A Warrington businesswoman who started creating art whilst recovering from long Covid has raised thousands of pounds for a good cause – and will next month take part in a charity dancing contest.
Trudie Newhouse began creating the pieces using just acrylic paint and a hairdryer earlier this year – and has since received a commission from businesses including the law firm Aaron & Partners LLP.
The artwork, which has been displayed in pride of place at the law firm’s Chester office, is part of a huge fundraising effort for St Rocco’s Hospice.
So far, Trudie has raised more than £3,000 – double her initial target – and is now set to take part in the upcoming St Rocco’s Strictly Come Dancing contest in a bid to push the target further.
The ISO standards consultant is a member of the Warrington Business Exchange and for the last 18 months has suffered from photophobia, a chronic sensitivity to artificial light brought on by long Covid.
She said: “Painting really started as something I could enjoy that didn’t cause migraines. It’s been an invaluable part of my recovery and I’ve found it be really beneficial for my wellbeing too.”
Trudie, director of Warrington firm TLN Consulting which works primarily with construction businesses, said her ‘diffusion’ technique involves pouring paint on a canvas before blow drying it. No paintbrushes are used in the process.
She began creating the art inspired by nature and landscapes earlier this year – initially making three that she displayed in her garden office.
Since then, she has had numerous commissions from friends and local businesses but says as she is working from her kitchen, she has limited space to work and store the paintings.
She added: “It started as a bit of a creative escape but it’s really grown from there. I would like to do more, but I’m working on my kitchen top, which is very limiting. If I could get access to a studio or a business in Warrington could print the canvases for me, I would love to hear from them.”
Now in its seventh year, the St Rocco’s Strictly Come Dancing event will take place on December 12 at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa in Knutsford. The sequin-filled, sold-out fundraiser pairs seven amateur dancers with seven professional dancers from Cadman’s Dance School in Sale.
Trudie connected with Aaron & Partners through the Warrington Business Exchange.
Helen Johnson, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Aaron & Partners, said: “We needed something to brighten up the office following a recent refurbishment and one question was how do we best accessorise the space.
“Art is very subjective – and we tried to think of the best way to benefit the most people.
“Instead of just buying something to put in the space that would be meaningless, we’ve commissioned a piece of work designed around our brand colours that’s unique – and of course, the donation has gone to support a very worthy cause.”
Nicola Henshaw, Senior Relationships Fundraiser at St Rocco’s, which provides free care for people with life-limiting illnesses, said: “Trudie’s beautiful artwork – and her fundraising efforts for St Rocco’s – has been truly inspiring.
“We are a charity and rely on our local community to help us raise the money we need to continue to care for those in the Warrington who need us.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to Trudie and the team at Aaron & Partners.”
If you wish to contact Trudie to discuss a commission, contact [email protected]
