Jane Ellis moved with her parents from her Kenyan birthplace to England at an early age. Aged 16 she attended Somerset College of Art and Design Taunton and two years later went to Wolverhampton gaining an Honours Degree in Fine Art. Jane then was part of an artist group working above the Prince Albert public house. The artists received funding from West Midland Arts and exhibited widely throughout England. During this time Jane enjoyed success in many national open drawing competitions.
 

In 1985 Jane moved to London with her partner, now husband, Brian Stokes where she continued working in the house they were renovating. Life drawing continued to be central to Jane's creative life. 

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They had two children Sophie and Ella and in 2000 made the journey to their present home in Arkengarthdale. Here Jane has established her own studio at Unit 9 Reeth Arts Centre and instigated and overseen numerous successful art projects at the local school.

Jane is currently working on commissions and new series of drawings.