A street artist who has worked all over the world has brightened up Swindon’s town centre with a giant colourful mural.

Harriet Wood, who has worked in America and throughout Europe, is the latest to contribute to Swindon's Paint Fest, which has seen several dull walls and hoardings transformed since it was founded in 2022.

On the side of Poppins Café on Regent Street, she has painted a mural featuring the faces of two women, with a backdrop of vivid colour.

Swindon Advertiser: Harriet has painted all over the world.Harriet has painted all over the world. (Image: Newsquest)

Working under the name of HazardOne, Harriet, from York, spent three days on the artwork.

“I enjoyed every minute as it’s been nice to have no constraints and get to paint something I’ve wanted to for ages,” she said.

“I love painting portraits and some realism but I also have a thing for colour theory and the science and psychology of colour so wanted to combine the two with some glitches.

“I try to create a balance of realism and abstract so hopefully there’s something in it for everyone.”

Swindon Advertiser: The new mural can be found on the side of Poppins Café in the town centre.The new mural can be found on the side of Poppins Café in the town centre. (Image: Newsquest)

The 32-year-old was convinced to come over to the town by Caryn Koh who is one of the organisers at the festival.

“Caryn is an amazing artist in her own right so I’d been in touch with her previously and she’d mentioned what they were doing with the festival and if I’d be up for taking part,” said Harriet.

“I was allocated the wall on the side of Poppins Café and I am very honoured to have got such a great space to paint.

“Literally every single person who stopped whilst I was painting in Swindon had something positive to say so it’s been a really lovely experience.”

Swindon Advertiser: The artwork took three days to complete.The artwork took three days to complete. (Image: Newsquest)

Harriet often travels through her work but believes street art remains important in today’s society, regardless of the place.

“I’ve painted all over the UK and I’ve also been lucky enough to paint the top floor of the World Trade Centre in Manhattan as well as paint on the Arizona-Mexico border,” she said.

“I love the way street art, murals and graffiti can completely change the environment they’re painted in.

Swindon Advertiser: The new mural is part of Swindon Paint Fest.The new mural is part of Swindon Paint Fest. (Image: Newsquest)

“Whether it’s representing the community, delivering an important message or simply slapping some bright colours in a grey space.

“Street art is a great way of injecting personality into a place whilst supporting creatives at the same time.”

Swindon Paint Fest will take part throughout the town from Saturday, September 2, to Sunday, September 3.