ARTIST Darren Baker is giving something back to the next generation of young achievers.
The Meltham artist joined a host of celebrities for the launch of the Yorkshire Young Achiever Awards in Leeds.
He and Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville Longbottom, are helping to search for young people who have made a difference in their community.
Darren, 32, said: “I won an award in 2005, so it is good to go back this time to help start it all.
“I know how difficult it can be starting out.
“It was great when I sold my first picture and everything since has just been amazing.
“The awards were great and, of course, it was for charity.
“I am a keen supporter of the national children’s charity NCH and The Prince’s Trust.”
Darren got his break thanks to Prince Charles’ charity The Prince’s Trust, which lent him £1,500 to kick-start his artistic career.
This year he was commissioned to paint an official portrait of the Queen.
He follows in the footsteps of celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz and artist Lucian Freud.
Darren, who has been a professional artist for 10 years, will paint a full-length oil portrait of the Queen.
The sitting will take place later this year.
Darren added: “I don’t know if anything will beat painting the Queen; maybe if I was given the chance to paint the Pope.
“I’d also like to exhibit my work in America.
“I’m only 32,so there are years and years ahead of me where I want to achieve more.”
He attended the Yorkshire awards three years after he won the management and enterprise achievement award.
The awards recognise the impact that Yorkshire people aged under 35 make nationally or locally in the worlds of business, sport, education and the arts.
They are in their 16th year and have raised £5000,000 for NCH.
