Former coal miner Joe Scarborough brings a sense of theatre to his vibrant pieces, which are inspired by Impressionism and the drama of real life.

Each artwork features his signature four-inch figures and scenes reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s. Like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, he first paints the canvas orange to create movement. The figures are then sketched in with a pencil, before raw umber is applied and dark lines are added once the paint is dry.

Speaking on this piece, Joe says: “It’s a Saturday morning, and the peace has been broken by a kickabout with some lads from the nearby colliery. They’re letting off steam after a week spent underground - shouting, swearing and laughing. In contrast, the allotment is peaceful; cabbages, carrots and spuds are lovingly grown by hands that are more used to a pick and shovel.”