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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 workIn 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.
Books
Many books have been published and are still being published by David and others on the artist and his work.'The Man Who Loves Giants' David Shepherd's first autobiographical book was published in 1976 which very quickly became a best seller.
This was revised and updated in 1989 as subsequent editions were published.
'A Brush With Steam' A second book illustrating his love for steam trains was published in 1984
'The Man and his Paintings' in 1985 was the first comprehensive book showing a complete spectrum of David's work.
'An Artist in Conservation' was released in 1992 which illustrated some of Mr Shepherd's finest paintings.
'My Painting Life' published in 1995
'Only One World' 1995
'Painting with David Shepherd, Unique Studio Secrets Revealed' was published in 2004
'The Man Who Loved Giants' was the title for this film of David Shepherd's life story produced in 1972 by the late James Stewart.
The documentary was shown worldwide.
'TheLast TraintoMulobezi' tells an exciting story of the survival of an ancient locomotive and railway coach from the Zambezi
Sawmills Railway and their 12,000 mile journey back to England.
The train was given as a gift by Dr Kenneth Kaunda, the President of Zambia, and after raising enough money
through the sale of paintings in USA. A helicopter was bought and given to Zambia to help prevent poaching.
'InSearch ofWildlife' A series of six half hour programmes produced by Thames TV
Illustrating the plight of endangered mammals throughout the world.
These were later broadcast in the USA.
'Nature Watch' with Julian Pettifer began in 1990 and David Shepherd produced the first programme in the series.
'This is Your Life' David Shepherd has been the subject of the programme.
Awards.
The Artist and Conservationist today.
Tirelessly travelling, Mr Shepherd travels one part of the world to another. Admired and respected by many,
He is regarded as being the world's leading wildlife painter. His signed, limited edition prints can be seen in many homes
throughout the world and he is always busy and enjoying his life to the best of his abilty.
Having celebrated his 70th birthday on 25th April 2001 with a fundraising dinner at the Natural History Museum,
which raised over £100,000 for's wildlife projects.
He has last year celebrated his 80th birthday with another successful dinner to raise funds for conservation at the Natural History Museum,
attended by a host of celebrities and many admirers of his work.
David Shepherd and Avril now live in Sussex. His four daughters who have a deep respect for world conservation
and are involved in David Shepherd's wildlife conservation work.
Most of the published works of David Shepherd are photo lithographs; when printed (by a photographic process), these prints are absolutely identical
and there is no added value in any particular number; This misconception arises from the 'old' days when original etchings and lithographs were produced
using a metal or stone plate, where the ink is spread onto the etched plate and a print produced by pressing the paper or canvas against it.
Even with silkscreen prints, the technology is sufficiently advanced that it would be virtually impossible to tell a difference between the first
and the last number of the edition.
In 1992, David began a series called the 'Gold Editions' which were high quality produced silkscreen prints, giving much deeper and richer colours
than a usual photo lithograph print. Published on high quality water colour paper and a low edition run of between 200 to 495 prints.
One silkscreen was published each year from 1992 begining with 'Cheetah'
Africa 1993
Amboseli 1994
The Last Refuge 1995
Mountain Lion 1996
Leopards 1997
The Bandipur Tiger 1998
Storm over Africa 1999
Indian Summer 2000
Portrait of a Tiger (for the millenium)2000
The White Tiger of Rewa 2001
In the cool of Evening 2002
The silkscreen prints have always been in great demand, and are regarded as between signed limited edition prints and an original paintings.
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Telephone England 01623 799 309
If you would like to visit the studio in Nottinghamshire, (Saturdays and Sundays are fine too) Please call 01623 799 309
We have a collection of over 500 signed limited edition prints and original paintings for sale.
If you would like to visit the studio in Nottinghamshire, (Saturdays and Sundays are fine too) Please call 01623 799 309 We have a collection of over 500 David Shepherd signed limited edition prints and original paintings for sale. A viewing can also be arranged at your home.
England 01623 799 309 or mobile 07974 371 255 