EXHIBITION
David Shepherd: Walking with Giants
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
David Shepherd is considered to be one of the finest wildlife artists of the last 100
years. David's distinctive style stems from a personal attachment with the animals of
Kenya. As a boy, he dreamt of becoming a game warden to no avail, and was fortunate
when his early artistic career as an aviation artist led to a commission from the RAF
in 1960. On consignment in Kenya, inspired by the animals that he encountered, he
painted his first wildlife painting which would change the course of his career; a
rhinoceros chasing a Twin Pioneer aeroplane, capturing two of his great passions.
In the following years, David’s popularity grew and he quickly became the celebrated
artist and conservationist for which he is remembered today. Throughout his career
David was inspired to protect the elephants, tigers and other animals that he depicted
with such delight. His subjects were painted with dignity and grandeur and his
compositions allowed them to take centre stage amongst the breathtaking scenery
of his beloved Africa.
David’s technique of combining photorealism with his broad impressionist style and
his impeccably accurate palette, instantly strikes a chord with the viewer, but above
all it is his love of the animals that shines through in his paintings creating an instant
empathy for them with his audience.
Gladwell & Patterson have long championed David’s artistic and charitable work. Our
270 year old gallery has been privileged to display David’s superb paintings over the
decades and we are delighted to present this, the second retrospective exhibition of
his work.
White Oak Conservation is a one-of-a-kind centre in Florida for the conservation and care of
endangered and threatened species, including rhinoceros and cheetahs. Its mission is to
conserve rare species and wild places around the world. Efforts include improving the quality
of life of individual animals, recovering rare species, restoring ecosystems, and protecting
wilderness areas. White Oak Conservation works in partnership with conservation organisations,
governments and agencies, to bring the necessary funding to achieve meaningful and lasting
results.
Gladwell & Patterson hope David’s rich artistic heritage will raise awareness and funds for White
Oak Conservation’s continuing vital efforts. Instantly recognisable, David’s exquisite paintings
strike a cord in their ability to recall the majesty of his precious subjects which demand so much
care and attention in this ever changing world we live in today.
WATCH THE VIRTUAL TOUR
DATE & LOCATION
12 January 2022
5 Beauchamp Pl, London SW3 1NG, UK
29 January 2022
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