Cy Baker, winner of the 2022 David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year, is collaborating with Rye Harbour Nature Reserve this year to help fundraise for their work to protect nature. Cy is known for the extraordinary detail and atmosphere he creates using ballpoint pen and oil and, through the seasons, he has been getting to know the big skies and intricate nature of the reserve.
As part of a week-long residency at the Discovery Centre from 14 July, he will be doing a large artwork where people will be able to see him in action drawing with his biros. Alongside there will be some examples of his work from his time on the reserve.
During the week, Cy will be running an art workshop for adults, Inspired by Nature, over two days on 15 and 19 July, open for all skills levels. Weather permitting, the workshop on Wednesday 15 July (10.30am to 4.30pm) will start with a short walk on the nature reserve, for initial inspiration, with sketching and/or taking photographs, followed by an indoor session. Cy will work with the group to transform ideas into an artwork.
There will be a shorter follow-up session on the morning of Sunday 19 July (10.30am to 12.30pm) included in the ticket price, gives participants the chance to get further advice from Cy. More details can be found here.
In addition, there is a workshop for young artists (aged 11-17) on Saturday 18 July from 2pm to 4pm and Thursday 15 July (aged 8-14).
“What’s been so good about working on this project with the Sussex Wildlife Trust at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, is just how inspirational the place is,” Cy says. “You’ve just got this huge, vast sky, this amazing space. Then you’ve got the wildlife that’s here. So all the different bird species at different times of the year. The botanical life in Rye is really important. I think most people think of the birds but the botanical life is fantastic.”
“Working with people from Sussex Wildlife Trust has been a real shot in the arm for hope,” he says. “When you see the amazing work that’s being done, it really gives you great belief that we can overcome the challenges.”
As a professional conservation artist, specialising in landscape and wildlife art, Cy Baker has raised over £50,000 for wildlife conservation with his stunning, ballpoint pen-drawn pieces. He is a multi-award-winner who has shown work in solo exhibitions in London and has work in collections around the globe. He studied scientific illustration and formerly worked as an illustrator for clients including Readers Digest and BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Image Credits: Cy Baker .