Retford market poppies amid the bustling stalls. The market alive with the chatter. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the scene. A tribute to the resilience and spirit of the community gathered there.

For many, these flowers are more than just a pretty sight; they’re a reminder of Remembrance Day, symbolising hope and the sacrifices of those who had come before.

I had been running a stall at Retford market for several weeks when the poppies began to bloom.

Retford Market takes place every Thursday and Saturday. At the close of a Saturday in May, I seized the opportunity to capture a photo of the displays.

To recreate these images, I placed a grid over the reference picture to capture it as accurately as possible.

With careful attention to detail and a dedication to the soldiers who courageously defend their country.

Might not look much, but this is where it all begins.

Using the grid approach helps to keep the whole image on track. With each square serving as a guide, it becomes easier to focus on the details without losing sight of the bigger picture.

While I’ve been sharing my progress on Facebook, North Notts BID discovered my work and included it in their online articles. Check it out using the button below.

Meet my team

These are some of the tools I use while creating my artwork.

Many of these tools are available for purchase at my market stall.

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Bespoke Charcoal Artwork

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