ART COMPETITION TO AID ANIMALS

Since 2008, I've loved sitting on the judging panel of the WILDLIFE ARTIST OF THE YEAR competition, created by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF). Now in its eighth year, it has grown into the major wildlife art competition. With a first prize of £10,000 and many other cash prizes, it's been a real draw for both amateur and professional artists from all over the world. I love the fact that each and every artist who enters is contributing to the protection of wildlife through their art. You can see all of this year's selected artworks at the Mall Galleries in central London from 30th June until 4th July 2015. The private view on the 29th June is by invitation only... tickets available from DSWF. To enter the 2016 competition, go to the DSWF website. Any type of art inspired by the natural world can be entered into the 9 categories, which include 'wildlife in monochrome', 'original prints' and 'wildlife in 3D'. The deadline for entries is February 2016, so plenty of time to get creative. Go on, you'll be helping wildlife, plus you could win a really impressive title and £10,000.