Matthew VanDoodewaard

Wildlife and Landscape Artist

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026 Youth Exclusive Winner

Original works, timeless methods

Matthew VanDoodewaard is an artist whose award-winning paintings and drawings are taken from the natural world. VanDoodewaard works as a realist, because he believes that an artist who knows and loves what is around him can capture what nothing else can. He has traveled across many ecosystems and spent years raising and rehabilitating animals, and this is reflected in his work. There is more beauty in the natural world than we will ever fully see, and we are called to steward it. This is what VanDoodewaard seeks to capture.

One Crane (detail) · Acrylic on Board · 11×14″ · 2026

Selected Works

Original works across pen, ink, watercolour, acrylic, graphite, and other mediums. All works are unique originals on archival supports unless otherwise noted.

Further works available upon enquiry. Please fill out the contact form if you wish to purchase an original work or a limited edition print.

The Artist

Matthew VanDoodewaard has been drawing since childhood: at his grandfather’s suggestion, he began to focus on wildlife in middle school. Commissions and competitions through high school developed his ability and interest in portraying the natural world through art. Travel in several countries and many ecosystems―from Mexican deserts to Irish coastlines to Canadian snow storms―make reflecting this beauty even more fulfilling. Raising and rehabilitating birds provided a deep appreciation for the wonder and complexity of creation.

Working in graphite, pen, acrylic and watercolour on archival canvas, board, and paper, VanDoodewaard’s pieces are highly detailed.

VanDoodewaard is inspired by a variety of great artists, especially Rembrandt, Frederick Remington, and Robert Bateman. In 2026, his work won the Wildlife Artist of the Year Youth Exclusive Award, and was exhibited at the Mall Galleries, London.

2026

Exhibitions

8 – 12 September 2026
London, UK

Mall Galleries
The Mall, St. James’s
SW1Y 5AH

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026

DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year (WAY) is an internationally renowned wildlife art competition and exhibition. Each year, it attracts entries from some of the most talented artists around the globe, who come together to celebrate the beauty of the natural world. Since its inception in 2008, WAY has raised over £2 million to benefit conservation work across Africa and Asia.

The exhibition showcases a breathtaking selection of shortlisted artworks commended by an expert judging panel, portraying a variety of techniques and mediums — from recycled plastic sculptures and intricate pencil drawings to vast colourful oil paintings, and everything in between.

With entry income and 50% of the proceeds from all artwork sales supporting DSWF and field partners, WAY highlights how art can create something powerful and ignite conversation about conservation.

“The Oscars of international wildlife art.”

Playing an integral role in helping to maintain the ‘Art of Survival’ legacy of founder David Shepherd CBE, WAY utilises the power of art to celebrate wildlife, support awareness, and raise funds for endangered species across Africa and Asia.

2008

Founded

£2M+

Raised for conservation

50%

Of sales to DSWF

Matthew VanDoodewaard — Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026 Youth Exclusive Winner.

Mall Galleries DSWF Directions

Enquire

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