NATALIE MASCALL

My name is Natalie Mascall; I have always loved drawing since I was little, especially eyes; they intrigue me.
I’m a self taught artist; I went to college straight after school completing a BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design intermediate course, duration of 1 year, passing the course with distinction. I enjoyed the course but it wasn’t the type of media I wanted to work in, it was a different type of art, I was looking for more Fine Art, which I wanted to specialise in, so I pursued art myself.

Whilst pursuing my art as a hobby I got a part-time job up Lakeside Shopping Centre as a sales assistant to earn some money to help with my art but with the hours I worked it didn’t leave enough time that I wanted or needed to spend on my artwork.

I now specialise in Wildlife/Animal Fine Art and take on commissions such as any wildlife, pet portraits and sunsets.
The Medium I work in is mainly Pastel and Acrylic.

I have Prints available which are taken from a few of my originals which include both Limited Edition Giclée Prints and Hand Signed Open Edition Giclée Prints.

In October 2007 I visited Kenya with my family it was an amazing experience I wont forget; having the chance to see the wildlife in the wild it captivates you, takes you into the wilderness and vastness, full of birdsong in places especially when we were at Elsamere there were two pairs of fish eagles, both them and their calls are stunning……

…I have drawn 5 originals since the amazing African experience the first one being called “An Amazing Moment!” as we noticed this young leopard walking through the grass as you can imagine we are all so excited at this point as quite close but quite hidden seeing her now and again as grass heights vary then to our luck she crosses the road in front of us and even more amazing she leaps up this huge tree looking down at us this was the moment! She was so close and wild; you can’t describe the feeling…you shake with excitement and it is just an amazing moment me and my family was in awe! Then she decided to relax on the branch while watching us….
… and the second original came from pictures within the moment so was called “Within that Moment” a closer study of the young leopard relaxing in tree with an effective background of trees and light.…

“Asiatic Monarch” was short-listed for ‘Wildlife Artist of the Year 2008’ competition run by ‘David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’ which was held in the Mall Gallery, London 24th June till 28th June. ‘Asiatic Monarch’ sold on the preview night.

Statement - “Loving animals, wildlife and nature inspires me. We hear too many times of them being mis-treated so I express my appreciation of them through my artwork. Through my drawings i also hope to raise awareness of the importance of preserving wildlife and supporting the invaluable projects and dedication undertaken by charities such as BBC Wildlife Fund, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation UK (BOS UK), The Wildlife Trusts, Born Free, Tusk, and many more that are protecting the animals/wildlife we love, their environments and the communities which share these environments with the precious wildlife. I hope future generations get to see all these beautiful animals that inspire and humbles me always.”

April 2009 i found out that the two original pastel drawings i entered in the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009 competition have both been selected as a finalist in the competition......

..........On the 28th June with much delight found out that I am one of the Category winners in 'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009'; it was my Orangutan 'Contemplate' in the Category 'Endangered Species' and my Lion 'Magnificent!' came Runner-Up for category 'World Mammals'........the 14 category winners will all be on show at the Marwell Zoo Exhibition on the 26th August (preview and awards evening) til 30th August...where on the 26th August preview and awards evening there will be the overall winner of the title 'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009' will be revealed. All 14 Category winners will be published in the August issue of 'BBC Wildlife Magazine'.... There was over 700 entries which were whittled down to 122 paintings which got into the final round of judging to find the 14 category winners...

In May/June 2010 i donated two Giclee Prints 'Thoughtful Moment' (gorilla) limited edition and 'Contemplate' (orangutan)-'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009' Endangered Species category winner....they raised £610

On the 31st August 2010 I was selected for the Llewellyn Alexander Award 2010 for an outstanding feline painting 'Little Beauty' in pastel on paper at the annual exhibition of paintings for the Society of Feline Artists at the Llewellyn Alexander Gallery

'Contemplate' is on the front cover of MIWAS (Marwell International Wildlife Artists Society) exhibition catalogue 2009, was delighted to have this opportunity.

5th March to the 13th I took up the opportunity of going to Tanzania, visiting Selous game reserve, including Rufiji River, Mikumi game reserve and Ruaha river and game reserve as well as seeing the beautiful scenery in the center of Tanzania whilst on our travels from each reserve…it was so tropical full of palm trees lushous green leaves and large Cobble stones (this is what I called them) we saw going from Mikumi to Ruaha. Our guide Stanley called it ‘Rock City’ some of the mountains looked like pebble dashed or just placed in amazing shapes and forms…one looked like a magpie another a face.

Was very hot straight away from Dar es Salaam airport and continued to Rufiji river (although coming from England with our weather think heat was a shock to the system anyway hee hee)… started to cool as we went to Mikumi to Ruaha as we ventured higher. During our travelling ventures (which there was a lot of) we went high on the mountains and the views were spectacular not even the photos taken show the spance and beauty, not even the amount of different trees and colours going through the distance. One tree that I found fascinating and quite mystical looking amongst the boulders was the Baobab tree; some of the scenery in Ruaha was very fantasy feeling like a Tim Burton creation was quite extraordinary I loved it!

Really happy that I took up the opportunity as quite different to our Kenyan experience in few different ways like the amount of insects as in different species of them and the amount and their noises (some were like sonar) there were a lot more insects in Tanzania very fascinating….also the amount of the smaller birds we saw like the red bishop a stunning bright red tiny bird around the hippo and croc pool. Still had lots of sightings of my favourite bird the fish eagle and the calls again excited me as it is such a definite call lovely to hear them. We saw a totally new eagle (to me anyways) the black headed snake eagle and to our amazement whilst in flight there was a snake hanging from its mouth and eating the snake as happily soaring above us!....

In Kenya we saw a lot more game than Tanzania but the amount of giraffe was a lot more in Tanzania, near enough every bend or turn your head and there was a giraffe with the gorgeous backdrop of the mountain. The landscape was quite green and the grass quite high even the elephants were camouflaged!... We had quite an experience with a couple of elephant families, one (think this will stick with most of us) where we stopped for lunch in the Ruaha game reserve under this group of trees for shade and one side was giraffes which we were happily admiring whilst eating lunch, but we didn’t realise what was on the other side in the distance….as we were finishing up I heard my sister call elephant, then the next minute Mike called out elephant all get in jeeps now! One of the jeeps drove out in another direction was suddenly followed by a charging protective mother elephant with her 3 young ones following close behind….she was charging for Pips jeep she meant business, it all happened so quick and we were all clicking away at the great shots…what we found out is that we were inbetween her and a hidden water hole she wanted to get too….was incredible to watch and the protection which Is where I come to the second encounter with elephants, a group 2 adults and 2 babes came from the river and we were as quiet a mice clicking away trying to get a sneak view of the youngest (this was very young so cute). Watching them was just incredible as they were so together at keeping them from view. We eventually got one through their legs but just watching their protection and togetherness was quite amazing. It was amazing to hear the rumbles which came from the elephants….. I miss the hippos laughing!...

I did have few experiences with things like nearly having a gecko land on my head in the darkness of the night whilst trying to sleep….funny after…. nature is an amazing thing!

On way to Voma Hills, Mikumi game reserve we had not one but two punchers both rear wheels, then literally stop for some air in our tyres and another jeep had a rear puncher!.....that was a long day but after we get to lodge we learn that we have no water!

We had a lot of highlights during our experience but one was seeing ‘African Hunting Dog’ also called ‘Painted Dog’ as they are so rare on the Critically Endangered list, we were so lucky as we saw them twice!....we even had lunch with them….(well in shade watching them)…they are great such characters just like watching our domestic pets play and chew on each others ears!....making little whines to one another…was so hot that they even had a play in the muddy water hole and in ditches they would scrap at the soil and all lay in a bundle together. Another highlight was seeing elephant playing in water and a large pride of lion. Seeing lion was amazing as their eyes were like umber-stunning eyes, we saw these at Rufiji and Ruaha; at Ruaha a pride of 5 young lions and 2 young lioness, Cape Buffalo, only 2 wildebeests (in Kenya we saw them in their droves same as zebras as it was migration)… impala (loads), Grants gazelle (only couple), masai giraffe, hippos, crocodiles (and 2 babies swim out from the edge of the river), velvet monkeys-these are cheeky like monkeys, they try and get your sunglasses (in my case), then try and grab my camera straps but touch my leg instead, they were very bold at times, yellow baboons-taller skinnier of the baboons (in Kenya we saw Olive Baboons-which are more stocky), Kudu-beautiful creature!...few Waterbucks, tree and rock hyrax, agama lizards, stripped skink lizard, tail of a monitor as it went over the bridge, warthogs and their babies, loads of birds (sorry if im going on)…just mentioning a few like grey kestrel, lots of stunning eagles, lilac breasted roller, hornbills, green backed heron, cattle egrets, shrikes, kingfishers was the most I have ever seen including the giant, grey headed, pied, woodland, even the amount of bee eaters and all different breeds think we saw them all!...The boat ride was great at the Rufiji river camp where we saw loads of holes in the cliff edge of banks where the bee eaters and kingfishers nest (I must say the boat ride was another highlight, especially when it rained was very refreshing and the rainbow was beautiful.….so many birds was amazing especially seeing the yellow weavers flying across in their droves like a wave of yellow colour….

Changing the subject a little I have to say we had a great lot in our jeep thanks to them (my mum, sis, Wendy, Steve and Nick) as they made my holiday too, we had a lot of laughs and Steve and Nick came out with some classics!...Thanks to our guide/driver Stanley he was full of great helpful information, even down to why there are broken trees in the roads; to let you know there is an accident ahead… Well I hope you enjoyed reading about my Tanzania experience so much to say and remember, we had quite an adventure!

I just cant wait to experience another part of Africa now…..

16th March 2010 I found out with much excitement that i have had 2 of my originals Short-listed for WAY 2010 exhibition/competition run by David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. The David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the year 2010 exhibition is being held at the Mall Gallery London 24th - 29th May 2010......

4th May 2010 I found out (with much excitement) in the first round of judging for the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010 i have had 2 of my originals; 'Chui' in 'Animals in their environment' category and 'Tigers at Play' in 'Endangered Species' category...in the 78 short-listed for the final round of judging taking place 17th May when we find out the 14 category winners and all the 14 category winners including the overall winner will be published in the BBC Wildlife Magazine August 2010 issue.....

On the 17th May i found out the results of the 'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010'....i came runner-up with 'Chui' in 'Animals in their Environment' and won the 'Endangered Species' category with 'Tigers at Play'...was over the moon!...so i will be published in the August issue of BBC Magazine again which is amazing....but with a twist as this year I HAVE WON the 'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010' Title!....yay....cant believe it i am over-joyed and stunned and so overwhelmed that i will be going to see the whales in Baja, California/Mexico how awe-inspiring and emotional that is going to be. To win this holiday is just incredible im so happy and feel privileged to win this opportunity....Cant wait!...

'Regal' received 'Highly Commended' on the 24th May 2010 during the private view reception evening of the WAY 2010 exhibition/competition run by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation held at the Mall Galleries, London.

The 14 category winners will be on display through duration of Marwell exhibition (MIWAS)

Any enquiries or queries feel free to email me on; natalie@nataliesarts.co.uk or call on mobile 07970 215249.

Many thanks, Natalie Mascall.

'click here to Achievements and Awards'

"My family and myself with a young Maasai at Keekerok lodge on the Mara" October 2007.
Lake Niavasha where we met lovely guy called Wycliffe October 2007...one of my family with Wycliffe and other photo of myself with Wycliffe. He was very helpful as every morning we would go down to the Lake and he would show us where the Hippos are and how many and what birds are around etc...In the morning (and dusk) would look stunning as the mist would absorb the colours throwing a memorable vision! The lake looked like a sheet of coloured glass it was so still.
Having a great camel ride around Lake Niavasha, was brilliant, the views and colours around the lake was incredible...saw kingfisher fly by too was great. Funny trying to get on and dismount the camel even the lovely guy (camel owner) was laughing as we tried to get off...was great fun!
Me and my family with our guide Charles
Charles our guide...he was a brilliant guide we saw so much variety and got so close to a leopard which experience i will never forget, to see a leopard was pretty amazing but when she leapt into the tree and posed for us that was unbelievable and to be so close to us (camera shake showed my excitement)...Charles was lovely and we learnt so much from him and just didn't realise the amount of different species of antelopes and the differences to know how to tell them apart, that was fun too guessing names, even with the birds we spotted so many different breeds was brilliant!
Beautiful mountain views whilst driving from Selous game reserve to Mikumi 2010
Donna (sis), Marian (mum) and myself in jeep on our way to Mikumi....March 2010	Sis and I at Ruaha river lodge having a giggle!
Pip and others on the other boat next to us on Rufiji River which was right next to our camp; the river is huge, a lot wider than Ruaha, (quite interesting as until your in boat its quite shallow to what it looks from the camp-although the hippos give it away) ....was an amazing experience having opportunity of a late boat ride as we saw so many birds and hippos along side of us blowing the water and making them incredible noises....even the noises of the amount of birds was just so cool! (I so miss all the noises)...we even saw Osprey which was awesome! The river looked stunning during sunset as you can see from the photo....
Ruaha River lodge and the beautiful serene view when you wake up to, as well as waking up to the sound of the rushing water, insect and bird sound, stunning!...didnt want to leave; we saw so much even just from our lodges like pied kingfishers flying past in threes, fish eagle, elephant getting a drink from other side, lizards, hippo crossing, (was lucky to catch one yawning which was great!), different type herons, hamerkop, egyptian geese, loads of small birds including the weavers and a hornbill regularly visited the bar as he had a nest close by...on the morning we left Nick showed us where he found an African Scopes Owl, cool little thing so much pattern for such a tiny owl and big bright eyes ....
All the gang at breakfast at Rafiji River Camp....	Us on the other boat on the Rafiji River watching the Hippos...was brilliant experience!
Wendy took this great photo of our jeep group....Stanley, Nick, Steve, Marian (Aka mum), Donna (Aka sis) and myself....great times....
Here im stroking cheetah; was incredible, their lick was like sand paper...stunning creatures.... Kenya 2007	This photo had to be taken and added with these as these are signs which were around Ruaha game reserve. This caught a few of us out on several occasions as thought they were real (from a distance then see it has writing on it)....was funny!...you would here 'there's a......oh no its nothing'