The Poppy

I have a friend who told me about an event in her childhood that has meant a lot to her. For a long time I toyed with the idea of making 'something' with a red poppy for her.
Last year I bought Trish Burr's excellent book 'Colour Confidence In Embroidery' and have been studying colour and shading.
Based on some old photographs and a flora, I drew the design. Then I planned how to needle paint the poppy according to the principles in the book.
Although it took some time I am rather pleased with the result of my first needle painting.