Young Wick Artist To Exhibit In London

6th May 2012

A young artist from Wick has had two stunning works short-listed for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundations' (DSWF) 2012 Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition that takes place at London's Mall Galleries later this month. Madeline Mackay's 'Birds' and 'Egret' have been selected for the 'Young & Wild' category - the first year that the category has been open.

"The Scottish entries have been quite magnificent this year," says wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd CBE who launched the art competition in 2008 to raise funds and awareness for endangered wildlife. "From the judges' point of view the drama and technical excellence in all the work, and especially in the Young & Wild category, was quite breath-taking."

Madeline Mackay grew up in the far north of Scotland and is due to graduate from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee, in June. Her images derive from a fascination with unpeopled landscapes; "I represent the untamed and even alien qualities of these places through portrayals of the secretive creatures that inhabit them," she says.

Over 150 works of art short-listed for this year's competition - from established and exciting new artists - will be on display and for sale in the main gallery raising awareness and funds for critically endangered mammals supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF).

The north gallery will house fabulous work from established greats including David Shepherd, Mandy Shepherd, Hazel Soan, Gary Hodges and Andrew Stock along with the exciting work of young artists, Emily Lamb and Riziki Kateya.

Emily Lamb, the granddaughter of David Shepherd, fresh from a sell-out solo exhibition at the Tyron, promises beautiful mixed-media canvasses from her travels in Africa and India. While Tanzanian botanical artist, Riziki Kateya - the first Tanzanian artist to achieve an internationally recognised standard in botanical illustration - brings detail and elegance. Selected for a scholarship to study at the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew where she trained under Christabel King, Riziki's Maasai roots, choice of subject and media bring a unique element to a diverse and colourful exhibition.

"We're bringing together a hugely exciting selection of artists and media for this, our fifth Wildlife Artist of the Year," says DSWF CEO, Melanie Shepherd. "And, with free entry and free painting demonstrations throughout the week, it promises to be a great week of wildlife art for wildlife."

Monday 21 May: Private Preview and Prize giving with David Shepherd, David Gower and Mark Carwardine. 5.30 - 9pm - Prize giving at 6.30pm.

Free Painting Demonstrations:

Mandy Shepherd, Emily Lamb and Riziki Kateya - Tues 22 & Sat 26 - 10-2pm

Hazel Soan - Wed 23 - 12-3pm