afterwards, the seal pup was caught by a rescue centre, plumped up, and later released back into the wild.
About the Artist
Christina Hanke is a self taught artist living in Germany, specialising in drawing animals. She works primarily with coloured pencils and graphite. Christina started drawing more than 20 years ago, beginning with horse drawings and found a love for drawing animals of every kind. After doing only pet commissions for some years, wildlife art became her big passion.
Hazel Soan Award
Sponsored by Hazel Soan and Elizabeth Hosking |
| In the Shallows Johanna Excell |
About the Artwork
“In the Shallows” is inspired by the colours, textures, and remarkable diversity of our oceans. The hammerhead, an iconic shark instantly recognisable by its distinctive silhouette, moves through shifting light and water patterns. This piece celebrates the beauty of marine life while inviting a deeper appreciation for species that are often misunderstood.
About the Artist
Johanna Excell is a Finnish biologist-turned-wildlife artist based in Germany. An ocean enthusiast and nature lover, she creates vibrant paintings and sculptures that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Through her art, Johanna aims to inspire joy, foster a deeper connection with nature, and raise awareness of endangered species and environmental challenges. Her work reflects both a lifelong fascination with wildlife and a passion for conservation.
More about past Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibitions
You can read about previous WAY exhibitions organised by the DSWF and see my photos of artwork in these exhibitions.
EXHIBITIONS AT THE MALL GALLERIES
- Another Excellent "Wildlife Artist of the Year" Exhibition (2026) 10 September 2026
- Winners at Wildlife Artist of the Year 2025 16 September 2025
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2025 - now online 3 September 2025
- Sarah Lake wins Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 3 July 2024
- Cy Baker: solo exhibition of wildlife art 16 September 2023 - the winner in 2022 got a solo exhibition
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2023 Exhibition 14 September 2023
ONLINE ONLY EXHIBITIONS
- Wildlife Artist of the Year won by Cy Baker 4 September 2022 - yet another online exhibition
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021 28 June 2021 - another virtual exhibition
- UPDATE: Wildlife Artist of the Year 2020 - small works 22 May 2020
- Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition ONLINE in 2020 14 May 2020 (the Covid exhibition)
EXHIBITIONS AT THE MALL GALLERIES
- 12th Wildlife Artist of the Year won by Stephen Rew 31 May 2019
- Radka Kirby wins Wildlife Artist of the Year 2018 3 May 2018
- Clare Harkess wins Wildlife Artist of the Year 2017 28 June 2017 - about last year's prizewinners and pictures of the exhibition and artwork on display.
- Wildlife Artist of the Year - The Exhibition June 20, 2016 - these are the people whose work caught my eye
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2016 - The Awards June 28 2016 - these are the people who won awards in each of the categories - plus the overall Wildlife Artist of the Year Award
- Review: Wildlife Artist of the Year 2015 July 02, 2015 - 186 artworks were selected from the 1,000 entries to the competition. A further 38 artworks were selected but not hung
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2015 - Call for Entries - 1 September 2014
- David Shepherd's Wildlife Artist of the Year 2014 - deadline ... 18 Jan 2014 - Summary of the Call for Entries for David Shepherd's Wildlife Artist of the Year 2014 - exhibition at Mall Galleries in June 2014.
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2013 - David ... 06 Jun 2013 Wildlife Artist of the Year 2013: Review of the prizewinners and exhibition at the Mall Galleries.
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2013 - Call for entries 24 Oct 2012 - Overview of call for entries for The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year 2013 Competition.
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2012 - Call for entries 16 Dec 2011 - The overall BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2012 wins a place for one person on a 10-day painting safari with Pip McGarry in Botswana in October 2012
- Two opportunities to be Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011! 25 Jan 2011 - The competition is open to all professional and amateur artists aged 17 and over. The top prize is £10,000 and all shortlisted artists are exhibited at the Wildlife Artists of Year 2011 Exhibition at the Mall Galleries
- Adam Binder wins Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010 25 May 2010 - Yesterday evening, at the Mall Galleries, Adam Binder's stunningly simple bronze sculpture of a polar bear on an iceberg - "Sinking Feeling" - won him the title of Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010.
- Art competition: Wildlife Artist of the Year 28 Jan 2010 - The title Wildlife Artist of the Year is awarded by a panel of judges appointed by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) and comes with a cash prize of £10,000 generously donated by the exhibition sponsors
- Exhibition review: Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009 02 Jun 2009 - You can see my photos of fellow coloured pencil artists Gayle Mason and Jonathan Newey with their work on the UKCPS News blog in UKCPS members and their art at Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009.
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009 - the online exhibition - 13 Apr 2009 - so refreshing to see the online exhibition for the Wildlife Artist of the Year some two months in advance of the actual exhibition in June.
- Two wildlife art competitions and a snow leopard 28 Nov 2008 -The Wildlife Artist of the Year, run by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), is open to amateur and professional artists alike from anywhere in the world.
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