TWO Crediton artists, Heather Irvine and Rachel Toll, have been shortlisted for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition, which will be held at London’s prestigious Mall Galleries from June 28 to July 2.

Their works will vie for £10,000 top prize this summer.

Heather Irvine initially began her career as a professional portrait artist at the likes of Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials.  A volunteer position with the Kalahari Conservation Trust in Botswana led to a lifelong passion for Southern Africa.

Her painting style is impressionistic, using large blocks of colour and loose brushwork.  An animal’s gesture, colour combination or memory lead to small initial idea sketches quickly drawn in charcoal which then form larger works.  

Heather has exhibited with SWLA, SEA, MIWAS, is a regular exhibitor with NEWA and in 2012 her painting “The Last Winter” won overall BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year.

Rachel Toll has been painting with watercolours since she was 18. She explained: “In recent years I have been able to fulfil my ambition and become a full-time artist.

“The eye of an animal is always a focal point then I paint loosely, trying to capture the essence of the subject. I use watercolour because it behaves unpredictably, accidents can turn into the best part of a painting and no two attempts are ever the same.

“Watercolour painting is something I want to do all my life, I know I will never stop discovering new possibilities.”

In total 136 pieces have been shortlisted for the £10,000 sponsored top prize with the judges making their final selection on the morning of Monday, June 27 ahead of the private view and prize-giving that evening.

Everything on show will be for sale with profits supporting the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s wildlife conservation projects across Africa and Asia.

Since 2007, the event has raised more than £320,000 to help protect some the world’s most endangered wildlife.

The exhibition opens to the public on Tuesday, June 28 and opening times are 10am to 5pm (4pm Saturday) and entry is by donation.