The Artist

I trained at Moseley School of Art, and Bournville College of Art in Birmingham, although I truly believe that the best artists are born and not made, we are all born with some special gift to offer the world but sadly some never find it.

I started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil and have been drawing and painting ever since, a gift I inherited from my father. A life long love of animals and a special affinity with them has lead me to specialize in nature and wildlife illustration and influences every aspect of my life, I have helped directly in rescue and rehabilitation of various species of British wildlife including dolphins, seals, birds and small mammals. I set up and run the former Welsh Hedgehog Hospital which has since become world famous, this led me to produce my first book with help from my friend Lenni Sykes, ''The Natural Hedgehog''. Born near Cannon Hill Park, Moseley ,Birmingham I decided very early on that as soon as I was old enough I would move to the countryside were I felt I belonged, I moved to Mid West Wales when I left collage and have lived there ever since.

When drawing portraits of people I believe that the personality and essence of that person or creature should shine from the picture and show their true beauty or it has not done its job. Every painting I do I put my heart and soul into, they are meant to lift your spirits and delight or fascinate you when ever you look at them and this is what motivates me, if I do not achieve this then I have not achieved my aim.

The fairies are inspired by the local wildflowers and wild areas in the countryside were I live, they capture the heart and core of nature and are meant to transport you into a world of magic and wonder-you should recognize this world it is all around you but many forget it as they leave childhood.

Experienced in historical reconstruction illustration and with a great love of history I have previously worked for the Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments, Cadw, The National Museum of Wales and St. Fagens. I have produced work for publication in the R.C.A.M. Inventories and exhibitions including all periods of Welsh history from castles, chapels, houses and buildings to earthworks, carvings and artifacts.

At present I live in a humble dwelling with my sheep dog Piglet, a traditional and remote cottage surrounded by the wildlife that inspires me, here I produce my drawings in the hope that they may bring you and others some joy.
Jane Done