Supporting Wildlife Conservation Through Art
- Sophie Parkhill
- Aug 19
- 4 min read
"A Long Road Home" has officially helped to protect Elephants in Kenya!
When I first picked up my pastels at the dining room table a few years ago, I never could have imagined where this journey as a wildlife artist would lead me. Art began as a quiet escape, and a way to capture the beauty of the natural world (something which I’ve always loved to explore).
Over time, it grew into something far bigger, a way to connect people with wildlife, and now, a way to help protect it too.
My largest painting to date, “A Long Road Home", measures 1.3 metres by 1 metre, and was one of my first acrylic paintings (I know... I really threw myself into the deep end with this one!). It depicts a herd of elephants making their timeless journey across the Savanna, painted from an awe-inspiring photograph taken by Thomas Vijayan (with huge thanks to the folk at Africa Wildlife Art for pairing me with such in incredible photographer!). Creating this piece was both my greatest challenge and a labour of love.
At the time that I completed this gigantic painting, my daughter was only 18 months old.
Every spare moment I had, whether late at night or during her naps during the day (although mostly at night!), was poured into painting on this professionally made linen canvas.
It became more than a painting; it was a part of me, shaped by my heart, my soul, and the quiet chaos of navigating a new family life!
It's one of those paintings where you remember every single part of it - the conversations, listening to "The Dinosaur Train" and "Cocomelon" on loop in the background, the mid-paint cuddles on the days where Isla just wasn't feeling great, and the heart-breaking loss of my grandad, whom was a genuine best friend.
It truly holds an entire part of my life in this painting.
It's been 3 years since I put the paint brushes down and called this painting complete, and I'm delighted that it has now found it's forever home.
We finally had it framed, ready to hand over to the gallery, and I can honestly say it was quite an emotional moment to see it! The frame choice brought everything together beautifully, complementing both the elephants and the ground. I actually very nearly cried when I saw it - it was finally complete!
From Art to Action
When “A Long Road Home” found its forever home, it brought with it an opportunity to be able to donate an incredible £2000 to Tsavo Trust (via Tusk Trust UK). Those who have followed me for a while, will know that I always love to donate some of the sale of each painting, to different wildlife conservation centres and rescue charities worldwide, but I've never been able to do anything of this significant amount!
Tsavo Trust is a field-based conservation organisation working tirelessly in Kenya to protect the Tsavo Conservation Area. Their work includes anti-poaching efforts, safeguarding habitats, and building community-led initiatives to ensure elephants and other wildlife can thrive in the wild.
Knowing that this painting could extend its impact, far beyond the easel, reaching across continents to support such vital work, is one of the most rewarding moments of my career so far.
Gentle Giants at Risk
It’s a bittersweet truth that elephants, despite their iconic presence, face such an uncertain future.
The African Forest Elephant is currently listed as Critically Endangered, with the African Savanna Elephant and the Asian Elephant both listed as Endangered (IUCN Red List). To put that into perspective, these are the highest risk categories before extinction in the wild.
Elephants actually play such a vital role in maintaining the ecosystems they inhabit, and they deserve so much more than fighting for survival - they deserve a stable and respectful future.
Every action, no matter how small, really adds up... and through this painting, I am so humbled to know that I’ve played even the tiniest of parts in their protection.
A Big Thank You!
I just want to add that I am incredibly thankful to the Africa Wildlife Art initiative, created by the Invicta Wildlife Fund, which first paired me with Thomas Vijayan’s awe-inspiring photograph. His image, generously donated for use in fundraising artworks, became the biggest inspiration behind my painting.
I am also incredibly grateful to the Artworks 2 Celf gallery (in Betws-Y-Coed), the wonderful framer's at Ian Grant Design, and the generous collector, for all helping to secure this sale and thus making this donation possible.
For me, “A Long Road Home” has become more than a painting - it’s a symbol of dedication, sacrifice, and hope.
What began at my dining room table has grown into something I could never have predicted. And as I continue on this path, I carry with me the belief that art can truly change lives - not just for the people who connect with it, but for the wildlife that we must begin to respect on this planet, before it is too late.
Some Progress Shot's of "A Long Road Home"
How To Support Future Paintings
If you'd like to help support the rising costs of professional grade materials, to ensure I can keep painting these wonderful paintings, and donating to conservation charities, please take a look at my Ko-Fi page here, and consider supporting with simply the cost of a coffee.
https://ko-fi.com/spwildlifeart (Additionally, if you're an acrylic artist or would like to try your hand at acrylic's, I get a very small percentage as an affiliate of Jackson's Art, if you purchase using the link at the bottom of this page)
Thank You!
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