Stunning 'graffiti' style portrait of Clarets' boss is labour of love for carpet fitter who has re-discovered his artistic talent

But for one Burnley born carpet fitter it appears to have been something of a blessing in disguise.

For Martin Krupinski has re-discovered a talent for art that has been dormant for many years.

"I always loved art and drawing but it was not something I ever pursued," said 37-year-old Martin who studied engineering at Nelson and Colne College after leaving the former Mansfield High School in Brierfield.

Martin was inspired to return to his art while watching a TV show called Portait Artist, which encourages people to pursue their talents. Tuning in weekly, Martin started to draw and it seems his little girl, Delia-May (five) is already following in her daddy's footsteps. For she started to draw also and even had one of her pictures shown on the TV show!

Using a pencil and watercolour pens, known as Aqua markers, Martin, who is also dad to one-year-old Ivan, has developed his own 'graffiti' style drawings. And the portrait he completed of Burnley FC boss Sean Dyche has caused quite a stir.

Friends shared the image of the charismatic Clarets' boss across social media and Martin has since received several inquiries for commissions.

He said: "The response has been amazing, I never expected anything like this at all.

"I am a Burnley fan and Sean Dyche has been fantastic for the club so drawing him just seemed a natural start really.

"In every portrait I start with the eyes and work from there and it usually takes me around four to five hours to complete."

Now living in Colne, Martin grew up in the Harle Syke area of Burnley and attended Briercliffe Primary School. His other portraits are of a variety of celebrities, from David Bowie and Judge Rinder to historian Mary Beard and TV presenters Clare Balding and Noel Fielding.

And one of the portraits close to his heart is the one he completed of his wife Debbiei in her scrubs as she works as a sister in the A and E department at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Martin said: "Debbie's work is another reason I got back into my art during lockdown.

"Everything was so uncertain in the country and my art gave a bit of normality to a very abnormal time."