It's interesting to see what a difference the choice of threads makes.

With the blue and purple poppies the lightest shade was two shades lighter than the medium colour. It looks like a strong light is shining on them and they are reflecting it.

With the red poppy I used 3 contiguous colours and it is far more blended. It looks like a weak light is shining on it. You can still see the lighter parts.

(comment from Kit, the recipient)

I've started the second red poppy. It has some burnt orange in it. The combination of it with the dark red looks like fire - it's lovely.