Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026

Wildlife Artist of the Year is a prestigious international wildlife art competition organised annually by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, a UK-based conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species and habitats.
The competition is widely recognised within the global wildlife art community and attracts thousands of submissions from professional and amateur artists alike.
Its primary aim is to celebrate artistic excellence while raising awareness of wildlife conservation through powerful visual storytelling that highlights the beauty, fragility, and diversity of the natural world.
The competition welcomes a broad range of artistic styles, techniques, and media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media, as long as the work is inspired by wildlife or the natural environment.
Artists from around the world submit original artworks that are judged by a panel of respected figures from the art, conservation, and wildlife sectors
Shortlisted and winning works are exhibited in a high-profile annual exhibition in London, providing artists with international exposure, professional recognition, and the opportunity to sell their work to collectors and wildlife art enthusiasts.
Beyond artistic recognition, Wildlife Artist of the Year plays a significant role in supporting conservation efforts.