Jane Darbyshire

About me

My name is Jane Darbyshire and I am a mother of two children - my son who is 10 years old and my daughter who is 9. I studied History of Art at St. Andrews University before moving to London. Here I worked in trade control for a precious metals traders followed by a role at BP on the gas trading floor. After a career break to care for my children, I dusted down my pencils and started drawing again. I live 'Between the Commons', Wandsworth SW11.

Portrait Commissions

If you would like me to sketch a portrait of your child then please email me your favourite photograph. I will ask for a small deposit and will email you a scan of the portrait to check that you are happy.

A portrait

I believe the eyes hold the key to a successful portrait of a child. Capturing the intensity of their gaze or their particular cheeky twinkle helps to draw you in. Drawn or painted portraits are often contemplative and offer a depth that is hard to recreate in a controlled photographic shoot. The simplicity of a pencil drawing helps portray the essence of a child. It strips away the background allowing the character of the child to shine through.