Heart-warming, rainbow-inspired paintings are helping Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital patients along the path to good health, in an exhibition featuring work by Gresham-based artist and therapist Hannah Hardy.

Norwich Evening News: Rainbow-inspired painting of two chldren by artist Hannah Hardy. Photo: Hannah HardyRainbow-inspired painting of two chldren by artist Hannah Hardy. Photo: Hannah Hardy (Image: Archant)

Entitled the Rainbow Bridge, the show follows the success of a smaller scale exhibition staged last year which attracted dozens of positive comments.

'I am really pleased to have been asked to do a larger exhibition as I had so many emails from patients, staff and visitors letting me know that seeing my work in that situation lifted their spirits and supported their healing,' Mrs Hardy said.

Norwich Evening News: One of Hannah Hardy's rainbow-inspired paintings. Photo: Hannah HardyOne of Hannah Hardy's rainbow-inspired paintings. Photo: Hannah Hardy (Image: Archant)

'I hope that this new exhibition will create positive feelings for passers-by to connect with, regardless of the journey they are on.'

Former Cromer High School student Mrs Hardy, who trained as a sculptor at Wimbledon College of Art, worked on a number of public art schemes in the UK before spending nine years living and working in France, where she ran an art gallery with her mother – also a sculptor – and hosted community art workshops for adults and children.

Norwich Evening News: Wise Love, by artist Hannah Hardy. Photo: Hannah HardyWise Love, by artist Hannah Hardy. Photo: Hannah Hardy (Image: Archant)

After returning to north Norfolk in 2005, she set up her own holistic therapy clinic at her home at Gresham, near Cromer, and now has more than 50 clients on her books.

Her latest exhibition, in the NNUH West Atrium, will feature colourful mixed media paintings with subjects ranging from a pair of healing hands and children playing, to horses and birds and close-up details from Mrs Hardy's artwork for the GoGo Hare sculpture trail, which will run in Norwich this summer to celebrate the 50th anniversary of children's charity Break.

Norwich Evening News: Sleeping Rainbow, by artist Hannah Hardy. Photo: Hannah HardySleeping Rainbow, by artist Hannah Hardy. Photo: Hannah Hardy (Image: Archant)

A percentage of sales of work featured in the exhibition will be donated to the NNUH Environmental Arts Project, which aims to enhance the hospital environment for patients, staff and visitors.

The scheme, which is funded by grants and donations, runs art projects, exhibitions and events, hosts performances and art workshops and installs artwork in the hospital corridors and grounds.

Norwich Evening News: Horse painting, by Hannah Hardy, whose work is on show at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Photo: Hannah HardyHorse painting, by Hannah Hardy, whose work is on show at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Photo: Hannah Hardy (Image: Archant)

Hannah Hardy's Rainbow Bridge exhibition will run in the West Atrium at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital until the end of April. To see more of her work, visit www.hannahhardyart.com

Norwich Evening News: One of Hannah Hardy's rainbow-inspired paintings. Photo: Hannah HardyOne of Hannah Hardy's rainbow-inspired paintings. Photo: Hannah Hardy (Image: Archant)