Wildlife Art by Natalie Mascall BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010

Natalie Mascall wins the Title 'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010' with her painting 'Tigers at Play' ('Endangered Species' category winner) and a place on Wildlife Worldwide's 'Festival of Wildlife Mexico'…

In Natalie's own words;

"This is the second year of the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year Competition and I was delighted that I have 2 pictures short-listed; 'Tigers at Play' and 'Chui' (Swahili for African Leopard)…

The final round of judging was at Marwell Hotel on the 17th May 2010…all artists with short-listed artwork had to deliver them in the morning before 10am and come back to collect artwork and find out the results after 4pm.

When I came back I found out that I had been awarded with the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010 Title! …

I was walking up to the suite of the hotel to collect artwork entries and Sophie (Editor of the BBC Wildlife Magazine and one of the judges) said are you Natalie Mascall, I replied yes, then she smiled and said you are the 'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010!' You are the winner Congratulations, you have won a place on the Festival of Wildlife Mexico… …I was stunned and speechless and then said "Really?"….was an amazing feeling.

I was overwhelmed, shocked and over the moon! Trying to hold back the happy tears I gave her a huge hug and said thank you so much for this amazing prize I feel privileged to have/win this opportunity, thank you so much!

My mum was with me and her face said it all; she was so proud, was a special moment! I drove home very happy with jelly legs…

I can't wait to go on the trip it will be awe inspiring experience I won't forget. It's always special for me seeing wildlife in the wild as having a huge passion for wildlife from such a young age, getting any chance to see them in the wild is well exciting and wildlife will continue to inspire me always.

When Natalie has been on her trip to Mexico/Baja, California she will add her sites/experiences/adventures to her site with photo's so keep an eye out!

Photo taken by Jacques Wetterer with thanks…

Chris Breen (Founder/Director of Wildlife Worldwide who donates the amazing prizes for the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year competitions and one of the judges) presenting Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010. Natalie Mascall with her prize and certificates during the Special guest preview evening at MIWAS wildlife Exhibition on the right next to her winning piece 'Tigers at Play'

August issue

Natalie's feelings and thoughts of why she chose/was inspired to draw this picture and what it meant to her; "The special Bond I witnessed between these tigers inspired me to draw this picture. Tigers are incredible animals; so powerful, and yet so gentle and affectionate, and watching these two interact with such tenderness made me feel humble – I loved seeing them play. I hope that future generations will still be able to see these beautiful cats in the wild, and witness the precious interactions that so inspired me." The judge's comments on the original 'Tigers at Play' "With the tiger population in real danger of extinction, this irresistible picture immediately struck a chord with the judges. The brilliantly depicted mother Amur tiger playing with her cub seems to strike a blow at the destructive forces waged against their kind."

November Issue of the 'BBC Wildlife Magazine'

Natalie is featured in this Issue with her winning picture 'Tigers at Play' and a photo of Chris Breen presenting Natalie with her prize on the Special Guest Private View of Marwell International Wildlife Art Group (MIWAS) Wildlife Annual Exhibition which is held in the Manor House within Marwell Wildlife.

The Annual Prestigious Wildlife Exhibition is held every year in August with over 500 paintings from various artists including Natalie Mascall; she has been exhibiting there since 2001.

I would just like to say Thank You for all the kind compliments and wishes everyone has expressed means a lot thank you.
Natalie