Taunton artist shortlisted for Wildlife Artist of the Year competition

A SELF-TAUGHT Taunton artist has been shortlisted for the prestigious David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 competition.

Katie Hester, 28, from Taunton, has been shortlisted as a finalist by the internationally renowned competition for her Lioness portrait ‘Fearless'.

The shortlisted portrait, a hyper-realistic piece done in colour pencils, will be exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London from July 2 to 6.

Katie Hester is a self-taught artist who attended Richard Huish College. (Image: Katie Hester)

Katie, a professional animal portrait artist, said: “Being shortlisted as a finalist completely blew my mind. I screamed and cried happy tears when I received the confirmation email.

"I have dreamt and wished for so long that this would happen but it has taken a lot of dedication, perseverance and drawing practice to achieve my goal.

"Through the sale of this piece, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to support vital wildlife conservation efforts through David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF)."

Katie's "Fearless" portrait captures a lioness from Kruger National Park on the hunt for a meal to provide for her family.

The shortlisted colour-pencil piece, Fearless. (Image: Katie Hester)

The hyper-realistic art is done with graphite and colour pencils. (Image: Katie Hester)

The artist said it was important for her to portray "the movement and stillness in her coat as she stalks her prey" as well as the lioness' role in forming the "foundation of any thriving pride" by rearing their cubs and providing a food source.

Katie said: "The sun is only one of the many obstacles they must overcome daily to survive. The intense light contrast gives the viewer an idea of how bright and hot the sun is beating down on her, almost bringing you closer to her.”

She added that her children, two boys ages four and seven, also contribute to her work as they are "fanatical about wildlife conservation" and help her choose which animal to draw next.

Pet portraits by Katie Hester. (Image: Katie Hester)

The DSWF competition received a record breaking 1,297 entries from 46 countries. It is designed to "ignite the conversation about conservation".

Katie said: “Winning an award from DSWF would be incredible and a dream come true. I feel it would be another cloud-nine moment thus giving me even more confidence in striving to achieve my hyper-realistic wildlife portraits.

"Behind each piece is a story to be told, to be seen and to be heard. I want to inspire others to easily join the fight to protect these incredible animals through art - starting with African wildlife.”

You can find Katie on Facebook at K Hester Fine Art, Instagram @khester_fine_art, and at khesterfineart.co.uk.