Devon’s own Sculpture School is delighted to announce that two of its talented One Year graduates, Lucy D’Auvergne and Steve Parsons, have both been shortlisted for the highly prestigious David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2025. As finalists, both Lucy and Steve will have their sculptures exhibited at The Mall Galleries in London this September, shining a spotlight on the skills—and their passion for wildlife—that they honed at The Sculpture School in Devon.
Founded by the celebrated wildlife artist, David Shepherd CBE, Wildlife Art of the Year is now recognised as the world’s premier wildlife art competition, effectively the ‘Oscars’ of wildlife art, attracting thousands of artists each year from across the world, all inspired by nature and driven to protect it. It is a tremendous honour for Lucy and Steve to have their work recognised on this international stage.
- Lucy D’Auvergne (www.lucydauvergne.com) is an award-winning sculptor, exploring form, energy and movement, capturing the spirit of mammals in motion.
- Steve Parsons (www.steveparsonsdesign.co.uk) is renowned for taking the natural beauty of birds and animals and encapsulating them into sinuous 3D forms.
Both artists attribute their refined technique and creative confidence to The Sculpture School’s intensive One Year Programme, where they mastered sculpture skills taught by world renowned sculptor, Andrew Sinclair MRSS.
“Studying at The Sculpture School was a game‑changer for my work,” notes Lucy D’Auvergne. “The facilities, the expert guidance—and the camaraderie—pushed me to develop a voice and my unique vision in ways that I never thought possible.”
Quiet force of nature – Stalker (Lucy D’Auvergne) 
City Dweller – Urban Fox (Lucy D’Auvergne)
Steve Parsons concurs; “The course gave me the technical foundation I needed and the encouragement to pursue sculpture professionally, it was definitely a turning point in my creative journey.”
Serenity (Steve Parsons) 
Big Cat (Steve Parsons)
Internationally acclaimed for his dynamic and lifelike works, master sculptor, Andrew Sinclair MRSS is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading realist sculptors, with major public commissions and private collectors worldwide. As founder of The Sculpture School, Andrew has dedicated his career to passing on his expertise through the Sinclair Method—a unique approach that blends classical techniques with modern insights into design, anatomy, and movement. His teaching has inspired a generation of emerging sculptors, helping to establish The Sculpture School as the country’s leading centre for realist figurative sculpture.
This One‑Year Realist Sculpture Course immerses students in the art and business of figurative and animal sculpture under the guidance of Andrew at his Devon studios. Over twelve months students complete comprehensive modules in both human and animal sculpture, unique to the School, to bring anatomy and proportion to life in clay. Graduates emerge fully equipped with both the creative mastery and commercial know‑how needed for a professional sculpting career.
The Sculpture School is delighted that two of its long-term students have earned this international recognition and that their work will stand alongside the UK’s finest wildlife artworks at this prestigious event in London.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Lucy and Steve,” says master sculptor and tutor, Andrew Sinclair MRSS. “Their success demonstrates the transformative power of focused practice and dedicated mentorship.”
The Sculpture School will once again be taking part in Devon Open Studios from 6th to 21st September, inviting visitors to explore its purpose-built studio and workshops in the heart of rural Devon. Guests can view the latest sculptures, meet the artists, and discover the creative journeys of emerging talents like Lucy and Steve.
Key Dates & Details
- Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition: The Mall Galleries, London | September 9 –13, 2025
https://davidshepherd.org/wildlife-art/competitions/wildlife-artist-of-the-year/way-2025/
- Devon Open Studios: Devon-wide | September 6 – 21, 2025 | devonartistnetwork.co.uk/devon-open-studios-2025/
- The Sculpture School One Year Programme: Intake year round. https://thesculptureschool.co.uk/courses/one-year-figurative-sculpture-course/