Society of Wildlife Artists

The Society of Wildlife Artists aims to generate an appreciation of and delight in the natural world and wildlife through all forms of fine art

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The focus of the Society’s year is our annual exhibition, The Natural Eye. This is an open exhibition, held every autumn at Mall Galleries. It is a showcase for the very best of art inspired by the natural world.

Harriet Mead - President

The Society of Wildlife Artists is a registered charity that aims to generate an appreciation of and delight in the natural world through all forms of fine art based on representing the world’s wildlife.

Through exhibitions and publications, the Society aims to further an awareness of the importance of conservation in order to maintain the variety of the world’s ecosystems and its wildlife. Through its Bursary schemes, the Society is able to help young artists keen to develop their knowledge and skills in wildlife art, offering awards of up to £750 towards travel, education or the cost of materials.

The focus of the Society’s work is its Annual Exhibition, The Natural Eye. Included with the work of members from the UK, mainland Europe, North America and beyond, is the work of successful Bursary applicants, as well as a selection of work by non-members. 

Video: SWLA 60th Anniversary Exhibition

Call for Entries

Artists are invited to submit work for exhibition alongside members of the Society of Wildlife Artists at the SWLA Annual Exhibition: The Natural Eye.

Several prizes and awards are available to win.

Prizes & Awards

The Birdwatch and Swarovski Optik Artist of the Year Award

Winners

2023: Richard Allen SWLA, Winter sun, Avocets

2022: Paul Henery

2021: Liz Myhill, Across the bay

2020: Esther Tyson SWLA

2019: Ben Woodhams SWLA, Tufted Ducks on icy water, January, Ronne

2018: Andrew Haslen SWLA, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

2017: Nick Derry SWLA, Jack Snipe

2016: Daniel Cole SWLA, Great Black-backed Gulls and Rooks, Camel Estuary

2015: Jane Smith ASWLA

2014: Dafila Scott SWLA

2013: Nik Pollard SWLA

2012: Federico Gemma

2011: Tim Wootton

2010: Matt Underwood

2009: Darren Woodhead

2008: Szabolcs Kokay

2007: John Threlfall

2006: Paul Bartlett

2005: Chris Rose

The BIRDscapes Gallery ‘Conservation through Art’ Award

Winners

2023: Jonathan Pomroy

2022: Derek Robertson, After The Plough, Curlew

2021: Julia Manning SWLA

2020: Christopher Wallbank SWLA, Goldfinch and Wych Elm

2019: Robert Gillmor PPSWLA, Avocet and chicks

2018: Esther Tyson SWLA, Winter Sparrow

2017: Michael Warren SWLA

2016: Jane Smith SWLA, Under the waves

2015:  N/A

2014: Carry Akroyd SWLA

2013: Bruce Pearson SWLA

RSPB Award

Winners

2023: Derek Robertson, In the darkest place the Nightingale sings

2022: Richard Allen SWLA

2021: Ben Woodhams SWLA, Smew sailing through

2020: Simon Turvey SWLA, Swallows

2019: Nik Pollard SWLA, Colony 5 - Gannets, Bass Rock

2018: Kittie Jones SWLA, Feeding Curlew

2017: Dafila Scott SWLA, Bittern over the fen

2016: Robert Gillmor SWLA, Shore Larks

2015: Greg Poole SWLA, Short-eared Owl Flying Near Digger

2014: Federico Gemma SWLA, Whinchat, Giglio Island, Tuscany

2013: Nick Derry SWLA, Blue-headed Wagtails, Greenshank and Swallows

2012: N/A

2011: Alison Ingram

2010: Brin Edwards

2009: Daniel Cole

2008: Esther Tyson

2007: Carry Akroyd

2006: David Bennett

2005: Robert Greenhalf

2004: Paul Henery ASWLA

2003: Dafila Scott SWLA

The Swarovski Optik New Artist Award

Winners

2023: Jose Antonio Sencianes Ortega

Trymwood Studios Art Prize

Winners

2023: Helen Kennedy

The Michael Harding Oil Painting Prize

Winners

2023: Peter Partington SWLA, Barn Owl under a blue moon

The Michael Harding Watercolour Painting Prize

Winners

2023: Stephen Message, Great Grey Shrike

Art Safari Works on Paper Award 

Winners

2023: Christopher Wallbank SWLA, The Cleaver loomery

Mall Galleries / FBA Award 

Winners

2023: Roseanne Landon, 3rd calf of the season

Dry Red Press Award

Winners

2023: John Hatton SWLA, Puffins on the sea

2022: Richard Tratt SWLA, Thistle Patch Visitors

2021: Brin Edwards SWLA, Great Crested Grebes with Yellow Water Lilies and Banded Demoiselles

2020: Richard Jarvis SWLA, Moorhens, Mallards & Mayflies

2019: Lisa Hooper, Caerlaverock

2018: Carry Akroyd SWLA, Windhover

2017: Richard Allen SWLA, Swifts

2016: Daniel Cole SWLA, High tide on the Fal River

2015: Matt Underwood SWLA, Spring Blackbird

2014: Max Angus SWLA, Woodcock Pilots (Goldcrest) – North Norfolk

SWLA Visitors' Choice Award

Winners

2023: Stephen Message, Sanderlings in Spring

2019: Chris Rose SWLA, Eiders

About us

A visual arts charity since 1961

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