Society of Wildlife Artists’ 63rd Annual Exhibition

The Society of Wildlife Artists’ 63rd Annual Exhibition, The Natural Eye 2026, celebrates the extraordinary range of artistic responses to the natural world. This year, Daler-Rowney is delighted to recognise Ben Woodhams SWLA, whose entire body of work submitted for the exhibition received the Daler-Rowney Award.

Held at Mall Galleries in London, The Natural Eye brings together work by Society members and artists selected through an open call. Painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture sit alongside one another, offering a varied perspective on wildlife and the environments it inhabits. The exhibition runs from 1^st to 10^th October 2026.

The Daler-Rowney Award recognises an outstanding contribution to the exhibition, with Ben Woodhams receiving £500 worth of Daler-Rowney art materials.

Rather than recognising a single piece, the award celebrates Ben’s entire submitted body of work. His five exhibited works demonstrate the breadth of his practice, including Shelducks and Hoodies feeding in the seaweed, Nexø Sydstrand, Bornholm, which also features on the exhibition catalogue cover.

Having his work selected for the catalogue cover is a further recognition of Ben’s contribution to this year’s exhibition, bringing his interpretation of the natural world to the forefront of The Natural Eye 2026.

The award reflects Daler-Rowney’s ongoing support for artists working across a range of disciplines, and our appreciation for the skill, observation and dedication involved in creating work inspired by wildlife.

The Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) is a registered charity dedicated to generating appreciation and understanding of the natural world through fine art. Its work also seeks to encourage public interest in wildlife conservation, using art to connect people with the species and habitats around them.

At the heart of the Society’s calendar is The Natural Eye, its annual exhibition at Mall Galleries. The show brings together established members and artists selected through an open submission process, creating a platform for different approaches to depicting wildlife.

From detailed studies informed by close observation to more interpretative responses, the exhibition reflects the many ways artists engage with their subjects. It also highlights the importance of time spent observing wildlife in its natural environment, allowing artists to capture not only the appearance of an animal, but something of its character and behaviour.

Alongside the main exhibition, the 2026 programme includes artist talks, demonstrations and the launch of This Healing Heath, a publication documenting the Society’s year-long project at Massingham Heath. More than 30 SWLA artists contributed to the project, exploring a landscape undergoing rewilding and recovery.

Actor Sam West joined the celebrations on the opening night, sharing his love of birds and the natural world with those gathered for The Natural Eye 2026.

A passionate birdwatcher, Sam’s enthusiasm for wildlife extends well beyond the screen. He has been recording his bird sightings for around 20 years and has seen more than 400 British bird species. His interest in observing and understanding birds reflects the curiosity at the heart of wildlife art: taking the time to look closely, appreciate the details and develop a deeper connection with the natural world.

Sam’s appearance was a fitting addition to an evening celebrating artists whose work encourages others to do just that. Whether through birdwatching, spending time outdoors or experiencing wildlife through art, there are many ways to develop a greater appreciation of the species and habitats around us.

“Close observation in the field is the cornerstone of excellence in wildlife art. It is critical both to capturing the spirit of an animal and to depicting it with anatomical accuracy. Working with wild animals in this way can lead to both entertaining and life-enhancing experiences for our artists! … By studying wildlife and its habitats over many weeks, artists can record changes in the natural world that might otherwise go unnoticed. The work of many of our artists has raised awareness of vital issues such as biodiversity loss, while also documenting more hopeful discoveries, including the recovery of threatened species.” – Harriet Mead, President of the SWLA for 16 years – and stepping down after this year’s exhibition.

The Natural Eye 2026 marks an important milestone for the Society of Wildlife Artists, as Harriet Mead steps away from her role as President after 16 years.

Harriet’s contribution to the SWLA extends far beyond her presidency. An accomplished wildlife sculptor and artist, she has helped guide the Society’s work in celebrating wildlife through fine art, supporting its artistic community and encouraging a wider appreciation of the natural world.

One of the most significant projects during her time as President has been the SWLA’s work at Massingham Heath in West Norfolk. As Project Leader, Harriet has played a central role in bringing together more than 30 Society artists for a year-long exploration of the landscape as it undergoes rewilding and recovery. Through fieldwork, sketches and finished artworks, the project documents the changing flora, fauna and character of the heath.

The project has also resulted in This Healing Heath, a publication bringing together the artists’ responses to the landscape. It demonstrates how the Society’s work can extend beyond the gallery, using close observation and artistic interpretation to encourage conversations about land management, nature recovery and our relationship with the environment.

Under Harriet’s leadership, the Society has continued to provide a platform for artists at different stages of their careers, through its annual exhibition, publications and opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in wildlife art. Its commitment to conservation and public engagement has remained central to its work.

After 16 years as President, Harriet leaves a significant legacy within the Society and the wider wildlife art community. Her dedication to the SWLA, its artists and the natural world has helped shape the organisation and the work it champions.

As this year’s exhibition celebrates the achievements of its artists, it is also an opportunity to recognise Harriet’s contribution and thank her for the time, commitment and leadership she has given to the Society.

At Daler-Rowney, we are proud to support the Society of Wildlife Artists and the artists whose work encourages us to look more closely at the world around us.

Ben Woodhams’ award-winning body of work is a fitting highlight of The Natural Eye 2026, reflecting the observation, skill and individual perspective that make wildlife art so compelling.

Congratulations to Ben, and to all the artists exhibiting this year. We would also like to thank the Society of Wildlife Artists for its continued work in celebrating wildlife through art and recognise Harriet Mead for her 17 years as President.

The Natural Eye 2026
Mall Galleries, London
1–10 October 2026

Explore the exhibition and browse the work of this year’s artists on the Mall Galleries website.

Or visit the association website: https://swla.co.uk/