How to Excel in Animal Art Competitions: A Comprehensive Guide

Kerri Dixon Author

Discover the world of animal art competitions! Gain exposure, connect with fellow artists, and showcase your talent in specialized and renowned events

Art Competitions for Animal Artists: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Animal Art Competitions

Animal art competitions provide a unique platform for artists who specialize in capturing the essence and beauty of the animal kingdom. These competitions are gaining popularity as the interest in animal-

themed art grows, offering artists the opportunity to gain recognition, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to conservation efforts.

Entering animal art competitions offers numerous benefits. These include exposure and recognition within a niche community of animal art enthusiasts and collectors, networking opportunities with fellow artists, enthusiasts, and potential buyers, and the chance to win monetary awards, art supplies, and other prizes. Participating in these competitions also helps in building your portfolio, gaining credibility as an artist, and receiving valuable feedback from judges and art critics, which can help improve your craft.

There are various types of animal art competitions to consider. Some competitions are exclusive to animal-themed art, while others are broader and include categories for animal art. Specialized competitions focus on specific themes such as wildlife, domestic animals, marine life, and endangered species. 

To succeed in these competitions, it is crucial to understand the competition’s theme and requirements, research past winners to study trends and styles, ensure your work is presented and framed professionally, capture the essence and personality of the animal in your art, and master anatomy, texture, and expression. Preparing your submission involves selecting your most recent and best pieces, using high-quality images for 

digital submissions, writing a compelling artist statement and description of your artwork, and adhering to submission guidelines and deadlines. Participating in exhibitions and events associated with competitions, attending workshops and seminars to improve your skills, and engaging with online communities and social media groups for animal artists are excellent ways to network and learn.

Notable Animal Art Competitions Worldwide include the following: 

1. David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation's Wildlife Artist of the Year (UK)- which focuses on wildlife art with categories like Animal Behaviour, Earth’s Wild Beauty, and Human Impact.

2. Society of Animal Artists' Annual Exhibition (USA): celebrates realistic animal art and features a traveling exhibition across North America.

3. Wildlife Artist of the Year by the Wildlife Art Society International (UK): open to all mediums and focuses on wildlife and the natural world, focuses on wildlife and the natural world and offers prizes and exhibition opportunities. 

4. Artists for Conservation Festival (Canada) - features conservation-themed wildlife art, live art demos, and presentations promoting conservation through art.

Notable Animal Art Competitions in Australia

1. Wildlife Art Society of Australasia Annual Exhibition - which celebrates wildlife art in various mediums and offers awards in multiple categories.

2. ANZANG Nature and Landscape Photographer of the Year - The ANZANG Nature and Landscape Photographer of the Year includes categories for fauna, highlighting animal photography. This is open to artists across Australia and it also features exhibitions and publication opportunities. 

3. Australian Society of Animal Artists (ASAA) Annual Exhibition - showcases animal art from Australian artists, promoting awareness and conservation through art.

4. Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Art Competition - includes a category for flora and fauna, allowing for animal art submissions and providing significant exposure to a wide audience.

Competitions Specific to Types of Animals are also available: 

1. Holmes Prize for Realistic Bird Art (UK) - focuses on realistic depictions of birds and is open to all international artists. Winners receive monetary awards and exhibition opportunities.

2. Marine Conservation Society's Underwater Photographer of the Year (UK) - includes categories specifically for marine animals. They also recognizes outstanding underwater photography of marine life.

3. British Wildlife Photography Awards (UK) - feature specific categories for birds, mammals, and marine life. They also provides a platform for photographers to gain recognition.

4. Birds in Art by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum (USA) - dedicated to avian art, featuring a juried exhibition showcasing bird-themed art.

5. International Elephant Art Competition (Various Locations) - focuses on art depicting elephants, aiming to raise awareness about elephant conservation. 

6. Artists for Nature Foundation Projects (Various Locations) - conduct art projects focused on specific animal groups, promoting conservation through art.

7. Sketch for Survival (UK) - part of the Explorers Against Extinction initiative, focuses on endangered species and features sketches and artworks auctioned for conservation causes

Australian Competitions Specific to Types of Animals

1. Gould League's Art for Wildlife Competition (Australia) - which focuses on Australian wildlife and encourages art that promotes wildlife conservation.

2. Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year - includes categories for animal portrait, behavior, and threatened species, celebrating Australasian wildlife diversity.

3. Tasmanian Bird Festival Art Competition (Australia) - dedicated to art depicting birds native to Tasmania, promoting awareness and appreciation of birdlife.

By focusing on these points and highlighting these competitions, you can provide valuable insights and inspiration to fellow animal artists looking to showcase their work and gain recognition.

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Kerri xx