I am absolutely thrilled to share that my pastel drawing Embrace has won first place in this year’s Sketch For Survival 2024 competition! This prestigious wildlife art competition attracted over 1,000 entries from talented artists worldwide, so to have my work chosen as the winning piece is truly an honour.
Embrace depicts a young chimpanzee being cradled by its mother, with the young chimp locking eyes with the viewer. I wanted to capture a moment of maternal protection and connection that speaks to the vulnerability of wildlife and the deep bond we share with these incredible creatures.
The competition was judged by a panel of esteemed experts, including renowned wildlife artists Gary Hodges and Sophie Green, and their recognition of my work means so much to me. The award was announced at The Royal Geographical Society in London.
Sketch For Survival is more than just a competition—it’s an initiative organized by the UK charity Explorers Against Extinction. The program raises funds and awareness to help combat wildlife extinction, with proceeds from the sale of artworks supporting vital conservation projects. Knowing that my artwork contributes to this cause makes this achievement even more special.
Embrace was displayed at the OXO Gallery in London as part of the Sketch for Survival Finalists exhibition, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this piece with visitors.
As someone deeply passionate about animal welfare and conservation, this recognition encourages me to continue creating work that highlights the beauty and fragility of our natural world.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my artistic journey. You can learn more about my work or commission a piece by visiting https://www.naomijenkinart.com/wildlife-art/
