11 THE ART OBSERVER August 2009 prestigious awards.  Darren has a passion for painting still life subjects for which he has attract- ed a great deal of critical acclaim. David Johnson of The Sunday Times wrote: “The Rustic Table’ is a thrilling painting  because  it  embodies that  wonderful  magic  of  being two  pictures  in  one:  at  close quarters the mark of your pastel is so visible to the eye as to win admiration  for  your  deftness  of touch;  but  as  one  moves  back and  the  image  sharpens  to  what we  might  inadequately  call “photographic”  realism,  the objects  within  this  seemingly “still” life vibrate no less than cubist  forms,  with  such  intensity as  to  demand  renewed  viewing already produced portraits of eight past British champions and has been working on portraits of the Beijing gold medalists throughout this summer. In August there was a BBC TV broadcast showing Ed Clancy during a sitting in the artist’s studio. Darren’s non-sporting portraits include those of HRH Prince Charles, and the ex Prime Minister, Tony Blair. The portrait of Prince Charles hangs in St James’s Palace and that of Tony Blair hung at No.10 Downing Street and is now part of the Blair family collection. A portrait of The Pope was commissioned by The Royal Mint and was worked from photographs. The actual portrait was sent to the Vatican. The amazing skill of this incredi- ble artist is not confined to portraits and sporting paintings; his precision and attention to detail is equally evident in a variety of subjects such as still life, interiors, figurative, eques- trian and ballet. He is equally adept when using pastels, oils, and charcoal. His pastel work is so fine that one needs a magni- fying glass to detect the delicate strokes of the artist’s hand. Deservedly, Darren Baker’s skill with pastels has been recognised by the winning of various over  and  over  again.  I  observed that not only does it capture simultaneously  the  repose  and intimacy of a traditional Dutch still life, but it presents a show- case for Darren’s virtuosity.” A piece in the ‘International Artist Magazine’ said: ‘Bathed  in  varying  light  condi- tions,  he  arranges  and  describes everyday  objects  with  delicate sensitivity.  They have a deli- cious attention to detail. Baker’s paintings also suggest a human presence,  the  objects  are  seem- ingly left in a natural state yet are so artfully organized.’ Darren Baker has received numerous art awards including best artist at The Fine Art trade guild ceremony in London and The Garrick Prize, Christies, London. His paintings are increasingly sought after by International and British art collectors and hang in both public and private art collections including The House of Lords, Downing Street and St James Palace. This extraordinary artist has received commissions from lead- ing galleries, companies and eminent personalities. As well as his recognition in the UK Darren Baker has also exhibited widely throughout  North America, Japan, and Europe. If all that wasn’t enough, Darren Baker has now achieved the highest accolade of all. He has recently been commissioned to paint an official portrait of HRH Queen Elizabeth ll. This is an honour bestowed on only a small number of painters in the monarch’s lifetime. The initial sittings for the portrait will take place later this year and into next year, but the actual dimen- sions of the painting will not be finalised until the end of 2010. Darren then has until the spring of 2011 to complete the portrait in time for the Queen’s 85th birthday. Darren Baker is represented in the north west of England by Wendy J Levy Contemporary Art Ltd, 17 Warburton Street, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6WA. Tel. 0161 446 4880. Email: wendy@wendyjlevy-art.com www.wendyjlevy-art.com The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Please call the gallery for further information on the original work of Darren Baker or for more information about the signed limited edition of ‘The PFA Football Crowd’ Dance The Duel