A WILDLIFE artist has made the final of a prestigious competition for the fourth year in a row.

Paul Matthews, of Puddletown, near Dorchester, has had six of his paintings shortlisted in the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2013 contest.

Mr Matthews, who was a runner-up in last year’s awards, has captured pictures of animals from across the world.

His shortlisted artwork includes pictures of an eagle owl, polar bear and relaxing lion.

Mr Matthews, a former graphic designer at Dorset County Council, said: “I am privileged to be in the final. Over 1,400 paintings were entered and these have been whittled down to just 122, of which six are mine.”

Mr Matthews and his partner, Annie, have travelled far and wide gathering information for his pictures.

He said: “I travel, mainly locally and to Africa, with my sketchbook and camera, photography sometimes aided by Annie, gathering information for my paintings.

“Northern Botswana is my favourite place so far, the beautiful Okavango almost rivals the Dorset countryside, but with really spectacular wildlife.

He added: “I have always had a passion for wildlife and animals, painting them just seemed a natural continuation, as it was what I did best. I always strive to capture the soul of the animal or person that I am painting.”

Artists on the shortlist have been invited to submit framed paintings and judging will take place in Fareham, Hampshire this month.

Artists who win a category will have their work showcased in an exhibition at Marwell Zoo, Hampshire.

The overall winner of the competition will have their painting displayed at the Society of Wildlife Artists’ annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London, in autumn 2013.