ARTIST Sophie Berger from Sticklepath has been commissioned to paint a picture of Dartmoor for the walkway in Okehampton which stretches from the Red Lion Yard to Waitrose supermarket.

The idea behind the 6ft x 12ft painting is to draw people into the courtyard and encourage them to visit the local independent retailers.

Sophie, 28, has been commissioned by Red Lion Yard owner Angus McPhie to create the artwork. She is currently halfway through the project and the finished painting will be on display in a few weeks.

‘I paint with oils and am completely inspired by the landscape,’ said Sophie.

‘I have chosen to paint a Dartmoor scene to remind the public that Okehampton is a moorland town and the surrounding beauty shouldn’t be taken for granted.

‘Essentially I want bring this into the town centre for everyone to enjoy, especially whilst daydreaming by the tills at Waitrose!’

Sophie said that after moving down from Manchester two years ago she had completely fallen in love with the large skies and huge expanse of wilderness that surrounds the area.

She said: ‘I think it’s my love of the landscape that has filtered into my work and fills me with passion to let others know that it shouldn’t be taken for granted.

‘I think this painting is a really great opportunity to remind the public that this area is full to the brim with local artists and makers — it’s easy to overlook and a lot of studios are quite hidden.’

Currently working at Kigbeare Studios near Okehampton, Sophie specialises in oil paintings of rural landscapes. She uses an array of colour, from earthy tones to pastel shades, to create her pieces. Her artwork focuses on nature and is often inspired by Devon sunsets, skies, fields and the sea.