Picture of running warthog in line for top prize

Tim Hastilow’s work will be competing in the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition at London’s Mall Galleries on June 28 to July 2.

His work ‘Too Tough to Die’ depicts a running warthog in pencil and is among a total of 136 pieces shortlisted for the £10,000 sponsored top prize.

The judges will make their final selection on Monday, June 27 ahead of a private view and prize-giving that evening.

Tim studied art some 30 years ago but only recently returned to drawing and painting after encouragement from his family.

In 2014 he started drawing pencil portraits of animals and family pets for relatives, friends and neighbours which has led him to start his own business, Lively Arts.

Competition manager Nina Neve said: “The sheer diversity of media and form this year has created an extraordinary celebration of the natural world and a huge challenge for the judges. Deciding between a fox, skilfully crafted from tin and a classic oil of a brooding tiger will make selecting the overall winner extremely hard.”

Wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd said: “I set up my foundation with the sole purpose of giving something back to the animals that helped me achieve success as an artist. At a time when the world’s wildlife is under such devastating pressure from expanding human populations and the illegal trade it seems fitting that we take a step back and reflect on the sheer beauty and diversity of our natural world and what could be lost if we do not truly appreciate the value of the world around us.”

Everything on show is for sale with profits supporting the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s wildlife conservation projects across Africa and Asia. Since 2007, the event has raised over £320,000 to help protect some the world’s most endangered wildlife. Visit www.davidshepherd.org