A North Yorkshire-based artist who drew the Sycamore Gap tree following its felling has pledged to plant a tree for every copy of the print she sells.

Artist Lucy Pittaway, 49, based in Brompton on Swale, Richmond, painted the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland surrounded by the Northern Lights after it was felled on September 27.

Lucy, who has been a professional artist for 11 years, was initially prompted to draw the Sycamore Gap by her children but was then overwhelmed by requests on social media.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Artist Lucy Pittaway creating her Sycamore Gap painting.Artist Lucy Pittaway creating her Sycamore Gap painting. (Image: Supplied)

She said: “After I heard what had happened, I was really upset by it and thought it was such a shame. I felt the same way most people did about it.

“I went to pick my children up from school on the day I found out, and they said ‘Mum, you should paint it, people would love for you to paint something like that.’

“I wasn’t so sure at first, as I didn’t want it to be seen in a poor light. But, then we were flooded with requests from the public who were asking us if we had any pictures of Sycamore Gap or whether I’d consider painting it.

“I thought, so many people want this and are asking for this, but I wanted to do it and be able to give back somehow.”

Darlington and Stockton Times: Sycamore Gap painting.Sycamore Gap painting. (Image: LUCY PITTAWAY)

Lucy and her team then decided that a tree would be planted through the National Trust for every print of the painting that they sold, as well as donating 10 per cent of the profits from the sale of the original to The Woodland Trust.

This resulted in a hugely positive influx of comments on social media.

Lucy added: “I was fearful about how people would view what I had done, but this has simply been me responding to what people wanted.

“I have been absolutely overwhelmed by comments about the piece but also on the fact that we are giving back as part of it.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Artist Lucy Pittaway and her Sycamore Gap painting.Artist Lucy Pittaway and her Sycamore Gap painting. (Image: LUCY PITTAWAY)

“Everybody has seen it in such a positive light, and I am really delighted about it all.”

So far, over 200 pieces have been sold as well as the original, much to the delight of Lucy.

“We have certainly got off to a good start, and there will be 200 trees or more that will be planted on the back of this – so it’s great news!”

To buy a print or look at Lucy's work, click here.