Dhala Road

David Shepherd

CBE OBE FRSA FGRA

The Dhala Road.
Complete with french bound mount
Signed in pencil
Image Size 20" x 13.5"
Overall size with mount 29" x 24"

Biography of wildlife artist, David Shepherd, CBE, FRSA, FRGS, OBE.
Known as possibly the world's finest wildlife artist. David Shepherd has worked for many years as an artist across the world, His role as a conservationist is passionately upheld, and he has always felt that he had a obligation to help conserve the world and the animals that we live amongst.
During his lifetime, David Shepherd has painted and drawn hundreds, if not thousands of images, and loves to talk to people of the many experiences he has had whilst travelling and painting throughout the world, often speaking at charity dinners and other prestigeous social events. His personality is beautifully suited to this cause, as his easy going and straight forward approach comes across well to express the love of art and his feelings for the ever decreasing wildlife in the world. As a young man, luck often deals its hand, and this was no exception, he wasn't particularly keen about other college activities.

David Shepherd is often heard explaining that during his ealier years his life was anything but successful, his main ambition was to be an African game warden. When his studying was done, David Shepherd left England with the hope of a life within the national parks of Africa. Sadly, these hopes were to fall at the first hurdle, and he was informed by the head game warden that there were no vacancies, his dreams were ruined. Throughout school days, his foremost curiosity in art had been as a substitute for the compulsary games of rugby which left him with a fear of dread. It was at this time David Shepherd's father helped him, by encouraging him to seek some formal training for his artistic leanings.

David Shepherd was interviewed at Slade school of fine art in London with his bird picture, and was promptly told that he had little artistic ability and that any lessons would be of little use. The bus driver idea was staring to look like the other option, then by shere chance, he met the highly skilled marine artist, Robin Goodwin. Unfortunately, Robin did not take on apprentices, but somehow David Shepherd managed to become an exception to the rule, and he agreed to see some of David's work.

Within twenty four hours, he arrived at Robin Goodwin's home in Chelsea with his 'bird' painting, and to his absolute delight Robin Goodwin agreed to teach him. It is due to the teachings of this artist that David was able to show his true talent, and has at all times a feeling of deep gratitude for the help he was given by from Robin Goodwin. One of the original paintings we have in stock 'St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall was painted during his apprenticeship with Robin Goodwin.

David Shepherd's published work

In the early 1960s the first print was published of David's work 'Wise Old Elephant'. This was a bold move at the time, as until then wildlife prints had been relatively sparce. Disributed by Boots, his first print, which was purely decorative and sold as a poster print, sold more prints than any other print worldwide. Providing the recognition necessary for a successful career, David Shepherd's name soon became synonymous with wildlife art. Within several years a number of his paintings had been published as poster prints and sold 'en masse' throughout the world.
Collectible prints were published as limited editions which were signed and numbered by David Shepherd.

Due to the strictly limited number of prints issued of any particular title and the demand for his work; these limited edition prints became highly collectable. Not only would a signed limited edition sell out completely on the day of publication, but there would often be a waiting list as long as the entire edition should any come back to the publishers as available.
In the case of 'Burning Bright' the publishers raised the edition to 2,000 copies which is a large limited edition by any standards. The entire edition sold out within hours, and there were another 2,500 orders left unfulfilled.
Limited editions signed by the David Shepherd became an excellent investment; on publication demand always far outreached supply, so a strong secondary market was created which saw some titles escalate enormously in price.

For collectors wishing to spend sevral hundred pounds, as opposed to tens of thousands for an original painting, with the added bonus that the value of the limited edition print would increase, this became an excellent option, and as there were no more signed limited edition prints produced of a particular painting, these prints increased greatly in value as the demand for David's work increased. The publishers produced a secondary price list of work that they had sold throughout the years, and the prices that limited edition prints had been sold for on the secondary market. The list is very impressive, perhaps more useful as an insurance guide than a strict selling price, but nevertheless very sucessful.

Back to David Shepherd prints for sale