Martin Aveling Art

The Big Egg Hunt

2012-01-16T17:37:00.001Z

The Big Egg Hunt is coming to London! From the 21st February 2012, for 40 days and nights, the capital's streets will play host to 200 3ft fiberglass eggs, painted by different artists from across the country.

I've painted the following dinosaur inspired egg, which I've named 'Pandora':

(Photo: Being transported in a @tweetalondoncab taxi)

The video below gives a brief run down of the painting process:

At the end of the exhibition, all 200 eggs will be auctioned off to raise funds for two charities; Elephant Family and Action For Children.

An Urban Safari

2012-01-15T11:10:00.035Z

Here are a selection of photos from my exhibition at The Gallery On The Corner between 11th - 14th December 2011.

Photography by Krishanthi:

Click here for more photos, and here for a catalogue of artworks on show at the exhibition.

Please feel free to email me on martin.aveling@gmail.com with any questions or sales enquiries.

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T07:06:00.000Z

Exhibition at The Gallery On The Corner (11th - 14th December 2011)

2011-10-04T17:08:00.017+01:00

Formerly the 'Acquire Arts Gallery', the re-named 'Gallery On The Corner' is about a two minute walk from Battersea Park station (MAP).

The exhibition is open to the public from 3 - 9 pm on Sunday 11th December, and then daily between 11 am - 6 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

I will be showing a selection of my most recent wildlife artworks, featuring animals from across the globe. The talented Luke M Walker will be displaying some of his stunning city and landscapes.

Come and join us for an urban safari!

Crocodile Rock Sells for £5K at Auction

2011-10-04T09:42:00.014+01:00

I've been told that the crocodile sculpture I painted for the Edinburgh Jungle City campaign sold for £5,000 at an auction hosted by Sotheby's at the National Museum of Scotland.

I feel proud to have been involved with such a successful campaign, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for endangered wildlife across Asia.

To learn more about the conservation work that Elephant Family is involved with, click here.

Compare the Meerkats and Pick up a Penguin...

2011-09-21T13:29:00.024+01:00

King Penguin (Edition: 100)
£100

(Size: A2)

Meerkats (Edition: 100)
£100

(Recommended image size: 50x37cm. Parer size: A2)

Printed on quality art paper (Hahnemuhle photo Rag 308gsm).

All prints are signed and numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Postage and packing is free.

(Orders will be taken throughout the week up until Sunday, and aim to be processed the following Tuesday).

Edinburgh Jungle City in Full Swing

2011-08-25T14:51:00.008+01:00

The 'Edinburgh Jungle City 2011' campaign kicked off in the Royal Botanic Gardens on the 16th August. The animals will be here until the 6th September, whereafter they hit the streets of Edinburgh for 3 weeks.

I took some photos during my visit, which can be viewed here.

All the sculptures will be auctioned off on the 29th September at the National Museum of Scotland, raising funds for Elephant Family and other selected charities.

Best In Show: Guests Gallery, 3rd International Animal Art Contest

2011-08-03T15:03:00.003+01:00

This Hungarian Vizsla called Geordie has won 'Best in Show' once before, but not in pastel form on paper.

Guests Gallery, 3rd International Animal Art Contest.

Son of the beautiful and easy going, Zoma:

The Duchess of Cornwall previews Jungle City sculptures

2011-06-03T14:09:00.004+01:00

The Duchess of Cornwall recently had an opportunity to preview some of the sculptures for Elephant Family's 'Jungle City', set to take place in Edinburgh this summer.

Here she is standing with some of the sculptures, including 'Crocodile Rock':

New Limited Edition Elephant Print

2011-05-06T11:20:00.009+01:00

African Elephant II (Edition: 100)
£125

(Image size: 63x44cm, Paper size: A1)

Printed on quality art paper (Hahnemuhle photo Rag 308gsm).

All prints are signed and numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Postage and packing is free.

(Orders will be taken throughout the week up until Sunday, and aim to be processed the following Tuesday).

Dulwich Festival - 2011

2011-05-05T17:28:00.010+01:00

This weekend I'll be showing some work at the Dulwich Festival, Open House in London. If you are in the area, then come along to 182-184 Court Lane, SE21 and say hi!

It is also the permanent home of Nanook, so if you'd rather say hello to him and not me, you can.

Tawny Owl Mural

2011-05-02T20:55:00.006+01:00

My mum recently turned 60, and as part of her present I painted this mural of a Tawny Owl on the fence in her garden:

It was the second time I've painted a mural without permission. Always a bit of a risk, but thankfully it was well received!

2011 International Art Show - Realism

2011-04-15T09:11:00.006+01:00

I'm very pleased to say that my pastel of an Indian boy, 'Knee-high', was awarded Best in Show at Guest Gallery's '2011 International Realism Art Show'. A big thank you to all those who voted online.

This piece is available to buy (framed). Please feel free to get in touch if interested - martin@avelingartworks.com

Jungle City - Edinburgh 2011

2011-04-14T19:50:00.018+01:00

Off the back of Elephant Family's hugely successful 'Elephant Parade London' last summer, their new project is to turn Edinburgh into a jungle during August and September of this year.

I have again designed something for the event, which I've called "Crocodile Rock".

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011

2011-03-23T20:47:00.009Z

Details of the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011 are listed below. I've had one piece shortlisted in this year's exhibition, 'In the Eye of the Tiger'.

MALL GALLERIES
The Mall (near Trafalgar Square)
London, SW1

Monday 6th June

Private Viewing, Reception & Awards
by invitation only

Tuesday 7th - Saturday 11th June
10am - 5pm daily (Saturday to 4pm)
FREE entry

For more information please call DSWF on 01483 272323

The Great Wild Salmon Run - $250K Pepsi Grant

2011-01-05T01:10:00.015Z

I am involved with The Great Wild Salmon Run later this year - a public art project raising funds for wild salmon conservation. I'm painting one of their 100 salmon blanks, to be displayed during the summer across Seattle, Belleview, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

The sculptures will be auctioned in October, but the project needs funds to help get off the ground. They have been selected as a finalist to receive a $250,000 grant from Pepsi, and need your vote!

Please visit the following address to place a vote. Multiple votes are allowed (and encouraged!)

http://refresheverything.com/greatwildsalmon

Infinity Art Gallery - Animal Arts Exhibit 2011

2011-01-03T06:37:00.027Z

'Storm Brewing', this pastel I did of a Eurasian Eagle Owl, was awarded 1st place at the Infinity Art Gallery Animal Arts Exhibit 2011

New Limited Edition Tiger Print

2010-11-05T16:14:00.011Z

In honour of it being the Year of the Tiger, I thought it appropriate to release this new print.

Sumatran Tiger I (Edition: 100)
£80

(Image size: 42x30cm, Paper size: A2)

Printed on quality art paper (Hahnemuhle photo Rag 308gsm).

All prints are signed and numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Postage and packing is free.

(Orders will be taken throughout the week up until Sunday, and aim to be processed the following Tuesday).

New Species of Snub-nosed Monkey

2010-10-27T01:04:00.007+01:00

I've had to keep very quiet about this for the past few weeks, but today the American Journal of Primatology announces the discovery of a new species of primate, the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri).

The research that led to this exciting discovery was carried out by the Myanmar Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA), and supported by an international team of primatologists from Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRFC). The new monkey was named in honour of John Styker, President and Founder of the Arcus Foundation, who supported the project. As there are currently no images of a living specimen, I was commissioned to produce this illustration for identification purposes. As far as I know, it is the first ever drawing of this new species of monkey.

Sightings of the monkey have been reported from the eastern Himalayas to the north-eastern Kachin state, and it is believed that there are between 260-330 individuals, making it critically endangered. Although the species is new to science, the local people know it well, claiming it's actually quite easy to spot when it rains, because its upturned nose often fills up with water, causing it to sneeze!

Together with their partner organisations, FFI are taking immediate action to safeguard the survival of this important new species.

Art Safari to Kenya

2010-10-08T10:36:00.010+01:00

Africa House Safaris offers bespoke luxury safaris to some of the most enchanting corners of Eastern Africa.

Recently they launched a series of painting safaris, the first of which will take place in the stunning surroundings of Kenya's Laikipia Plateau. I am very honoured to have been asked to be the resident artist on this trip, taking place towards the end of June 2011.

For full details on this particular safari, and to browse the Africa House Safaris website, click here.

Elephant Mural in Ghana

2010-10-07T15:04:00.004+01:00

I've now posted this video on my own YouTube channel...

Tusk Trust Christie's Auction

2010-09-11T13:36:00.010+01:00

In celebration of the Tusk Trust's 20 year anniversary, their co-founder Sir Timothy Ackroyd, is putting together a compilation book of drawings, sketches, doodles and short stories by an extensive collection of know personalities, artists and authors. All the artwork will be auctioned at Christie's later this month to raise funds for the charity.

I donated a piece to the cause. Unfortunately it was too late to be included in the book, but it will be auctioned along with the other lots on the 20th September. To preview the artwork, or to register an interest, click here.

Society of Wildlife Artists 2010

2010-08-25T11:41:00.008+01:00

I've had two pieces accepted into this year's Society of Wildlife Artists exhibition, which runs from the 22nd September - 2nd October (10am - 5pm daily).

CFE Sporting Art Exhibition & Auction

2010-07-28T11:10:00.006+01:00

The CLA Game Fair took place at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire last weekend. The Countryside Foundation for Education (CFE) held an auction of sporting themed works, donated by artists from across the UK.

They managed to raise over £6,000, and every piece of artwork was sold. Last year I donated two prints to the auction, and I did the same again this year. To view all the works in the auction, click here.

The World's Most Endangered Ape

2010-07-08T10:13:00.009+01:00

I recently did an illustration for an article on gibbons in BBC Wildlife Magazine. Helen Chatterjee talks about how she first became interested in gibbonology, and why this fascination has persisted for the past 35 years.

The Hainan gibbon is the world's most endangered ape, with fewer than 25 individuals remaining in the wild. Fauna & Flora International has been implementing an environmental education program over several years on Hainan Island, just off the coast of southern China. More recently they have been supporting the nature reserve to directly strengthen protection of this species in its habitat.

Elephant Parade Grand Auction

2010-07-05T11:16:00.008+01:00

The London Elephant Parade concluded yesterday, with approximately £4 million raised for Asian elephant conservation. A live auction, hosted by Sotheby's, took place on Saturday, and Nanook sold for £9,500.

I am thrilled with the amount raised, which will help fund conservation projects supported by Fauna & Flora International and Elephant Family. I am equally pleased with Nanook's new home, where I know he will be very well looked after.

Parading Nanook

2010-06-07T15:19:00.006+01:00

Here is the video from a couple of Saturdays ago, with Nanook in Green Park. It was a miserably wet day, but spirits were high, and credit must go to Ben Westaway for putting this together under such nasty conditions.

Telegraph MY SPACE feature

2010-06-06T23:06:00.004+01:00

BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010

2010-05-25T10:27:00.010+01:00

This year I had 2 pieces shortlisted for the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year competition. The final round of judging took place at Marwell Hotel in Winchester on the 17th May.

"Zebra Crossing" was runner-up in the "Visions of Nature" category, and will be credited in the August issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine.

Mongabay.com article

2010-05-18T23:42:00.007+01:00

Nanook was given a mention on the popular environmental science and conservation news site, Mongabay.com.

Click here to read the full article.

Auction for Snow Leopards

2010-05-16T19:53:00.014+01:00

Sibylle Noras, editor of Saving Snow Leopards, donated one of my prints to an auction in Melbourne last Friday, to raise funds for the Australian Himalayan Foundation.

I'm thrilled to say that it eventually fetched an incredible 1,500 AUD (approximately £915), which will go towards protecting snow leopards in the wild. To read the article on the Saving Snow Leopards blog, click here.

Tough act to follow..

2010-05-11T11:58:00.015+01:00

It was a real privilege meeting FFI's Tuy Sereivathana, who was recently awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for his work addressing human-elephant conflict in Cambodia. Unfortunately I fear I did not have quite the same impact on him, especially after having come straight from meeting president Obama in Washington!

Vathana, also known as "Uncle Elephant", was one of the first Cambodian ambassadors to meet the president. He hopes that this will help draw attention to the plight of the endangered Asian elephant, within the US and across the world.

Reunited with Nanook

2010-05-10T08:13:00.010+01:00

BBC Cambridgeshire News

2010-05-05T13:54:00.008+01:00

BBC Cambridgeshire News have done a feature on Nanook and FFI's Goldman Environmental Prize winner, Tuy Sereivathana. To read the article, click here.

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010

2010-05-04T16:59:00.013+01:00

The finalists for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation's "Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010" exhibition have been announced.

All 100 shortlisted works, as well as information about the exhibition dates and times, can be viewed here:

I have one piece in this year's show. I've also had 2 pieces shortlisted for the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010 event. The final round of judging for that takes place on the 17th May.

"Zebra Crossing" (Pastel Pencils)

Creating Nanook - Elephant Parade London 2010

2010-04-13T23:35:00.017+01:00

Exhibition at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

2010-03-30T09:59:00.009+01:00

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park (near Ashford in Kent) are holding an exhibition of wildlife art, between the 2nd - 11th April.

I will be displaying four works, and a percentage of any sales from the show will go to The Aspinall Foundation. Further details on the website:

Elephant mural

2010-03-10T19:08:00.015Z

Here's the gift I left for our host in Tamale, Ghana.

Dulwich OnView On Elephant Parade

2010-01-19T12:38:00.004Z

DOV have done a short piece on the process of painting Nanook. Read the full article here.

Colour My World

2010-01-07T09:49:00.011Z

I've just had some brilliant photos sent through, to use as source material, from my friends at Colour My World. Have a look through Steve and Donna's fantastic albums and read about their various travels around the world...

Nanook

2010-01-04T14:27:00.005Z

(Click here to read about the painting process)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T09:28:00.001Z

De la Création à la création: L'Animal dans l'Art

2009-12-10T00:03:00.003Z

"Flight Path" (below) recently sold at an auction of natural history artworks, in Paris, for 1,700€ (700€ above estimate). To browse the full auction catalouge, click here.

Santa Goes Green

2009-11-11T17:21:00.012Z

This year Woodmansterne card publishers have released one of mine and Theo Bosanquet's Christmas card designs.

The card will be sold in John Lewis, Waitrose, Paperchase, and WHSmith, as well as some smaller independent card and gift shops.

It will be for sale as a single greetings card (EAN 238376) and within a Christmas box of 12 cards of the same design (EAN 238147). If you would like to find your nearest stockist please call 01923 200 630, and give your postcode and the EAN of the product you are interested in.

Elephant in the Room

2009-11-03T11:48:00.067Z

Well, here it is - a big white elephant. Let that not be a bad omen... !

Sponsored by FFI, this will be its home for the next couple of months whilst I put my designs to it. Eventually it will take its place alongside approximately 250 others, somewhere in London, as part of Elephant Family's "Elephant Parade London 2010".

I will post more updates below as painting progresses over the next few weeks.

It wasn't exactly an easy journey to its temporary home, but the delivery company - Eco Man and Van - are indeed a professional outfit. No valley too deep, no fence too high...

Fri 27th Nov - Crouching Elephant, Hidden Message... can you tell what it is yet ?

The Farrow & Ball paints (kind sponsors of the event) are working out very nicely. I now need to focus all my time on elepainting. Less ambiguous photos to follow next week...

Thurs 3rd Dec

Well, it should be more apparent what it is now (I hope..)

I've started applying detail on top of the base layers of colour. Days like today remind me why I opted against painting outdoors. In the wake of Thanksgiving, I'm very grateful for the warmth of my studio!

Sat 20th Dec

Starting to take shape now. I spent today applying the final frosting to the ice. It felt quite apt with the snow falling on the glass ceiling above.

Thurs 24th Dec

It's the final countdown...

I'll be working on the water today, and then again on Christmas morning. He needs a name though, and FFI are running a competition to find one.

Send your suggestions to elephant.comp@fauna-flora.org before 1pm on Boxing Day.

Sat 2nd Jan

Happy New Year!

I'm pleased to announce the elephant now has a name...

Meet "Nanook". The name is derived from the Inuit word for Polar Bear, and, I hope you will agree, quite fitting.

I am just applying the final touches before putting a gloss varnish on the ice parts, in the hope that this will make it shimmer in the sunlight.

Nanook is being collected on the 5th January, whereafter he will undergo an anti-graffiti treatment before being unveiled somewhere in London at the beginning of May. You'll know when I do where that will be.

Tue 5th Jan

Off he goes...

(Original Elephant Parade post)

Fry's Mouse Lemur

2009-10-26T23:24:00.023Z

Stephen Fry recently took on an ambassadorial role with Fauna & Flora International. On his first visit to the FFI head offices in Cambridge, he was presented with an illustration I did of a Madame Berthe's Mouse Lemur.

This tiny primate made an appearance in the BBC's recent "Last Chance to See" series, presented by Stephen Fry and zoologist, Mark Carwardine. The series follows the two, as they travel the globe meeting some of the world's most endangered animals, retracing the footsteps of Douglas Adams and Mark 20 years on.

A must see in my opinion - really enjoyable watch, and a lot of focus given to real conservation issues.

Signed Limited Edition Prints

2009-10-17T17:45:00.065+01:00

Printed on quality art paper (Hahnemuhle photo Rag 308gsm).

All prints are signed and numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Postage and packing is free.

(Orders will be taken throughout the week up until Sunday, and aim to be processed the following Tuesday).

Bornean Orangutan I (Edition: 100)
£80

(Image size: 42x29cm, Paper size: A2)

Snow Leopard I (Edition: 50)
£80

(Image size: 37x30cm, Paper size: A2)

Eurasian Eagle Owl I (Edition: 50)
£80

(Image size: 26x36cm, Paper size: 30x41cm)

African Elephant I (Edition: 100)
£45

(Image size: 26x21cm, Paper size: 30x31cm)

Secretary Bird (Edition: 100)
£45

(Image size: 27x27cm, Paper size: 30x31cm)

House Sparrows (Edition: 150)
£20

(Image size: 18x7cm, Paper size: 21x10cm)

Prints produced in Cambridge by Peter Mennim.

One in a Million

2009-10-17T15:27:00.014+01:00

Here's the link to the blog post about the giraffe auction on One Million Giraffes...

Ola Helland is aiming to reach 1,000,000 giraffes before the start of 2011. Help him get closer to that target by sending in your own entry.

Elephant Parade London 2010

2009-10-17T15:03:00.035+01:00

Confirmation came though this week of my involvement in Elephant Parade London.

Set to be the capital's biggest public art event, 250 fibreglass life-size adolescent elephants will be distributed around the city, on display for a period of three months next year (May - July). Each elephant is sponsored by an organisation or individual and decorated by an artist. I will be taking delivery of my elephant soon.

Some big names of the art world, including Gary Hodges and Quentin Blake, are also taking part in the event. A full list of all contributing artists can be viewed here.

Elephant Family is the charity behind the campaign. They are hoping to raise over £1 million for conservation projects across Asia. Follow their efforts on facebook and twitter...

Facebook

Twitter

Giraffe Art Auction for Charity

2009-10-13T12:09:00.036+01:00

Winning bid: £110

I am holding an auction of this small giraffe pastel I did recently, inspired by Ola Helland's wonderful initiative One Million Giraffes.

It will take on the form of a silent auction, with the leading bid being displayed at the top of this post.

ALL proceeds from the sale will go to the charity Fauna & Flora International to support the tireless work they do protecting these graceful animals and others in Africa.

Please send your bids to:

giraffeauctionffi@googlemail.com

You will be notified if you are the current high bidder, but please check back before the auction ends (Sunday 15th November 09, midnight), as you may have been outbid.

The picture is unframed (image size: 7.5 x 11 inches) to allow ease of postage. If you are the eventual winner, you will be sent an email with Fauna & Flora International's payment details, and requested to provide an address for delivery.

Not only is this an opportunity to make a charitable donation to an extremely worthy cause, it could also be a good chance to get your hands on an original Aveling artwork at a very fair price!

If you have any questions about the charity FFI, please contact Camila Iturra on:

Camila.Iturra@fauna-flora.org

Many thanks, and happy bidding!

Martin

Weekend at Harrods

2009-10-12T10:46:00.027+01:00

Here are a few pictures from last weekend spent drawing on the shop floor at Harrods. There was a fair amount of press on Sunday surrounding the arrival of the world's largest Scooby snack, attracting several known faces and their dogs to stop and pose with the big biscuit. Even Scooby Doo himself took time out of his busy schedule to drop by...

Post Cards for Wildlife

2009-09-25T12:21:00.008+01:00

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation recently released a ring bound booklet of images, printed on high quality art card, which are detachable to send to friends, or keep for yourself. "Storm Brewing" is one of the featured images.

Order yours here for only £6 (including postage & packing)

An Eye to the Future

2009-08-28T16:16:00.009+01:00

The 2009 Society of Wildlife Artists exhibition opens on the 23rd September at the Mall Galleries in Trafalgar (London).

My pastel of a snow leopard - "An Eye to the Future" - was accepted into this year's show. The galleries are open daily between 10am - 5pm. The exhibition closes on the 4th October.

Guests Gallery Animal Art Contest

2009-06-15T08:54:00.005+01:00

"Mother and Child" (below) came runner-up in the Guests Gallery's 1st International Animal Art Competition, and was presented with an Award of Merit. Thank you to everyone who voted online.

Wildlife Artist of the Year 09 Round Up

2009-06-04T13:33:00.013+01:00

Katherine Tyrrell provides a detailed summary of the exhibition (including a great review of "Storm Brewing"). Read it here.

Up until the 26th June, members of the public are in with a chance of winning a limited edition print of "After the Rains" by David Shepherd.

Simply email the name of your favourite piece to dswf@davidshepherd.org to automatically be entered into the prize draw.

All shortlisted works can be viewed here.

Interview for Dulwich OnView

2009-05-29T08:36:00.008+01:00

"From Arfica to Herne Hill, with Pastel Pencils"

"Anna di Brina met Martin – and his two colourful corn snakes! – in his South London flat, to find out more…"

Open House Art Fair in Dulwich

2009-05-08T12:05:00.010+01:00

In south London over the next couple of weekends? I will be showing a few works at 182 Court Lane in Dulwich (11am - 6pm).

For more information please click here.

Making a Mark

2009-04-27T09:10:00.008+01:00

Making a Mark is an informative art blog edited by Katherine Tyrrell, covering most aspects of the industry.

It includes information on upcoming art exhibitions in the UK, as well as reviews and other useful resources for artists and art enthusiasts.

Wildlife Art Company

2009-04-21T08:33:00.018+01:00

I recently signed with the "Wildlife Art Company".

Established by world-renowned zoologist and author, Mark Carwardine, and managed by wildlife editor, Rachel Ashton, the company is at an exciting stage of development, and I am thrilled to have been invited on board.

An early fascination for all things wild ...

2009-04-21T08:23:00.008+01:00

A letter written to mum whilst on holiday in France, circa 1990:

Unique idea for a wedding gift

2009-04-15T16:50:00.009+01:00

Instead of getting your friends a decorative throw pillow or gravy tray, how about a specially commissioned artwork? It could be of the church or reception venue, or even a portrait of the happy couple. Either way it will be original and thoughtful, and is bound to get you plenty of extra brownie points!

All you need to do is send me some reference material in the form of a digital photo (better yet, a selection of photos) and I will take care of the rest, including framing if required.

martin@avelingartworks.com

Prices range from between £500 - £1,500 for a framed piece. Sure, It's more than a gravy tray, but it's also so much more personal. It could be something a group of you might like to go in for together, and It also doesn't have to be of a building or a picture of the couple... It could be anything! Their favourite dog perhaps... ?

DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009: Announcement of shortlisted artworks

2009-03-21T10:31:00.014Z

I am delighted to announce that 3 of my pieces have been shortlisted for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation's artist of the year competition, 2009.

The exhibition is to be opened by Sir Michael Parkinson at the Mall Galleries on Monday 1st June, and will run until the 6th June. 50% of any sales goes towards conservation projects supported by the foundation.

One of the shortlisted works - "Storm Brewing" - was also recently featured in the April issue of Artists & Illustrators magazine:

African Wild dog print auctioned as part of FFI appeal

2009-03-14T23:57:00.011Z

The conservation charity Fauna & Flora International (FFI) have recently launched an appeal for funding to help safeguard the future of African Wild dogs in Mozambique, currently faced with extinction.

The Niassa National Reserve in the north of the country boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including large populations of elephant and sable antelope, as well as various big predators, such as lion, leopard and hyena. One of the parks other predators is the rare African Wild dog, of which approximately 450 individuals reside. FFI has been working with their local partner to manage the reserve for almost 10 years, and have achieved remarkable success in this relatively short period of time. Despite this however, they still face many challenges, and continued support is paramount for further success in the future.

As part of the appeal, I have donated a limited edition print of one of these dogs, which can be bid for on ebay. 100% of proceeds go to FFI.

Southwark News story

2009-03-11T17:10:00.008Z

I recently did an interview with Southwark News. You can read the full story online here.

Have you seen this bird?

2008-12-16T10:27:00.013Z

Over the past 10 years House sparrow numbers have declined dramatically in the city of London. I recently provided the illustrations for an awareness campaign by Westminster City Council.

Please send your sightings of this bird to Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL):

http://www.gigl.org.uk/

SWLA Visitors choice award

2008-12-12T17:29:00.007Z

I was thrilled to learn that my pastel of a Sumatran orangutan and baby was voted third in the visitors choice award at the Society of Wildlife Artists exhibition, out of 400 other works.

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009

2008-12-09T11:45:00.009Z

I would like to encourage artists from around the world to enter the 2009 Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, put on by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation in aid of wildlife.

Click on the following link to submit your work:

http://www.wildlifeartistoftheyear.org/

Closing date for entries is the 31st January 2009.

ARTwarming news

2008-10-08T10:48:00.010+01:00

As winter approaches and those familiar aches and pains start to resurface, keep in mind that art can actually serve as a painkiller (it's scientifically proven!).....

In pain? Take one masterpiece, three times a day.

Society of Wildlife Artists exhibition 2008

2008-09-01T11:43:00.023+01:00

45th annual exhibition 2008 (September 24th - October 5th)

Open every day from 10am - 5pm. Admission £2.50 (Consessions £1.50)

http://www.swla.co.uk

My passion for wildlife art developed in Africa, stimulated by the continent's sharp tropical light and dramatic colour palette. With zoologists as parents, my early years were spent with a sketchbook to keep me quiet in the back of the Land Rover, as a real “Life on Earth” show paraded outside the window. Hours without a television were occupied instead with my personal zoo of bugs and beasties – snakes, chameleons, antlions and many others. Crusty and scaly creatures later became the focus of my first solo exhibition “Metamorphosis”. Living in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes, mountain gorillas were in the backdrop to my childhood. I saw them only once, accidentally on a forest walk, but I was hooked.

Back home in the chilly English winter I learnt to focus amidst distraction as the only boy in an art class of seven girls, and had my creative abilities stretched by Sculptor Oliver Barratt. Gradually I noticed that primates were starting to predominate in my mind and artwork, especially the great apes. I had grown up with tales from the forests of Sumatra, of the red ape – the “man of the forest”, of gibbons swinging and calling through the canopy, and of the people who lived in and around their habitat. I became obsessed with travelling to Asia, seeing orangutans in the wild, learning about their conservation, re-tracing my parents footsteps in Sumatra and seeing what had transpired for orangutans in the intervening years.

The Society of Wildlife Artists bursary turned this dream into reality, and I am extremely grateful to the SWLA and CAPMARK Europe for their crucial support. In January this year I spent two weeks in Bukit Lawang, on the edge of the Gunung Leuser Reserve. I stayed with Samsul, whose father and grandfather had led my parents on many forest treks, and who has set up a small ecotourism business alongside the fast-flowing Bohorok river. It is an artists paradise and, although you have to work for your wildlife moments in this hilly and humid habitat, the light, the forest, the sounds are inspiring and my sketchbook filled up rapidly. The ultimate aim of this trip was to harness that inspiration and gather research for an illustrated book – a collaboration that reflects on the past, present and future of orangutans and the people who are part of their conservation story. Making this into a published reality is now my focus. My two pieces in this year's exhibition, of an orangutan and a Thomas’s leaf monkey, are contemplative of the future too – who will survive and how?

Thomas's Leaf Monkey

Pastel Pencils

Safaricom Lewa Marathon - Team AV

2008-05-10T11:29:00.012+01:00

Above is a cartoon I did for the Africa & Asia Venture Safaricom Lewa Marathon fundraising page.

The AV Foundation works in poor, rural areas of Africa, Asia and Central/Southern America, awarding bursaries to children who could not otherwise get even a free education. It also helps build, rebuild or improve facilities at these schools, working with Africa & Asia Venture staff and volunteers who give support where needed.

This year a team from the Kenyan office are competing in the Safaricom Lewa half Marathon, one of the most challenging events of its type. They will be raising funds for the AV charity and the Tusk Trust (who organise the event). To make a donation to the cause, please visit the following link to their Justgiving page:

http://www.justgiving.com/teamav

Responsible tourism in Bukit Lawang

2008-02-26T23:37:00.035Z

There are currently only about 5000 Sumatran orangutans left in the wild and Bukit Lawang is one of the few places you can see them in their natural setting. In doing so you can help protect them - a few tourist dollars into the local economy provides an added incentive to preserve both orangs and their habitat - and that habitat is facing critical threats.

Throughout their range forest is being cleared for oil palm and rubber plantations. This is widely documented and probably the major threat to the survival of this species and many others. But all is not well at the local level either, and visitors can really help orangutans by insisting on a responsible approach to local tourism.

Too many of the guides are not well trained, and some commit the serious error of offering food to orangutans encountered when on forest treks. This is both irresponsible and dangerous, setting back the rehabilitant orangutans who are learning to become less dependent on human care, and increasing the risk of disease transfer. It doesn’t help the tourists either – one 30 odd year old female orang (“Meena”) has become aggressive and can be a risk to visitors. It is very tempting to touch the orangutans, but you would only be adding to the problem.

Take advice from the Park authorities and people like Samsul (of "Sam's Bungalows"), to recommend good and responsible guides who know and respect the forest and do not put the orangutans in danger. Then you can relax, learn about the forest and leave only the imprints of your boots in the soft forest floor.

Sam's Bungalows – Bukit Lawang

2008-02-19T21:37:00.038Z

You could quite literally throw a stone from the balcony of Sam's Bungalows across the Bohorok river in north Sumatra and it would land in the Gunung Leuser National Park. If you did you might startle a Thomas’s Leaf monkey foraging in the greenery, or disturb a water monitor basking in the sun on riverside rocks. Better than attacking the local fauna would be to sit with a cup of jungle tea and one of Sam's special fruit salads and watch the jungle move.

Sam's Bungalows are ideally situated up the river opposite the Park entrance, a short walk from the orangutan feeding site. There are currently 3 bungalows, all with their own balcony and shower room - beautifully decorated with rounded stones, smoothed by the river, and blending with the surroundings. The soothing sound of a nearby waterfall reminds you that this is rainforest, and you feel at one with nature.

Electricity has not yet reached this far up the river, but a generator provides power daily between the hours of 6pm and midnight. There is also only one temperature for the shower – Fresh! Daily rates range from between 80,000 – 150,000 IDR (£4.50 - £8.50) and the adjacent “Sam’s restaurant” overlooking the river below, is the perfect place to enjoy delicious home cooking from Ifat’s kitchen.

For bookings, contact Sam on: +62 813 7009 3597

I would like to encourage anyone who has stayed at Sam's Bungalows or been to Bukit Lawang to write a review in the form of a comment on this post to advise others who are thinking of travelling to this beautiful part of the world.

Joan Root (1936 – 2006) - Champion of African wildlife, friend and inspiration

2008-01-12T09:26:00.019Z

Joan Root was passionate about Africa, its diversity of culture and landscape, but most of all, conservation of its astonishing wildlife. Joan was a kind and caring person; she was also a hugely talented film-maker, and along with her husband at the time Alan, made some of the most stunning and exciting documentaries about African wildlife ever produced. Among their various critically-acclaimed films were the likes of “Year of the Wildebeest”, “Balloon Safari over Kilimanjaro”, and the Academy Award nominated “Mysterious Castles of Clay”.

For the past 20 years or so, Joan lived at her home on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya. A place of outstanding beauty, her home also acted as a refuge for orphaned animals, which Joan looked after. I remember visiting Joan here many times as a child with my family, and always being amazed by the mini oasis she had created. Gazelles and mongooses roamed carefree on her lawn; she could call up a porcupine from its underground burrow, or a lilac-breasted roller from the sky to her hand. Most memorable for me was meeting a tame aardvark and following it as it rooted around the garden. It was one of my favourite places, imbued with Joan’s peaceful and nurturing spirit.

Joan cared deeply for wildlife and the environment, and it was her innate desire to protect these that could have led to her death. She was campaigning to stop illegal fishing and poaching around the lake. She was shot through her bedroom window with an AK-47 assault rifle.

My 2006 exhibition "Out of Africa" was dedicated to the memory of Joan and her incredible achievements, and Working Title Films are currently producing a film about Joan's life with Julia Roberts portraying her.

Joan’s death was a waste, but the memories of the amazing life she led and all the good she did will never be forgotten. She has been an inspiration to so many people, and will be deeply missed.

Art Promoting the Environment (APE)

2007-12-17T11:21:00.008Z

I recently donated some limited edition orangutan prints to the Borneo Orangutan Survival UK foundation for their APE event at the Flemings Mayfair in London. The evening was put on to raise awareness for artists producing orangutan themed work, and to raise vital funds needed to ensure that Nyaru Menteng remains open to the continuous flow of displaced orangutans, both orphaned and wild, through the form of an art auction. I’m pleased to say the event was a success, and my personal contributions raised over £400 for the cause.

BOS UK is planning another similar event early next year, so keep checking the website for updates:

http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/?page_id=626
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Destination Sumatra

2007-12-14T15:32:00.008Z

On a bursary from the Society of Wildlife Artists I will be heading to Southeast Asia after Christmas to visit the orangutans in Sumatra. My parents began their zoological careers in the forests of Sumatra, setting up conservation programmes for orangutans back in the 1970's. Three decades on, I plan to travel back to this same area of Indonesia and hopefully connect with some of the same people that worked with my parents 30 years ago.

Seeing orangutans in the wild is one of my lifelong ambitions and I'm very excited about the prospect of fulfilling this dream in the New Year. In time I hope to publish a collaborative book with my mother that connects the past and future of these red apes. Watch this space...
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Alive & Kicking in northern Mozambique

2007-12-13T15:54:00.014Z

This small project was an idea I had when I visited the beautiful province of Niassa, northern Mozambique, in 2006. My aim was to secure enough funding to produce an initial 50 footballs to be distributed throughout the neighbouring villages of the Niassa reserve, with the intention of expanding the project in the future. Through the help of Fauna & Flora International and generous contributions from private donors, this first stage has been possible, and the balls are now in place.

The footballs are produced by a charity called Alive & Kicking and are made strong enough to withstand the harsh conditions of rural Africa. They also carry messages about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and malaria - both very real threats to the people who live in these villages and their children. As well as these educational messages, the footballs are branded with a logo I designed, depicting an African Wild Dog as a flagship species for the reserve.

The future of the people and wilderness in Niassa depends on good cooperation between the reserve management, the communities, and the private concessions around the protected area. This small project will only help to reinforce that cooperation. You can help too by donating a ball:

http://www.aliveandkicking.org.uk/support.php

First Post

2007-12-13T14:34:00.003Z

Hi, and welcome to the Aveling Artworks blog.

Here you will be able to access the latest news on any exhibitions I'm planning, as well as information about other projects I'm involved with. Feel free to leave any comments or contact me directly - martin.aveling@gmail.com.
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