An 11-year-old artist from Vicars Cross has had some special recognition from the painter he looks up to.

George Davies said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of David Shepherd CBE after winning the People’s Choice Award at the Castle Park Art Exhibition in Frodsham.

The renowned conservationist spotted his work and sent a personalised letter to George to congratulate him.

David’s letter read: “For someone so young I am hugely impressed with your artistic talent.

“I love seeing the work which we (The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation) display at the National History Museum in London, it inspires me and encourages me, much like your wonderful elephant, and gives me real hope that young people understand and appreciate wildlife and will continue to carry the baton for conservation.”

David also offered George, a pupil at Christleton High School, and his family the chance to be guests at the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year competition at the Mall Galleries which opens in late June.

George’s mum, Faye Davies, said: “It’s very special. George keeps it all quite calm, but it’s very special and definitely means a lot to him.

“It just encourages him, he’s been painting a lot more since and is more determined to get to where he wants to go.

“We want to take him down to London and see the exhibition, it would be fantastic to get the chance to meet David.”

Artist George Davies, 11, from Vicars Cross, with his work 'A gentle giant'

George’s painting of an African elephant, titled ‘A gentle giant’, wowed voters to take the public prize at the Castle Park Arts Centre 30th Open Art Exhibition.

Faye said: “To get the letter was really unexpected. George didn’t quite believe it and was very excited, it’s definitely something he’ll treasure.

“George needed a painter to look up to and when he got his first David Shepherd book it just worked.

“It’s just the similar style and he learnt so much from the book so it was just so lovely for David to take the time out to do this.”

The 11-year-old’s next ambition could be to get his work featured in the National Exhibition of Wildlife Art which runs in Burton, Wirral, in July.

George's latest work in progress depicts a tiger.

George is currently working on this painting of a tiger

David signed off the letter in style, saying an award decided by the public vote is the best one to win.

He wrote: “Congratulations again on winning the People’s Choice Award which is always the best prize in any competition because it means your work touched the most people.

“I am so delighted for your win and that I was able to inspire you.”

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