Sketch for survival 2019

Could you draw a picture of an endangered animal in 26 minutes? Well, that’s what celebrities such as explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, actress Dame Judi Dench and Countdown’s Rachel Riley, along with more than 120 professional wildlife artists from around the world, have done.

The contributor’s strict time limit highlights the frightening fact that an elephant is poached for its tusks every 26 minutes – that’s 55 elephants a day.

Dubbed ‘Sketch for Survival’, the annual exhibition and sale of wildlife art, organised by UK conservation charity Explorers against Extinction (EAE), will tour the UK in October and November.

A gallery of images captured by professional and celebrity wildlife photographers, as well as 100 artworks from up-and-coming artists, will also feature alongside the core collection.

Sara White, co-founder and trustee of EAE, said: “The exhibition is a powerful, visual way to boost awareness about species extinction… while also raising significant funds for frontline projects.”

All proceeds from the sale – via online auction on 17 November – go to the charity’s nominated projects, which this year include the translocation of critically endangered Nubian giraffe in Uganda and support for anti-poaching teams protecting painted dogs in Zimbabwe.

Next time you’re on safari, pack some pencils, paints and a sketchbook – and create your own art. It’s a relaxing way of connecting with nature. If you want some guidance, join a bespoke art holiday, such as with Art Safari (www.artsafari.co.uk) or try an art-inspired activity, such as the Art of Africa experience at Victoria Falls, where your tutor will help you capture your up-close-and-personal meeting with the residents of the Wild Horizons’ elephant sanctuary (http://bit.ly/artafrica).