PEOPLE interested in Dorset’s natural beauty can walk in artists’ footsteps with a new project aimed at exploring the local landscape.

Next month sees the launch of the ‘Drawing Inspiration’ venture which will see a programme of exhibitions, events and activities celebrating the beauty of the Dorset landscape, past and present.

The pioneering project has been organised by Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and aims to get people across Dorset to experience the places that have inspired artists.

‘Drawing Inspiration’ has been working with museums, artists and environmental organisations across the county to put together an exciting programme of events which aim to explore and discover special factors about the Dorset landscape.

Project coordinator Crystal Johnson said: “We have a fantastic range of different events, there is something for everyone.

“Take a walk, visit an exhibition, join a workshop, listen to a talk – immerse yourself in the beauty of the Dorset landscape and experience first-hand the places where artists have truly drawn inspiration.”

Over the centuries, Dorset’s landscapes have inspired many artists, and ‘Drawing Inspiration’ is shining the spotlight on some of these inspiring artworks from the past. These images describe the physical landscape and are also able to show the cultural and social changes that have shaped how we live today.

Many exhibitions open at the beginning of April and the first event includes a free talk by Professor Chris Paul on The Great Landslip of 1839.

The talk is due to take place at The Guildhall, Lyme Regis at 2.30pm on April 2.

Another event includes a talk by artist John Walker on the Dorset landscape and the romantic imagination in the twentieth century, which will take place at Dorset County Museum on April 3 from 7pm.

For more information please go online and visit dorsetaonb.org.uk