Print Release and Auction of 'Atka' Painting

On 6th December 'Atka' 2018 painting was auctioned by the Wolf Conservation Center at their annual Wine & Wolves fundraising event in New York State. This painting was created a few weeks ago in remembrance of Atka, WCC's magnificent Ambassador wolf, who sadly passed away on September 22, 2018.

Following the auction, I have released a limited edition print run of 25 signed and numbered 'Atka' prints, sold in support of WCC. Prints are available from my shop.

I first drew Atka in 2013 to raise funds for WCC. Every year since then, it's been an important personal creative output to make artworks for WCC who are part of a conservation programme, saving critically endangered red and Mexican gray wolves from extinction. 

'Ambassador Atka' 2013 Biro drawing by Jane Lee McCracken

Over the years I have drawn all four Ambassador wolves as well as red and Mexcian gray wolves. All WCC's wolf subjects are absolutely beautiful, but there was something about Atka. His magnificent beauty and charisma had such an enormous impact on me when drawing him from photographs, it led to a five year ambition to meet Atka. 

 

 

 

'American Dream' 2014 colour Biro drawing by Jane Lee McCracken

In March this year I finally made it over the pond to visit WCC and meet Atka and the other Ambassador wolves. It was an awe-inspiring experience that will remain with me forever. It's hard to find words to describe just how beautiful Atka was (I did try in an earlier post).

'Magdalena' 2018 blue Biro drawing by Jane Lee McCracken

Carefully packed in my suitcase was 'Magdalena' Biro drawing, a portrait of one of WCC's beautiful and critically endangered Mexican gray wolves, which I was able to deliver in person to Executive Director Maggie Howell, for this year's Wine & Wolves.

Atka’s passing had a profound effect on many, including myself and I wanted to create an artwork in honour of his magnificent and unique spirit. As my drawings can take weeks and months to make there wasn't enough time to make a drawing for the fundraiser, so I decided to paint. It was a privilege to create a painting of Atka using photographs kindly sent by Maggie and WCC staff. I managed to get it shipped out just in time for December 6th!

'Atka' fabric painting in progress with Lily at the helm, November 2018

My Northern Inuit dog inspired initial contact with WCC in 2013. Lily needs 24 hour care and is always by my side. She is also my muse and depicted in many of my artworks, which explore loss generated by human destruction. However, without the original wolf ancestor of modern day wolf species and domestic dogs, I wouldn't have Lily. I owe a great debt to wolves.

Meeting Atka, March 2018 

As always, a huge thank you to all the amazing staff at WCC for all you do for wolves!

All profits from Atka prints sales go directly to WCC.  Shop here.