Colby-based artist Jeremy Paul has been shortlisted for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s (DSWF) Wildlife Artist of the Year award.

Celebrating its tenth year, the international event will showcase some of the world’s best wildlife art at London’s prestigious Mall Galleries from June 28 to July 2.

Jeremy will be vying for the top £10,000 sponsored prize.

’The sheer diversity of media and form this year has created an extraordinary celebration of the natural world and a huge challenge for the judges,’ said event organiser DSWF’s Shauna Rees.

’This year’s shortlist brings the wild to life,’ said judge Gary Hodges.

’From the silence of a shark casting its shadowy form on the ocean bed to the scuttling of armadillos, the peacefulness of hippos wallowing in the early morning sun and the symphony of bird song at dusk, selecting the overall winner from this amazing collection will be extremely hard.’

One hundred and sixty three pieces have been with the judges making their final selection on the morning of Tuesday, June 27 ahead of the private view and prize-giving that evening.

David Shepherd said: ’I set up my Foundation with the sole purpose of giving something back to the animals that helped me achieve success as an artist. At a time when the world’s wildlife is under such devastating pressure from expanding human populations and the illegal trade, it seems fitting that we take a step back and reflect on the sheer beauty and diversity of our natural world and what could be lost if we do not truly appreciate the value of the world around us.’

Each piece in the exhibition at the Mall Galleries is for sale, with profits split 50/50 between the artists and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s wildlife conservation projects across Africa and Asia.

Since 2007, the event has raised more than £350,000 to help protect some the world’s most endangered wildlife.

Jeremy said: ’My aim as a wildlife artist is not merely to illustrate but to impart the atmosphere of the setting and the feel of the wildlife in its natural environment.

’I spend many hours in the field observing wildlife and looking for settings and lighting to inspire an idea for a painting.’

He has travelled extensively and his work has been used on postage stamps.