Expedition Art

Leading industry creatives come together to highlight the plight of endangered species

Iain McCaig and other world-famous artists join together to help the plight of endangered animals.

Some of the world’s best-known concept artists, designers and fine artists are joining forces for a new book to raise money and awareness for endangered animals.

In Danger: Threatened & Endangered Animals will include work by 51 artists including Aaron Blaise, Manny Carrasco, Jason Chan, Bobby Chiu, Kim Jung Gi, Jonathan Kuo, David Levy, Joe Weatherly, Terryl Whitlatch and Iain McCaig.

Ninety seven animals will feature in the book, each accompanied by fun facts about them and insightful thoughts from the artists.

“I’ve always been a supporter of groups like the World Wildlife Foundation, but this project enables me to use what I do best, to help in a meaningful way,” says

Iain McCaig. The concept artist’s contribution to the book is a watercolour portrait of an orangutan called Towan, who used to live in Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, US. “Towan was the motion-capture inspiration for the digital orangutan in the new Planet of the Apes movies, and was a gentle old soul,” Iain says.

The artist, who’s best known for his work on the Star Wars and Harry Potter films , believes the key to drawing animals is making it personal. “You draw a specific character, and take the time to really get to know their personality,” he says. “Even if you have to invent or infer, a drawing with a story keeps your art alive.”

Published by Imagination International, 90 per cent of the profits from In Danger: Threatened & Endangered Animals will go towards wildlife and nature conservation. You can pre-order your copy, priced £45, at

This project enables me to use what I do best, to help in a meaningful way

Joe Weatherly’s oil painting of a black rhino, one of many species on the WWF’s critically endangered list. A global collective of 51 professional artists is working to raise awareness of wildlife issues. “This beautiful eagle needs human intervention and care, otherwise it will cease to exist,” says Manny Carrasco. “I’ve always had a soft spot for elephants,” says Aaron Blaise. “To be in their presence is awe-inspiring.” “Overfishing is a serious problem, and the bigeye tuna is no stranger to it,” says David Levy.