"Red Grouse in Heather" now published
Due to popular demand, one of my previously unpublished paintings is now available as a giclee limited edition print. The image is published as a strictly limited edition of only 50 prints, all individually signed and numbered by myself. Please enquire to purchase your copy.

AFC Monthly Conservation Artist Award for January 2010
I have been given the AFC's monthly artist's award to celebrate my commitment and contribution to the AFC's mission, by featuring me as the January, 2010, recipient of the AFC Monthly Conservation Artist Award. The Award is made each month to a member of the Group who has demonstrated a combination of artistic excellence and who has made an extraordinary contribution to the conservation cause. Other recipients of the monthly award have included Robert Bateman, John Banovich, David Shepherd & Simon Combes to name but a few. You can visit the AFC website by following this link www.natureartists.com

"A Gentleman Calling" now published
Due to the popularity of the pheasant painting, "A Gentleman Calling", I have decided to publish the image in the form of Giclee limited edition prints. To make the edition a little more exclusive I have published only 25 prints, which is a very low number in the fine art publishing industry.
The prints are produced on 315 gsm , soft textured natural white paper, which has all of the usual acid free properties, and light fast pigment inks that my prints require.
To keep the wonderful impact that this image has, the edition is printed at a larger size than my usual editions, and so measures 24.25 x 16 inches, plus an approximate 1 inch, white boarder, which I have personally signed and numbered on each print.
If you are interested in purchasing this print, I urge you to place your order sooner rather than later, at such a low edition number, it won't be available for long!

A Visit to Turbary Woods
I would like to thank Andy Bilsborough and staff at Turbary Woods in Preston, Lancashire, for their kind hospitality on my recent visit. Andy and his friends are all volunteers at the sanctuary, and work very hard to rehabilitate rescued birds, most of which are owls and other birds of prey. I was able to photograph many of the birds, which will enable me to use for future paintings. Checkers the Eurasian Eagle Owl is a particular favourite with the visitors, and I was lucky enough to fly Checkers to the glove on my visit. I recommend Turbary woods to all members of the public, and especially to other wildlife artists and photographers, as Andy is more than accommodating to those who require good photographic reference. The sanctuary is open all year round, and is truly worth a visit.
To see Checkers in slow motion flight click on this link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA6XSrM0V_0

Best British Wildlife Painting
It has been announced that I have won first prize for the 'Best British Wildlife' painting, in the Marwell International Wildlife Art Society's annual exhibition. The painting entitled 'All Done', featuring a Female Sparrowhawk, (having devoured a Wood Pigeon, and about to take flight), scooped the prize at the MIWAS's 11th annual exhibition. The painting along with over 600 other paintings can be seen and purchased at the exhibition, which runs from 27th- 30th August. See the events page for further information.

Success at The Festival of Falconry
I would like to thank all those of you who visited me at the Festival of Falconry, it was nice to see familiar faces and of cause make some sales too.
This year I had my own pitch on site as well as exhibiting my work in the official art marquee.
One painting in particular seemed to gain a lot of attention, the 'Gyr Falcon portrait' also caught the eye of a Sheik from Abu Dhabi, so much so that the Sheik purchased it to add to his collection, and is interested in seeing more of my future work.

The Naked Portrait Series
I have launched the first in a new body of paintings entitled "The Naked Portrait Series", which strips the subject away from it's natural environment, and places it in an imaginary "portrait studio" environment, the subject is then painted as though posing for it's portrait, and capturing the quintessential character of each species. The first in the series is entitled 'A Country Gentleman', which features a male Ringnecked Pheasant in his prime, the bird is strutting with an arrogant look upon his face, and a pose that tells all his admirers that he is the top Pheasant.
I intend to capture the true spirit of each species, and have ideas to paint all of the popular game birds in this new series including Grey Partridge, Red-Legged Partridge, Red Grouse & Woodcock to name but a few. So watch this space!

Patron of Raptor Rescue
In 2008 I was invited by the committee board of Raptor Rescue to become the new patron of the charity. Raptor Rescue has evolved into the UK’s foremost organisation dedicated to ensuring all sick and injured Birds of Prey are cared for by suitably qualified people and wherever possible released back into the wild.

Prize winner
At the 2008 MIWAS exhibition I was awarded two prizes for my paintings. One prize was for the winner of the “Best Bird Picture” (2D only), for my painting entitled “Nesting Robins”. The second prize was runner up for the British Wildlife category (All mediums), for my painting entitled “Winter Roe Doe”. The prizes were presented to me by the BBC wildlife camera man and TV presenter Simon King.

Red Grouse in Heather

AFC award

"A Gentleman Calling"

Steven with Andy and Checkers (the Eurasian Eagle Owl ) of Turbary Woods

'All Done' A Prize Winner

"Gyr Falcon Portrait"

"A Country Gentleman"

Steven Lingham with BBC TV
presenter Simon King