Mark Chester

British Born 1960

Mark Chester has had a lifelong interest in natural history and from and early age he painted and sketched the wildlife that he saw around him. Originally qualifying as a professional photographer he worked for many years in the photographic industry, his interest in wildlife enabled him to use his photographic skills to capture on film many species of birds and animals in their natural habitat. In 1990 Mark decided to leave photography and pursue a career as a wildlife artist.



Mark’s travels have taken him from Africa to the Arctic and from America to India in search of subject matter such as wolves, bears, eagles, owls and his favourite the big cats. He likes to study all his subjects in the wild gathering material on them and their environment. The final paintings are drawn from field reference gathered on his trips.



His paintings have been exhibited widely and are in the collections of a number of art lovers around the world, many major works having been sold at wildlife art auctions held by Bonhams, Christies and Sotheby’s. In 1996 Mark was invited to become a Fellow of the Wildlife Art Society, and took the top photographic honours at the society’s annual exhibition in London. Over 200 of his works have been reproduced as prints, greetings cards, calendars and stamps.



Many wildlife charities have benefited through the sale of Mark’s paintings, including the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts, the Worldwide Fund for Nature and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. For many years he has been involved with the Hawk & Owl Trust advising on many conservation projects and working with and landowners in creating suitable habitats and nest sites so as to encourage Barn Owls and other threatened birds of prey back into the countryside.