I am very excited that my original painting ‘Jaws’ is being made into a limited edition print, with editions of 75.

It is a privilege that this piece is endorsed by The Shark Trust, a wonderful charity.

The misunderstood nature of sharks means that their demise as a species is hugely overlooked. Their importance within the marine ecosystem is of such huge importance to the health of our oceans. There are many threats to sharks that can have adverse knock on affects. The global decline of sharks can create a cascading effect. As one of the ocean’s top predators, sharks have potential to structure ecosystems in crucial ways. Decline can mean rearrangement of marine communities.

One of the biggest threats to sharks globally is overfishing.  This is fuelled by a large demand for shark products such as meat and fins, cartilage, leather, teeth and jaws. Other threats include finning (the cruel practice of cutting off a shark’s fins whilst alive. Also, pollution and habitat destruction contribute to the hugely declining numbers. Climate change and pollution play a large part, meaning that oceanic species are not living in the nourishing environment they need to survive.

The Shark Trust works against all of this with a 20 year track record in science-based shark conservation.

One of the many things I love about the Shark’s Trust and their work is the commitment to changing perceptions on sharks to a positive one in the public’s eye. By allowing access to data, and supporting decent education  about shark conservation within museums, public aquariums, coastal visitor centres and schools, the outlook on sharks will hopefully change.

It fills me with great pride for ‘Jaws’ to be endorsed by, and with a percentage of profits going straight to The Sharks Trust.

With this painting done in vivid oil paints I hoped to soften what is usually known to be an aggressive and cruel creature. Usually portrayed in dark shades, I opted for a light background and jewel colours, hoping to move emphasis over to appreciating sharks, their shape, and grandeur!

The scale of this original oil painting is parallel to the vast size of a beautiful humpback whale. This piece is 72″ long, something I had wanted to work on for some time. With this piece I hoped to capture an elegance to such a huge and magnificent creature.

If you are interested in the the prints or originals, or would like further information, please look at the affiliate galleries page on my website HERE – Or contact Wishbone Publishing at info@wishboneart.co.uk who will direct you to your nearest gallery!

In my last blog post I asked if anyone was interested in a Facebook group for artists to share tips and converse about their art or the art of others! I did this and I already love the wonderful community involved! Please search for The Art Collective on Facebook on click HERE!