Carolyn Hemingway

Designing projects from my home studio near the market town of Louth in the Lincolnshire Wolds means I work and live just a few miles from the farm where I was born, and where I worked as an animal portrait artist throughout my twenties.

When I get into a new Kit design my German Shepherd, Dixie, makes sure I get out into the countryside for some healthy exercise and headspace.

Of course, conversations with my lovely customers influence my design choices as I research needle felting kits and other products to excite and please them. The classes I run are a great opportunity to get customer insights and make new friends.

The Impressionists influence my painting style hugely and the clever paint colourists at Farrow & Ball are an excellent resource when it comes to choosing colours. (Especially on a Monday morning!)

As for the animals and landscapes in my designs my inspiration is a healthy mix romantic styles, Naive art and the 1930's art books by Diana Thorne collected and treasured by mother when she was a child.