The Natural Eye

Curlews and puffins have been added to the RSPB’s Red List – birds with populations in serious decline and in need of urgent action to save them from extinction.

Many of the 67 birds that are now on this Red List have been depicted by artists for The Natural Eye, an annual exhibition by the Society of Wildlife Artists.

The goal is to increase awareness of the importance of conservation by showcasing the very best of fine art inspired by the natural world.

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From kittiwakes to elephants

Curlew populations have declined by as much as 53% since the 1980s, as rough moorland has been converted to more efficient farmland.

Marco Brodde SWLA and Fiona Clucas SWLA are among the artists who have depicted these large wading birds, recognisable by their downcurved bill and long legs.

Robert Greenhalf SWLA (main image) and Kittie Jones SWLA are some of those who have been inspired by the instantly recognisable and brightly coloured puffin.

Also on the Red List and in the exhibition are willow tits, tree sparrows, grey wagtails, kittiwakes and shags.

It isn’t just British wildlife that is facing problems; Marco Brodde has painted the endangered Egyptian vulture, while John Dobbs SWLA has depicted elephants, which continue to be threatened by poaching and hunters; African Buffalo, which are also prized by trophy hunters and African wild dogs, which are among the world’s most endangered mammals.

350 works of art

The Natural Eye exhibition includes over 350 works by members elected to the Society and artists selected from open submission.

The Out of the Frame room celebrates the tradition of working from life and shows a selection of field sketches and project work from member artists. All works are for sale and prices start from as little as £95.