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Commission a Personal Pet or Wildlife Portrait
Capturing the character, beauty, and spirit of every subject, I am a UK-based artist specialising in highly realistic graphite and coloured pencil portraits. Working from your favourite photographs, I create hand-drawn artwork that celebrates the details that matter most.
Using premium pencils and archival-quality materials, each piece is carefully crafted to stand the test of time—becoming a lasting and meaningful keepsake. With a friendly and professional approach, I offer commissions worldwide, creating detailed and emotive portraits of pets and wildlife that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Our SERVICES - an Overview
Whether you're looking to commission a one-of-a-kind portrait or explore my collection of artwork, you’re in the right place.
My commissioned pieces are created from your favourite photographs, carefully crafted to capture personality, expression, and fine detail—resulting in a truly personal and lasting piece of art.
Alongside commissions, my shop offers a selection of high-quality prints and original artworks. Each piece is produced with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality, making them perfect for gifts or for adding something special to your own space.
Take your time to explore, and if you’re interested in commissioning a portrait or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you.
Please visit my gallery
Each piece is carefully crafted to capture the character, detail, and unique spirit of the animals I draw, from much-loved pets to striking wildlife subjects.
My work focuses on realism and precision, using high-quality materials and a meticulous approach to bring every texture, tone, and expression to life. Whether it’s the softness of fur, the intensity of a gaze, or the subtle play of light, every drawing is created with patience and attention to detail.
Published in Ann Kulbergs Coloured Pencil Magazine!
I am really proud to have my Kingfishers drawing featured in the October 2025 edition of Ann Kullberg's magazine. It's such an amazing feeling to see one of your drawings printed out in a magazine (especially this one!)
I have also been fortunate enough to display my Kingfishers in the Association of All Artists Autumn Exhibition in The Station, Richmond (2025).
High quality Giclee prints of my Kingfishers are now available in my online Shop, please take a look!
About me - Darren from Gwatkin Artworks
🌿 The Story Behind Gwatkin Artworks
Hi, I’m Darren, a UK-based graphite and coloured pencil artist specialising in highly realistic, hand-drawn portraits created from your favourite photographs. I work with clients around the world to produce detailed, lifelike artwork that captures the true character and emotion of every subject—whether it’s a beloved pet or a cherished family member.
Quality is at the heart of everything I do. I use only the finest artist-grade materials, including Faber-Castell Polychromos, Caran d’Ache Luminance, and Derwent Lightfast pencils, combined with archival-quality surfaces such as Rising Museum Board and drafting film. This ensures that every portrait is not only beautifully rendered, but also made to stand the test of time.
I pride myself on offering a friendly, professional service and creating artwork that feels truly personal. Each piece is carefully crafted to become a meaningful keepsake—something you can treasure for years to come.
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate a loved one, I’d be delighted to create a portrait just for you.
Let's WORK Together
