Monday, May 16, 2011

A Tribute to Beatrix Potter



Beatrix Potter is one of my favorite illustrators. I love her animals and natural style. One of my favorite movies is Miss Potter starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor.  I don't know how much her life was romanticized by Hollywood, or if she was as whimsical as portrayed, but I admire her. I read that she was first noted for her scientific drawings of fungi, which was not in the movie! I recently saw a photograph of Beatrix as a young lady walking a rabbit on a thin rope leash.... so maybe she was rather whimsical, the way I would like to picture her.

She was remembered as a shy and reserved child (I can identify with that) who drew animals and the natural world around her. With her earnings from Peter Rabbit, Beatrix bought Hill Top Farm and went on to purchase about 15 more Farms in the Lake District and hired back farmers to preserve the natural beauty and work the farms. When she died in 1943 she left 4,000 acres of land to be preserved by the National Trust.

An inspiring legacy from an inspiring artist!

7 comments:

  1. Last May I got a chance to go to the Lake District and see some original Beatrix Potter illustrations, her house, and gardens. Its a beautiful place and I want to go back so bad! Great Illustration Natalie! Love those sweet rabbits!

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  2. Oh my goodness! I was just dreaming about going to the Lake District, seeing her house, gardens and gallery. What an amazing experience. Next time I see you I want to hear all about it!

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  3. I am in awe of your talent! Look forward to your next great work. :0)

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  4. Thank you! Glad you are enjoying :)

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  5. (insert british accent) so lovely :) by the way, my friend Sunny is absolutely blowing my mind with her artistic and MARKETING know how...(that's the tough part)...for block print inspirations: http://www.puddlejumpincards.com

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  6. Hello, I love your writing and also beatrix potter. I used to watch Beatrix Potter's animated shorts all the time when I was growing up. Thanks for bringing back an esteemed part of my childhood. thanks!

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  7. Hi Anne!
    Thank you, Her work is so inspiring. I hope you have seen the movie Ms. Potter. It is wonderful. Thanks for writing!

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