Helping to Get the Message Out about The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
As I was doing some research for my next painting, I learned about the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, a fantastic wildlife conservation organization that was established in 1984 by the great wildlife artist, David Shepherd. He passed away in 2017, but he was one of the greatest wildlife artists of all time.
David Shepherd was passionate about conservation and showed it by depicting the beauty and drama of the natural world in his art. Born in 1931, he started his career as an artist for the RAF drawing and painting airplanes and trains. His work took him to Africa. One of his assignments led him to a waterhole in Tanzania where he found 255 dead zebra, all poisoned. From that dramatic moment on, he dedicated the rest of his life's work to protecting wildlife. His magnificent work featured elephants, tigers, rhinos, zebras, and many other animals that eventually made him such a great success as an artist. He used the proceeds from his exceptional artwork to raise funds for his wildlife foundation.
His family now manages the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. The foundation works to save endangered wildlife across Africa and Asia. The foundation's leadership team recognizes how complex the issues are in carrying out their conservation efforts. Their basic approach to conservation is to fight wildlife crime, protect endangered species, and engage/educate local communities. In doing so, they have become a highly effective charity dedicated to turning the tide of extinction of species and to serving as a warden of wildlife art.
The foundation strives to continue the legacy of their founder, David Shepherd, and the important connection with wildlife art. The foundation hosts many art events, exhibits, partnerships, and sales to raise wildlife conservation awareness and funding for wildlife conservation efforts. The foundation is home to the world famous Wildlife Artist of the Year competition and exhibition. This competition looks like a fantastic opportunity for artists on many levels. There are seven different categories for entry, so most artists can find at least one that appeals to their creative juices. The deadline for entry is February 15, 2021, so you have plenty of time to put something together. If you have something that you completed in the last five years, you can enter that, too. And multiple entries are allowed.
I invite everyone out there to visit the foundation, and if you are an artist, consider participating in one of their wonderful events. All entry fees go to helping endangered species.
https://davidshepherd.org/wildlife-art/wildlife-artist-of-the-year/