As an artist who grew up in Zimbabwe, being selected as a finalist in the 2026 David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition is incredibly moving. DSWF’s invaluable conservation and education efforts, especially in Hwange National Park, the very wilderness of my youth, make it an absolute privilege to connect my creative journey with a foundation that protects the heart of my childhood home.
Rock Wave
Original
Kanab, Utah
30x30" acrylic and pen on premium canvas 1 1/2" deep with painted sides
ABOUT THE PIECE
In Rock Wave, the solid, ancient presence of a rock face is reimagined through dynamic, flowing abstraction. By deconstructing organic forms into a complex, mosaic-like composition of sweeping lines and vibrant tones, the piece captures the incredible wave-like patterns carved by the elements over millions of years. Embracing the ethos of the "Abstract World" category of the competition, it strips away the literal to reveal the rhythmic pulse of the earth itself, offering a pure, raw display of perception.
The painting is an invitation to pause, slow down, and marvel at the intricacies of nature's craftsmanship. It captures a moment of deep geological time, showing how the Earth tells its own story through these layered patterns, much like lines in a book. Engaging with these natural wonders provides a profoundly grounding effect that restores a sense of calm and offers perspective on our place within the vastness of the natural world.
Crucially, Rock Wave speaks directly to the vital importance of preserving our natural landscapes. While conservation often rightfully focuses on vulnerable wildlife, this piece serves as a reminder that we must equally revere and protect the foundational habitats that sustain them. If we can train our eyes to find breathtaking beauty in something as seemingly simple as a weathered rock face, we awaken to the beauty of the natural world everywhere. This shift in perspective is the very heartbeat of conservation: when we recognize the beauty in our landscapes, they become meaningful to us, and what we find deeply meaningful, we are fiercely driven to save.
ABOUT DAVID SHEPHERD WILDLIFE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Wildlife Artist of the Year (WAY) returns to Mall Galleries, London, this September, bringing together a global community of artists whose work captures both the beauty of the natural world and the urgent need to protect it. Founded in 2008 by renowned wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd CBE, WAY has become one of the most respected wildlife art exhibitions internationally.
Each year, it showcases work from emerging and established artists alike, all inspired by wildlife, nature and driven by a shared commitment to conservation.
With £2.2 million raised to date, the exhibition continues to demonstrate how creativity can deliver real impact. Proceeds from artwork sales directly support David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s conservation projects across Africa and Asia, helping to protect endangered species and their habitats.
This year’s exhibition presents a diverse range of work across painting, sculpture, illustration and print, reflecting the breadth and evolution of wildlife art today. Selected from entries submitted across the world, the 2026 exhibition highlights both technical excellence and powerful storytelling through art. Alongside the exhibition, a programme of events will take place throughout the week, including the Awards Evening, where this year’s winners will be announced. Visitors will also have the opportunity to engage more deeply with the exhibition through artist-led workshops and interactive experiences, offering insight into both creative practice and conservation storytelling.
The 2026 exhibition is further enriched by a curated selection of guest artists and the involvement of a new generation of WAY Luminaries, expanding its reach and connecting artists with a wider network of influential creative voices. As conservation funding continues to face increasing pressure, Wildlife Artist of the Year highlights the growing role of creativity as a force for change - bringing together artists and audiences who believe in the power of art to inform, inspire and protect the natural world.
“At a time when conservation funding is under pressure, Wildlife Artist of the Year shows
how creativity can step forward and deliver real impact for wildlife.”
Georgina Lamb, CEO, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
