Unique idea for a wedding gift

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

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

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

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

Have you seen this bird?

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

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

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.