This was an interational competition run by then Fractal Design Painter (Now part of Corel Paint). First proze was an all expenses paid trip for two to visit the great galleries and art museums of Italy. We stayed 16 days and it was the experience of a lifetime. For the painting, I coupled my love of wildlife with my enjoyment of fantasy and kids' book illustration. It's part of a self authored book about a kid whose wild imagination runs away with him and features 12 spreads of richly detailed hide and seek scenes, with many hidden creatures and objects, interspersed with running scenes across unique landscapes.

This is a new award from Artists for conservation, and apparently, I am its first winner. I'm flattered.

Artists for Conservation monthly award for artistic excellence and contribution to conservation. Much appreciated.