An artist is bringing a touch of colour to Trowbridge town centre shop windows by brightening them up during the school half-term holiday.

Wadia Boutaba, 47, uses coloured paint pens and employs her skills to paint back to front from inside the premises to produce her special effects.

Wadia, from Trowbridge, said: “It feels amazing. I have had so many comments from different age groups.

“The children get excited about my artworks, particularly the animals I have painted.

“I am a passionate advocate for community, diversity and inclusion.

“So many people say my work puts a smile on their face and is just what Trowbridge needs.

“I am hoping that in the future, I can turn my artwork into a small business.”

The former Little Earth Café in Fore Street decorated by Wadia Boutaba.The former Little Earth Café in Fore Street decorated by Wadia Boutaba. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Wadia studied for her A levels at John of Gaunt School before taking a Foundation course in Art & Design at Wiltshire College in Trowbridge.

She later gained a BA Honours degree in Weaving & Textiles from the University of Derby before going into management with the retail fashion chains Monsoon and New Look.

She started painting shop windows while volunteering for the Mercy in Action charity in Manvers Street, Trowbridge, and was soon asked to paint others.

Wadia was involved in the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce Flower Festival earlier this year working as a volunteer and accepts donations to cover the cost of her materials.

She has decorated several shop windows around the town centre to coincide with the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce’s annual Pumpkin Trail.

The Howards Travel window in Church Walk decorated by Wadia Boutaba. The Howards Travel window in Church Walk decorated by Wadia Boutaba. (Image: Trevor Porter)

You can see her artwork at the Howards Travel Centre in Church Walk, Absolutely Fabulous Florists and Duncan’s Model Centre in Church Walk, the Little Earth Café and the former British Heart Foundation store in Fore Street.

She has also decorated the Ruksak charity store in Castle Place, the doors of The Shires shopping centre, Serenity Beauty in St George’s Works, and The Elevate Hub in Castle Street.

More of Wadia’s artwork at Serenity Beauty in St George’s Works.More of Wadia’s artwork at Serenity Beauty in St George’s Works. (Image: Trevor Porter)

The Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce Pumpkin trail opened on Thursday, October 24 and runs to Sunday, November 3 with 30 businesses involved.

Haines & Smith Opticians in The Shires and The Toy Shop in Castle Street are among those who have decorated their shop windows with pumpkins.

Ryan Smith with his creation at The Toy Shop in Castle Street.Ryan Smith with his creation at The Toy Shop in Castle Street. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Kerry Futcher-Pym with her decorated pumpkin at Haine & Smith Opticians in The Shires. Kerry Futcher-Pym with her decorated pumpkin at Haine & Smith Opticians in The Shires. (Image: Trevor Porter)