BBC Wildlife magazine has teamed up with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) for its Wildlife Artist of the Year competition. This renowned competition was first launched in 2008, and finalists are invited to exhibit and sell their artworks as part of an annual exhibition, with 50% of the proceeds from all sales supporting the vital conservation work of DSWF.
There are 187 pieces by 151 artists available to view in this year's virtual exhibition until 2nd October 2022. Artworks from all the finalists will be exhibited, including the winners, runners-up and highly commended.
The public is now invited to judge the competition's entrants and to choose their favourite piece in the BBC Wildlife People's Choice Award. Submit your nomination on the DSWF website.
The artist whose work is voted as the favourite by the public will win a year's subscription to BBC Wildlife (13 issues total worth £64.87).
You can only submit one nomination, so make it count!
Voting closes midday on Friday 30th September 2022, with the winner announced shortly after.
Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022 competition
The winning and highly commended pieces were announced in an awards ceremony on 31st August 2022, and can be viewed in our online gallery.
A selection of pieces are also featured in the October 2022 issue of BBC Wildlife, on sale from Thursday 22nd September.
Overall winner
The overall winner was Cy Baker with his Biro and oil artwork, ‘Costa Rican Cloud Forest’ (main image, above).
Judge's comment: This is spectacular; in its undeniable technical expertise, in the magical, lush atmosphere it oozes – and mindblowing when you consider that it was created with just a simple Biro. Cy is the absolute king of the Biro and DSWF’s worthy Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022! Gary Hodges
Overall runner-up
The overall runner-up was Gordon Pembridge for his oil painting, 'Dappled Respite'.
Judge's comment: You can actually feel the heat emanating from this beautifully painted guinea fowl portrait, and almost hear their excited chatter as they try to find shade from the blistering African sun. A masterpiece. Melanie Shepherd
