I’m absolutely over the moon to share that my lion drawing “Warrior” has been selected as a finalist in this year’s Wildlife Artist of the Year 2025 competition!
This piece was such a labour of love, taking me many weeks to complete. I built it up through layer upon layer of intricate pastel markings, working carefully to bring the lion’s powerful presence to life.
The drawing was inspired by a photograph taken by my uncle, Brian Dandridge, during a trip to Botswana. He captured a magnificent male lion resting in the shade, his mane tangled in the branches of a nearby shrub! The photo was quite comical at first glance, but when I zoomed in on the lion’s face, I was struck by the intensity in his eyes. I knew instantly that I wanted to draw him.
I wanted "Warrior" to be an immersive drawing that gives you a real sense of the wild - something that captures the strength, the endurance, and the fierce spirit these lions possess. The battle scars across his face hinted at a lifetime of struggles to maintain his place in the pride, and those details became a central part of the story I wanted this piece to tell.
So much went into creating Warrior, and I’m incredibly proud that it’s been recognised as a finalist in this prestigious event. Wildlife Artist of the Year is run by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and raises vital funds each year for wildlife conservation — helping protect endangered species like the lion.
The original drawing will be on display at the Mall Galleries in London from 9th–13th September 2025 as part of the Wildlife Artist of the Year 2025 exhibition. It will be available to purchase during the show, with 50% of the proceeds going directly to DSWF to support their incredible conservation work. If you'd like more info about the artwork before the exhibition, feel free to contact me.
This exhibition is a real highlight in the wildlife art calendar, and if you’re a lover of wildlife and art, it’s not one to miss! I’ll be attending the exhibition on the opening day — so if you’re planning to visit, please do come and say hello!
