A local artist from Southam has been awarded two accolades at the renowned Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, hosted by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

Sarah Holmes' piece depicting a polar bear hunting on the shrinking Arctic ice, titled On Thin Ice, was selected by Andy Parkinson, one of Europe's most awarded wildlife photographers, as his 'Luminary Choice' of the Animal Behaviour category.

Only eight pieces received this award across the exhibition. Parkinson praised the piece as bold and an "incredible piece of art."

The internationally acclaimed competition is recognised as one of the world's leading art prizes dedicated to celebrating wildlife and raising funds for conservation projects worldwide.

Watching - Charcoal on paper A3, of a Jackal. Finalist for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition (image via Sarah Holmes)

"This recognition is quite astonishing," said Holmes.

"As someone who creates a limited amount of art, it's amazing to see my work can stand out alongside such incredible artists and help to support vital conservation efforts."

The Wildlife Artist of the Year competition attracts thousands of entries from professional and emerging artists worldwide.

On Thin Ice was one of only fifteen pieces to be awarded 'Highly Commended', with the judging panel commenting that the work "captures the motion, darkness and raw intention of this powerful predator, highlighting the fragile balance of our changing world."

Winning not one, but two awards, places Sarah Holmes among the most celebrated talents of this year's event, as her artwork was the only piece in the exhibition to be awarded both 'Luminary Choice' and 'Highly Commended'.

The award-winning work is available to purchase and can be seen online.

Hanging in the Balance – Charcoal on paper A3, of a Spectacled Flying Fox. Long-listed for Explorers Against Extinction Sketch for Survival (image via Sarah Holmes)