Designer Spotlight: Alice Peto, Painter & Illustrator

This week I am launching the new designer/artist spotlight Q&A on Little Miss Homes and to kick it off I would like to introduce the incredibly talented artist and illustrator Alice Peto. Classically trained, Alice studied in Italy, New York and London and now specialises in illustrations and watercolours. As well as private commissions for paintings {as you can see she's great at animals!}, she also creates gorgeous bespoke invitations that will guarantee to add charm and individuality to your wedding or home event, as well as bespoke maps to make sure your guests can find there way there in style! 

So whether you want a painting of your pet or to add some pizazz to your party then Alice is definitely your girl...

Did you always want to be an artist and how did you begin working as one?

Yes, I can't imagine doing anything else. From an early age I drew everything I saw. After school I trained in Florence and then I began to teach art in London 12 years ago. I am now concentrating on my illustrations, invitations and other commissions full time which is very exciting.

Where do you find your inspiration for you work?

Much of my work revolves around drawing people in everyday situations so I often find myself imagining how I would pick up someone's character trait or capture a particular event in a picture. I also do much the same with animals - the more absurd the better. I have jut finished a commission of some boxing hares. 

 What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on so far in your career?

A high profile wedding for 300 people where I designed and produced customised invitations, maps, order of services, menus, place cards and signs. My only brief was "wine and France" and otherwise I was given free rein to let my imagination run wild.  I also had a 2 man show at Bonhams, where I exhibited 30 paintings and raised money for Macmillan Nurses.

What are your career dreams and aspirations over the next few years?

To grow my invitation and illustration business and perhaps do another show. That said, I'm blissfully happy so long as I get to spend all day with a paintbrush in my hand.

Where is your most inspirational place, home or away? 

Kircudbright - a little habour town in Scotland near where I was brought up.  It has some wonderful galleries.

If you could own any home away from home, which would it be? 

I would like a run down farmhouse in Tuscany, wouldn't we all...

Who is the most inspirational person you know?

My mother. She was an artist as well as a great collector of art. Our family home is stuffed with all sorts of weird and wonderful pieces of art which inspire me hugely.

What is your favourite space in your home?

My studio - its south facing so has the light flooding in all day.

What’s your most treasured belonging? 

My mothers watch, she died 2 years ago and I wear it everyday.

What’s your favourite way to spend the weekend?  

If in London a stroll though the park followed by a long lunch with friends or being with my family in Scotland and eating delicious fresh seafood from the beach nearby. 

What is your favourite thing about living in the UK?   

The British sense of humour and our ability to laugh at ourselves.

{Images by Alice Peto}