Did you know that elephants are the world’s largest land animals? There are three elephant species, the African Savanna, African Forest, and Asian. Unfortunately, in the last century, the population of wild elephants have decreased by 90%, with only around 415,000 African elephants and 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild today. The number one reason for the drop in their numbers is ivory trade. If the killing continues, elephants might only exist in photos in the next decade. This is where the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) comes in. A passionate and committed organization, they operate across Africa and Asia “to end wildlife crime and protect endangered species in their natural habitat.”

On July 5, DSWF will be having an educational workshop called Into the Savanna with Zoe Fitchet. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to sketch the gentle giants of the African savanna through the help of Zoe, one of the organization’s Wildlife Artist of the Year finalists. You’ll also get to take home a tin of 6 Derwent graphic pencils after the class. Proceeds from this event will go to funding the different conservation, education, and protection programs of DSWF.

Join us on Friday, 5 July, for an enriching and educational workshop by Wildlife Artist of the Year finalist Zoe Fitchet, focused on capturing the unique species and landscape of the African savanna.

Workshop attendees will have access to a set of 72 Derwent charcoal pencils and sketching and drawing paper and will be given a tin of 6 Derwent graphic pencils to take home.

For this workshop, we’ll be focusing on one of our core species – the mighty elephant. Zoe will work with attendees to recreate some detailed elements of her original piece – a postcard sized depiction of a grand African tusker.

Elephants are a very popular subject for wildlife artists, not least our founder, David Shepherd CBE – who became affectionately known as ‘the man who loved giants’. So, don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about how to draw and capture these incredible animals on paper.

DATE: 5 July

TIME: 12.30 – 1.45 pm

LOCATION: Mall Galleries

COST: £15 pp

Yao Ming, former professional basketball player, now basketball executive, said “Only elephants should own ivory.” Help protect elephants from poachers and keep them safe out in the wild where they rightfully belong. Book your tickets to Into the Savanna with Zoe Fitchet here now.