Sasha’s lion is judged ‘Outstanding’ in national scientific art competition

A detailed drawing of a lion atop a lion’s skull by Year 8 St Mary’s Art Scholar, Sasha impressed the judges of the Royal Society of Biology’s Nancy Rothwell Award. Sasha’s artwork was described as Outstanding in the judging of the national award, which celebrates specimen drawing in schools and highlights the benefits of combining art and science.

Sasha won an art set and art experience day at the Royal Veterinary College, which included a behind-the-scenes tour of areas not usually open to the public. She also took part in workshops led by acclaimed artists, including London Zoo’s artist in residence Tim Pond. Activities throughout the day ranged from sketching skeletons out and about in the college, to a da Vinci ink workshop to sketch a real heart, and a movement class that resulted in an animation of a cheetah, using a frame drawn by each attendee.

‘I had recently watched The Lion King and this is my interpretation of a lion standing on Pride Rock’, said Sasha. ‘I was so excited to be chosen to go to the Royal Veterinary College as I love art and I found the day really fun and inspiring. I think that understanding the anatomy of animals will help me to get even better at drawing them.’