Beatrix Potter inspiration

I saw a post recently by the Beatrix Potter society sharing how Beatrix Potter continues to inspire so many people.

It got me to thinking just how many ways my own life and art has been influenced by this incredible lady.

Photo found I think from the national trust archives

My Great grandma lived in Cumbria pictured here who lived not to far from near Sawrey, I often wonder if their paths ever crossed.

we spent many happy holidays in the lake district and its only as an adult that I look back now and see how these many early visits inspired and shaped my life. I used to look at Beatrix's paintings in the gallery in Hawkshead and be transported into a world of rabbits ,hedgehogs and the natural world of the cumbrian fells

(Above my book shelf at home)

I studied art and embroidery at university inspired by the countryside nature was a constant theme of my work no doubt the influence from seeing Beatrix Potters work throughout my childhood.

I also like Beatrix have grown a love of collecting in particular I love dogs, I wonder if this has come from peering as a small child at the collections at Hill Top.

An antique Jemima Puddle duck on my dresser

Above some of my dog collection

I live in a victorian cottage with a twisting stair case which reminds me of hill top . My little vegetable garden which I love to tend whenever I get a chance.

The beginnings of my vegetable patch

A feathery friend making a home in the corner of my shed

So what is it that I admirè so much about Beatrix , it started without doubt that I love the characters in particular I love mrs Tiggywinkle and Jemima Puddleduck I also loved the countryside that surrounded her characters.

As I started university I started to really appreciate her art, the colours, the detail and what a trail blazer she was.

Her love of the natural world with her funghi studies and her determination to save the farms and land we all enjoy today.

As I trained as an artist at university and a designer in my career I developed my own style but after a decade of working as a designer I returned to my own work and started painting again and without doubt I see the early influence in my designs from the soft colours I love to my characters being inspired the paintings I saw in the gallery all thise years ago.

My goose painting below in watercolour

My embroidery work at the Cheshire show

Christmas goose illustration

I plan to visit Hilltop again soon I look forward to sharing photographs of my visit.