Pip's wild about brush with animals

Andover wildlife artist Pip McGarry was able to study his favourite subjects close at hand on a trip to one of the remotest game parks in Northern Botswana.

Staying under canvas he studied the habitat and wildlife in Chobe National Park and the Savute and Moremi game reserves.

He was also able to canoe through the Okavanga Delta, take a boat trip down the Chobe river and visit Victoria Falls.

"Camping far out in this remote African wilderness was an incredibly exciting experience."

"Most nights we were disturbed by hyena, lion and elephant and knowing that only a thin canvas was between you and being eaten or trampled was quite nerve racking."

"However, the opportunities to see wildlife were unbelievable."

Pip, whose studies of a Siberian Tiger and a Snow Leopard were recently sold at Christie's in London for over £2,000 each, was highly delighted to maintain 100 per cent sale rate with his 13th consecutive successful sale at the auction house since first selling a painting there two an half years ago.

Two more limited edition prints, of a Jaguar and a Persian Leopard, are being published by one of the UK's leading fine art publishers.

Pip McGarry prints are on sale at Andover Framing and the artist also hopes to be displaying some of his original work in the High Street outlet this month.

Next September he could be in Botswana again, leading a trip for artists and photographers.