Marwell international wildlife art society annual exhibition

Recieving my runners up award for 'best non british wildlife art' from tv zoologist and conservationist Mark Cawardine

'Cape buffalo' award winning pencil drawing

'Bengal tiger cub' SOLD on preview night

Last night was the preview evening for the Marwell International wildlife art society's annual exhibition held at Marwell zoological park,nr winchester,hampshire.In a packed venue i was delighted to recieve the runners up award in the 'best of non british wildlife art' category and was presented with my award by Pip Mcgarry and Mark Cawardine.Marwell Hall was packed with invited guests and artists for the 13th annual exhibition and it was a real pleasure to bump into many artist friends on a rare trip out from there studio's.As the evening progressed many 'red dots' appeared on an array of different artworks and i was delighted when i learned that my oil sketch of a bengal tiger cub was one of those sold.The exhibition runs untill monday 29th august and alongside the show an art marquee hosting a multitude of artists demonstrating there skills and selling art including myself will be open for the Bank holiday weekend running from saturday 27th through to monday 29th august.if your at a loose end over the weekend or interested in viewing magnificent wildlife art then why not pop along to Marwell Zoological park for a great day out.

'Cockling on Hill Head beach' 6"x10"

Small graphite WIP

'Cockling on Hill Head beach' 6" x 10" Time in the studio is at a premium at the moment with my exhibition season in full swing,however ive managed to get this far with a small graphite work.The image is of an older couple out foraging for shellfish on the beach at Hill Head in hampshire.The best of hampshire artists organisation is holding an exhibition entitled Solent scene in september and i thought i would enter something a little different for me.i was out on my mountain bike hunting suitable references for the show with my camera and not finding much inspiration when during a break perched on a seafront bench i spotted these two characters trudging through the shallows whilst the tide was out looking for a shellfish dinner.I'm not really a figurative artist but i thought the scene might amply reflect the exhibitions title so ive been giving it a go.as you can see it's almost complete and only requires the second figure to be completed and the sea in the background.i left the sea until last because frankly i think its the toughest part of the drawing and i'm still working out the best way to approach it in graphite,but i like a challenge!

A departure

Some of my readers will be aware that i have in the past drawn portraits mainly for friends and family but ive never tackled a nude subject.I have been asked on many an occasion about whether i felt that my graphite techniques could be employed in this genre and without trying it ive been unable to answer the question.And so i decided to give it a go and this is the resultant drawing,my first ever nude study.i wanted to concentrate on play of light and the contrasts of light and dark much as i do when tackling wildlife subjects and i hope ive succeeded in creating a tasteful but artistic image of the human form.

Best of Hampshire Artists exhibition

Some of you may recognise the image on the official poster for this upcoming prestigious exhibition.This annual exhibition showcases the very best in art produced by artists residing in the county of Hampshire,uk.set in the absolutely fabulous surroundings of the Sir Harold Hillier gardens near Romsey this exhibition runs from 30th july through to 29 august.There will be a huge variety of artistic styles on show in the form of original works,prints and greetings cards.If your'e in the area then come and view this wonderful show in the exhibition centre at the gardens,there is no admission charged to view the exhibition or to relax in the adjoining restaurant.Two of my own originals have been selected for the show and as well as these i will be displaying a selection of limited edition prints and greetings cards.

NEWA exhibition award

just been informed that my image 'Dusk-lapwing' has won a drawing award at the Newa exhibition that is ongoing until the end of this month.visit www.newa-uk.com to view all artworks and read about the exhibition.

NEWA exhibition

Dusk-lapwing

Beachcombers-oystercatchers

The NEWA (national exhibition of wildlife art) opens on the 15th july and runs until 31st july at the Gordale garden centre,chester high rd,Burton,Wirral,ch64 8tf. this prestigious exhibition showcases the very best in wildlife art available today and a visit is a must.Last year i was lucky enough to win a NEWA award for my graphite work and this year i have two drawings in the show,dusk-lapwing and beachcombers-oystercatchers