His love of his home county Dorset and now Devon where he recently moved, has been inspirational to Andrew’s development. He seeks out the natural world’s delights and secrets, liaisons between man and nature, contrasting tones and tapestries of patterns. Often unannounced, forms, shapes and moods develop within Andrew’s work and he finds himself revealing echoes, organic connections and memorials that lay hidden from the initial scene. Trips abroad, as far afield as the Antarctic Peninsula with the Royal Navy, the Kumaon Himalaya and Sri Lanka have provided a wealth of inspiration, while the Scottish Highlands Connecting young people with nature In Support of and more especially the contrasting beauty and wilderness of the island of Pabbay in the Outer Hebrides remain a constant pull and a regular pilgrimage.

Recent trips have included the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve (neighbouring the Kruger National Park) in South Africa, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and road trips to the Austrian Alps. All these travels have resulted in successful exhibitions in London. Andrew was elected a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) in 1983. He went on to serve as Honorary Secretary to the society and also as a Governor at the Federation of British Artists (FBA) before he was elected President of the SWLA in 2004. Following a term of five successful years he stepped down as president to concentrate on his painting but remains an active member and an Honorary Vice President of the Society. As well as exhibiting regularly in London, Andrew has an important international following. He has carried out many Commissions including paintings for 29 Commando RA, RACAL Electronics, Casino Hotel Group (India), and various international clients.

Andrew has been one of The Minster Gallery’s artist in Winchester for many years now. He also exhibited with Sarah and Ed Neish from Jardinique in aid of the Cameron Bespolka Trust in 2017, a Winchester based charity. The Minster Gallery and the Cameron Bespolka Trust are delighted to work together to promote wildlife and nature in art and particularly Andrew Stock’s work.

The Cameron Bespolka Trust was set up in Cameron’s memory to inspire young people to love and appreciate animals, in particular birds, nature, and our environment. Cameron was passionate about birding from an early age had his own patch in Winchester where he recorded bird life throughout the year. By experiencing the outdoors first hand, teenagers can connect with nature and make a difference to our planet.

With the support of many friends, family and the local community, they raised funds to pay for the renovation of Cameron’s Cottage, a residential place which is nestled deep in the RSPB reserve Franchises Lodge in the New Forest. Their partnership with RSPB has enabled them to create a place which is a sanctuary for wildlife and will create opportunities that are open to teenagers of all ages to be immersed in nature for many years to come. Much research has gone into making Cameron’s Cottage reliable and energy efficient. The building is off grid but there is mains water and but no mains gas or electricity. The experience of wildlife and the outdoors is aimed especially at 15-25 year olds from all backgrounds and walks of life. The Trust is working with schools and universities, conservations groups, youth groups, specialist charities, scouts and more to connect young people to nature.

The Minster Gallery presents in this exhibition “Travels of a Wildlife Life Artist”, paintings of Andrew’s various ventures abroad, West Country and Scottish landscapes, seascapes and wildlife and scenes of the New Forest and Beaulieu. Gifts promoted by The Cameron Bespolka Trust will be sold at The Minster Gallery and selected paintings will be sold to raise funds for the Trust.