Artist Spotlight: Get to Know Rebecca Lardner, Her Wonderful Characters and Picturesque Coastal Art

A successful artist and illustrator, Rebecca Lardner observes the world around and presents us with joyful, welcoming scenes which draw us in. With a career that has taken her - and her work - around the world, the scenes Rebecca presents of the South West Coast path introduce characters and stories which feel familiar but have a distinctive voice.

Born in Swanage to a gamekeeper and postmistress, as Rebecca tells us, she spent her childhood “roaming the glorious Dorset countryside, happiest amongst nature or keenly observing the local people and places”. This attachment is tangible with Rebecca’s work bringing us a taste of seasalt and billow of fresh air.

A Dorset Artist Bringing Her World to Our Walls

Rebecca completed an Art Foundation at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design, followed by a degree in Illustration at Liverpool’s Sir John Moore’s University. Following a high profile commission for Sir Paul McCartney’s Music Academy, Rebecca then travelled to Southern India to paint a mural for the Russ Foundation - an amazing start to her career.

In 2010 she was awarded the Best Selling British Artist by the Fine Art Trade Guild and is now one of the UK’s most highly sought-after artists with work being purchased by collectors around the world.

Coastal Landscapes and Joyful Characters

As a child of the south-west coast, it’s not surprising that Rebecca Lardner’s work is clearly inspired by the landscapes she grew up in. Her coastal art focuses on the lives lived in this environment; whether that’s the people, their homes and boats and pets, or the British seabirds, often included and sometimes placed centre-stage.

These paintings of the English coast provide a light-hearted perspective on the world in a subtle, calming palette of blues and greens, while also presenting the small details of everyday life to engage and intrigue us.

We really feel Rebecca’s love of Dorset with art which brings out the character of the place. Her work has been described as “quintessentially British” and “whimsical”, these fantasy, pastel-coloured locations which clearly represent something deeper than the bricks and mortar you’ll see on a visit. Lardner herself has been dubbed “the modern day L.S.Lowry”, reflecting her ability to capture scenes of real life and bring character to individuals created with just a few strokes.

While her coastal prints and sketches would bring sunshine to any wall, Rebecca Lardner also produces sculptures - seaside birds and boats which reflect her humour and eye for detail.

We’re thrilled that Rebecca has a new collection being released later on this year - we’re expecting it before Summer giving those in love with sunny coastal decor a chance to bring the British seaside to their own homes.

Come and meet Rebecca at the Rose Gallery

We're excited to announce that Rebecca will be exhibiting at the Rose Gallery in person on Saturday 22nd April 2023. If you'd like to join the free guest list or receive more information, contact us HERE or hop onto the live chat here on our website.