Submissions open for SWLA exhibition

Wildlife artists from around the world can submit their work to the Society of Wildlife Artists' (SWLA) annual exhibition from midday tomorrow [29 April], the society has announced.

The Natural Eye showcases the best fine art inspired by the natural world. The exhibition takes place in October at London's Mall Galleries and the SWLA Selection Committee is looking for entries now. 

All forms of three- and two-dimensional artwork that is based on the world's wildlife are eligible, including painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture and original prints. The committee is "seeking work that evokes the spirit of the natural world and which reveals a personal experience or true understanding of the subject".

Submissions for pre-selection open at midday on 29 April and close at midday on 26 July. Up to six works can be submitted by uploading high-quality images to the Mall Galleries' website; you will need to create an account if you haven't already got one. Artists should then check the website from midday on 2 August to see if they have been successful.

The prestigious Birdwatch and BirdGuides Artist of the Year award is given to the artist whose work at the exhibition is considered to be the most outstanding by a panel of judges that includes Dominic Mitchell (Managing Editor, Birdwatch and BirdGuides), Bruce Pearson (SWLA) and Peter Antoniou (Managing Director, Swarovski Optik UK).

The award, which is generously sponsored by Swarovski Optik, includes a prize of Swarovski optical equipment, £1,000 cash and a BirdGuides Ultimate subscription. Last year's winner was a linocut of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by Andrew Haslen (pictured).

For further information and full terms and conditions of submission, visit the SWLA's Submissions page.