Wildlife Painting

David Shepherd internationally renowned wildlife artist and conservationist

David Shepherd born 1931, has dedicated his life to the conservation of animals, in particular the many endangered species on our planet.

He has come to acutely recognize the need for mankind to take care of our fragile world, and that unless changes are made in the imminent future, we are all going to be the losers in this amazingly beautiful world.

We see more recently the meeting of over 150 countries in Copenhagen to discuss 'climate change' , and the use of natural resources. This subject has now moved from general discussions in colleges to to a high priority state of affairs that affects the population of the entire world.

There is no room for compromise on this issue, the results of mankind's generations of greed and and blind quest for power has had devastating affects across this planet.

The destruction of the Rainforest in South America. The overkill of sealife.. Vast commercial farming using pesticides and fertilisers known to destroy and harm both wildlife and mankind. The raising of the world's temperatures and consequently the melting of the Arctic ice ... These are just a few of the problems that need urgent resolve... A small shift in the ambitions and goals of mankind could easily change our present course of disaster.

David Shepherd Shepherd is one of many people around the world who have realised this urgent need for change, and it was through his success as an artist in painting African wildlife that led him to consider our overall position in the balance of nature. He has become fortunate enough to achieve worldwide fame as an artist, and has used his 'celebrity' influence in many ways to help the wild animals many of which are facing extinction, to survive.

Through his many talks, tv appearances and his conservation foundation, he has raised many thousands of pounds to further help people the world over in their work as conservationists.

In the early 1960's he first painted an African bull elephant titled 'Wise old Elephant' which was published as a poster print and distributed by Boots. No one at that time had given much thought to such a publication, but to great surprise this print was sold in the millions and overnight David Shepherd's career was launched....

A series of signed, limited edition prints soon followed and his work was so sought after that editions of 850 would be sold out in hours, with a gallery waiting list for almost the same quantity... Certain titles have always remained amongst David's finest work, notably.. 'Tiger fire', 'Elephant heaven', 'Tiger in the sun'...

Even a small dormouse print (signed, limited edition of 1500) that was published in 1990 for £50+vat, now achieves prices of £750-850. As an investment David Shepherd's work, both originals and the early signed, limited edition prints have increased enormously in price.

Although many collectors see this simply as a bonus, and enjoy the pleasure of seeing David's work in their home... It has to be said that there are very few wildlife artists worldwide that can be compared to the success and investment value of a David Shepherd painting or a signed, limited edition print.

His work is often copied but as with all great artists the copier only at his best manages to achieve a poor second..

David Shepherd continues to work hard for the values in which he believes,Conservation and the survival of many of our planet's species. As specialist art dealers for over twenty five years in David's work we have followed his career with great interest, and wish him all the best on this enormously challenging quest as we come towards another new year 2010

About the Author

David Tatham is an art dealer specialising in original paintings and signed limited edition prints by David Shepherd, L.S. Lowry and Sir William Russell Flint. The largest collection of his work in the UK can be viewed and purchased from http://www.davidshepherd.com

Wildlife Painter Nico Bulder, Dutch Art