A BASINGSTOKE artist has been shortlisted for the prestigious David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s (DSWF) Wildlife Artist of the Year award.

Sophie White’s piece Kingfishers Halcyon Days and Mice and Cheese will be vying for the top £10,000 sponsored prize Growing up on her family’s rare breeds farm, Sophie was privileged to observe the beauty of the animal form first hand.

Now residing in Basingstoke, the rural environment which surrounds her has acted as a influence on her work. She portrays the unique characteristics of the fauna that she sculpts in clay, soft wax and occasionally in plaster.

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

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. Organiser of the event Shauna Rees from the DSWF said: “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.”

Over 160 have been submitted. The judges will make their decision on the morning of Tuesday, June 27 ahead of the private view and prize-giving that evening.