Inspiring Individuals – Royal Artist Darren Baker

For the second interview in my Inspiring Individuals series, I am delighted to feature Royal Artist Darren Baker. Rising to fame in 2011, following a wonderful portrait he was commissioned to paint of Her Majesty The Queen to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, Darren has become incredibly sought for his photo-realism style. His talent is unmistakable, however as with Atila who I featured for my first interview in the series, my respect for Darren as an artist lies not just due to his skill, but also the humility in which he practises his craft and how he tirelessly gives back to mental health causes following a personal tragedy. I was therefore delighted he took time out of his incredibly busy schedule to talk to The White Diaries.

“WD : How did you discover your talent as an artist?

When I was 3 or 4 year old and family and friends started noticing my drawing. I recall quite vividly drawing a cityscape of London and Big Ben, and the school teacher at primary school and class all gathered round and stuck the drawing on the wall….my first exhibition!! 

WD : During your journey were there times when you thought you would have to do something else, and what would that have been?

I never thought about being anything but an artist.

WD : How would you best describe your style of painting? And how has that evolved over the years?

I am inspired by the Italian renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age of painting. I would study the old masters endlessly at The National Gallery. I wanted my art to be more real than real. My work has evolved tremendously over the last 20 years, a constant quest to perfect and refine my style.

WD : What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Getting verified on Instagram!!…..No, it was meeting and painting HM The Queen obviously. I had 2 sittings with Her Majesty in 2011, one in May, one in June. I was given access to the room beforehand and a month prior. All her staff are very down to earth and friendly. It was momentous actually meeting The Queen, nothing quite prepares you for it. I distinctly remember her coming down The Queen’s Gallery, I could hear her famous distinct voice, and then there she was in front of me! I was bricking it but she is impeccable at putting people at ease. The conversation was very relaxed after the formalities and I remember thinking I’m hardly getting any drawing done here! I remember talking about my pet pug with HM and she mentioned her great great grandmother (Queen Victoria) and her love of pugs. Thats when the history and magnitude of it all hits you. I thought about going down the Tommy Cooper route and asking for her cup final tickets, but thought better of it. I think my portrait was well received, well I am not in the Tower, and I had nice feedback from the secretaries and press in general. When I was leaving after the 2nd sitting I remember unplugging my spotlight from a socket. I turned the switch off then read a label underneath that said ‘ under no circumstances do not switch this socket off ever’….too late!…I still don’t know what havoc I caused!

WD : What are the goals you have set yourself for the next five years?

The sky is not the limit!! I have never had a plan, just wing it and keep trying to do the best with my art and life in general. I have been fortunate to be commissioned to paint The Queen, Popes, Prime Ministers and various leading sports personalities. So who knows what other future historical portraits I may paint. I am very keen to give back and love supporting The Princes Trust, such an immense organisation and I have seen first hand the transformation affected on young people, giving confidence and belief. I am enjoying setting up the online art platform www.artlondondubai.com and giving emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. Promoting quality art and better access to it in a friendly and un-intimidating way is the principle. Treating artists fairly and ethically and giving them more control and greater slice of the sale is paramount too. We have over 600 artworks now and growing and the gallery is slowly getting established. In the future I may well open another London or even a New York gallery one day.

WD : How important is it that people follow their bliss and have you seen people who haven’t and what has that meant for them?

Do what makes yourself happy and believe in yourself always, never shake from that, and nothing or no-one can stop you. I really believe its important not to live a life of regrets…you get one life…go for it!!! I think it is so important, if you can, to DO what makes you content and happy, this bounces off on those around you and the goodwill and positivity is then contagious. I understand people following a safe and secure path but if this is not your true love or passion you will always feel some emptiness, of what life could be. And embrace your passion with those around you family and friends and give back where you have been helped, remember how you started and stay humble. Your happiness in your work can affect so many lives and most importantly loved ones and those who you are working for…and remember balance and perspective and to enjoy the success and moments always.

WD : Your work with mental health and the Leanne Baker Trust is very important to you, can you tell us more about this and do you think following your bliss helps people with these type of challenges?

I lost my sister Leanne to depression and her mental health issues and there is a huge hole that can never be filled. But channelling the grief into helping others in my sisters name is my ultimate driving force. We all miss Leanne so much and we set up the Leanne Baker Trust to try and help others hopefully not go through the pain we have suffered. Leanne took her own life and hung herself a week before she was due to get married and was setting up her first home with her fiancé. She had struggled with depression for many years but seemed to have turned a corner in the eyes of our family and friends. But the condition resurfaced in 2013 and she sunk further into a dark place. Despite 24/7 supervision from family and friends, counselling and support and medication…she sadly ended it all on 2 June 2013. It was the most horrifying and traumatic phone call I ever received and the pain was and still is unbearable.

The shock and pain of suicide is heartbreaking and so hard to cope with and absorb, ever We wanted to do something positive in Leanne’s name as she was such a outwardly positive person….kind and generous to the extreme and so loved by so many.We work hand in hand with mental health charity Support 2 Recovery, who offer art and creativity as a form of helping people with mental health issues express their feelings and socialising. As an artist myself, I am convinced of the positive power of art as an expression and to help people talk about their feelings. This year I am engaging with NHS Mental health to look at art programmes in mental health hospitals, providing courses and resources. As well as raising funds towards this one of our key aims is to raise awareness of mental health in general, end the stigma and create environments and a culture where it is properly discussed, without fear of recrimination. In the 21st century we are finally talking about the one thing that affects all all and  is of the greatest importance to our behaviour and well-being, our minds and mental health.

I am passionate about widening the conversation and ending stigmatisation
about this condition. This issue is so important and is about saving and recovering lives, and overall well being, the way we act and behave as a society, opening up instead of closing down. Bringing people and society together and realising what is really important in life.

Follow your dreams and passions always, what makes you happy and also giving back and making others happy. Live for today, in the moment right now, life is precious and beautiful. “

It was an absolute honour to interview Darren and appreciated his candour in sharing both the highs and lows he has experienced. You can read more about Darren and see his beautiful work : http://www.darrenbakerfineart.co.uk/

And visit https://artminddinner.com/ for more information about a fabulous mental health charity fundraiser being held on 3 October in Kensington Palace in London to support The Leanne Baker Trust as well as Movember.

With love
Sangeeta x